In the first quarter of 2021, D2L conducted a global survey aimed at understanding some of the key themes that have emerged since the rapid shift to online learning in the higher education sector. Based on nearly 5,000 survey responses, including roughly 500 from Australia, the survey's finding informed the report 'Digital transformation in education'.

Campus Review spoke ro regional director of the A/NZ branch of D2L, Tony Maguire, about the report's main findings, as well an recommendations for the use of digital skills in the future. 

One of the most salient points of the report was that "a digital skills gap" existed, and teachers and academics cited this as the biggest hurdle they faced - trumping both resources and infrastructure. Indeed, many felt unsupported in developing their digital fluency. Improving the student experience was another key priority for respondents, with Maguire adding that "student experience is king". 

The D2L regional director also provides some useful advice about integrating and using digital technology in the higher education sector in the future, including ensuring the opinions of both students and academics are heard when new tech or platforms are introduced. Maguire concludes this wide-ranging and insightful interview with some sage advice he paraphrases from Professor Liz Johnson, DVC of education at Deakin University:

"Choose your tools carefully. Choose the ones that teachers are most familiar with and those that they and their students will use in their future jobs. And then embed them throughout your teaching."

In the first quarter of 2021, D2L conducted a global survey aimed at understanding some of the key themes that have emerged since the rapid shift to online learning in the higher education sector. Based on nearly 5,000 survey responses, including roughly 500 from Australia, the survey's finding informed the report <a href="https://www.d2l.com/en-apac/resources/assets/embracing-digital-transformation-in-education/">'Digital transformation in education'.</a>
Campus Review spoke ro regional director of the A/NZ branch of D2L, Tony Maguire, about the report's main findings, as well an recommendations for the use of digital skills in the future.&nbsp;
One of the most salient points of the report was that "a digital skills gap" existed, and teachers and academics cited this as the biggest hurdle they faced - trumping both resources and infrastructure. Indeed, many felt unsupported in developing their digital fluency. Improving the student experience was another key priority for respondents, with Maguire adding that "student experience is king".&nbsp;
The D2L regional director also provides some useful advice about integrating and using digital technology in the higher education sector in the future, including ensuring the opinions of both students and academics are heard when new tech or platforms are introduced. Maguire concludes this wide-ranging and insightful interview with some sage advice he paraphrases from Professor Liz Johnson, DVC of education at Deakin University:
"Choose your tools carefully. Choose the ones that teachers are most familiar with and those that they and their students will use in their future jobs. And then embed them throughout your teaching."

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