According to technology experts, digital transformation is inevitable. Any institution that lags behind in transforming itself digitally will find itself sidelined. In fact, digital transformation is no longer simply a trend or an option. Instead, it has become the most effective way for institutions to secure a foothold in the global marketplace – and higher education institutions are no exception. But, what should higher education institutions do in order to keep up with the quickly developing digital world?
To offer a clear perspective on digital transformation in higher education institutions, and on its increasing importance due to COVID-19, Naseej Academy organized a webinar titled “Digital Transformation in Higher Education Institutions", held on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., Makkah local time (GMT+3).
Moderated by Eng. Usamah Al-Baik, Naseej’s Customer Experience Manager – Education Department, the webinar addressed several key digital transformation-related topics. Further, it identified opportunities for higher education institutions to capitalize on emerging digital technologies (such as cloud computing, augmented reality, the Internet of Things, robotics, 3D printing, drones and blockchain) and to embark on a digital transformation journey that will enhance their agile and dynamic technologies and improve their students’ experience.
In addition, the webinar elaborated on the key information technology (IT) issues in 2021 from the point of view of Educause, a US-based non-profit association whose mission is to advance higher education through the use of IT. The moderator also stressed that digital transformation should not be thought of as a one-shot activity; rather, it must be an integral part of an institution’s strategy.
Webinar key themes:
- The importance of digital transformation in higher education in overcoming challenges and fulfilling expectations
- Digital transformation and emerging technologies
- Digital transformation factors and framework
- Information security during digital transformation and governance-related issues
- Fair access to, and optimal use of, technology by students and staff
The webinar concluded with an introduction to the MEDA Education Cloud Platform, a practical approach for implementing a digital transformation strategy. The initiative, developed by Naseej, is intended to support digital transformation in higher education institutions. The moderator of the webinar, Eng. Usamah Al-Baik, described the platform as providing “universities and education institutions with the basic systems they need, managed with the highest security to ensure cyber security for hosting institutions”.
The topic of digital transformation generated a number of queries from the audience, which featured an elite cohort of academics, IT managers of higher education institutions, and vice-deans of academic services from several countries. The participants all expressed an interest in the theme of digital transformation and in obtaining further information.
About Eng. Usamah Al-Baik
Eng. Usamah Al-Baik has more than 25 years’ experience in information technology and higher education software solutions. Over this period, he has held several positions, including as professional services and development manager in companies specialized in education technologies, business solutions and applications. He worked as a library systems consultant at King Fahd National Library. Mr. Al-Baik is well-versed in the adoption of digital transformation strategies in higher education institutions, including the application of emerging technologies such as cloud solutions, artificial intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Things, virtual reality and augmented reality.
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Naseej Academy is a not-for-profit initiative that serves as a platform for raising awareness of relevant challenges and technology advances in relation to digital transformation in the education and knowledge sectors in the Arab world through awareness activities and career development programs as part of Naseej’s commitment to supporting the knowledge community throughout the region.
Naseej Academy organized a webinar titled “Digital Transformation in Higher Education Institutions", held on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., Makkah local time (GMT+3).
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