Higher education and equitable life-long learning for diversified students in the digital era

Abstract

The educational sector has particular sensitivities and there is a huge concern that technological innovations may interfere with the real role of education in social development. With particular reference to higher education, this educational level is the foundation for changes in society. Higher education institutions (HEIs) should shape the prerequisites, in a dynamic way, for the establishment of an open society with life-long education for all. Moreover, HEIs today are called upon to welcome technology and to consider technology as a tool for learning rather than a problem. Hence, HEIs should facilitate a transition to collaborative educational communities in society and the cultivation of critical thinking, creativity and self-efficacy. This commentary which stemmed from a discussion between four scholars, suggests how major technologies might improve the equity and efficacy of HEIs by recognizing and addressing the issue of individual differences and diversity in future HEIs. It considers adaptive education through "learning analytics" and the usage of artificial intelligence in knowledge spaces and provides alternative curriculum choices to meet personal learning needs, while fulfilling UNESCO's initiative of rethinking higher education in an increasingly complex world so as to shape the future of higher education.