The 'Edgeless University'

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JISCI was reading Steve Wheeler’s latest blog entry this morning thinking “huh?”

So, a JISC report on “Edgeless University: why higher education must embrace technology” has said that;

“British universities will lose their leading international standing unless they become much more radical in their use of new technology” (to quote Steve).

I hadn’t thought it was that bad, but perhaps it is. I’ll not bleat on about the report, I’ll let you read it for yourself, but the biggest issue that it raises for me (and perhaps you too) is simply … dont’ blame the University, or even the students, if you can’t get the staff engaged!

I’ve written here before about getting tutors/educators engaged in using Web 2.0 tools and techniques, but the reason they don’t are not always easy to define;

  • Willing: Are they willing to try something new?
  • Able: They may be willing, but are they able to try it?
  • Time: Irrespective of ability or willingness, do they have the time to sit and learn something new … even if you can demonstrate that it will save them time in the long run?
  • Blinkered: Are they just burying their heads in the sand hoping you’ll go away and bother someone else instead?
  • Blind: Are they just point-blank ignoring you.

Not everyone will fit so easily in the stereotypes above; I know of one example where the tutor was enthusiastic about trying something new, didn’t have the time to work it out until the students requested discussion boards and a wiki to support their face-to-face seminars.

Only time will tell and, if the JISC report is to be believed, time is running out. The report says:

“Through their institutional capital, universities can use technology to offer more flexible provision and open more equal routes to higher education and learning … this will take strategic leadership from within.”

and Steve says;

“… online and social media could help universities meet these demands by reaching a greater number of students and improving the quality of research and teaching. Online and DIY learning can create ‘edgeless universities’ where information, skills and research are accessible far beyond the campus walls.”