Education Day Highlights: How Higher Education Is Changing In 2024

A year post-introduction, ChatGPT solidifies AI's permanence as the global education sector rapidly adopts generative AI tools to enhance learning, teaching, and assessment.

Professor Joanne Wright: After the disruptions caused by the pandemic, global student mobility is recovering, with students eager to embrace the experience of living and studying overseas. Amid students’ renewed enthusiasm for a global experience, several trends are shaping higher education worldwide. They encompass all aspects of the higher education experience, from looking after the welfare of students to ensuring they are equipped with the skills employers are increasingly looking for

Here’s an overview of some of the top trends to look out for in higher education next year. Regardless of where you choose to study, they should help you navigate your post-school pathway, wherever and whatever you’re studying.

Student wellbeing tops the list

The safety and well-being of students remains our top priority. Universities are keenly attuned to the diverse situations and challenges students might encounter, especially international students who are far from home. With a dedicated focus, universities aim to tailor bespoke support to meet each student's unique needs. Here in Sydney, for instance, we offer swimming classes to help students safely enjoy Australia's famous beaches.

Maximising the campus experience

The pandemic emphasised that universities can and should offer more than lectures alone. We're committed to fostering an enriching campus life that transcends virtual setups and online tests. Embracing in-person classes with recorded lectures for flexibility, we prioritise interactive learning. Additionally, we support student-driven social initiatives—clubs, arts, sports—to create lively, in-person spaces for friendship and exploration of diverse interests.

AI integration in learning and teaching

A year after ChatGPT's introduction, the permanence of AI is undeniable. The global education sector is swiftly embracing generative AI tools to enrich learning, teaching, and assessment. Students have emphasised AI's role in simplifying knowledge acquisition, aiding in summarisation, brainstorming, explanations, and guidance through complex subjects in a conversational manner. They seek guidance from educators on integrating AI tools into learning, harnessing them to develop critical reasoning skills crucial for their careers. Educators are responsible for empowering students to effectively and ethically utilise this technology, ensuring they comprehend its risks, biases, and limitations.

Preparing students for the workforce

Organisations value graduates who can swiftly integrate into high-performing teams, highlighting the importance of being adept at communication and teamwork skills. Employers now favour graduates capable of collaborating across various work settings, seamlessly transitioning between in-person and online communication to foster robust professional relationships. Beyond specialised knowledge, graduates require adaptable skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, cultural awareness and resilience. Evolving digital landscapes and flexible work environments have led employers to seek agile, resilient learners proficient in swiftly acquiring new skills, navigating complex information, and posing insightful inquiries. For educators, this means providing a holistic student experience that goes integrates intellectual, personal, and career development initiatives.

Micro-credentials: Empowering lifelong learning

Your learning journey doesn’t end after you finish your degree and enter the workforce. In today's dynamic job landscape, ongoing education is crucial, and micro-credentials offer a convenient, accessible way to supplement existing knowledge with relevant skills. These credentials enable continuous upskilling without the commitment of lengthy degree programs. Various tech-focused micro-credentials cover AI fluency, data science for supply chains, and digital health essentials, catering to multidisciplinary career advancements. I encourage exploring the diverse array of local and global courses available as you progress in your professional journey

(The writer, Professor Joanne Wright is the University of Sydney Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Education)