Advances in technology, growing public skepticism of the value of education and rising costs have significantly influenced the changing landscape of higher education. These factors are reshaping higher education and challenging universities to adapt and innovate.

This blog looks at five prevalent trends in higher education and how institutions seek to shift public perception by leveraging technology, meeting the demands of a skills-based workforce and becoming more responsive to the needs of a diverse population.

Trend #1 — Booming Technology

The ubiquitous nature of technology has globalized higher education and has increased competition. More specifically, artificial intelligence (AI) is profoundly shaping the future of higher education.

The Global AI in Education Market was $3.6 billion last year and is expected to explode to $73.7 billion by 2033.

According to Market.US, “AI in Education refers to the application of artificial intelligence technologies in the field of education to enhance learning experiences, improve educational outcomes, and streamline various educational processes.”

AI in higher education is designed to improve every part of the learning journey. It uses natural language processing algorithms and machine learning models to develop personalized learning and tutoring platforms, streamline routine administrative tasks and many other applications designed to improve educational outcomes.

AI presents both opportunities and challenges for educators, students and universities alike. It is transforming higher education by making it more efficient, personalized and data-driven, but not without risk.

Personalized Learning

Adaptive Learning
One of the most effective uses of AI tools in education is the opportunity for personalized learning. AI algorithms analyze student performance and customize educational experiences to individual needs. This allows educators to tailor their teaching methods, resources and assessments to improve engagement and outcomes.

AI identifies students’ learning patterns and strengths and weaknesses to provide customized content and adaptive exercises. In one recent study, students who used an AI-driven learning platform achieved a 62% increase in test scores.

Predictive Analytics
Institutions leverage AI to analyze data and predict student outcomes, helping identify at-risk students and enabling timely interventions to improve retention and graduation rates.

Dynamic Content
AI-enabled learning platforms present content in various formats, including videos, interactive simulations or text-based materials tailored to students’ individual learning styles.

Accessibility
AI technology innovations help create inclusive learning environments for all students by improving accessibility. A recent survey by Educause indicates that 68% of educators believe AI tools benefit students with disabilities.

Curriculum Development
AI assists educators in curriculum design by analyzing industry trends and job market demands. The resulting data helps institutions align their programs with emerging skills and competencies needed in the workforce, ensuring that graduates are prepared for the job market.

Automated Administration
University staff can focus on more strategic initiatives by automating administrative tasks for routine administrative processes, such as admissions, grading, and scheduling using AI tools.

Market.us Scoop estimates that AI will automate grading for nearly 100% of multiple-choice exams and 50% of essays in the higher education sector by the end of this year.

Ethics and Moral Considerations
Ethical considerations, including plagiarism and disinformation, privacy and security, and loss of fundamental creative and critical thinking skills are the risks and challenges that still need to be addressed with this burgeoning new technology.

A BestColleges survey of 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students from last year reported that just over half (51%) believe that using AI tools for assignments and exams is akin to cheating or plagiarism. Yet, one in five students reported they use AI to complete their schoolwork.

Six in ten college students think AI tools like ChatGPT will become the new normal. Students seem more likely to use AI for fun; nine in ten students who have tried AI tools say they’ve used them for personal use or out of curiosity.

Where Do Universities Stand on the Use of AI?

The answer is varied and far from consistent nationwide. Sixty percent of college students surveyed report that their instructors or schools haven’t specified how to use AI tools ethically or responsibly. Three in ten say their instructors, course materials or school honor codes explicitly prohibit AI tools.

Trend #2 — Online Learning

Online learning has significantly transformed the future of higher education, changing how universities deliver education and students learn. Some of the benefits of online learning include:

• Accessibility — Remote learning has made higher education more accessible to those who cannot attend brick-and-mortar schools due to geographical, financial or personal constraints. Additionally, virtual learning has opened the door for non-traditional students and those in underserved areas.
• Affordability — Online learning can be more cost-effective for both universities and students. Universities have less overhead and infrastructure costs and can scale their curriculum to a larger audience to maximize their return on investment (ROI).
  Online students don’t have transportation and on-campus living expenses. Furthermore, many online programs offer accelerated formats, allowing students to complete their degrees faster and at a lower overall cost.
• Flexibility — Online programs offer scheduling flexibility and allow students to balance their studies with work, family or other personal responsibilities. This flexibility caters to busy adults and those looking to upskill with specializations and advanced degree programs, thus benefiting higher education institutions with increased enrollment.

The online learning environment can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation among students. Universities are mindful of this and provide mental health resources, personalized academic advising and online community-building activities among cohorts to support the well-being of their virtual learners.

Trend #3 — Workforce Development

The future of higher education relies on schools and institutions evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing workforce. Emphasis on career-focused degrees that directly prepare students for the job market will see a more substantial ROI for both students and universities.

Higher education programs must bridge the gap between academia and the workforce by integrating compatible workforce skills into the curricula. By collaborating with employers and aligning their curricula with industry needs, they ensure high-demand skills are taught and students are prepared to start their careers as soon as they graduate.

A recent study reports that 86% of higher education faculty and staff agree that academic programs should offer specific skills. Still, only 22% of their institutions have implemented a skills-based framework.

Moving forward, it will be critical for higher education institutions to serve as a resource for workers and employers beyond the typical degree program period. In addition to the skills they gain in the classroom, students should receive hands-on guidance to understand how to market themselves accurately and effectively in our skill-based economy.

Trend #4 — Transformational Leadership

The issues today's leaders face include enrollment, financial management, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and mounting tension from domestic and international political events.

Transformational leadership is about relevance, awareness and sensitivity to current issues, as well as casting a vision for the future and charting a path to the future through strategic leadership. An effective higher education leader has to be effective in multiple roles as a figurehead, a liaison, a spokesperson, a visionary, and a strategist.

Today’s leaders must be trained and skilled to unite while remaining neutral and manage a politically polarized worldview among students, faculty, staff, donors, alumni and board members. Strong leaders understand and embrace differences, speak boldly on behalf of significant academic causes and lead with integrity.

Leaders from culturally and professionally diverse backgrounds with varied perspectives and experiences will thrive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a positive career outlook for post-secondary education administrators, with an average of 15,200 new jobs opening annually through 2033.

Professionals who want to lead a higher education organization should seek a doctorate in education (Ed.D.) program that offers strategic coursework in educational systems, policy, leadership, and change management skills for today’s educational landscape.

• Read more: What is an Ed.D.?

Rockhurst University’s Online Ed.D. in Education and Leadership – Higher Education

Rockhurst’s Ed.D. in Education and Leadership – Higher Education is delivered entirely online, so students can continue to work while they earn their doctorate. This skills-based program can be completed in just two years and prepares working professionals for numerous roles in higher education.

• Read more: Careers in Higher Education

An optional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion graduate certificate is available through elective courses at no additional charge, increasing the degree’s value.

Take the next step in your career and shape the future of higher education with Rockhurst University’s online Ed.D. in Education and Leadership – Higher Education.