Internationalization, Mobilization and Social Media in Higher Education

Abstract

Although there have been significant advances in instrumentation and technology across the medical radiation sciences that changed practice and outcomes, higher education has also seen advances that challenged service delivery. This article provides an insight into higher education trends and collaborative efforts to afford leadership in those domains. Arguably, the greatest pressure in the current higher education environment is the ability to match student and institutional expectations against sustainable, cost-effective innovation. Mobilization of the classroom offers a powerful tool for enhancing educational outcomes of graduates and satisfies the current trend of globalization in the sector. Flexible delivery of materials and the advantages of authentic online applications allow a rich and diverse learning environment that is driven by the student. The essence of mobile learning adds value to the context of learning in our global world. Social media connects individuals and students via an online network. This environment is a large collective of socially autonomous, flexible, and active consumers. The role of social media in higher education includes responsibilities in hidden curriculum education as a deliverable. Particular advantage is seen as a framework for experiential learning in the clinical environment and the powerful process of reflection. It is well placed to provide autonomy to the current generation of students in an environment in which they are comfortable communicating. Medical radiation sciences exist in a dynamic and liquid environment and, thus, there is an underlying compatibility with change and innovation. Medical radiation sciences are well equipped to embrace advances in clinical, research, and higher education sectors to provide leadership across the broader health and science professions.