Keith Hampson’s Higher Education Management Group blog has an interview with Lloyd Armstrong, the Provost of the University of Southern California, on change in universities.
Armstrong’s comments are what I should have written in response to the Tapscott and William’s article.
This interview indicates clearly why Clayton Christensen’s theory of disruptive change is not working in the university sector. I was particularly interested in Armstrong’s view that what will bring about change is the acceptance of learning outcomes as a way to measure the quality of institutions.
If we believe, as I do, universities must change, and technology is a key component, we need to focus on the ability of technology to deliver more cost-effectively better learning outcomes than the face-to-face classroom model, rather than focusing on the power of technology itself to change the system. This means tying technology to learning and teaching design. I know – YOU know that, but many don’t.
Dr. Tony Bates is the author of eleven books in the field of online learning and distance education. He has provided consulting services specializing in training in the planning and management of online learning and distance education, working with over 40 organizations in 25 countries. Tony is a Research Associate with Contact North | Contact Nord, Ontario’s Distance Education & Training Network.
