Preparing for the Demands of Digital Learning Environments in Higher Education

The digital revolution and rise in the use of both wireless networks and mobile computing devices promise a new paradigm in education, one in which students and faculty need anywhere, anytime access to the network; where learning can be more personalized and customized; where students are more engaged; where remote learning opportunities are optimized; and where collaboration among all stakeholders becomes much easier to achieve. However, many campus' IT infrastructures were not originally designed to handle the demands presented by digital learning. This leaves campuses trying to improve IT infrastructure to provide students with the digitally enhanced learning needed at a time when dollars are short. This paper shows how some campuses have solved this problem by following the steps of a Dell IT Simplification Assessment that helps ensure readiness for higher education institutions by finding economical, efficient ways to enhance and streamline existing technology infrastructure and processes. This assessment can provide a roadmap toward enhanced, digital learning opportunities for students.