Re-envisioning higher education in the new world

After two years of significant changes, it might be tempting to think of a return to colleges and a progression to a new normal. It is time to analyse the lessons learnt, and the experiences gained, to re-envision the newera of education. Among the aspects to be considered are

• Enhancement of online lear ning and flexibility: The online/digital modes of instructional delivery and learning ranging from hyflex and full digital immersion to asynchronous lectures and remote self-paced learning as well as the flexibility afforded by multiple shorter, more focused, terms and multiple start dates necessitated by the pandemic offer tremendous opportunities for the future.

●Credentials and integrated work experience: Rapid changes in the workforce accelerated by auto mation and AI necessitate the continuous reskilling and upskilling of the workforce. The future lies in the dissemination of knowledge over a continuum, through modules that can be earned separately, and even stacked towards degrees. The expansion of training programmes by corporates highlight the gaps bet ween workforce preparation by in stitutions and the fast-changing needs of employers. There is a critical need to dramatically re-envision curricula to enable greater incorporation of work-integrated projects and internships.

Increased institutional colla boration: Collaboration necessitated by the pandemic in areas ranging from course-sharing and sharing of IT resources and even faculty expertise among institutions needs to expand as a means of creating greater efficiency including ways to decrease costs and increase flexibility.

• Continued technological ad vances in EdTech: The pandemic accelerated developments in edu cational technology (EdTech) and the use of digital modes of communication. In addition to advances such as AR/VR to mimic real-world situations as part of education and to enable 'what-if' scenarios. Technological advances have made it possible to combine the physical and digital worlds to create a phygital reality enhancing the ability of higher education to reach and serve a larger population more.

  Higher Education sector could revitalize its trajectory to serve the learners, without the constraints of strictures and structures from the past, realigning itself with the opportunities of the future, and in doing so address issues of affordability, access, and equity.

  (The author is a Professor in the Departments of Civil Engineering, and Mechanical & Aerospace Engi neering, at the University of Texas at Arlington)

Published on :- Times of India

Date :- 14 03 2022