Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Information technology and the end of the traditional university business model

By Keith Suter - posted Tuesday, 13 October 2015


But newspapers have shown that giving something away means eventually that consumers expect all of it to be free. MOOCs may undermine the university business model rather than save it.

I suggest there is a risk that most universities will largely disappear. The world will eventually have only a handful of prestige boutique universities, such as Oxford, which will trade on their brand.

In short, the long-term future of Australian universities cannot be assured.

Advertisement

But there are a few steps to secure the immediate future. Information technology cannot provide the face to face experience for students, such as the exchange of ideas via discussion, networking, developing social skills, being exposed to other cultures, and learning to be accommodated with other people in a safe environment.

University courses provide the "hard" skill (a degree in economics, say). But the direct personal experience of being on a campus provides the "soft" skills. Hard skills may get a person a job; soft skills will help the person rise up through an organization.

Therefore students – domestic and international - will still want quality teaching and a good experience. Indeed, educational providers can achieve a marketing edge by enhancing the student experience

On international education, this is an Australian export success story. It is the country's third largest export industry.

But it is appalling that three decades after the "export of education" became an Australian Government priority we are still wrestling with matters that were identified as problems at the outset (such as the basic issue of ensuring that each jurisdiction treats international students in an equal way to domestic students with respect to things like hospital charges and transport concessions).

Therefore, if we wish to do well in the export of education, we need to address these issues. Otherwise we will stand even less chance of dealing with digital disruption.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

18 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Dr Keith Suter is a futurist, thought leader and media personality in the areas of social policy and foreign affairs. He is a prolific and well-respected writer and social commentator appearing on radio and television most weeks.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Keith Suter

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of Keith Suter
Article Tools
Comment 18 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy