Futurist, author, and senior scholar at Georgetown University Bryan Alexander reflects on the college experience during the pandemic and beyond.
Bryan Alexander
Futurist, Author, and Senior Scholar, Georgetown University
How does higher education benefit career paths?
Colleges and universities help students think more critically and work more effectively with other people, while also equipping them with the mental habits needed in different positions and fields. New opportunities are created first through research and development, and then introducing students to new areas and connecting knowledge with the surrounding community.
What are the trends in higher education technology?
The trends are the increase of use and production of rich media content, increasing the use of student data, exploration of artificial intelligence, deepening the use of the learning management system, steady growth in creating and using open education resources, slow but steady migration into mobile devices, and exploration of gaming for learning.
What kinds of technology should colleges and universities implement?
They should implement rich media production tools such as audio editing, video editing, and game making.
What resources are necessary to help students thrive in higher education programs?
Financial support is necessary, which is more difficult given the pandemic and related economic struggles. Also, academic preparation is essential, which requires improving grade school curriculum, as well as increasing available online resources for DIY learners. Psychological support is needed with regard to the pandemic’s mental challenges, as well as support for first-generation students.
Is online college worth it?
College degrees can be powerful aids to a graduate on the job market. Also, the experience of learning from knowledgeable people in an environment designed for learning is valuable. Post-COVID higher education is recommitted to improving learning, and each case of individual learning is good for society as a whole.
What is the future of higher education?
This is in many ways the best time in human history to be a learner. Learners have access to more information, tools, and experts than ever before. For institutions, demographics are narrowing the high school graduate pipeline. State governments have reduced funding for modern public universities, while student debt has ballooned. Many institutions’ finances are under strain. At the same time, new technologies appear and grow, giving academia more challenges and also opportunities.