Higher and further educational institutions are increasingly seeking innovative modern workplace solutions to skyrocket efficiency levels and support overall digital objectives. To this end, IT leaders are challenged to juggle the ever-evolving needs of varied stakeholder groups, whilst delivering more and more sophisticated technologies to students, faculties, schools and staff.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at four key areas in which modern workplace solutions are being deployed to underpin the delivery of the smart campuses of the future – and what IT leaders should be doing about it right now.

The modern workplace: transforming Higher and Further Education

It’s essential to leverage the latest leading-edge technologies in order to plan, deploy and maintain IT solutions that support and promote the overall goals of your university or college. Key focus areas include:

1. Educational technology (EdTech): While not entirely new, there’s been leaps and bounds in its advancement, propelled by necessity during and beyond the pandemic. These technological strides continue to play a crucial role in sculpting the landscape of teaching and education. They enable high-quality remote and hybrid teaching through innovative solutions such as virtual classrooms and adaptive learning platforms. However, the impact of EdTech goes beyond just the education sector. It’s also been instrumental in driving modern workplace solutions, such as mobile device management (MDM). These powerful technologies have been pivotal in transforming how institutions manage and interact with their digital environments. 

2. Optimised collaboration and communication: In the modern educational landscape, IT solutions serve as the backbone for interaction and collaboration with tools that enable the seamless blend of traditional and digital learning. With these tools, communication between faculty, teaching staff, students and other stakeholders has reached new heights. Video conferencing, instant messaging and project management tools have become second nature, accessible at our fingertips, no matter the device or location. This evolution in educational technology empowers students with the flexibility of blended learning, offering them the opportunity to learn anytime, anywhere, whether on or off campus.

3. Augmented security: The rising utilisation of digital tools and platforms is accelerating efficiency and enhancing user experiences. This increased digital dependency also emphasises the need for fortified security measures to counter cyber threats and ensure regulatory compliance. This is where the value of advanced technology such as mobile device management (MDM) comes into play. It not only strengthens the security posture but also diminishes risks by providing improved control over digital environments. Furthermore, it enhances the safeguarding measures for students, ensuring a safe virtual space for learning. With the robust, enterprise-grade security that technologies like MDM offer, colleges and universities can confidently secure their sensitive and confidential data, reinforcing their commitment to privacy and safety.

4. Cloud transition: The trend of migrating to cloud-based infrastructures is on the rise in colleges and universities. This shift is driven by an array of benefits, including streamlined system management and unified operational efficiency. One of the cornerstones of this transformation is the incorporation of cloud-based MDM software like Jamf or InTune. These tools enable seamless device administration across the campus, significantly improving the educational experience for students, faculty and staff. Beyond availability, scalability, and security, the cloud also offers a profound benefit in terms of personalised learning. Students and staff can customise their digital experiences and faculty can tailor their teaching resources and methodologies, creating a more engaged and effective learning environment.

The challenges of shifting from ‘where you are now’ to ‘where you want to be’

It’s clear the role of IT teams in education is integral to shaping the future of education. And there’s no shortage of ways and means to harness modern workplace solutions to bring your objectives to life.

But there’s a catch… While the benefits are immeasurable, that doesn’t mean procurement and implementation are a walk in the park, considering you’re likely navigating the complexities of elements such as:

• Identifying best needs-based fits of cloud service providers and their offerings
• Integrating existing and new technologies with minimal interruption of service
• Enabling unprecedented accessibility and flexibility whilst ensuring maximum security across multiple edge user locations and devices

It’s a potential minefield that sometimes results in a ‘make do’ mentality, due to lack of resources, know-how and concerns about continuity. Unsurprisingly, college and university teams are reaching out for expert outsourced help, to optimise modern workplace technologies in alignment with unique needs and objectives.

At Academia, we’re proud to support 76% of universities with their IT strategy. As sector experts, you can rely on us for services tailored to the needs of your institution, from cyber security and device management solutions, to complete lifecycle management and ongoing maintenance. Ultimately, IT teams are freed up to deliver initiatives, whilst we take the headaches out of integrating, up-keeping and securing your modern workplace environment.

If this resonates, get in touch for an initial non-obligatory remote or face to face meeting to discuss your immediate concerns or take a read of our modern workplace eBook.