How Smart CIOs Drive Student-Centered Learning

The role of today’s CIO is drastically different from what it was in the past. They aren’t just “leading the IT team” and making sure everyone’s computer works. CIOs today must keep up with continually evolving technology to stay competitive. They strategically plan how their university can effectively cut costs yet still implement fresh new tools to keep students, faculty and the university community engaged.

Technology, programs and infrastructure supporting student-centered learning should be high on the priority list for most university chief information officers and administrators today.

“The term student-centered learning refers to a wide variety of educational programs, learning experiences, instructional approaches, and academic-support strategies that are intended to address the distinct learning needs, interests, aspirations, or cultural backgrounds of individual students and groups of students.”

Hidden curriculum (2014, August 26). In S. Abbott (Ed.), The glossary of education reform. Retrieved from http://edglossary.org/hidden-curriculum

Smart CIOs and administrators are passionate about successful student outcomes. And because of this, they recognize that one of the smartest ways to improve the learning experience for both students and faculty is to involve both in the initial discovery, planning, implementations and assessments of new programs and technology.

Here’s how smart CIOs and administrators are driving student-centered learning.

Smart CIOs… Move Away from Dated Technology

Many of the learning management systems still being used by universities today are off-the-shelf, static and utilitarian experiences. New education technology focuses on social learning and student-centered design. The interfaces and user experience are more aesthetically pleasing and easier to navigate. Student-centered technology focuses on building out experiences that mimic modern tools and social media that students are already using. Smart CIOs don’t have students conform to outdated technology. They introduce technology that conforms to students.

Smart CIOs… Keep Up with Social & Tech Trends

Even though they may not be active Facebook or Snapchat users, smart CIOs will sign up for the social media, productivity, gaming and other online platforms that are popular among students today. It’s important to get a sense of the user experience and functionality that continues to evolve. Maybe implementing a learning platform that incorporates features like vomiting rainbows, face swaps or puppy-faced filters isn’t realistic, but smart CIOs will explore these social networks to glean what technology is resonating with students today.

Smart CIOs…Engage Students and Faculty in Decision-Making Processes

Smart administrators talk to the actual end-users of technology. They set up focus groups, create advisory boards, survey current students and alumni, and do periodic user testing. Smart CIOs go beyond standard surveys. They talk to students, involve them in vendor evaluations and even take them to conferences. For example, when Notebowl was created, every aspect of its design was — and continues to be — centered around the student. Students were involved at the very beginning of the product design and all the way through the end and beyond.

When it comes to driving innovation and transformation at the university-level, the chief information officer is also the “chief change agent.” It’s no easy feat. Fostering a student-centered learning environment, keeping up with advancements in technology, understanding how a new generation of students communicate and learn, and making a case for change doesn’t happen in a silo. It takes a community. And it takes a strong (and sometimes brave) technology leader to drive the mission and inspire others to focus on the most important aspect: students.