Another report slams universities’ use of technology
By Harry Lincoln | Published On June 24, 2009 | In National
British universities will lose their leading international standing unless they become much more radical in their use of new technology, according to a JISC commissioned report.
The report comes just a month after JISC released another research that found universities are falling behind their students in the use of Web 2.0 technologies.
British universities occupy four of the top ten world rankings and the UK is one of the top destinations for international students.
But the Edgeless University, conducted by Demos on behalf JISC, suggests that a slowness to adopt new models of learning will damage this competitive edge.
The research showed that the recession has put universities under intense pressure as threats to funding combine with increasing demand. A wave of applicants is expected to hit universities this summer as record numbers of unemployed young people seek to “study out” the recession.
The report says that online and social media could help universities meet these demands by reaching a greater number of students and improving the quality of research and teaching. Online and DIY learning can create edgeless universities where information, skills and research are accessible far beyond the campus walls.
The report makes a series of recommendations for opening up university education, including making all research accessible to the public. It says teaching should be placed on a more even footing with research in career progression and status and teaching which uses new technology rewarded.
Author of the report, Peter Bradwell, said: ‘This is a great opportunity for UK universities and colleges to open up and make learning more accessible to students who would not traditionally stay on in education. Edgeless universities can transform the way the UK delivers, shares and uses the wealth and quality of information its institutions own.”
The full report is available here.
YOUR VIEWS | NO COMMENTS SO FAR
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our moderation policy.
Studenthood »
General Election: who’s the most student friendly?
March 3, 2010
As the General Election looms, The Linc’s Jessica Brown looks at the main parties and how each of them can affect you.
Film »
Oscars 2010: Our predictions and the winners
March 7, 2010
UPDATE: The winners the 82nd Oscars are in. Were The Linc’s predicitions right? Find out inside!
Guest Columns »
The super injunction
March 10, 2010
The media has in recent weeks complained of a use of injunctions to not only to prevent publication of controversial stories but to stifle the very discussion of the injunction itself.
Health »
Would you risk a tan?
March 2, 2010
A tan for the summer may seem appealing, but the search for the perfect sun-kissed skin could be at a massive cost to your health.
Sport »
10K winner Bowser aims for the Olympics
March 9, 2010
Last year’s Lincoln 10k winner is hoping to achieve his dream of reaching an Olympic final. Matthew Bowser opts for 5,000 metres to be his favourite is currently in training for the World Championships.
Gaming »
The diary of a virtual farmer
March 9, 2010
The allure of having virtual farm “Farmville” on Facebook is baffling to many. Jonathan Cresswell spent two weeks playing the game loved by millions to find out what makes it so addictive.
