Digital transformation in higher education: logical framework, practical dilemmas, and implementation approaches

Area of Science:

• Higher Education Studies
• Educational Technology
• Digital Transformation

Background:

• The digital age presents new challenges for talent cultivation in higher education.
• Digital transformation is crucial for addressing these challenges in educational institutions.
• Existing literature provides a conceptual basis for digital transformation in higher education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an integrated qualitative model for applying digital transformation in higher education teaching and learning.
• To explore a transformation framework for university faculty and students.
• To propose practical approaches for integrating digital transformation into educational practices.

Main Methods:

• Literature analysis to understand the conceptual basis of digital transformation in higher education.
• Qualitative, in-depth case studies from Harvard University, Tsinghua University, and the University of Melbourne.
• Development of a triple logical framework (value, technological, practical) and analysis of practical dilemmas and implementation approaches.

Main Results:

• A triple logical framework (value, technological, practical) for digital transformation.
• Identification of four practical dilemmas (psychological and objective challenges) for faculty and students.
• Outlined six implementation approaches covering teaching concepts, models, resources, scenarios, and evaluation systems.
• Suggested an illustrative digital SECI-based multimodal teaching model.

Conclusions:

• Digital transformation provides a framework for enhancing teaching and learning in higher education.
• Addressing psychological and objective challenges is key to successful digital transformation implementation.
• A multimodal teaching model can effectively integrate digital transformation into educational practices.