EDUCATION FOCUS


Rapidly changing student expectations, technological disruption, internationalisatio n and cuts to funding combine to create a challenge for higher education establishments.


U


By Kas Mohammed, VP of Digital Energy at Schneider Electric


niversities must take a long-term view if they are to overcome the challenges.


Fundamentally, they


need to design strategies that factor in the tough future environment. This means proactively developing a futureproof infrastructure that can adapt and flex.


Four ways to futureproof universities:


Student Experience


Universities are looking to increase their digital offering in line with the wider economy. Online services, such as portals and mobile apps, are key to achieving this goal. Mobile apps can offer admissions information, orientation schedules, activities, and map progress toward academic goals.


Sophisticated ‘engagement’ apps allow businesses and universities to host internal and external services on one user-friendly platform. Alternatively, catering services could be aligned with lecture timetables and attendance, to strategically forecast the amount of food


required and prepare those coffees and toasties ahead of time. Engagement apps can inform students of social events and provide travel information so they can arrive on time.


Security on and off campus Many universities remain at risk of cyber-security breaches and attacks, as they often use multiple, disparate and outdated systems. To combat this, they are increasingly partnering to create shared cybersecurity centres that monitor threats around the clock, while encouraging students and faculties to take extra steps to protect data. However, constantly monitoring for threats takes up huge amounts of labour and can be extremely costly. Therefore, universities should consider emerging tech such as Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered tools to identify suspicious behaviours.


In addition to the threats from online hackers, universities need to protect students and their possessions. Campuses need to carefully consider the physical access controls integrated into buildings, as they play a vital role in the security of buildings, the people and high-value data within.


IT Infrastructure


The scale of a university campus means that the IT infrastructure requires continuous investment. It needs to service thousands of staff, and potentially tens of thousands of students 24/7. They, in turn, need a system with access to links and communication around the world. Data management at large institutions, with a fluid user base, is especially challenging. Every university department needs to be on board with the most up-to-date systems, from communication to financial management, learning resources to student information. Modern universities are turning to advanced analytics systems to inform and improve their decision making. These systems are particularly important as universities switch to smart campus systems. These can tell users where spare parking spaces can be found, allocate meeting rooms, detect a lightbulb failure, or organise campus dorms for new arrivals.


Facilities Management Facilities are vital to the overall student experience. According to research of 1,000 students carried out by the London School of Economics (LSE) Estates Division and the Higher


BSEE Universities must embrace tech to survive


Education Design Quality Forum (HEDQF), 76% ranked campus facilities as either ‘quite’ or ‘very’ important to student life.


Going forward, technologies such as Virtual Reality are set to unlock a new level of personalised learning experience. Students will no longer have to be in the classroom to receive the classroom experience. By combining digital content, classroom technology, and faculty training, universities can continue to offer the highest possible level of learning.


Successful Futureproofing


Universities must design their offerings with the future in mind, those that do will be primed to take advantage of all developments. Senior leaders must focus on transforming the way academics work, securing data, improving student services, and modernising IT to support future innovation on campus.


Investment in technology alone is not enough. Educational institutions must evaluate the systems that can improve service and efficiency today and tomorrow if they are to meet the challenges of an increasingly digital world.


For further information visit: www.se.com/uk/en/work/solutions/for-business/education


Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk


BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JULY 2020 27


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