Revamping Student Services Technology for the Post-Pandemic World

As educational institutions recover from the after-effects of the pandemic, digital technologies will play a crucial role in ensuring a seamless transition to sustainable learning.

Fremont, CA: When the pandemic hit, the educational sector was undoubtedly one of the worst affected, with educators as well as students struggling to maintain continuity. Over time, however, with the help of edtech solutions and service providers, educational institutions revamped their learning delivery approaches and gradually pivoted to a 'new normal.'

Today, instead of physically attending classes—which is inadvisable with the rising cases of COVID-19—students are connecting with their educators remotely. They are leveraging online communication software to retain the classroom experience as much as possible. Many universities are also promoting online tests so that students don’t have to leave the comfort and safety of their homes.

Will this continue even after the pandemic? Although many view the ‘digital transition’ favorably, there are many educational institutions that are hesitant to let go of the traditional approaches of education. A more feasible option would be to meet in the middle; that is, to marry the best of both the digital and traditional approaches of teaching and learning. This will not only fill the gaps that were long unaddressed until now but will also allow institutions to expand their capabilities when attracting, retaining, and nurturing students in the post-pandemic world.

However, digitalization should not be limited just to academics, as is the case today with most institutions today. Even now, it is quite evident that student expectations have changed, and inevitably, they will expect seamless, digitalized delivery in student services as well. As we enter 2022, it will become crucial for educational institutions to revamp their digital and online services for student support and facilitate digital access to the offices of tutoring, advising, bursar, library, registrar, diversity, access, disability, and so on.

Since institutions already provide virtual orientations and advisory meetings at the beginning of the academic terms, they can extend these services throughout the year, enabling students to connect more seamlessly with their educators and advisors remotely. The institutions can also conduct a series of online sessions to offer expert advice and guidance on the most prevalent issues and ensure greater student retention.

Thus, by bringing a greater level of digitalization into the educational fold, institutions can significantly increase the opportunities for students to succeed in their academic and career pursuits while also providing them with tools to bolster their connections across the campus community.