Building an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Dimension in an Institution of Higher Education

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-214
Author(s):  
Ron Corso

Institutions of higher education in the twenty-first century are undergoing a transformation locally and globally from traditional pillars of learning to being more entrepreneurial in their core business. There is increasing pressure on universities to becoming more flexible and adaptable as organizations and in the graduate attributes, they imbed in their students. There is a need to build deeper links with business, to both maximize innovation and promote growth, to ensure students are equipped to excel in the workforce. This change is having a disruptive effect on the role of universities, from classical research institutions to entrepreneurial universities mimicking more of the modern workplace working environment, requiring autonomy in their decision-making and in the way new research is developed, implemented and transferred in the relationships formed within their respective regions. This article outlines work in progress on the University of South Australia’s attempts to rebrand itself as a University of Innovation and Enterprise (Australia’s University of Enterprise) in both its end-user inspired research outcomes and industry-informed teaching and learning.

Sociology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (6) ◽  
pp. 1026-1042
Author(s):  
Laura Connelly ◽  
Remi Joseph-Salisbury

Although literature on the role of emotions in teaching and learning is growing, little consideration has been given to the university context, particularly from a sociological perspective. This article draws upon the online survey responses of 24 students who attended sociological classes on the Grenfell Tower fire, to explore the role emotions play in teaching that seeks to politicise learners and agitate for social change. Contributing to understandings of pedagogies of ‘discomfort’ and ‘hope’, we argue that discomforting emotions, when channelled in directions that challenge inequality, have socially transformative potential. Introducing the concept of bounded social change, however, we demonstrate how the neoliberalisation of Higher Education threatens to limit capacity for social change. In so doing, we cast teaching as central to the discipline of sociology and suggest that the creation of positive social change should be the fundamental task of sociological teaching.


2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (65) ◽  
pp. 18-30
Author(s):  
Cristian Bedoya Dorado ◽  
Mónica García-Solarte ◽  
Juan Sebastián Peña-Zúñiga ◽  
Steven Alejandro Piñeros Buriticá

Management in the context of higher education has been characterized by the predominance of male participation, mainly in senior management positions. As a result, women’s low participation is mainly concentrated in lower management positions, and their chances of escalating hierarchical positions are mediated by various factors ranging from subjective to socially naturalized. The objective of this research is to analyze the barriers women face to enter and escalate positions in university management in Colombia. Under a qualitative design, 26 semi-structured interviews were applied to university managers from different institutions of higher education in Colombia. The transcripts were analyzed using discourse analysis through three categories: individual, internal, and external barriers of the university. It was found that women face entry and promotion barriers marked by experiences, and conditions of inequality and discrimination in a male-dominated context. These barriers are conditioned by personal elements, organizational culture, and the social role of women. In addition, women’s trajectories involve mediation between professional development and family life. The study reveals experiences that contribute to understanding the research phenomenon from the webbing of senses and meanings. It is posited that the “glass ceiling” is mediated by variables in the internal order, and by the relationship between universities and their context.


2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 3-15
Author(s):  
Brianna Joseph ◽  
Kelly B. Kearney ◽  
Cynthia L. Wilson

Over the last decade, an increasing number of postsecondary education (PSE) programs have been developed for students with intellectual disability (ID). This case discusses one such program. Along with the courses designed to meet the specific needs of students with ID, the program also permits these students to take courses in the various departments of the university. Faculty were informed that their course(s) might include students from the PSE program for students with ID. One faculty member likes the idea of the program but is not comfortable with students with ID registering for his courses. This case uses discussion prompts and activities to prepare instructors and professors in higher education to foster inclusive practices and ideology throughout the collective university community.


Author(s):  
Laurie Craig Phipps ◽  
Alyssa Wise ◽  
Cheryl Amundsen

Discussion of changing notions of faculty expertise and the role of technology within the educational enterprise is nothing new. However, the current demand for change in teaching and learning practices is particularly strong, in part due to the pressures arising from emerging technologies and the shifting nature of faculty expertise. Web 2.0 technologies enable social connectivity, academic interactivity, and content co-creation. Thus, they change the ways of interacting with information and can support collaborative and constructivist approaches in higher education. This both inspires and requires a corresponding expansion in faculty’s role: from imparter of knowledge to orchestrator of learning experiences. Within the general metaphor of orchestration, other specific roles and functions will also be required; for example, scripting, translating, introducing, and co-exploring. As educators attempt to reimagine an educational paradigm in this context, the integration of new technologies must be grounded in how they can support educational experiences and outcomes that are focused on learning.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (22) ◽  
pp. 85
Author(s):  
Beatriz Elena Osorio-Vélez ◽  
Jaime Alberto Osorio-Velez ◽  
Luz Stella Mejía-Aristizabal ◽  
Gloria Eugenia Campillo-Figueroa ◽  
Rodrigo Covaleda

Se presentan los resultados del proyecto de investigación: “El papel de la actividad experimental en la enseñanza del electromagnetismo en la educación superior”. Su  objetivo fue diseñar una propuesta de enseñanza del electromagnetismo, basada en la actividad experimental que contribuya con el proceso enseñanza y aprendizaje a nivel universitario.  Para ello se trabajó con un grupo de estudiantes de ingeniería de dos  instituciones de Educación Superior: Institución Universitaria Pascual Bravo y la Universidad de Antioquia. Los estudiantes que hicieron parte de la propuesta, respondieron un cuestionario de cuatro preguntas sobre electromagnetismo.  Las preguntas fueron seleccionadas de acuerdo a investigaciones previas que sobre el mismo tema se realizaron en estudiantes que solamente habían realizado el curso teórico.  Los resultados de este último grupo, evidenció dificultades para explicar fenómenos relacionados con el electromagnetismo, mientras que el grupo de estudiantes que realizó el trabajo experimental, mostró una mejor comprensión del fenómeno, logrando estructurar y organizar sus explicaciones.ABSTRACT The results of the research are presented: "The role of experimental activity in teaching electromagnetics in higher education." Their goal was to design a proposal for teaching electromagnetism, based on the experimental activity that contributes to the teaching and learning process at the university level. To do this, we worked with a group of engineering students from two institutions of higher education: University Pascual Bravo Institute and the University of Antioquia. Students who were part of the proposal, a questionnaire of four questions on electromagnetism. The questions were selected based on previous research on the same topic were conducted in students who had just completed the theoretical course. The results of the latter group showed difficulty explaining phenomena related to electromagnetism, while the group of students who performed the experimental work, showed a better understanding of the phenomenon, managing to structure and organize their explanations.


Author(s):  
Hanlie Liebenberg ◽  
Dion Hendrik Van Zyl

A long-standing focus of research in higher education has been on monitoring the degree of student access to information and communications technology (ICT). Recent debates have moved towards a more nuanced understanding of students’ technological experiences and behaviour. As the world changes, so does higher education and expectations regarding the role of technology within this environment. Universities, which continuously strive to improve teaching and learning, need to accommodate students’ increased use of technology and enhance their proficiency and fluency in accessing and using ICT as these skills are required to succeed in education and in life after graduation. This paper proposes that access to ICT constitutes only one dimension of a more complex and elaborate construct, namely that of ICT sophistication, which concerns students’ level of ICT use, and their experience of and engagement and fluency in ICT. As a basis to evaluate the ICT sophistication of students at the University of South Africa, the researchers drew on the findings of the said university’s surveys conducted in 2011 and 2014. This evaluation also served as a method for segmenting the student body to inform interventions. The results obtained supported findings in the literature that “access” could not be fully understood by drawing a one-dimensional distinction between access and non-access.


2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (5) ◽  
pp. 213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nataliia M. Rybka

Processes of gamification of society have been researching by many scientists. The phenomenon of gamification is ambiguous and complex, and the fact that more and more spheres of human activity get signs of the game is of great concern. Though game and play activity is typical to humans, it has always created numerous risks and destructive situations. So, we argue that the ambiguity of the perception of the phenomenon of gamification is caused by the difficulties of understanding it, modern historical conditions and social practices that strongly influence and distort ideas about gamification. The aim of the article is to study the role of gamification on a specific example of using computer games for teaching philosophy in technical institutions of higher education. Game practices activate and educate emotional intelligence. It is especially necessary for students of technical institutions of higher education. The purpose of the analysis is to define both the positive and negative consequences of using games and to suggest a way to overcome possible destructive results. In the course of the research of this problem, the author concentrated on objective, historical and social analysis. Practical approach to methods of terminological analysis, ways of defining and choosing games, are particularly stressed. Looking for methods to overcame negative consequences of gamification, when using games in teaching, we stress the importance of philosophical approach. Because namely systemic, interdisciplinary analysis takes into account many factors of risk and influence of gamification. We suggest that in-deep analysis of compatibility and value of game technologies in teaching philosophy may be useful for overcoming possible negative consequences of gamification in education and training. We also consider that first priority should be given to comprehensive research and definition of methods for assessing the relevance, effectiveness, and even economic feasibility of using game technology for teaching and learning academic subject, as well as for specific topics.


NASPA Journal ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna M. Talbot

"The challenges facing postsecondary institutions in the twenty-first century include determining the future role of universities in the creation of new knowledge, mastering technology and using it appropriately, and establishing effective planning and monitoring processes (p. 221)." With this quote, Donald emphasizes the growing need for institutions of higher education to engage in self-evaluation and self assessment in order to determing their "raison d' etre" in relationship to learning.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 275-284
Author(s):  
Gagan Singh ◽  
Gopal Datt

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to highlight the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in open and distance learning system of education at Uttarakhand Open University. This paper also highlights the best practices of ICT in learner support services offered by the University and areas of distinctiveness in utilizing ICT applications. Methodology: This study is a descriptive-analytical in nature and adopts a case-study approach in presenting the various ICT facilities offered by the Uttarakhand Open University at its Headquarters, Regional Centers, and Learning Support Centers. It has been carried out to examine the role of ICT in Open and Distance Learning to strengthen the learner support services and analyze the best practices of ICT offered by the University. Main Findings: The huge increase in online enrollments has been noticed from the year 2015-16 to 2019-20. Simultaneously the noticeable growth has been noted in total enrollments from urban and as well as from rural areas due to University e-services and support. Applications of this study: This study helps all the Institutions of Higher Education, especially for the Open and Distance Learning Institutions. The applications of ICT in education increase in the Gross Enrollment Ratio and also reduces the skill gap among institutions of higher education. During this study, author(s) found that the optimal utilization of ICT in Open and Distance Learning Institution, can reduce the complexity of physical data handling at headquarters and leads fast decision making towards learner support strategies, etc. Originality: This study describes the various initiatives taken by the University regarding the use of ICT to facilitate learner support services, and also strengthen the reachability of higher education to the remotest areas of the state. This study highlights recommendations for Open and Distance Learning Institutions to the optimal utilization of ICT applications.


2021 ◽  

Drawing on the South African case, this book looks at shifts in higher education around the world in the last two decades. In South Africa, calls for transformation have been heard in the university since the last days of apartheid. Similar claims for quality higher education to be made available to all have been made across the African continent. In spite of this, inequalities remain and many would argue that these have been exacerbated during the Covid pandemic. Understanding Higher Education: Alternative Perspectives responds to these calls by arguing for a social account of teaching and learning by contesting dominant understandings of students as ‘decontextualised learners’ premised on the idea that the university is a meritocracy. This book tackles the issue of teaching and learning by looking both within and beyond the classroom. It looks at how higher education policies emerged from the notion of the knowledge economy in the newly democratic South Africa, and how national qualification frameworks and other processes brought the country more closely into conversation with the global order. The effects of this on staffing and curriculum structures are considered alongside a proposition for alternative ways of understanding the role of higher education in society.


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