2021 Top IT Trends to Watch out for in the Higher Education Landscape!
2020 was a year like no other! The Covid-19 pandemic impacted the world in unimaginable ways and posed unforeseen challenges in all industries and sectors, and higher education was no exception.
We don’t think anyone can challenge the fact that the academic year 2020-21 will go down as one of the most operationally challenging, anxiety-creating, and most expensive years in the history of US higher education. But as we put all the trauma of the pandemic behind and pave our way into the ‘new normal’, there are new challenges that need to be addressed with urgency in order to support an institution’s vision, culture and business model.
There’s a need for flexible and agile solutions that ensure equality and quality education for all. This will ensure that they don’t fall behind in their educational pathway.
Apart from providing on-campus facilities, there’s a need to provide smarter solution for after-hours IT support for higher education.
Colleges and universities should embrace innovations and ride on the wave of digital transformation. Let’s discuss some of such needs/trends in detail below:
- Affordability, Digital Equity, and Use of Technology
One of the primary shifts that can be foreseen is the breakaway from the traditional models of teaching. A chatbot is a perfect example of a hands-off, future-proof technology that can support students and staff, especially when considering providing 24X7 IT support for higher education.
- IT Help Desk Support for Higher Education
In the Higher Education industry, the role of consistent, high-quality IT help desk support cannot be more relevant than the present times! Students are expecting remote support to be instantly delivered via phone, email, live chat, chatbot, or other self-service options for their unique needs. Faculty expects IT help desk services to make their job easier.
Hence, with the primary objective of doing more with less, setting up the right IT help desk for higher education can prove to be highly effective in reducing costs, increasing productivity, and providing an enhanced experience to students.
Blackbelthelp is one such Higher education IT support provider which helps institutions in maintaining a consistent and comprehensive service delivery. It not only creates a 24×7 or after-hours IT support ecosystem at the institution but also delivers a seamless and satisfactory end-user experience. It’s round-the-clock hi-tech IT, SIS, LMS support caters to the students’, faculty, and staff’s unique needs.
- Information Security
With the world going digital rapidly, it’s hard to ignore the importance of cybersecurity. And since universities are a treasure trove of sensitive information, it’s important to have the right measures in place to protect sensitive information. Things like student payment data, research, and so on can’t be risked to a cyber thief. By taking a few key steps to ensure security, universities can better protect their students, faculty, and reputations.
With all this in mind, we should move forward and adapt to the changing times by implementing what’s best for the future. As it is only through providing a seamless support to common challenges for online learning, institutions can win this race of improving learning outcomes and enhancing student satisfaction!
Anthony Banford is an esteemed executive with 19 years of experience in technology, consulting, and education. He begins his latest chapter as Chief Revenue Officer at BlackBeltHelp, aiming to innovate in the higher education support industry. His move follows a successful stint as Head of Revenue at StudentBridge since March 2023, where he significantly contributed to the company’s merger with Full Measure Education, enhancing its service offerings.
Todd Hollrah joins BlackBeltHelp bringing 25+ years of experience managing service delivery operations for several Fortune 500 clients around the globe. After a distinguished career as an executive in the BPO industry, Todd will provide critical insight into building an exceptional customer experience combining both live voice and automated solutions.
Inspired by a family computer that always needed fixing, Chris Uthe has submerged himself in business and technology for the last 20 years. His first company, a PC repair and networking business, was started at just 16 and successfully fueled a deep interest in solving problems as he helped business customers throughout his hometown adopt technology into their business. He would go on to successfully run a media & managed IT company before joining the Ed Tech industry with a successful 13-year tenure within an ERP/SIS company leading the Student Portal & Learning Management division. His last startup, EdSolio, helped to fuel the winds of competency-based education by providing a comprehensive view of a student’s work and achievements. Chris is now focused on creating successful learners by ensuring the highest quality help and support through the use of AI backed toolsets spending the last 3 years in the student engagement and support markets.
Quaiser Absar is the Chief Technology Officer and Director of Institutional Computing at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia.
Bringing in over 2 decades of experience with him, Manish has ensured seamless operations in terms of client delivery, reporting & analytics, quality, training, and transitions with a special focus on technical integrations to help reduce costs and improve the bottom-line.
Anthony has served higher education in diverse, leadership roles for over 30 years and has helped organizations thrive through his expertise in developing, analyzing, and executing growth strategies. Prior to joining BlackBeltHelp, he served in College Administration as well as in leadership roles within Blackboard Student Services and Ellucian, Inc.
Accomplished IT Specialist and Manager with extensive experience in a higher education setting and demonstrated abilities to effectively manage both student and professional staff. Self-motivated problem solver, who is skilled in managing many issues and prioritizing their importance to find resolutions in a timely and effective manner. Possesses strong abilities to adapt to new technologies by extrapolating from existing experience. Possess first-rate communication and collaboration skills to work with diverse groups effectively.
Lila Buytendorp has been serving as the Director of User Services at Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) since 2000. In this role she is responsible for staff & lab desktop computing and end user support. She guides and supports technology based on the curriculum needs and ensures technology is implemented to support the emerging needs of the college. She builds and supports integrated systems to improve efficiencies and uses technologies to support data-driven decision making. Lila is a member of the Capital Projects Planning and Design Committee to ensure new or remodeled facilities have appropriate technology.