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Digital DNA – building a digital culture

20 Apr 2023 | John Sumpter Ahead of our #AdvanceHE_chat / #lthechat, 26 April, John Sumpter, Advance HE Senior Consultant in Education, opens the debate about how the use of digital technology has transformed the way universities operate, and the way students and staff interact with each other.

Join John Sumpter and co-host colleague Juliette Gaunt @AdvanceHE_chat and @LTHEchat  on Wednesday 26 April at 8:00pm (BST) using hashtag #LTHEchat

Digital technology has changed the way we work, communicate and learn, and nowhere is this more evident than in the world of higher education. From online learning platforms and virtual classrooms to social media and collaborative tools, the use of digital technology has transformed the way universities operate, and the way students and staff interact with each other.

But while digital technology has many benefits, it also poses significant challenges, particularly when it comes to building a digital culture within a university. In this blog post, we will explore the need for and the challenges of building a digital culture within a university setting, and propose six provocative questions that can help stimulate discussion and encourage innovative thinking around this important topic.

At its heart, building a digital culture within a university is about creating an environment in which digital technology is integrated into every aspect of teaching, learning and research. This requires more than simply providing access to digital tools and resources; it requires a fundamental shift in mindset and culture, in which technology is seen as an essential component of the university experience.

1. Ensuring equal access

One of the key challenges in building a digital culture is ensuring that all students and staff have equal access to digital resources and tools. While digital technology has the potential to democratise education by providing access to learning materials and resources to anyone with an internet connection, there is a risk that those who are already disadvantaged or marginalised could be left behind. Universities must therefore work to ensure that digital resources and tools are accessible to all, regardless of their background or socio-economic status.

2. Enhancing the learning experience

Another challenge is ensuring that the use of technology enhances the learning experience, rather than just replacing traditional teaching methods. While digital tools can be incredibly powerful, they must be used in a way that complements and enhances traditional teaching methods, rather than simply replacing them.

3. Integrating technology rather than bolting it on

Universities must therefore work to ensure that the use of digital tools is integrated into the curriculum, rather than being seen as an add-on or optional extra.

4. Addressing risks of digital distraction

A further challenge is addressing the potential issues of digital distraction and addiction. With so many digital tools and platforms available, there is a risk that students could become overwhelmed and distracted by the sheer volume of information and stimuli available to them. Universities must therefore work to ensure that students are using technology in a productive and responsible way, and that the use of digital tools does not detract from the learning experience.

5. Ensuring security

Security is also a key challenge when it comes to building a digital culture within a university. With the increasing use of digital tools and platforms, there is a risk that sensitive data could be compromised or stolen. Universities must therefore work to ensure that the use of digital tools and platforms is secure, and that sensitive data is protected.

6. Promoting innovation and experimentation

Finally, building a digital culture within a university requires a culture of innovation and experimentation. Universities must encourage staff and students to experiment with new digital tools and platforms, and to embrace new approaches to teaching and learning. However, they must also ensure that the risks associated with new technologies are carefully considered and managed.

To stimulate discussion and encourage innovative thinking around the topic of building a digital culture within a university, we propose the following six provocative questions for the Wednesday 26 April  @AdvanceHE_chat and @LTHEchat  . 

  • How can we ensure that all students and staff have equal access to digital resources and tools, regardless of their background or socio-economic status?
  • How can we ensure that technology is being used in a way that enhances the learning experience, rather than just replacing traditional teaching methods?
  • What steps can we take to ensure that the use of digital tools is integrated into the curriculum, rather than being seen as an add-on or optional extra?
  • How can we address the potential issues of digital distraction and addiction, and ensure that students are using technology in a productive and responsible way?
  • How can we ensure that the use of digital tools and platforms is secure, and that sensitive data is protected?
  • How can we encourage a culture of innovation and experimentation when building a digital culture within a university, while also ensuring that the risks associated with new technologies are carefully considered and managed?

     

Join John Sumpter and co-host colleague Juliette Gaunt @AdvanceHE_chat and @LTHEchat  on Wednesday 26 April at 8:00pm (BST) using hashtag #LTHEchat

Author:

We feel it is important for voices to be heard to stimulate debate and share good practice. Blogs on our website are the views of the author and don’t necessarily represent those of Advance HE.

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