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Over the past year, we have collectively sought to establish a new sense of normalcy following three years marked by the challenges of COVID and its aftermath. While the enduring impacts of the pandemic, such as hybrid work and schooling, persist, we are starting to find our working norms. Ìý

Well, that was until new Generative Artificial Intelligence technologies (AI) entered our world and are now accessible at our fingertips. You cannot go to a conference, hear a lecture, or see an advertisement without the word AI. In the realm of Higher Education, questions arise about the implications for learning, innovative teaching methods, issues like plagiarism, and the overarching influence on future careers. Ìý

Higher education finds itself amid yet another upheaval, navigating the uncertainties of a future where relevance to the evolving job landscape is paramount. Although it has long been acknowledged that university curricula may become outdated by the time a student graduates, the unprecedented pace of technological change in our current era adds a new dimension to this challenge.Ìý

Here are my 2024 predictions for the education industry: Ìý

1. Teaching with technologyÌý

As technology platforms, virtual reality, simulation, and AI continue to advance, educators must grasp how to incorporate these innovations into the learning process. Universities will embrace the potential of these technologies and ensure that students are equipped with the necessary knowledge to seamlessly transition into the workforce. Practical applications, such as virtual care, which involves the integration of telehealth and advanced monitoring equipment, are currently under development and actively being implemented. It is essential to adequately prepare graduates to thrive in these evolving environments.Ìý

2. Bridging the gap to job readinessÌý

There has been a persistent trend indicating that the skills possessed by students upon graduation often do not align with the immediate requirements of employers and the transition period to attain job readiness can extend from months to years of in-house training. To address this challenge, universities will be focusing more on job preparedness assessments, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the skills students bring from their academic journey and those required for immediate on-the-job readiness.Ìý

While workplaces typically resolve this issue, universities will play a role by providing targeted, brief skill gap courses either before or immediately after graduation. While the short course market has expanded, there is a call for universities to offer more skill courses explicitly designed to bridge the identified gaps, guided by thorough skill assessments of their graduates.Ìý

As it relates to healthcare the stakes are even higher in job readiness (or bedside readiness). These graduates deal with human life and not being bedside ready can be the difference between life and death. Today, bedside readiness rests on the hospital or healthcare affiliates. We need to quantify better what skills and competencies are needed for the healthcare sector and see how these key elements are developed and assessed in clinical/field placements during the programs so that universities are part of the solution in preparing graduates with job readiness. Ìý

3. Online - hybrid formatsÌý

I addressed this trend in last year's predictions, but I'd like to delve deeper into it. The trajectory of highly intricate programs, especially in healthcare, will continue to transition towards more online or hybrid formats. Fields in this trajectory include Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology (SLP), Mental Health, Pre, and Post Licensure Nursing, and growing Social Services programs (e.g., social work, counseling, psychology). In addition, Doctoral programs such as EdD, Pharmacy (PharmD), Nurse Practitioner (DNP), and Juris Doctorate (JD) will continue to expand more to hybrid and online. Ìý

In addition to these complex degree programs offering fully virtual and hybrid options, we will see more traditional online programs move from 100% to hybrid formats. MBA and STEM education programs will connect their campuses to differentiate in a crowded market. 100% online programs in these verticals are becoming increasingly regional and universities will use the ability to connect on campus to network and connect with university services and faculty to be differentiated. This is not to say 100% online will decline but we will see education continue to cater to students who want a more combined online and on-campus experience. Ìý

At Keypath we are dedicated to transforming education - to transform the world. Partnering with universities across the globe, we are working to help close the gap on major skills shortages that have a significant social and economic impact. Ìý

To partner with Keypath in 2024 and beyond, contact our team here.Ìý

To become a Keypather and make an impact every day, look at our career opportunities here. Ìý

Be safe and be well. Ìý

Steve FirengÌý

Global CEO Ìý

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