The Pandemic’s Reboot of Higher Education

by Matthew Alex | Founder, Beyond Academics

For people that know me, it is no surprise that I am an unshakable optimist for whom the glass always remains half full.

Through this highly uncertain period, I have stayed passionate and confident that Higher Ed will improve and come out stronger than ever before. As much as this may feel jarringly new and unfamiliar, paradigm shifts and interruptions in modus operandi take place more than we realize. Seismic changes in human history play a major role in the way we live and operate.

Our world has already been through three major “industrial revolutions”– Mechanization, Mass Production, and IT Systems. We are currently living in the 4th, Cyber Physical Systems, where we are impacted by innovations such as Internet of Things (IoT) [1]. The COVID-19 Pandemic has hit the fast-forward button on its inevitable outcomes.

In order to understand the potential impact of this accelerated disruption, we simply need to revisit the third industrial revolution, when the Internet and automation quickly shook the bedrock of big brand businesses. The fundamental outcomes of that time were driven by technological, socioeconomic, and cultural change [2].

Mobile connectivity made many companies obsolete as the consumer was presented with more convenient ways of doing everyday activities. The former staples of society, such as the postal service, video rental stores, malls, and taxi services, felt the brunt of the pain as they fought to stay relevant while also resisting change.

They failed to view and embrace reform as an opportunity. Instead of taking advantage of technological advancements and pivoting towards new ways of serving their customer, they focused on cutting costs and driving better processes. They were (and still are) confused as to why smaller entrepreneurial disruptors gained so much traction.

As the 4th Revolution takes a “much earlier than expected” seat at the table, Higher Ed is in its bullseye. Unfortunately, we do not get to sit this one out. The consequences for us are just as dire as they were for industries impacted in the 3rd Revolution.

The struggles facing Vermont State College and the devastating news of the closure of Urbana University are early confirmations that the pandemic has accelerated the impact of the 4th Revolution on Higher Ed.

Unfortunately, we will continue to see closures of other unprepared colleges and universities. No matter how unprepared you were for what hit the past couple months, there is still time if you are willing to embrace reality and change.

At a very practical level, here are two shifts C-Suites in every Higher Ed institution must embrace immediately.

1. Foster Your Digital Culture: Put together a comprehensive, digital reinvention plan that designs the student experience so that the expectations of today’s digital natives is still met. The sudden move to virtual campuses is making students question the value of their college journey and what is important to them. Senior leaders who believe that yesterday’s value propositions will resonate in the new normal need to reconsider what parts of the campus experience are truly meaningful and ways to deliver those digitally in the upcoming terms and beyond. The unexpected shift to digital classrooms is shining a light on ill-prepared institutions. While schools are trying to figure out what scenarios will play out in the fall, they have to do more than simply rethink how their offerings are delivered and supported. Institutions have to recognize how to replace inherent traditional factors such as affinity, peer to peer interactions, professional networks, and social communities within the digital DNA of your campus culture. Using innovate human-centric strategies will differentiate yourselves among peers and be one of the factors that determine who remains relevant. There is still a small window of time to make changes, but there is not a moment to lose. [Watch the video]
2. Re-prioritize Investment: The CFO’s office on every campus is likely busy slashing costs and racing to stop the bleeding. The strategy to simply conquer the obstacles in our path is not a real strategic roadmap that positions you for sustainability. It may get you through the next few months, but it does not involve a futuristic mindset. This may ruffle some feathers for those who are emotionally attached to transactional systems and infrastructure project, but those are likely NOT the solutions needed for the transforming digital world that we live in. In the past few years, institutionally-centric campuses have had their heads stuck in the “cloud.” They have been overlooking readily available, cost-effective developments that will foster digital culture, reduce the ripple effects of the pandemic, and keep them relevant. Whether it is mobile-first solutions, online meeting platforms, or messaging technologies that the digital natives love, there is a lot to consider and adopt. Simply put, we can no longer miss the aspects of micro innovations that allow you to stay successful in the new normal, an easily navigated digital culture.

This is just the starting point, and there are many more steps to take. If you embrace the digital culture and prioritized investment, you are well on your way to a bright future. Digital natives will embrace you, and you will reap the rewards. However, if you are not willing to follow these initial steps, you are setting yourself up for more challenging days ahead.

Your campus does not need to be a casualty of the 4th Revolution.

Copy editing and research by Sureya Alex

Source: [1] – Gartner Says 6.4 Billion Connected “Things” Will Be in Use in 2016, Up 30 Percent From 2015 +++ [2] – https://www.britannica.com/event/Industrial-Revolution