If you followed along on our Top FM Tech Trends for 2022, you’d know that some pretty big changes are coming to the FM industry. From building information modeling to augmented reality, the FM industry is entering an era of growth and modernization. However, this doesn’t just stop at enterprise clients. The higher education sector has certainly seen a significant shift in technology use since the start of the pandemic, and many of these new adoptions are set to become a new normal as students return to campus. So, what are the top tech trends in higher education for 2022? Today, our team of university operations software experts at SCLogic breaks down some of the most prominent tech trends across universities and how these changes improve the student experience day by day.

Artificial Intelligence Usage Through All Learning Stages

Artificial intelligence – you’ve surely heard of it, and although this concept may seem futuristic and far-fetched, there are many artificial intelligence (AI) tools that hit closer to home. Both businesses and universities alike have implemented AI as an assistance tool to create a more efficient company or campus. Companies such as Nuance are using AI tools like speech recognition software to assist students with writing issues or limited mobility and can also transcribe lectures for document or email creation. Additionally, Knewton’s program Alta for higher education partners with universities to ensure that students have accessible course materials by utilizing AI to identify gaps in students’ knowledge and provide relevant and individualized coursework options to get them back on track. Finally, Cognii uses AI-based educational technologies to assist students with critical thinking skills by enabling personalized learning, intelligent tutoring, and open response assessments. These are just a few options available to higher education institutions, and AI is certainly on track to grow amongst the higher education community. 

Mobile-First Learning and Campus Tech Additions

If there is one thing we know about Gen-Z students, it’s that their mobile device has essentially become an extension of themselves. In a study completed by LinkedIn’s learning platform, Lynda, mobile learning improved productivity by 43% compared to its desktop counterpart. Additionally, the MOOC, or Massive Open Online Course Market, is set to progress at a CAGR of 32% between 2021-2025. The result? A student body that maximizes mobile device use for both recreational and educational purposes. So, as a university, how can you ensure that your student body uses their mobile devices in the classroom for good?

One trend that benefits both students and educators is the implementation of adaptive learning opportunities. Especially with the pandemic hindering connection amongst college students, learning opportunities that provide engagement through technology and communication with their peers foster a stronger, more fulfilled classroom. Schools like Arizona State University use mobile-first platforms for freshmen completing remedial math, leading to an 18% increase in pass rate over the first two years of implementation and a 47% drop in student withdrawals from adaptive learning courses. Not only does mobile-first learning help students relate to their current curriculum, but it allows for greater flexibility for task completion, using mobile devices to complete classwork, homework, and assist them in the event of poor connection across their campus. If your campus is looking at implementing adaptive learning through mobile devices, consider building a solid base through mobile-first facilities software as well.

Microcredentials for Business Growth Post-Grad

A trend that has recently skyrocketed in popularity amongst community colleges and traditional universities is microcredentials. Microcredentials, as the name implies, relate to short-form learning initiatives that provide students with individualized and specified knowledge in their desired area. Before this implementation, students who wanted to gain certifications or other customized learning certificates were required to do so on their own time, without this counting toward their degree. With the coronavirus pandemic reshaping the college trajectory for many students, adapting to digital solutions and a new education framework is imperative to keep enrollment up. Microcredentials can come from various areas and can be merged to create a customizable degree for a student’s desired skill set and needs. 

Holon IQ explains a spectrum that includes varied hours of short courses/badges, boot camps, professional certifications and licenses, non-university and university-issued degree certificates, and accreditation programs, bringing myriad skillsets and perspectives as resources for the modern campus. SUNY has implemented a Micro-Credentialing Task Force beginning in 2015, and as of 2021, they currently offer 400 micro-credentials over 27 campuses. Partnering with online programs, industry leaders, and applications to monitor data and growth statistics, SUNY is leading the way to trend adoption for microcredentials across the entire university system. While this trend is still in its inception period, the changing needs of the modern workforce will surely result in continued expansion for years to come. 

Short-Form Video Content Set to Expand in the University Sector

Let’s face it, you know that Gen-Z likely spends hours a day scrolling through social media. Short-form video content such as TikToks or Instagram Reels has continued to grow in popularity. Now, educators are seeing the benefits of utilizing short-form videos for improved learning outcomes. According to a study by Insivia, viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video, compared to 10% when reading it through text. Additionally, the completion rate of interactive videos sits at around 90%. Educators realize that to engage the current and incoming student population, focusing on integrating tools they already use in their daily lives can be a fantastic tool for increased engagement and content retention. 

For higher education, many of this short-form video content comes from experts across various disciplines, furthering the desire for customizable and tech-forward learning initiatives amongst the Gen-Z population. A subsidiary of PBS, NOVA offers STEM-related news through short-form videos related to nature, health, anatomy, technology, and more. Colleges such as Arizona State University have even created internal YouTube playlists to help students through various disciplines through their Study Hall series. This includes broader topics such as Chemistry and Composition while incorporating modern courses such as Data Literacy, Biodiversity, and Global Security. As the needs of students continue to shift into a more holistic and tech-forward view, campuses across the country and the globe are quickly realizing the need to adapt to foster student success for the future. 

Create a Strong Technological Foundation with SCLogic

When considering updates to your university’s current technology, the change should be comprehensive. Leaving certain areas of your campus outdated while modernizing others leads to gaps within your campus facilities and, ultimately, an inefficient campus for both students and faculty alike. Through our higher education logistics software platform, Intra, we have helped universities across the country develop successful facilities workflows through a comprehensive platform that solves so many of the pain points universities face daily. From Student & Faculty Mail to Asset Logistics, creating an efficient campus significantly improves the student experience and allows facilities managers to strategize for growth using clear, relevant data. With trends like artificial intelligence, mobile-first learning, microcredentials, and video content growing in popularity, the time to act is now. While you’re at it, stay tuned for some special short-form video content coming your way from our team! Let’s get your campus ready for the next generation. Email [email protected] to learn more about our Intra EDU workgroups, or schedule a demo with one of our team members today.