In our role as trusted advisors, we often find ourselves guiding universities through the transition from traditional classrooms to expansive, enriching online communities. This digital transformation in higher education brings new opportunities and challenges, and at Construct Education, we are here to assist in this evolution.
This transformation might seem daunting, especially for faculty members who have invested considerable time and effort into crafting intentional “homes” within these familiar campuses. More often than not, these educators may be averse to change, having perfected their subject matter and teaching methods over a decade or more and poured their hearts into every brick and path, nurturing a community where knowledge flourishes.
At Construct, we strongly believe that change presents an opportunity for growth, not an upheaval. With that in mind, our first step is to secure faculty buy-in and alleviate any fears associated with the transition. To ease this process, we find that introducing the metaphor of a Village can be particularly effective in helping faculty envisage the next part of their educational journey in a familiar context.
The process begins by inviting faculty and staff to consider their degree program as a village — a space where a sense of belonging and comfort prevails. Within this academic village, each faculty member has their own home — a thoughtfully crafted course that mirrors their expertise and comfort. It serves as a place where intentional and purposeful learning unfolds, instilling pride in both the educators and their students. They have built a community of students who know each other and often keep in touch with each other during their careers. Students gather here, forging connections and embarking on journeys of discovery. You’ve built something beautiful, and we’re here to help it evolve.
Imagine this image as your course or program. You’ve put a lot of thought into every detail, creating an engaging learning experience that really hits the mark.
The Construct team collaborates closely with universities, using empathy to grasp the essence of their academic village. We listen intently to identify the elements that inspire and the aspects they wish to preserve. Our goal is to better understand the driving forces behind the digital transformation, all while honoring tradition and embracing innovation. Think of us as your team of knowledgeable contractors there for you when you are stuck, and usually ready with a solution when you have a problem.
Each faculty member is then partnered with an experienced learning strategist, embarking on a collaborative journey to renovate their home.
Together, we embark on a collaborative renovation of your metaphorical brownstone. Think of it as adding new rooms, updating a kitchen, or creating a rooftop garden. You choose the scale of the transformation, from subtle enhancements to bold expansions. Our experienced learning strategists are on hand to offer suggestions based on successful transformations in other villages. They navigate the translation of in-person courses into a hybrid or fully online format, emphasizing that while the mode of delivery is evolving, the essence and ownership of the course firmly remain in the faculty members’ hands.
During this digital transformation, it is crucial to remember that the heart of the course — the faculty member’s expertise, passion, and commitment — remains firmly intact. The purpose of this transformation is not to erase the existing village, but rather to strengthen its foundations, expand its reach, and welcome new learners. Imagine the virtual courtyard of your course, with students from far and wide eagerly seeking to learn from your wisdom.
Your online course should retain all your meticulously crafted elements. We’ve simply augmented and introduced enhancements that will broaden its reach and influence.
As your course reaches a broader audience, the essence of your home — the comfort, pride, and sense of community — remains. You become a beacon of knowledge, accessible to anyone seeking your expertise in this digitally transformed higher education landscape.
Construct Education is here to support you through this digital transformation journey as we build a village of learning, expanding educational opportunities, and creating an inclusive environment for all. Together, let us embrace the power of digital transformation to shape the future of higher education.
This blog post is made available by the author for educational purposes only and to provide general information. All views expressed are the author’s own and do not represent the opinions of any entity whatsoever, to which they have been, are now, or will be affiliated. If you have a specific problem related to this topic and need advice, contact Construct Education directly.
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Construct Education is the trading name of Proversity.Org Ltd (UK entity), Proversity Inc (USA entity) and Proversity Org Incorporated in UK (South African entity)
