The Digital Campus: Navigating the Future of Connected Education

During the 2022-23 academic year, 53% of U.S. students were enrolled in at least one online course, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Although the number highlights a dip from 2021’s fall enrollment, the popularity of online learning still stayed above pre-pandemic levels. 

“It’s a continued sign of going mainstream,” said Richard Garrett, chief research officer at Eduventures. 

For colleges and universities continually looking to embrace the value of the digital campus, adjustments will be essential to ensure the model thrives. 

Prioritizing Support, Resources

Some students may prefer online learning models, but institutions must ensure that these students have just as much access to proper support channels and resources as in-person students on campus do. A recent LinkedIn article outlined the importance of cultivating a sense of community so that online learners can be supported in higher education: “Online learners can often feel isolated, disconnected, or anonymous in the virtual space, which can reduce their participation and collaboration.” 

Fostering a sense of community can be achieved via tools and activities that promote interaction, such as discussion forums or social media. Icebreakers can further create a friendly learning environment. Considering the integration of in-person events specifically geared toward online students is another idea, which can bring an occasional (and even optional) way for students to socialize. 

When transitioning to a more digital campus, there are several resources from which students can benefit. Providing these resources as a university will help students thrive in an online learning environment and cultivate a campus that fosters student success. Although this includes university support for online students such as academic support services, technical support, and academic advising, The Conversation highlighted different ways universities can improve equity and access to online learning. 

The article may be dated, but it includes ideas such as ensuring financial support and the asynchronous availability of lectures and instilling equity as a value in designing learning experiences that are important today. Choosing adequate digital technologies is another avenue worth considering, with university and institutional IT department-supported digital technologies serving as one example mentioned.

The Power of Providing More Options

Students may be content with their options regarding online learning, though providing the ability for a more tailored experience can go a long way when embracing a positive online campus. Of online college students, 78% believe their programs were worth the overall cost, and 38% of students and graduates plan to take additional courses with their alma maters. Regarding preferences, it’s noted that 74% of online college students want to use mobile devices to help progress through their courses — though this isn’t the only option worth providing.

According to a McKinsey survey of more than 7,000 students in 17 countries, “a significant share” of students are dissatisfied with the online experiences offered by their universities, “signaling that higher education institutions could benefit by evolving their learning models.” When asked to rank 11 virtual learning features, students identified the top three: recording classes for viewing later, easy access to online study materials and flexibility that enables students to work and study.

Hybrid learning is just one option that universities can provide by allowing students to participate in a class or course synchronously through platforms such as Microsoft Teams. According to University of South Florida College of Public Health faculty member Laura Rusnak, academics need to study and understand barriers to education and learn what teaching styles and environments students prefer. 

“It allows higher education professionals to anticipate the needs of students and facilitate engaging academic environments across a variety of learning modalities,” she said.  

Strengthening Security Is a Must

Hybrid learning options provide greater flexibility to students, allowing for productive solutions when getting to class in person isn’t an option — whether it be due to illness or wishes to cultivate a healthier, balanced class schedule to their liking. For universities that encourage students to take on a hybrid learning model, providing on-campus digital security is a must when students are connected to the web. 

This is particularly important when considering recent events. According to Campus Security, the second quarter of 2023 saw “a flurry of cyberattacks” on higher education institutions, including West Virginia’s Bluefield University, Tennessee’s Chattanooga State Community College and Georgia’s Mercer University, among others. Ransom payments, leaked personal data and class cancellations are all potential consequences of a cybersecurity attack, highlighting the value of taking all the right precautions. 

Securing university Wi-Fi networks is necessary to protect students on campus and those attending online classes. An unsecured network can be particularly vulnerable to hackers who can intercept unencrypted data, gain unauthorized access and distribute malware. 

A security protocol known as Wired Equivalent Privacy (WPA) can protect the network. WPA is the foundation of Wi-Fi security, as it works to encrypt data on the network. As a result, it is more difficult for hackers to gain access to valuable information — though it’s not the only precaution worth implementing. Firewalls, anti-virus software, and regular software updates are all important for higher education institutions looking to ensure proper security for students and staff.

The future of digital campuses is bright, with many students opting to go fully remote with their studies or enjoy hybrid learning models. However, for universities and colleges looking to strengthen the online campus, there are several considerations to consider when aiming for success — from implementing support for online students to strengthening on-campus digital security.