How is Advanced Tech Addressing University Challenges & Seizing Opportunities?
The Future of Higher Education starts with Technology
In today's fiercely competitive educational landscape, universities face a myriad of challenges in their quest to attract, engage, and retain students — not to mention donors! From standing out among a sea of options to building a legacy for future generations, universities need to stay ahead of the curve and adopt innovative strategies to stay relevant.
At Intergalactic, we have been at the forefront of delivering these advanced tech solutions to our clients, including universities. We've seen first-hand how new technology can rejuvenate an academic institution. They can, for instance, transform the student and alumni campus experience, creating immersive, interactive learning environments. Furthermore, technology can have a profound impact on student engagement and performance, leading to an overall enhancement in reputation and academic foundation of the university. This not only helps to attract a diverse pool of international students but also draws in the attention of potential donors. Our experience is that when harnessed correctly, advanced tech becomes an indispensable tool for educational institutions.
Standing Out via Becoming an Experiential Campus
With a plethora of educational choices in the current landscape, universities must focus on differentiating themselves. Taking inspiration from retailers who transform their stores into experiential spaces to combat competing online shopping options, universities can embrace the concept of an experiential campus. Experiential solutions that offer an immersive experience, such as augmented reality (AR) for smartphones, can efficiently engage both current and prospective students, as well as other visitors, as they present information in a highly interactive way. Consider, for example, the use of a gamified navigation system that curates by displaying objects and information in real 3D space on users' smartphones. This approach to campus wayfinding can be used to spotlight historic or noteworthy points-of-interest, allowing for a vastly more memorable campus experience.
Beyond student engagement, there's an escalating need to reconnect with university alumni. Innovative AR installations on campus can offer a creative way to commemorate alumni and donors. Imagine walking around the campus, encountering a plaque that shows a QR code that, once scanned, reveals an interactive AR artwork, which also provides information, such as contributing donors. Or envision an augmented reality space devoted to a specific alumni class, where they can leave an imprint in 3D that they can revisit in the future. Not only do such initiatives help with campus engagement, but they also contribute to a lasting legacy in the digital age, without cluttering campus space. Intergalactic's expertise in Augmented Reality installations, proven by our success with our delivery of Montreal Mural Festival's Urban ARt app, equips us to deliver on such innovative solutions.
UBC Alumni Wall
Embracing Technological Advancements
To enhance their reputation as forward-thinking institutions, universities must embrace integrating new technology into their campuses. The addition of interactive digital walls, like the one Intergalactic developed for the UBC Alumni Centre, and display kiosks not only showcase important information but also assist in narrating the rich tapestry of the university's history. These immersive tools serve as a testament to the university's commitment to innovation, attracting prospective students who seek an institution that is attuned to the demands of an increasingly digital and technologically advancing era.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a powerful new technology that universities can leverage to separate themselves from the competition. While AI writing tools have received attention for disrupting academic evaluations on students, the use of AI tools as a means for supporting student engagement holds immense potential. For instance, AI-based chatbots can offer instant responses to student queries, both online and on campus, significantly improving the student experience. Also, real-time assessments on AI chat platforms can monitor student progress and deepen understanding of coursework. By effectively harnessing AI, universities can position themselves as innovators, leading the way among their peers and using this technology to drive student success.
Attracting International Students and Donors
Universities striving to recruit international students can leverage Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) solutions. One growing trend across various sectors, and a field in which Intergalactic has expertise, is the use of digital twins - the virtual counterparts of physical locations. Universities can establish digital versions of their campuses, granting global audiences, especially prospective international students, the ability to tour university grounds and facilities from the comfort of their homes. A successful example of digital twin in action is Intergalactic's project for FoundryBC, where we engineered virtual versions of Foundry Youth Centres throughout British Columbia, thereby facilitating remote counselling and education in a secure online environment. Digital twinning can effectively showcase the university's offerings, helping the decision-making process for prospective students. Simultaneously, this technology offers donors a virtual and interactive glimpse into the university's initiatives and impact, thus encouraging their support.
Building a Legacy with Advanced Tech
In the intensifying competition of the education sector, advanced technologies provide the ideal solution to universities faced with the complex task of enhancing student (and donor) engagement, strengthening their reputation, and preserving their legacy. By adopting experiential campus concepts, such as gamified wayfinding experiences, and attracting global students and donors through immersive experiences, leveraging technologies such as AR and digital twins, universities can effectively improve engagement both on-campus and globally, thus addressing these challenges more efficiently. As experts in custom advanced tech solutions with proven experience in this sector, Intergalactic can help universities every step of the way to not only stay relevant but also establish themselves as a global pioneer leading the future of higher education.
In our upcoming live webinar we will discuss these topics with decision-makers from the University of British Columbia. This includes a conversation about how the UBC Alumni Centre has successfully leveraged advanced technology. We will also hear their recommendations for other universities planning to embark on similar strategic transformation projects. Contact our Global Innovation Director, Sarah Ennis, to be included in this interactive live webinar: sarah@intergalactic.com.