Universities UK has responded today to a report from think-tank Demos on the use of new technology in higher education.
Responding to the report, The Edgeless University, Diana Warwick, Chief Executive of Universities UK said: “Universities in the UK recognise the importance of new technology and are frequently leading the way in the use of online learning to complement traditional approaches to learning and teaching.
“Distance learning, in particular, has been vastly enhanced by new technologies. The instant nature of SMS messaging, online study groups and real time conferencing are helping to ensure that students feel less isolated and more part of a learning community. The internet is also helping to improve access to publicly-funded research undertaken in UK universities.
“Universities must strike an appropriate balance between embracing emerging technologies, while continuing to deliver robust, quality-assured and sustainable services. New systems or services, alone, are not the single answer to the challenges we face.
“Funding pressures on higher education will have an impact on how able universities are to grasp this challenge. Universities will need stable, sustainable funding if they are to plan, to adapt and to provide a world class education many years from now.
“The UK’s public and private investment (GDP) in higher education continues to be below some of our major competitors (according to latest OECD figures). In particular, as indicated by Professor Geoffrey Crossick's report last year (on the financial stability of teaching), UK higher education requires further injections of resource, from whatever source, particularly for teaching and learning. This is essential if we are to meet the rising expectations of UK and overseas students as well as employers.”
Notes
- The Demos report, The Edgeless University: Why Higher Education Must Embrace Technology, is available to download at: www.demos.co.uk/publications/the-edgeless-university
- The Demos report launch coincides with the announcement today of a new task force and fund to encourage universities to adopt new online learning approaches. For further information, visit: http://nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx?ClientId=431&NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=403851&SubjectId=36