Building evidence-based strategies and skills
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The steps further education (FE) and skills providers can take to provide an unrivalled 360° strategic view of digital needs, identify strengths and pinpoint areas for improvement.
The importance of a digital strategy
A digital strategy is more essential than ever for educators seeking to deliver a digital transformed experience.
You are probably familiar with digital technology and how it has changed the way we obtain goods or consume media and entertainment. You will also know digital technology is changing the way we enable students to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to participate in a digitally enabled society.
The challenges
The pace of change is accelerating, and educators are talking about how digital is transforming the education experience beyond the classroom and campus.
Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and extended realities (XR) invite us to imagine an educational experience that is flexible and personalised. One which meets individual learning need and at the same time is cost efficient.
Higher and further education face significant difficulties in overcoming these challenges.
Budgets are under pressure at a time when we need to introduce sustainable digital practice and to take steps in reducing our carbon footprint. At the same time, rising costs means we have less capital to invest in removing legacy technology which can leave us vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
Transforming how you deliver education
Digital technology can transform the way we deliver education but, without a strategic direction, opportunities can be missed, and people can be left behind. A digital strategy can help you:
- Support the creation of a culture of process ownership, continual improvement, and innovation that embraces the challenge of digital change
- Prepare for greater student diversity and their learning needs
- Enable inclusiveness through accessible digital practice
- Encourage leaders to provide more flexible programmes of study
- Capture and make use of data generated via digital learning environments to inform future provision
All journeys start with a destination in mind. Your vision for the future of digital in your institution is about sharing what that destination looks like with everyone and illustrating the potential benefits along the way. With that vision in mind, assessing and understanding where you are on your journey is the first step to improving the digital experience for your staff and students.
Next steps
The three services below, included as part of the core further education and skills membership, provides a strategic view of your digital needs. This valuable data will help you to develop effective digital strategies, encourage stakeholders to share their ideas, and improve the learning experience for all.
Top tips
After reviewing these services, consider using the suggestions below to get started:
- Don't keep a good thing to yourself. Share these services with colleagues, especially those who will want to work with you in obtaining good evidence to support decision making around digital practice
- Get the team on board. Discuss these services with colleagues to stimulate discussion and interest in digital transformation
- Involve stakeholders. Consider how interacting with one or more of these services can engage stakeholders in supporting the journey towards the desired digital experience
For more information, contact your relationship manager.