The Olympics begin soon, and over a hundred countries will come together in London for a common cause – to win. In higher education today, there is a similar competition to win. A contest to secure a spot among your peers in a college ranking system or a race to win resources, such as faculty or funding. Yet, as the Olympics show, an international competition is not just about winning, it is about the importance of international solidarity. Solidarity is especially critical in the current higher education climate.
Universities from around the world have worked together to address important issues, identify creative solutions and take on a more global approach. NYU-Abu Dhabi is a prime example of a domestic institution’s international partnership to help educate citizens of another country and enhance the research and global experience of our own. There are also important examples of how international institutions have utilized social media, such as the UK’s Open University’s use of YouTube to deliver content freely. This is similar to the recent launch of Coursera, where top universities deliver education to students around the world through videos and interactive chats.
The use of technology and socia media allow institutions around the world to connect and engage in meaningful discourse on a larger scale than ever before. LinkedIn has been critical to this development. Groups like EDUCAUSE, NAFSA or the International Society for Technology in Education offer more meaningful and frequent interaction compared to traditional formats, like annual conferences.
These examples show how far our industry has come since the last summer Olympics. There are more formal and informal partnerships around the globe. Technology has been leveraged in very creative ways. But, there is still a lot of ground to cover. Because, rankings remain a top priority and a source of competition even among partners. Institutions vy for the same faculty, students (especially from abroad) and funding from outside the government.
I hope as higher education professionals watch the Olympics next week they remember the games are more than just a competition. They are an opportunity for the world to come together and celebrate the talent each country can bring to the table. That is an important lesson, and reminder, for us all.
by Shannon