Meet the changing needs of learners in higher education.

The pandemic may have accelerated digital growth and innovation from necessity alone. It forced organizations to address the urgent need for remote work and remote learning, cloud computing and global connectivity. But it's gone further than that, and the tech is now here to stay. Technological skills are a must as workplaces in all sectors continue to transform.

The challenge for higher education: meeting the needs and expectations of learners along with an awareness of the most in-demand skills in our changing workplaces.

We are seeing a digital transformation in education, and the importance of taking advantage of the best educational technology tools available. This includes not only preparing students with the skills they need for the future, but also ensuring the proper management and security of both devices and data.

Ensuring that skills meet future needs

As digital transformation ripples out through the economy, a growing number of industry sectors are fighting to attract workers with skills in AI/ML, cloud computing, social media and product management.

An initiative by the World Economic Forum: the Reskilling Revolution platform, has reached more than 350 million people around the world since its launch in January 2020. This program aims to prepare the global workforce with the skills they need to future-proof their careers.

In theory, the skills needed in the workforce should drive higher education to meet those needs.

But according to research reports by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), despite the clear and growing need for information and communication technology (ICT) skills, a declining number of students are going into higher education for ICT.

How does higher education need to adapt?

Higher education in general still reflects a more traditional view of education. You go to a class, listen to an expert, then show what you have learned by writing an essay.

We are seeing that innovations are not always readily adapted in higher education to reflect how students learn. Instead of embracing and educating change, fears can block necessary tech adoption.

The HolonIQ site references some aspects of what change could look like. This research and analytics platform for the global economy provides insights on new learning and teaching approaches, as well as the impact of disruptors such as ChatGPT, TikTok and AI.

The disruptive nature of these apps is an example of how technology, reflecting changes in society, can have an impact on education. The question is: does higher education hold onto its traditional values and approaches, or adapt to the changing needs of society and industry?

Although not all disruption is positive, choosing not to innovate is equally damaging and can cause a divide between what higher education offers and what society expects.

What are students expecting, based on their K-12 experience?

Students entering higher education post-COVID are already experiencing a transformation with more hands-on technology experience, and new modes of assessment.

In some education systems, we have seen the use of technology level the playing field, and positively impact learner outcomes through the choice of a less traditional education system.

We may see that students start choosing higher education destinations based more on the skills taught in relation to future employability prospects rather than the traditional status of the university.

How does technology help?

The widespread deployment and availability of technology is providing easier access for many learners: opening up possibilities for students when education is more affordable and no longer location dependent.

Remote learning offers an option to support more mature students that may have work or family commitments. Students can now access more educational opportunities online than ever before and can learn in a time and space that works for them.

This system also supports workers to develop new skills to enter developing industries.

What is needed to support change?

Jamf is ready to support higher education as it navigates these changes that are necessary to prepare the workforce of the future.

Jamf's innovative solutions such as remote deployment and classroom support can help ensure that technology enhances and supports the educational experience of both staff and learners.