Education Technology Society

Why the digital disruption of higher education might be a long time coming …

December 10, 2023 Neil Selwyn Season 1 Episode 7
Why the digital disruption of higher education might be a long time coming …
Education Technology Society
More Info
Education Technology Society
Why the digital disruption of higher education might be a long time coming …
Dec 10, 2023 Season 1 Episode 7
Neil Selwyn

Claire Murray (University of South Australia) talks about research looking at the claims made by EdTech companies and investors about the ‘digital disruption’ of universities.

She talks about how the EdTech sector is limited by its focus on the economic value of higher education and promises of enhanced efficiency, acceleration and scalability.

In contrast to promises of micro-credentials and nano-degrees, Claire’s work suggests that elite institutions, students and families continue to value the social and cultural capital that comes from the traditional mode of four year degrees and face-to-face tuition.

So, unlike ride-sharing, TV viewing and music listening, might higher education markets be structurally distinctive … and potentially resistant to disruptive innovation

Accompanying reference >>   ‘Universities and Unicorns’ project website

Show Notes

Claire Murray (University of South Australia) talks about research looking at the claims made by EdTech companies and investors about the ‘digital disruption’ of universities.

She talks about how the EdTech sector is limited by its focus on the economic value of higher education and promises of enhanced efficiency, acceleration and scalability.

In contrast to promises of micro-credentials and nano-degrees, Claire’s work suggests that elite institutions, students and families continue to value the social and cultural capital that comes from the traditional mode of four year degrees and face-to-face tuition.

So, unlike ride-sharing, TV viewing and music listening, might higher education markets be structurally distinctive … and potentially resistant to disruptive innovation

Accompanying reference >>   ‘Universities and Unicorns’ project website