#3: 3 big ways today’s college students are different from just a decade ago

[Editor’s note: This story, originally published on July 8th of this year, was our #3 most popular story of the year. Happy holidays, and thank you for tuning into our 2017 countdown!]

Gen Z, the digital generation, non-traditional students, and potentially many more descriptions have been used to label the current postsecondary body of students, but what may not be so evident is exactly how much their preferences, lifestyles and experiences have radically changed from even a decade ago.

And it’s these large changes that are critical for colleges and universities not just to take notice of now, but also to anticipate what students and their needs may look like in 2027.…Read More

#8: Predicting the next 20 years in higher ed reveals 5 major themes

[Editor’s note: This story, originally published on October 2nd of this year, was our #8 most popular story of the year. Happy holidays, and thank you for tuning into our 2017 countdown!]

Higher education in the U.S. is facing unprecedented challenges. Long viewed as an engine for success, recent surveys show a partisan erosion in that faith in higher ed. This erosion of trust, coupled with significant demographic shifts and growing costs, are fueling national debates over the purpose, value, and funding of higher education.

In an effort to understand what the next 20 years will hold for higher ed, Blackboard recently released Future Forward: The Next Twenty Years of Higher Education, a series of interviews with American higher education leaders. We asked these leaders to reflect on the last 20 years of U.S. higher education and consider what the next 20 years might hold.…Read More

#10: 3 must know’s about the rising “phigital” student-and why their impact is enormous

[Editor’s note: This story, originally published on May 15th of this year, was our #10 most popular story of the year. Happy holidays, and thank you for tuning into our 2017 countdown!]

A major generational clash is underway, says a foremost expert, and it’s affecting all industries, including education. The clash is coming from so-called Gen Z, the first generation to be considered fully “phigital”—unwilling or unable to draw a distinction between the physical world and its digital equivalent.

So what does that mean for educators? Well, buckle up and hold on.…Read More

University introduces new initiative to partner with students to reduce upfront costs of college

Clarkson University has announced that students entering into the 2018-2019 school year will now have access to an innovative student finance model that allows them to reduce the upfront cost of college by paying a set percentage of their income after graduation.

The initiative, known as the Lewis Income Share Agreement (LISA), underscores the mutual commitment between Clarkson and each student to achieve the best career outcome possible.  Students who participate in the program will receive LISA funding as well as intensified career advising focused on developing their leadership skills, and supporting them in career exploration and preparation.

The program is designed to give students an alternative framework for financing education in a way that ignites personal and professional goals leading to accelerated, early career success.…Read More

How a seemingly basic technology is driving the university of the future

At Emory & Henry (E&H), technology is not only transforming our campus into one of the most digitally-connected environments, it is also laying the groundwork for education of the future—thanks to Wi-Fi.

With our recent technology initiatives—including triple-digit speed Wi-Fi—we have built a strong foundation for our vision of the campus of the future; including the ability to realize our strategic vision where “blended learning” is a reality, where learning is accessible, personal and affordable to diverse groups of students. This is learning that our students can fully leverage for bigger success pre- and post-graduation.

Why is Blended Learning the Future?…Read More

3 ways that the cloud can cut sky-high costs of higher ed

It takes enormous resources to power the digital backbone of colleges every day. Among other costs, universities foot the bill for computing power, digital storage, internet access and proprietary software to meet the needs and expectations of students, administrators and teachers. Expectations are high for an always-on digital environment that supports online learning, mobile apps and modern HR and finance systems.

The cost of building and running the IT infrastructure to meet these needs can be reduced with an effective cloud computing strategy. When done right, adopting cloud services and applications can lead to greater cost savings as well as an improved student/faculty experience.

Here are a few practices to apply:…Read More

EDUCAUSE: 10 trends in student use of campus technology

Students said they would generally rate their campus technology experiences favorably and are more likely to DIY their tech support, according to a new survey.

The EDUCAUSE Center for Analysis and Research’s (ECAR) annual Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology aims to understand and map students’ campus technology use and experiences.

As the higher-ed community continues to explore the various ways students engage with technology, this year’s study aligns with previous years and shows high levels of student adoption of and satisfaction with personal and institutional technologies. The survey also reveals optimism about the benefits of technology-based instruction for student learning.…Read More

University to offer game-based calculus course as elective in Spring 2018

Texas A&M University is taking a new approach to transformational learning this spring, merging computer games and calculus with the aim of reaching additional undergraduate students who may be interested in earning elective math credit in just four weeks while helping to usher in a paradigm shift in education.

MATH 289: A Game-Based Approach to Calculus is a one-hour, one-credit online course offered by the Department of Mathematics and centered around a Texas A&M-developed computer game intended to provide a more thorough qualitative approach to fundamental concepts in calculus–specifically, limits and continuity.

“The concept of limits is the basis of everything in calculus,” said Texas A&M mathematician Dr. Paulo Lima-Filho, associate head for operations and undergraduate programs for Texas A&M Mathematics. “Lots of courses focus on the mechanics, but this one concentrates on the fundamental framework. If you can instill in people a qualitative understanding of limits, you can teach them calculus.”…Read More

The 5 must-have pillars for campus-wide student success

Higher education enrollment rates are experiencing challenges as students, many of whom are nontraditional students, struggle to meet personal, financial and professional demands. But following a few key steps can bolster student success.

With these challenges in mind, higher-ed institutions must be able to invest in student success in order to differentiate their campuses and programs and sway prospective students.

A new resource from D2L offers student support strategies to help institutions improve retention rates, retain nontraditional and first-generation students, use student data to inform decisions, and create student success plans.…Read More

Do your campus sustainability positions stack up?

Campus sustainability positions are evolving as more institutions report housing sustainability offices or centers, according to a new report.

The 2017 Salaries & Status of Sustainability Staff in Higher Education report examines the nature of sustainability positions at colleges and universities in the United States, Canada and other countries.

The report offers insights into salaries, funding, supervision, job satisfaction, challenges and more.…Read More

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