eCampus News - Innovations in Education

Host Kevin Hogan talks with Robert J. Lavigna Senior Fellow – Public Sector for UKG and former Assistant Vice Chancellor and Director of HR for the University of Wisconsin—about how universities and colleges can navigate the new world of work. Topics include the demand by employees for workplace flexibility and greater voice; the national demographic trends that are driving the business imperative to focus on DEI&B; and the particulars of today’s intense competition to attract and retain talent in higher education.

The issues facing higher education leaders are various and unrelenting. With the right attitude, the solutions can be likewise. In this episode, we discuss the challenges and innovations in higher education, particularly focusing on workforce training, micro-credentialing, and collaboration with employers to meet industry needs.

In this episode of Innovations in Education, we explore the paradigm shift in education ttowards micro-credentials, delving into the distinction between the theoretical concepts and practical applications. Despite the growing interest in the concept, data on the practice remains scarce, prompting calls for systematic evidence. We also contemplate the potential reevaluation of traditional degrees, emphasizing the continuous professional development inherent in professions. Be sure to read Douglas’ article “What are microcredentials? And are they worth having?”

Inside the Anthology Report "The Students’ Perspective: Valuable Insights for University Leaders."

Host Kevin Hogan talks to Kara Eldersveld, Strategic Consultant, Global Solution Services at Anthology, about the result of their most recent research surrounding the wants and needs of this most current crop of post-pandemic students.

Mobile credential technology allows students, faculty and staff to navigate campus securely and with ease using their smartphone or watch to make purchases, access their meal plan, attend events, check in to class and more. Listen to how Baylor University did it.

It wasn’t all about AI in higher ed in 2023, but just about! In this special episode of Innovations in Education, editors Laura Ascione and Kevin Hogan go through the list of the most-read stories from 2023 and identify the best insights for our readers.

It's that time of year again for the inevitable prediction pieces. It takes a brave person to try and divine what’s ahead these days. I was able to convince Kris Astle, Global Education Strategist at SMART Technologies to have a go. As you will hear, she puts together some pretty strong, and positive, outlooks for campuses in the coming months and years.

Kris covers the gamut—the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), the persistence of remote learning models, and the importance of technology in reshaping user behavior. She emphasizes the need for higher education to adapt and meet the changing demands of students—leveraging technologies like AI, collaborative tools, and Smart solutions to enhance the learning experience. She also touches on the concept of "high flex" education and the emergence of micro-credentialing, highlighting the importance of personalized, accessible, and efficient learning pathways. Have a listen.

Three Takeaways:

1. Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is becoming a significant player in education, not only in instructional aspects but also in administrative tasks. The discussion highlights AI's role in managing legislation, interpreting data, and serving as an assistant to enhance efficiency in educational institutions.
2. High Flex Education Model: The pandemic-driven shift towards remote learning has given rise to the "high flex" model, allowing students to choose when, where, and how they engage with learning. This model is expected to persist, offering greater accessibility to education, especially for working students and those with different learning preferences.
3. Technology Enabling Collaboration: Collaborative tools, such as Smart Ink, are changing the way students and educators interact with content. The emphasis is on creating engaging and interactive learning experiences, where students can collaborate seamlessly, providing immediate feedback and contributing to a more dynamic learning environment.

This episode of Innovations in Education highlights the concerning state of student mental health, which persists even as the pandemic subsides. Statistics from the 2020-2021 school year reveal that over 60 percent of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health problem, while another national survey found that nearly three-quarters reported moderate or severe psychological distress.

To address this crisis, the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, initiated the "We Are Made to Connect" Tour, promoting social connection as crucial to well-being. Additionally, higher education groups are advocating for increased focus on college student mental health, recognizing the unique challenges faced by different student demographics. Some institutions are proactively partnering with mental health providers, like Mantra Health, to offer comprehensive support services. The article emphasizes that investing in student mental health is vital for academic and economic success, and it suggests several actions that education leaders can take to address this pressing issue. Ultimately, the hope is that increased mental health awareness and support will benefit students and society as a whole.

Jarret Cummings, EDUCAUSE Senior Advisor for Policy and Government Relations, speaks to the current state of innovation in higher ed, the impacts of federal policy and government relations, and why higher ed leaders need to be cognizant of policy changes.

Key Takeaways:

• The Importance of Policy and Compliance: The conversation underscores the increasing significance of policy and compliance issues, particularly in the realm of higher education and IT. Institutions, regardless of their size or type, must navigate evolving regulations and cybersecurity concerns.
   
• How to Engage with Professional Organizations: Staying informed about policy changes is crucial. Institutions are encouraged to engage with organizations like Educause to keep track of policy developments, share knowledge, and adapt to new requirements effectively.
  
  
• Future Policy Trends: Jarret hints at the continuous evolution of policy issues in the higher education sector, such as cybersecurity and web/mobile app accessibility regulations. He anticipates that the regulatory landscape will continue to change, influenced by political shifts and government initiatives. For details, listen in!

Joe Potchanat, Director of the EDUCAUSE Cybersecurity Program, talks on the new opportunities for improvement and awareness when it comes to cybersecurity and shares best practices for higher ed IT leaders to stay on the defensive.

Three Takeaways:

• User Education is Key: Joseph underscores the significance of user education in higher education institutions. He highlights that cybersecurity risks, particularly ransomware, often originate at the end-user level. This includes students, faculty, staff, and contractors. It's essential for everyone in the institution to have a good understanding of the risks they face and actively contribute to cybersecurity solutions.
  
  
• Data Minimization Matters: Joseph advises institutions to practice data minimization. By only collecting and retaining necessary data, they can reduce their exposure to potential breaches. He explains that even anonymized data can be pieced together to identify individuals, so minimizing data collection is a proactive step in safeguarding information.
   
• Privacy and Cybersecurity Go Hand in Hand: While cybersecurity focuses on the "how" of protection, privacy concerns address the "why." Joseph highlights the growing importance of privacy in the field of cybersecurity. Balancing the need for security with individuals' privacy rights is critical, and organizations should consider the implications of collecting and using personal data.