Future of Universities -Lectures or online teaching?

Transcription

1 Future of Universities -Lectures or online teaching? Austrian Science Council Dr. Kristín Ingólfsdóttir, Rector of the University of Iceland November 6, 2014

2 Banking Retail and shopping Travel Publishing Music Cinema Photography Media Communication Technology driven changes in professions & services

3 Technology driven changes in university teaching Internet Presentation software Access to online material Web-based course management systems Open educational resources (OERs) Distance learning Communication and social media Online teaching Massive open online courses (MOOCs)

4 Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) - defined 2012 Open registration. No formal entry requirement Free of charge Unlimited number of students often thousands Assignments & interactive assessment Discussion forums and interaction with peers Exams and certificate Universities partner with companies (non-profit/profit)

5 MOOCs Expansion of platforms edx -January 2012: Total 3 universities -October 2014: Total > 40 universities Coursera -Apríl 2012: Total 33 universities -October 2014: Total > 110 universities Acceptance of MOOC credits towards degree programs First whole MOOC degree Continuing education courses for professionals Used to attract students into technical subjects Used to increase competence in mathematics in community Proceedings of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), 102(11), (2014). Open access:

6 Mixed reactions to MOOCs Students favourable and immediate responses Revolution - will lead to demise of universities Threat and passing hype Complement to traditional teaching will lead to improvement of educational programs

7 MOOCs issues to be resolved Quality assurance Pedagogy Learning analytics Comparative studies -traditional teaching, MOOCs, blended techniques Credit recognition Copyright Business model

8 Response to MOOCs & other online developments? Implement e-learning policy Improve infrastructure for technology supported learning Encourage & keep up with research into learning analytics Develop own online programs where viable Use as catalyst for re-thinking structure and intake Revision of degree structures and semesters? Whole MOOC-based degrees? Tailor-designed courses from different institutions? Collaboration between institutions to co-create courses?

9 Innovation and flexibility in education New generations - digital babies Rising cost of higher education Renewal of knowledge and skills for professionals during working career

10 Outreach by University of Iceland -University for Children

11 Poverty Environment & Climate change Politics Religious upheavals Technology Demographics Economics Health threats Energy crisis Foreseen challenges

12 Unforeseen challenges

13 Contribution of universities to meeting 21 st century challenges? Balance between curiosity driven- and earmarked- research International collaboration Interdisciplinary approach Innovation and value creation in all disciplines Ensure engagement with cutting edge of science Reform of curriculum with new demands in mind More math for humanities and social sciences More ICT for biosciences, etc. High qualifications for leadership at all levels

14 Why should universities collaborate across borders? Maximize talent vs. 21 st century challenges Diversity adds value in research and teaching Joint degrees widen horizons Mutual trust promotes intercultural understanding and peace

15 Interdisciplinary platforms - University of Iceland -Schools, Faculties, individual disciplines, UI Rural Research Centres Public Health Environment & Natural Resources Arctic Issues Renewable energy Fisheries and Marine Sciences Biosciences Remote sensing Innovation & Business Development Technology Humanites-Arts

16 Innovation strategies Active encouragement of researchers & students in all disciplines Value creation in new & existing fields Support mechanisms Promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration Identify drivers Courses in entrepreneurship for all disciplines Collaboration across borders Examples of successful contribution of universities to innovation keep at hand!

17 Contribution of universities to meeting 21 st century challenges? Balance between curiosity driven- and earmarked- research International collaboration Interdisciplinary approach Innovation and value creation in all disciplines Ensure engagement with cutting edge of science Reform of curriculum with new demands in mind More math for humanities and social sciences More ICT for biosciences, etc. Highly qualified leadership at all levels

18 Challenges for leadership Increased competition Financial restraints Increased public and political scrutiny Accountability and transparency Impact of social media Academic freedom vs. social accountability Multifaceted communication skills needed for effective dialogue with stakeholders Miscommunication often leads to misconception!