Rapid pace of digital transformation gives rise to new micro-credential to upskill education professionals
Digital transformation is reshaping industries across the globe, ushering in a new era defined by technologies like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, robotics, automation and the internet of things (IoT). This rapid evolution permeates many facets of our lives, influencing virtually every human activity and interaction.
In the domain of postsecondary education, the implications of digital transformation are twofold. Firstly, digital technology serves as a cornerstone of learning, facilitating the delivery of dynamic and interactive educational experiences. It provides access to a wealth of educational resources, fosters communication and collaboration among students and educators, and streamlines the management of online courses.
However, beyond merely integrating these technological capabilities, educators are faced with the imperative to cultivate learners’ adaptability with technology. This entails equipping students with the flexibility and agility to navigate not only existing technologies but also those yet to emerge, whose full impact remains unforeseeable.
Recognizing the multifaceted nature of digital transformation, eCampusOntario, the provincial not-for-profit the provincial not-for-profit organisation driving the digital transformation of higher education, launched the Leadership for Digital Transformation micro-credential program. This initiative aimed to foster a shared understanding of digital transformation among educators and professionals from diverse postsecondary institutions and roles. By creating a collaborative learning environment, the program facilitated knowledge sharing and collaboration, transcending technological considerations to encompass broader topics such as workforce development, cultural change and the integration of technology into educational practices.
In an edition of eCampusOntario’s new Digital Campus Podcast series hosted by eCampusOntario CEO Robert Luke, three graduates of the micro-credential program reflected on their experiences and insights. Monica Shah, a digital transformation associate with eCampusOntario, highlighted the shift in thinking about digital transformation catalyzed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The crisis underscored the transformative potential of online learning, prompting a reevaluation of its role from merely supplemental to central in delivering engaging and effective educational experiences.
Kim Falcigno, a vice president at Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute, emphasized the cultural dimensions of digital transformation, viewing technology as a tool to facilitate cultural change and enhance student experiences. By prioritizing student-centered approaches and employing appropriate technology to overcome barriers, institutions can ensure greater accessibility and satisfaction among learners.
Roshni Antony, associate vice president of human resources at Lakehead University, underscored the importance of using technology to enhance operational efficiency and enable faculty and staff to focus on delivering high-quality education. She lauded micro-credentials as agile tools for upskilling professionals and navigating the complexities of digital transformation in education.
The micro-credential program itself embodies a design theory approach to digital transformation, according to Luke. This holistic approach transcends the mere adoption of tools, focusing instead on effecting transformative change in educational practices and culture. By fostering a shared understanding of digital transformation and equipping stakeholders with targeted skills and knowledge, micro-credentials serve as a catalyst for innovation and continuous learning within the education sector.
Christa Morrison, a business systems specialist at McMaster University, emphasized the need for rapid knowledge dissemination and skills acquisition in the face of emerging technologies. Micro-credentials offer a flexible and accessible avenue for addressing this demand, enabling professionals to quickly acquire relevant expertise and adapt to evolving technological landscapes.
Digital transformation in postsecondary education entails more than just the integration of technology; it necessitates a fundamental shift in educational paradigms and practices. By embracing collaborative learning initiatives like micro-credentials and prioritizing cultural change alongside technological advancement, educational institutions can harness the full potential of digital transformation to deliver inclusive, engaging and future-ready learning experiences.
The Digital Campus Podcast with eCampusOntario is the show for educators and learners who are participating in and shaping the future of higher education in the digital era. Each episode features insightful conversations with leaders in education and other experts to bring you valuable perspectives and strategies for navigating digital in higher education today and tomorrow. The Digital campus podcast is where innovation meets higher ed. https://spoti.fi/3OafXlP