When the pandemic hit the world, we got to know how ill-prepared learning institutions were for the challenge. While most colleges across the world have switched to online learning, the journey hasn’t been a walk in the park. Research studies have shown that more than 60 percent of students have reported that the quality of education has gone down drastically.
Most learning institutions around the world are accelerating their digital transformation process by adopting modern technological solutions to make remote and physical learning personalized and more efficient without spending a lot of money. How can learning institutions navigate these modern innovations? In this article, we are going to share some of the best technologies that colleges are using to support students.

How do education and technology relate?
Technology has the potential of transforming how professors, students, and other stakeholders interact. And how colleges run thus making education more engaging and accessible. Here are the technologies that colleges are using to support their students:
Student Lifecycle Management
Colleges that use the student lifecycle management software can come up with a data-driven approach to learning, automate learning processes and allow students to access a wide range of education resources whenever they want. Being one of the leading trends in the education sector, student lifecycle management software improves the student lifecycle process by creating a conducive learning environment. Some of the key areas of this software include:
- Prospecting and enrollment – Before joining a learning institution, potential applicants usually visit the website, and social media accounts and read alumni feedback. Student lifecycle management software enhances the interaction between the school and potential applicants. Artificial intelligence and data analytics brings in lots of essential information to the recruitment campaign of colleges. These technologies allow colleges to improve their marketing efforts and attract the best learners.
- Using machine learning and artificial intelligence in the education sector enables the processing of a wide range of data to uncover what parents and students think about a learning institution. Most colleges are adopting CRM software to automate the enrollment of students. The software fosters application at every stage. Information and communication technologies also enhance the transition to affordable online learning. Students can easily browse through the available programs and pay for what they like. Online learning is way cheaper than traditional learning.
- Billing and accounting – Most college students expect learning institutions to handle tuition and other payments swiftly and effectively. And this has forced colleges to adopt technology for billing and accounting. These solutions feature a portal and an app for administration and students respectively. College students can use the app to make payments and other on-campus purchases while the portal enhances the swift processing of payments.
- Personalization of curriculum – Using artificial intelligence, learning institutions can integrate the learning process with a learner’s background, interests and achievements. To enhance academic success, artificial intelligence analyzes, assignments, tests, classroom notes, and other useful information to build a unique profile and identify what makes a student struggle or engage in the college. Using their profile, the technology provides useful tips on how tutors can improve their teaching methods. As a result, learners benefit from personalized learning. And this improves their performance and builds the reputation of the learning institution.
On-campus communication
Technologies make it easier for students to communicate with each other and share their experiences on campus. Some of these technologies include chatbots and videoconferencing.
- Chatbots provide an immediate response to queries and help students easily navigate campus especially when it comes to exams and grades. Chatbots can give answers to questions regarding registration, financial aid, and accommodation.
- Video conferencing has enabled remote learning. Today, there are a lot of conferencing apps that have made the learning process enjoyable, engaging, and convenient. Some of the best colleges use video conferencing to help students learn new languages and interact with their tutors in the comfort of their homes today.
Smart Campus
By using education innovations, learning institutions can easily create the infrastructure that meets the needs of modern students. Smart campuses have embraced applications that enhance the connection of infrastructure and create unique experiences for professors, students, and applicants. Some of the key ingredients of a smart campus include:
- Campus safety and security – Learning institutions can make use of biometric technology, artificial intelligence-powered CCTV cameras, and facial recognition to prevent unauthorized people from accessing campus software. This technology can also be used to track attendance and absenteeism and give feedback on which classes engage students. While this technology can improve safety and tracking, facial recognition and surveillance can cause resistance among college students and evoke lots of debates. One of the best ways to alleviate concerns among students while enhancing security is by recognizing potential threats and behaviors instead of facial features.
- Smart dorm and recreation – To increase savings and provide better services, housing, and recreational facilities should be digitized. For example, using data fetched from motion sensors, thermostats, and smart lighting systems can lower room temperature and turn off lights automatically when a student leaves the room. Tech can also improve student experience when it comes to dining. Students can comfortably look through the menu via a mobile app or self-service kiosk and place an order. Most learning institutions provide quality recreation through technology.
Student motivation
To improve the learning process, and student engagement, learning institutions have started using smart learning environments. Let’s discuss this area:
- Smart learning environment – Colleges can enhance learning experiences by using video tools, whiteboards, and virtual and augmented reality. For instance, interactive whiteboards, enhance flexibility when it comes to sharing files, and content delivery and provide access to the web. Augmented and virtual reality simulations enable students to reconstruct historical events, understand complex concepts and engage in training. Smart schools use virtual reality to help students experience ideas that cannot be explained verbally.
Conclusion
Technology is shaping most areas of our lives. And this includes higher education. Digital transformation is the key to improving cost savings, daily operations, and making education fun and accessible. Regardless of the goals they’ve set, learning institutions should not underestimate the importance of planning and support from technicians.
Author Bio: Dennis Lodge is a freelance journalist, blogger, and writer at college-paper.org. He writes unique and research-based content on business, careers, education, and job search strategies.
Photo by Julia M Cameron