Digital transformation in higher education: PART A. Challenges and best practices

Abstract

As the twenty-first century unfolds, the debate on digital transformation is impacting all sectors of society. Higher education, a beacon in the knowledge dissemination and creation, is challenged by the entire digital transformation strategy and ecosystem. At this pivotal moment in time, higher education institutions find themselves facing diverse transformative forces, with artificial intelligence (AI) at the forefront, promising to reshape educational landscapes. The acceleration of digital transformation in higher education brings with it a unique set of challenges. One of the greatest is the task of seamlessly integrating advanced technologies, such as AI, into longstanding pedagogical frameworks while preserving the invaluable human element of teaching. Institutions are tasked with fostering environments that promote active and transformative learning, aiming to bridge digital divides and create inclusive progress. The rapid evolution of technology demands a corresponding evolution in our approaches to teaching and assessment, calling for a paradigm shift in educational philosophy. It seems that in the current evolution and development of higher education, there is a crucial need to re-invent the unique value proposition of procedures and strategies towards enhanced student experience and learning outcomes. The underlying philosophy of the first volume of our edition, centers on the symbiotic relationship between technology and human-centric pedagogy with social foot print. Each chapter explores a distinct facet of this digital transformation journey in higher education, guiding readers through the ways in which higher education can embrace digital transformation while remaining substantial in its commitment to student-centric learning and teaching.