Students are more serious than ever about technology, with nearly a third (32%) saying tech facilities played a part in their choice of university.
New research* conducted by Jisc suggests students are increasingly using their mobile devices to study on the go and ensure they get their essays in on time. The tablet is the most used device for university study say nearly a third of students (30%), with 92% spending up to 10 hours a week studying on their mobile device.
Whilst more than a quarter (28%) use their smartphone to draft or edit essays, 20% would like to see more mobile devices provided on campus to make studying easier. Students are also open to new and innovative ways of learning with more than half (58%) happy to have some of their lectures delivered by robots, more than a third interested in virtual lectures (37%) and dedicated mobile apps (35%) to help them study.
It’s not only study habits that seem to be changing; communicating with lecturers has gone mobile too with more than a quarter (27%) of students using social media to stay in touch with tutors. Of those that do communicate online:
· 85% use Facebook
· 38% use Twitter
· Nearly a quarter (23%) use WhatsApp
Martyn Harrow, chief executive at Jisc, said: “Developed as part of Jisc Digital Festival 2015, our research shows just how important technology is to students. Higher education providers need to ensure that they are tech savvy and that education technology is at the very top of their agenda to secure the future of their institution, and increase the employability of their students.
“What that means in practice is change for the sector, but exciting change. Jisc is in a good position to help with this challenge and that’s why we’ve dedicated the Jisc DigiFest to celebrating technology innovation in the education, skills and research sector; encouraging collaboration between providers and offering advice and guidance on incorporating digital technology in institutions.”
To celebrate the UK’s position at the forefront of education technology, during the event 3D technologies and augmented reality for teaching and learning will be showcased and current practice, trends and challenges in the strategic use of technology-enhanced learning will be debated.
By bringing together people working across digital technology in UK education, research, skills and enterprise, alongside leading experts and suppliers, the Jisc Digital Festival offers a platform to share best practice and knowledge, in order to help the UK retain its position as the world’s most digitally advanced education and research nation.
Jisc Digital Festival takes place 9-10 March 2015. To find out how you can gain your free ticket to attend Jisc’s digital festival visit www.jisc.ac.uk/digifest