Student Experiences of Technology
Institutions are facing new challenges in their provision of key services to students, and in meeting students’ changing expectations of study. In 2008 the UCISA survey of Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) for UK HEIs found that the main driver for TEL development was ‘enhancing the quality of learning and teaching’, with ‘student expectations’ increasing its ranking on previous years. Retention, progression, graduate employability, dealing with diversity and widening participation: these headline issues have helped to put the student experience at the heart of institutional strategies for success.
The idea of ‘student satisfaction’ is giving way to a recognition of the diversity of students’ experiences and of their routes to achievement. In a recent report (PDF) to the Secretary of State on the Student Experience Professor Paul Ramsden notes that: ‘our country will need different kinds of student experiences to enable its graduates to contribute to the world of the future’. In particular he argues for a clearer sense of relative responsibilities between institutions and students, and for Universities to consider remodelling their curricula to meet students’ changing demands.
At the same time, the pervasive influence of digital technologies is creating a new context for higher education. Students can now engage with learning in diverse locations, using personal devices and public networks as well as institutional technologies, and can interact with knowledge in many domains. These opportunities present challenges as well as opportunities for the way in which higher education is delivered.
My favourite piece of technology is my phone, because I record lectures. I am more likely to watch what I have recorded than to log on the [VLE] and to go through the long procedure of finding something…
Student, STROLL project
For several years JISC has led the way in investigating students’ changing experiences of learning. JISC’s work in this area is important for several reasons.
- The perceived quality of their experience is a key indicator of whether students will persevere with and succeed in their studies
- A high quality student experience is a key offering of any institution looking to attract and retain high quality students
- The quality of the student experience is a key measure of the success of any interventions in the provision of learning, including ICT
- Technologies are pervasive in students’ lives: students’ experiences of learning with technology are an integral aspect of their experience overall
- Students have new expectations of education, thanks to technology which they experience as offering flexibility, choice, ubiquitous access, personalised support, rapid feedback, and the benefits of social participation
- Students require new skills and strategies to succeed in a digital society
- Technology in the hands of learners is a potent force for institutional change
The work of investigation is important in its own right, but JISC is also committed to developing tools and resources for transformational change. On this web site you will find resources, both complete and under development, that can support your institution in meeting the demands of today’s learners.
