Digital Transformation of Higher Education

Abstract

Digital teaching, learning and research have been exploited by realizing the distinctive advantages and opportunities it provides to create knowledge that enables universities to deliver the educational program and for the students to receive their preferred qualifications. Opportunities to exploit technology help to transform teaching-learning experience and research programs in terms of reach effectiveness, collaboration and capability of yielding improved performance. At the same time, the use of technology also comprehends constraints that are necessary to address. The purpose of this study is to explore the use of digital technology and learning tools in higher education (HE). Moreover, it investigates opportunities and constraints in transforming the classroom learning experience to digital mode affecting HE and its practices. Adopting a qualitative research design, this study employs semi-structured discussions with teachers and students from various parts of the world sharing their professional knowledge and technological experience that will provide a clear framework to illustrate the relationship among various stakeholders. The finding concludes that the use of digital tools for and learning, teaching and research and technology poses several opportunities and challenges that are concerned with the convergence of the needs of academics and learners that support educational developments by engaging in research at higher educational levels. The findings further specify how digital tools can be committed to motivate, engage and support different stakeholders, such as industry, research agencies, government, NGOs and the general community, etc., in formal and informal settings. This study values to enhance the HE sector to adopt the digital transformation in teaching, learning and research across borders reducing the cost to both students and the universities. Additionally, it will support them to adopt new changes in their teaching and learning practices by eliminating or minimizing the issues caused by the unexpected and rapid occurrences of crises such as the spread of Covid-19 prevalent presently. The research also specifies that the adoption of digital technology has positive and negative effects on teaching and learning practices in comparison with the traditional approaches adopted in HE institutions. Hence, this study will have a high impact on various spheres of HE that can act as a catalyst to change the culture and approaches in academic institutions.