The Key to Generating More Equitable Results in Higher Education? Uniting the Faculty and Edtech Communities

Over the last year, many consequential changes have been thrown at higher education – new legislation impacted DEI, artificial intelligence entered the classroom in a big way, and we’re still working through the residual effects of the pandemic. Our industry is indeed at an inflection point.

Daysha Jackson-SanchezThrough my conversations with other providers, as well as faculty and institutional leadership at colleges and universities across the country, I am increasingly optimistic that we are well-equipped to handle these shifts. The past few years have taught us how important it is to stay nimble and adapt to the changing landscape in education. To adapt effectively, we need to rethink how we deliver the educational experience, which requires innovation and collaboration from everyone, regardless of whether you’re supporting an institution or working at one. The more we work as a community – one that is uniquely interconnected and striving toward a common goal – the greater our chances of being able to produce more equitable results in higher ed, specifically for the growing population of students in need of our support.

Technology enables higher education to move the needle on equity

There is ample opportunity for edtech companies and faculty to work together and lead the charge in bringing more equity to higher education. We can come up with sustainable solutions to the thorniest problems because continuous learning is embedded in what we do.

Take the example of the courseware we deliver to students in gateway classes. As educational materials become increasingly digital-first, we have more opportunities to bring equity to the products we develop and reimagine what student success looks like. Using an equity-centered research and design approach, we can collaborate with a diverse set of stakeholders who bring unique perspectives, including researchers, product designers, and even students, to create something that truly meets the needs of today’s learners. Moreover, this approach allows for co-creation and continuous improvement. We can take feedback not only from students but also faculty to ensure we’re creating more equitable materials that have long-lasting impact.

While technology undoubtedly presents opportunities for advancing equity in higher education, it is imperative to recognize its limitations and remain vigilant about access disparities. The lack of access to technology for some students has exacerbated existing equity issues. Therefore, as we harness the potential of technology to promote equity, we must simultaneously work to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all students have equal opportunities to benefit from technological advancements in education.

Collaborating for better student outcomes