25 Predictions for the University of the Future

July 29th, 2009

By Emily Thomas

Along with the rest of the world, the landscape of higher education is changing rapidly. Open source courses, new technology systems, digital collections in libraries, and social media are influencing how we receive and process our information. Students and faculty members communicate via different platforms than they used to, and an increasingly globalized society contributes to more competition and more access to valuable learning resources. Here are 25 predictions for how the university of the future will operate.

Technology and Innovation

Technology is one of the largest factors instigating the evolution of universities and higher education. Learn how by checking out this list.

1. There will be more of an emphasis on distance learning: Going to college online has become a more accepted and desirable alternative to traditional higher education, and as distinguished universities like University of Massachusetts and Notre Dame offer online education options, others will continue to follow.
2. Traditional universities will be compelled to pursue open networks: Open education is so far a useful supplement to formal learning, but as students become used to finding courses and learning resources online for free, organized universities will need to offer some sort of online space for open collaboration, at the very least.
3. Technology innovation will be a priority: Technology will be one of the main driving forces behind the universities of the future, and all colleges will need to make technology innovation a priority in the classroom, libraries, career guidance offices, dorm rooms, social programs, and beyond.
4. Students will take a mix of online classes and on-campus courses: In an effort to find affordable education, students may opt for more flexible, personalized education plans instead of the four-year track that requires them to live on campus. They may take courses in a classroom one semester, and then enroll in online courses the next. Eventually, more campus-based universities may offer full programs that can be completed by taking online courses and classroom courses.
5. Focus will be on career-applicable skills and experiential learning: While many prominent universities continue to uphold the tradition of a liberal arts, humanities-based education, there will most likely be a general shift over towards major-focused study that encourages students to practice skills in labs and other environments that simulate the real world.
6. More collaboration: Though some students may start choosing distance education or web-based communication over the campus lifestyle, there will be more collaboration — mostly through technology — among students around the world and at different universities who are driven to solve problems in the real world before they even graduate. Faculty members, lecturers, researchers and other experts will also be able to communicate with each other more easily via the Internet and technology solutions.
7. Open communication between students and teachers: Through social networks like Twitter and Facebook, students and faculty members are able to communicate on a range of subjects without having to honor the restrictions of traditional office hours. This constant discussion will only grow in the future.
8. Increased interaction on campus: In order to keep up with the digital, animated-oriented learning styles of students who have grown up with the Internet, campuses will have to promote a more interactive, engaging learning environment.
9. Libraries will continue to become more tech-focused: Many college libraries and research libraries have set forth innovative technology systems, digital collections and pledges to modernize the way students and faculty receive information. New web-based tools, open source technology and data systems will continue to take over.
10. Learning resources will shift online: In the future, students may not have to pay hundreds of dollars per text book. There are already open source texts, and faculty members may be able to create their own online learning resources and collections to which they can direct students.
11. There will be an increase in the variety of educational resources and materials: Open courseware and private learning resources are already available through iTunes and school websites, and as technology continues to advance, so will the media used to stream education.
12. There will be an even greater focus on research universities: As technology is used to combat all kinds of social, economic, and environmental crises, there will be an even greater pressure put on funding and supporting research universities. This push will create new jobs and allow students and faculty members more opportunity for hands-on learning.
13. Faculty members in all fields will need to become "techies": In order to keep up with their students and the demands of a technologically advanced, globally connected higher education system, faculty members will need to be able to create their own websites, use social media, find online resources for teaching, and collaborate with other educators through technology.

Student Body and Enrollment

University enrollment will change due to increases in minority students and other factors.

14. More students in school: Because the Internet and technology systems have made it easier for students to pay for college and access higher education learning resources, more students will be able to receive a university education.
15. More minority students will enroll in college: Just as there will be an increase in enrollment due to more accessible education resources, there will be an increase in the number of minority students who are able to go to college.
16. More independent student body: The importance of collaboration will continue to grow, but as web-based learning opportunities and tools open up, students will be less dependent on the campus community for education and career training.
17. Student projects will be acknowledged and encouraged: Just as research programs are pushed, students may be able to have more time and support to pursue their own projects, fueling innovation in all business, technical, professional and creative industries.

Global and Economic Issues

Find out how the new global economy will impact the university of the future.

18. Increase in global networks and contacts: Because students have more access to faculty members, learning materials and other students on the web and through education networks, students will graduate with an impressive global network of partners and contacts.
19. Increased global competition: As colleges and the business world open up to share information and resources, there will also be more competition for jobs, awards, scholarships and even access to the most prestigious opportunities. Globally, students will reap the benefits of having more contacts and access, but they will also be driven to compete against an even greater student-populated marketplace., especially as countries that do not typically compete with the U.S. will be able to do so once they have access to open and distance education resources.
20. More academic programs for skilled professions: As more young people go to college and earn higher degrees, there will be a shortage of skilled workers and laborers. Universities of the future may have to offer more vocational programs.
21. Universities will have a more global perspective: Universities will have to become more aware of their significance in an increasingly globalized society. They will have to prepare students to compete with students from other countries, think with a global perspective, work in a diverse cultural environment, and also continue to contribute to global education projects and ideas.

Sustainability

Environmental concerns will also change the ways in which universities operate. Here’s an outline of what we can expect for the future of sustainable campuses.

22. More green majors: To keep up with the demand for environmental projects and plans for the future, universities will have to design curricula and major programs for students wanting to enter green-minded fields in architecture and building, social projects, science, and more.
23. Green campuses: College campuses will continue to monitor their carbon footprint and impact on the environment. Newer campuses and renovation projects will favor environmentally friendly plans for energy consumption, waste management, and more.
24. Green-oriented common curriculum: Many colleges and universities require students to take basic courses within a common curriculum, ensuring that they receive a well-rounded education and the practical and theoretical principles that rule our world. In the future, a "green" category may enter the curriculum, requiring student to take classes in sustainability, green design, environmental sciences or green innovation.
25. Shift to focus on local community: As campuses take on a more active role in terms of energy conservation, ecological protection, recycling and other environmental issues, students and college communities may feel more inclined to connect with their local communities for the sake of sustainability.

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