As we move deeper into the Digital Transformation Age, Maryville created a new position to lead the University through the great change and disruption that comes from these kinds of advancements. Feng Hou, chief digital transformation evangelist, in working with Maryville’s Digital Transformation Team, has developed a comprehensive digital transformation plan that is helping Maryville achieve its strategic goals.
What is digital transformation?
At its simplest level, digital transformation means transforming an organization’s core business processes to better meet customer needs by leveraging technology and data. In education, that target customer is often students, though it could also be faculty, staff, alumni and others. Digital transformation is a journey; it’s not a list of things we can do so we can claim mission accomplished. Rather, it’s about how we think, how we behave, what we value and what drives decisions at Maryville. In other words, it is about applying the culture, practices, processes and digital technologies to respond to our students’ expectations in today’s digital world.
Why does digital transformation matter?
We’re in the midst of a Fourth Industrial Revolution in which disruptive technologies and trends have emerged that are reshaping the fabric of the modern world. These core technologies — including virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, deep learning, machine learning and facial recognition — will remake society including health care, commerce, social relationships, politics and, of course, education. With new technologies advancing almost by the minute, we must act now if we are to survive and thrive.
What digital transformation projects is Maryville working on right now?
Maryville has three projects as part of its digital transformation roadmap, with the ultimate goal to transform the student experience. We are calling these three projects our lighthouse projects, because they are model projects that aim, in addition to their original purposes, to have significant inspiration and guidance for numerous follow-up projects. The first project is the implementation of a digital employee, which uses virtual and augmented reality to provide a variety of student services. This digital employee will be especially beneficial for our online students.
The second project is the creation of a digital student ID that will replace physical student ID cards and keys. This digital ID will be installed on a smartphone or mobile device and be used for residence hall access, on-campus dining, purchases made at The M Store and more.
The third project is incorporating blockchain technology into University operations to increase efficiency and save costs. Blockchain technology, which fuels Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency, works like a chain of digital “blocks” that contain records of transactions. Each such block is connected to those before and behind it, making it difficult for a hacker to tamper with.
Can you tell us more about Maryville’s new digital diploma program?
Maryville is one of the first universities in the country to issue digital diplomas using blockchain technology. Currently, Maryville students are given the option to receive their diploma digitally in addition to the printed copy sent via mail. In the future, students will receive other digital academic credentials, too, including digital transcripts and digital badging to include detailed descriptions of skills learned. They can receive, manage, search and verify their credentials on their smartphones and mobile devices. Simply put, their credentials are always at their fingertips, and ready for them to send and share when needed — without having to get original copies from the registrar every time a new opportunity arises. Students can send their digital credentials via email or text message, or paste a link into their resume or LinkedIn profile for easy verification. All digital credentials are available free of charge.
How does Maryville compare to other universities when it comes to digital transformation?
Maryville is one of the most innovative universities in the country. Our digital transformation projects are leading a revolution in student learning that expand access and opportunities for all. Digital transformation is not only changing the way our students learn, it’s changing the type of curriculum we offer. This semester, we introduced a blockchain course as part of our graduate-level data science program. This class is the first of its kind in the country, and the beginning of many opportunities unleashed by digital transformation.
Additionally, one of my goals is to foster collaboration between academic institutions, policymakers, vendors and other education stakeholders. I lead the Hyperledger Education Architecture Special Interest Group through the Linux Foundation, which is exploring and showcasing key educational uses of blockchain. Many universities across the U.S. are slow to adapt and evolve, but these institutions must adopt new technologies like blockchain to successfully educate students in this modern world or their doors will close.