Stewart Watts, VP EMEA at D2L – the global learning provider, joins me on Tech Talks Daily in a conversation on the state of digital transformation across HigherEd, and the sectors’ recovery plans.   As part of its Outcome Delivery Plan: 2021 to 2022, the Department for Education (DfE) has prioritised improving the sector’s digital infrastructure and connectivity. Indeed, DfE has placed ‘innovation, technology and data’ front and centre and this has been reflected in the recent Autumn Budget and Spending Review, with a new package of £1.8 in financial support. However, it has acknowledged that it will need to reassess all current staff training initiatives, particularly in the use of digital technologies, in order to facilitate this.   In its latest research, D2L consulted 500 higher education professionals in the UK on their motivations behind their digital transformation strategies, as well their struggles over the last 18 months, and what the drivers behind their post-pandemic recovery plans will be. It found that improving student experience, course quality and digital infrastructure are vital and will play a major role in most institutions future growth plans. 

Stewart Watts discusses DfE’s recovery plan and how universities should approach DX in the coming months. Drawing upon D2L’s research, he also argues that faculties will need to reassess all current online or blended learning programmes. Including:

• The current state of UK digital learning programmes and how institutions approached DX based on D2L’s findings
• What institutions should be prioritising as part of their recovery plans and how learning must be ‘data-driven’
• The tools at universities’ disposal as they look to cover the gaps in students’ learning and improve overall experienceThe need for a flexible online learning environment and contingency plans to guarantee continuity for students