Higher education CIOs are facing a challenging position according to a report by artificial intelligence provider Ocelot. They need to demonstrate how they support key performance indicators like enrollment and retention, but barriers such as lack of funding, siloed systems, and limited IT resources stand in their way.
With universities under pressure to prove their value to students amidst rising tuition costs and student loan debt concerns, creating an exceptional user experience has become crucial. This is where things can get tricky.
Wi–Fi Quality Is Crucial for Student Satisfaction
Mark McCormack, senior director of research and insights at EDUCAUSE, emphasizes the importance of high-quality internet access for a positive technology experience as revealed in a 2023 survey. Students believe that Wi-Fi is essential for enhancing their overall technology experience.
According to Kathe Pelletier, senior director of community programs at EDUCAUSE, students also expect a smooth, user-friendly interface similar to what they encounter as consumers. By incorporating best practices from journey mapping and user experience design, universities can improve the usability of their apps and tools.
For instance, the University of Arizona discovered through a digital experience mapping initiative that students faced inconsistencies and difficulties across different systems. This disjointed experience can be frustrating for students trying to navigate simple tasks.
While enhancing the digital experience is important, institutional constraints like limited resources can impact the approach taken. A small community college with fewer resources may opt for third-party apps instead of custom-designed solutions, unlike a larger research institution.
