Higher-ed is digitized–now, let’s modernize it

Thanks to the hard work of faculty and the dedication of students, college campuses are hotbeds for innovation and discovery. The internet, antibiotics, the Richter scale, and Google’s algorithm are just a handful of the innovations that have been created on university soil. But, when it comes to technology’s role in supporting innovative teaching and learning practices in higher ed, U.S. institutions face significant barriers.

While education technology has grown as an industry, its acceleration isn’t up-to-speed with other sectors, such as business and health care. It’s easier for college students and their parents to buy furniture online, or even a car, than it is to select and pay for course registrations online. Current campus technology doesn’t match the expectations or needs of higher-ed consumers.

Related content: 3 ways higher ed needs to modernize to survive

Yes, digital platforms are present on campus. But, most of these solutions aren’t built with the student experience in mind. To match the features of modern platforms such as Facebook and Uber, educational technology must prioritize engagement and the user experience.