Student demand for flexibility, limited state budgets for institutions, and the need to boost the business sector are elements that affect the future of education delivery.
View from the Forest Recap: How 2020 affected the future of education delivery, institutional growth
Looking back at 2020 should bring to mind some wisdom like that found in the timeless words of Spanish philosopher George Santayana: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
The international education sector got hit hard by the pandemic. Fortunately, institutions, instructors, and students were all able to react well to the change—and in such a short time—that the future of education delivery may have evolved to something more fit for the modern world.
For the eighth episode of “View From The Forest,” MSM Higher Ed president Donna Hooker revisits the year that was, notes the benefits the world of higher education got from the lockdown, and lays out the possibilities of how higher education institutions (HEIs) could grow moving forward.
“During 2020, most of our classes shifted to online from our traditional face-to-face models. For most instructors, that required a huge learning curve requiring instant transition without much time for training, development or even notice,” Donna said.
She goes on enumerating some “positive things” from the experience. First, institutions invested more in the training and development of their instructors. Instructors got together and shared ideas with one another on how to better hold classes online. Second, having classes online seemed to encourage the introverted students to step out of their shells. Students have been more engaged in classes. Third, learning for everyone became more flexible in terms of time and place. For some students, the ability to record their classes was a huge plus factor.
“We know that Generation Z grew up with technology… These students will appreciate the convenience of on-demand education,’” said Donna.
Donna also encourages HEIs to consider how to utilize existing facilities to be able to match the needs of modern education delivery. These cover aspects from architecture to education technology. Donna anticipates that governments won’t be able to provide much budget for institutions following the devastating pandemic.
Donna also sees a future in higher education that works hand-in-hand with the business industry.
“I can also imagine a higher degree of business and industry engagement in the applied learning component, well beyond typical practicums and coop opportunities,” noted Donna.
In the context of international education, programs like MSM Higher Ed Pathways allow for more opportunities for students to pursue higher education in destination countries, among many other things.
“Education is forever changed. We have lots to think about as we continue to innovate for the future,” concluded Donna.
Watch Episode 8 of “View from the Forest” now. To learn more about MSM Higher Ed president Donna Hooker’s thoughts on all matters surrounding international education, follow the MSM Higher Ed YouTube channel and click subscribe for more videos.
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DONNA HOOKER
President, MSM Higher Ed
Donna Hooker has worked in the international education field for 30 years. She has a comprehensive knowledge of policy and practise in the public post-secondary education system in British Columbia, Canada and worldwide. She is a past board chair for the BC Centre for International Education and has held senior management roles at BC Institute for Technology, Vancouver Community College, and most recently at Capilano University.
VIEW FROM THE FOREST
Donna Hooker, MSM Higher Ed President
Donna Hooker, MSM Higher Ed President, takes you to her lush home in Upper Fraser Valley, British Columbia to talk about different trends and issues affecting the international education industry. Watch, learn and subscribe to the channel to get her invaluable vlog series, “View from the Forest.”
ABOUT MSM HIGHER ED
MSM Higher Ed offers education management solutions that create opportunities for students while building capacity for international student enrollment and new revenue streams for partner institutions. Through viable public-private partnerships (PPPs), licensing agreements, program pathways based on articulation arrangements and pan-national and transnational program delivery, we create opportunities for students to earn career-oriented credentials preparing their career or academic advancement. MSM Higher Ed manages private institutions Eton College Canada, Q College, Q Academy, Taylor Pro College, Extreme Pro Training, and College Multihexa.