EnlightenEd

Why Are Some Universities Rejecting the Tech Revolution?

by | Nov 11, 2015

Why Are Some Universities Rejecting the Tech Revolution?

The purpose of innovations in technology has always been to meet a particular need. This is no different when it comes to the integration of new technologies in college and university classrooms.

But some of these higher learning organizations are hesitant to adopt the new wave of technological advancement in their classrooms.

Their reasons for not transitioning immediately into the new paradigm of education are often understandable. The changes brought about by these new technologies are happening before our eyes at a pace so rapid it can leave you dizzy!

But the reality of the global economy and the state of higher education necessitates these changes.

Poor Access

One of the unfortunately more common reasons for colleges not embracing technological innovation is because they simply can’t access it. This can be because they’re in more rural areas, or don’t have the actual infrastructure to include it in their classrooms.

Providing high speed, wireless Internet for an entire college campus can be seriously difficult for institutions in areas of the world where small homes nearby can hardly manage a solid connection. The effort required of IT workers and local ISPs to maintain such a network can be downright Herculean.

Fortunately, the technologies that allow the Internet to flourish in even the most remote locations are developing and spreading at a breakneck pace. The adoption of a more digital environment soon won?t have to rely on grass roots efforts ? it’ll be everywhere.

Authenticity and Efficiency

There’s a pretty sizeable group of academics who are concerned that by adopting new technologies in education, the relationship between instructor and student becomes less authentic.

What technology represents for higher education systems a lot of the time is increased efficiency so more students can be educated at a faster pace than in the more traditional style of learning. Some educators are worried that increased efficiency will mean education has been corporatized and commodified, instead of being valued like it should be.

But this does not have to be the case. Learning technologies lower costs for students, increasing their access to educators like never before. The technologies themselves can be used by the educators as a companion tool to their curriculum, allowing for the learning platforms they work with to become more adaptive and successful.

Above all, technology can increase the faculty certainty that their students have mastered the curriculum to the correct degree through intuitive grading and progress measurement applications.

What the Technological Revolution Really Means for Colleges

Times are changing, that’s for sure. If we want a more educated population, the best way for colleges to produce more graduates is to embrace technological innovation.

Technology is to be used as a tool to address whatever needs educators have in ensuring the best possible education for all of their students. As it develops further into the future, there?s no doubt that technology will be integrated into the classroom setting in new and incredible ways.

There’s no reason for educators to be Luddites! They’re often at the cutting-edge already when it comes to new and improved teaching methods. And while we may not know exactly what the future holds for education, it’s undeniable that transitioning smoothly into it is the best way to stay up-to-date and ahead of the times.

If you would like to learn how technology can help your university reach higher levels of success, contact N2N services today.


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