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Technology
Rapidly evolving technologies significantly impact the university environment and learning experiences . As the Accord process considers ways to strengthen universities for the future , we would be remiss if we didn ’ t position the potential of technology at the centre of our policy thinking .
Economics consultancy Mandala Partners has helped to inform the public policy debate by researching the role of EdTech in higher education .
The Coalition for Digital Learners report investigated what ’ s working well , what needs improving , what the barriers to progress are , and what the benefits of reform could be .
Importantly , the report focused equally on hearing from students , university administrators , and policymakers .
The survey showed that Australian university students place high value on technology to help them succeed in their studies and that they use technology ethically and effectively .
Of the survey respondents , 80 per cent said online learning has positively impacted their academic experience .
Nearly 60 per cent of respondents agreed that greater technology integration would improve their learning and make it more engaging and entertaining – less than one-fifth of students disagreed .
Notably , the survey also showed students from diverse backgrounds – including those from lower socio-economic groups , those who don ’ t speak English as a first language , those caring for others , or those balancing study with work responsibilities – place greater importance on the flexibility and support EdTech tools offer .
These are the cohorts the Accord is seeking to grow to meet future national skills needs and university attainment targets .
Over half of students from diverse backgrounds said the availability of online learning was one of their top priorities compared to other learning preferences .
More than 45 per cent listed the ability to learn at their own pace as one of the most critical issues .
These results indicate that technology-enabled educational support tools are essential in driving greater equity in participation and graduation outcomes .
The report also found that fears about technology-related academic integrity – especially generative AI – are misplaced .
Most university students use technology as a supplementary tool to help them succeed in their studies – not for academically dishonest reasons .
Most students use online education tools to help them learn at their own pace , enhance their learning experience , or make their learning more personalised and engaging .
Just 10 per cent of students reported using technology to help them access answers to homework or exam material that they needed help understanding .
While this small cohort may include some with unethical motivations , it also
The survey showed that Australian university students place high value on technology to help them succeed in their studies .
includes students driven by a genuine lack of understanding of course material , seeking to use technology to overcome this knowledge gap .
Any new policy on regulation needs to recognise that regulation and compliance measures shouldn ’ t hamper the proper and productive use of technology in education .
Allowing regulation and compliance to stifle ethical use of technology will put student learning and engagement at a disadvantage .
Given the links between technology use and equitable engagement , technology should play a central role in lifting equity in higher education .
Technology should also play a more central role in the Universities Accord process and what it leads to , potentially in conjunction with the local and global EdTech industry .
Embracing technology in teaching and learning will improve the quality and equity of the university system overall .
At a time when we ’ re looking to increase student numbers and make education more inclusive , we can ’ t overlook the power of technology to achieve policy goals .
As we aim to engage more students from broader backgrounds and support more of them to succeed , it ’ s critical to consider students ’ views about the technology support they need .
To have a genuine Accord based on innovation within the higher education sector , we must consider what will serve its future primary stakeholders effectively .
We support the involvement of key stakeholder groups as an essential input to the Accord process and believe technology is critical to creating innovative learning experiences in a way that will serve national interests . ■
Jason Tabarias is a partner at Mandala Partners .
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