Podcast Series: Innovations in Education

Explore the full series of eCampus News podcasts hosted by Kevin Hogan—created to keep you on the cutting edge of innovations in education.

Big Deals—New initiatives for HBCUs

The PROPEL Center, the first innovation hub created to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), this month launched PROPEL Learn, a student-focused app designed to revolutionize the way HBCU students prepare for future job success. PROPEL Learn will provide culturally-responsive content, curriculum and industry-aligned micro-credentials co-developed by industry experts, distinguished HBCU faculty, and notable workforce collaborators — making this a groundbreaking app for HBCU students at no cost.

Developed in collaboration with Honor Education, pioneers in developing teaching and learning software, the PROPEL Learn app will help accelerate learning and bridge the gap between academic preparation and real-world career readiness for HBCU students. Its interface and distinctive engagement features will connect learners to in-depth interaction with facilitators and provide collective feedback from peers outside the classroom. Industry executives and entrepreneurs will share deep insights and unique perspectives to offer students a rare opportunity to learn from those who have achieved sustained success in their careers.

“PROPEL Learn is a pioneering app that empowers HBCU students with the latest technological innovations, shaping the future of our workforce. Our unique approach of co-developing micro- credentials with industry partners and HBCU faculty ensures an unparalleled learning experience for the entire ecosystem of learners,” said Dr. Camesha Whittaker, Senior Vice President of Innovation and Design at PROPEL. “With the ability to reach nearly 300,000 students, PROPEL Learn leaves no institution behind. It is the ultimate solution for advanced engagement, upskilling, and an indispensable companion to all HBCU institutional offerings.”…Read More

3 proven ways to improve higher-ed collaboration

Collaboration across departments has been identified as the fundamental differentiator in achieving strategic objectives in not only the business community but also in higher education. Today’s challenging higher-ed environment can benefit from more collaboration, particularly between IT, business, and finance leaders.

The EDUCAUSE/NACUBO 2017 Enterprise IT Summit identified four main areas that can markedly enhance collaboration:

  • development of institutional relationships and partnerships
  • improvement of analytics and data governance initiatives
  • a forward -thinking leadership team to align unit goals with university goals
  • cultivation of a better understanding of IT costs and strategic value

eCampus News highlighted one example that showcased the fruits of collaboration at Emory & Henry College in Emory, Virginia, where IT, finance, and housing collaborated to transform the campus into one of the most digitally connected campuses of its size. Business Officer magazine wrote about a private university where close collaboration between the vice president for advancement and chief business officer during a capital campaign allowed the vice president to tie his asks to strategic initiatives. By working together, they devised a feasible multi-year capital and operating budget that furthers the work of both divisions.…Read More

3 ways to transform your campus to support BYOD collaboration

Learning in the digital age has become more mobile, social, and technologically rich. Many professors are spending less time lecturing and more time assigning collaborative group projects that rely on IT tools as connection points for students. This shift has big implications for classroom design. Higher education institutions are creating active learning classrooms with movable furniture and adaptable workspaces. Interactive touchscreens, large displays, and digital tools that allow interoperability between various devices are becoming common sights in university classrooms, lecture halls, and libraries.

Immersed in daily use of technology, today’s typical student brings a smartphone, tablet, or laptop into the classroom—along with high expectations that they’ll have access to tools that will help them learn, share, and communicate their work in real time.

To keep pace with this emerging landscape, higher education technology leaders should consider the best cost-effective ways to embrace bring your own device (BYOD) collaboration on their campuses.…Read More