July 16, 2022

Digital Education: Can It Help Break Barriers to Make Learning Accessible to All?

S Software and apps are currently used in all areas of learning, from languages to physiotherapy to architecture to qualitative social scientific research, although they were formerly only used in the curriculum in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics.

On-premise ICT infrastructure has been replaced by cloud-based ICT infrastructure as part of the digital transformation, and installable software has made way for browser-based software, applications, and learning platforms in on-campus lab computers.

One of the major benefits of the digital transition is that it has enabled more flexibility in university teaching and learning. Additionally, both students and faculty value and demand flexibility. Nearly 40% of students indicate that choosing a university is influenced by their ability to be flexible.

…more than a quarter of students say they have to check into two or more platforms to obtain what they need to be successful every day…

With the rapid rise of digital transition, how do we ensure that no one is left behind in the context of flexible and hybrid learning, as well as the broader digital transformation? Students at universities have access to a wide range of resources to help them with their studies. They have also taken different routes to higher education, receiving varying degrees of training and support along the way. They use a wide variety of computers and other technology as well. So how does a university ensure that every student can utilise the digital tools it provides to the fullest?

For both students and staff, the complexity and lack of assistance surrounding digital resources is a major problem. According to research for the Chronicle of Higher Education, "More than a quarter of students say they have to check into two or more platforms to obtain what they need to be successful every day." Additionally, about one-third of the employees claim that the institution's usage of numerous tech platforms makes it difficult for them to perform their tasks properly. For a substantial portion of those students and employees, inaccessible ICT installations are making it more difficult for them to learn and perform their jobs.

With so much flexibility available in digital education, how do you provide faculty and staff with access to digital technologies in a way that is secure, efficient, and accessible while also being truly beneficial to their studies, employment, and future careers? The answer lies in Ed-tech solutions like Academic Software platform.

Institutions benefit from Academic Software’s economies of scale, and from Academic Software’s position as a broker, which means they have access to licenses for software and applications at favourable rates.

For students, they can access a wide range of software and applications for free (including open-source software), or at significant discounts. And institutions can also offer completely free access to students who might not be able to afford certain software they need for their studies.

Posted in News and tagged News, Digital Education, Software, Apps, ICT Infrastructure, Cloud
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