Lessons to be learned (ICT and e-learning)

2.4 Lessons to be learned (ICT and e-learning)

As was mentioned before, ICSQC focuses on students’ empowerment through educational programmes. Therefore, it is important to discuss educational revolution in higher institutions caused by the introduction of advanced information and communication technologies (ICT) into education systems (Bouwman et al. 2005). Nowadays the majority of universities all over the world offer blended learning, which combines e-learning and classroom learning. It is considered to be the best way to improve the quality of education and to address diverse student needs. For instance, Kingston University has adopted this innovative learning method by introducing online learning tool known as StudySpace and distance learning (Kingston University, 2012). StudySpace as a virtual blackboard has become very popular amongst Kingston University students, as it allows them to reach information and to study any time they want. It is beneficial to especially foreign students who can study and obtain updated material during the holidays back in their home countries. Due to this reason, during the 17^th International Convention lecturers, staff members and students of Kingston University could share their experience of e-learning and how it has met their individual needs. Lecturers could represent guest speakers and talk about technology-enhanced teaching and students could prepare presentations based on their e-learning knowledge. The most important lesson that should be learned here is that the educational environment could be built virtually, rather than only physically, in order to reduce cost and expand access to education.

3.1 The New Business School building

In order to provide the latest technology for this convention it is necessary to have appropriate equipment and a suitable place to hold an event. Fortunately, a new teaching building worth £26 million was opened in Kingston Hill Campus this year (Kingston University, 2012). The new Business School was built using latest green technologies in order to reduce environmental impacts and carbon energy use. The main focus was to provide improved learning spaces, informal areas for learning and modern teaching. The latter includes visualisers (digital visual presenters) that are embedded in all teaching rooms joined together with interactive whiteboards (starboards). These technological tools allow lecturers to share a much wider range of information by displaying notes, carrying on an activity and showing its process on the large screen to everyone in the class. Moreover, all these notes can be recorded and posted on a server or web to present to students who were absent or for those who need a revision. Thus, this kind of modern educational environment could be beneficial for encouraging and enhancing digital learning to foreign students who cannot afford studying in higher institutions abroad. As well it would accelerate adaptation of technological tools in learning environment all over the world, in other words, education would be available to much more people.

3.2 Video conferencing

Widespread availability of this conference is one of the main concerns as it is planned to make it accessible not only to those who can afford expensive travelling but to everyone. In this instance, the 17^th International Convention should be held as a physical and virtual event to spread the word globally. Therefore, one of the solutions to overcome virtual challenges could be telepresence, as it is the best way to communicate with the people as if they were in the same room. Video conferencing now offers stereo audio and advanced HD video systems which allow truly interactive communication. For example, LifeSize Connections™ is the first company launched cloud-based video conferencing platform that offers a full video solution with no infrastructure hardware requirements (LifeSize Communications, 2011). Moreover, LifeSize offers multiparty calling with up to 48 participants on a single call in 1080p at a lowest price in industry. This means that there is a possibility to hold an international conference virtually with over 40 participants and feel like everybody is sat in the same room. Adaptation of this technology may reduce travel expenses, encourage digital learning and improve participants’ productivity. In general, with the increasing demand for video conferencing and communication technology, we can expect IT systems managers to provide improved video communication that allows talking with multiple people in multiple places by 2014.

3.3 Cloud computing

As discussed before, the 17^th International Convention should take place not only in a single physical location but also on a virtual platform. However, the organisation of the virtual event might face such issues as necessity of buying expensive hardware for video conferencing or investment in servers or software licensing. Thus, it is worth considering holding the virtual event with the support of cloud computing based companies which does not require additional equipment for video conferencing.

3.4.1 Social Networking

In order to take full advantage of this convention, it is considered to use technology, organisations and students as resources which should be brought together. Probably the most efficient and easiest way to group convention’s participants is to create a specific community online where the ideas, thoughts and news could be shared. According to statistics, “social networking sites now reached 82 percent of the world’s online population, representing 1.2 billion users around the world”(comScore Data Mine, 2012). Thus, social networks like Facebook or Twitter could be used as main social media tools in the 17^th International Convention to represent not only their utility in higher education, but also to spread the word globally. The purpose of this ICSQC is to make it available to as many people as possible, thus by creating a group on a Facebook page, it would be possible to make foreign students and teachers aware about this project and discuss its idea. In this instance, participants and interested parties would be always updated with the latest news of the convention and would be able to discuss and comment decisions made in the meetings.

3.4.2 Facebook

Use of social networks could be beneficial not only for promotional activities of ICSQC but also for higher education in terms of student empowerment. It is known that about 60% of students use social networks in order to discuss educational matters such as homework, teachers or access to learning material. In this case, it is worth mentioning SQC Kingston Hawks who created Facebook group called Kingston University – Business Faculty Student Forum in order to improve effectiveness of course representatives. According to Business School students, this online group forum allows them to freely express their opinions towards educational system in the university and to be heard. This could be a great example of how to implement social networks in higher education for beneficial purposes.

3.4.3 YouTube

Technology recently became an integral part of every student’s life whether they are learning or just socialising with others. Thus, they are expecting technology-based stimulation and engagement from their teachers in the lectures as well. YouTube as one of the most visited websites in the world could contribute to our convention in terms of academic videos online. In 2009 YouTube EDU was launched in order to provide free education that now allows millions of people to watch free lectures from different universities including Yale, Harvard and many more (lifehacker, 2009). Students could be encouraged to support their learning by watching academic videos online as it helps to reinforce the material into the memory. Most of the students already adapted this non-traditional learning method, however during the convention it would be recommended to emphasize and hear students’ experience of this kind of educational technique.