Jisc, a prominent UK organization dedicated to advancing technology in education and research, has partnered with the Portulans Institute, a Washington DC-based non-profit research and educational institution, to delve into the diverse online learning experiences of international students in higher education. This research is particularly relevant to A Student Who Might Find Digital Learning Challenging, as it highlights the significant impact of a student’s home country’s digital infrastructure on their ability to adapt to online learning in a new environment.
Understanding Digital Readiness and the International Student Experience
The briefing paper, “Digital country profiles: International students’ digital experiences in relation to their home country’s civil digital infrastructure,” examines the technological landscapes of Nigeria, India, Pakistan, and China, offering valuable insights into the digital preparedness of students from these nations. For a student who might find digital learning challenging, understanding this context is crucial. The research leverages two key data sources: the Network Readiness Index (NRI) published by the Portulans Institute and Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and student feedback gathered by Jisc.
Jisc’s broader research on international students already underscores the potential for cultural and digital shock, emphasizing the importance of recognizing students’ prior digital experiences to effectively support their transition into the UK’s educational system. This is particularly true for a student who might find digital learning challenging, as a lack of familiarity with certain technologies or digital learning environments can create significant barriers to academic success.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Addressing Challenges Faced by International Students
Elizabeth Newall, a senior specialist in digital transformation at Jisc, highlights the crucial role of digital technology in the student journey. She notes that understanding international students’ digital experiences is paramount to understanding their overall learning experience. “Students might find it challenging to adjust to the expectations of using technology for learning in UK higher education,” she explains. This challenge is amplified for a student who might find digital learning challenging due to limited prior experience or access to technology.
Newall further points out that access to reliable Wi-Fi is not a global standard, and some students may struggle with connectivity, resorting to costly mobile data for accessing online resources. For a student who might find digital learning challenging, the added financial burden of purchasing mobile data can further exacerbate their difficulties. She advocates for UK institutions to clearly communicate resources like eduroam, which provides free Wi-Fi access, ensuring equitable digital experiences for all students.
Creating a Global Standard for Digital Learning: Supporting Student Success
Soumitra Dutta, president of the Portulans Institute and dean of Saïd Business School, emphasizes the NRI’s role as a comprehensive measure of digital readiness, informing data-driven policy decisions regarding technology and digital transformation. This data is invaluable for understanding the challenges faced by a student who might find digital learning challenging.
Dutta highlights the collaboration’s aim to foster a safe, inclusive, and trustworthy digital environment where all students can thrive. This is especially important for a student who might find digital learning challenging, as a supportive and accessible digital environment can be the key to unlocking their academic potential. The report is part of a series aimed at improving support for international students navigating the digital landscape of UK higher education. This ongoing research will continue to provide valuable insights into how best to support a student who might find digital learning challenging.
