DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A BLEND OF SOCIAL SCIENCE, MANAGEMENT, AND POLICY PERSPECTIVES.

Abstract

The digital transformation of higher education represents a profound paradigm shift, moving beyond the mere digitization of existing practices towards a fundamental redesign of the educational model. This evolution has a long history, beginning with correspondence courses and evolving through radio, television, and the internet, culminating in today's pervasive, integrated digital ecosystem. Driven by changing student expectations, global competition, and economic pressures, this transformation is enabled by a powerful trio of technologies: cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies facilitate new pedagogical models like blended, hybrid, and HyFlex learning; enable data-driven personalization through learning analytics; and unbundle the traditional degree into stackable micro-credentials. Simultaneously, digital scholarship (e-Research) is revolutionizing academic inquiry, while enterprise systems streamline administration. However, this transformation is not merely a technical process but a complex social, managerial, and political-economic phenomenon, fraught with challenges such as the digital divide, algorithmic bias, data privacy, and ethical concerns. Emerging frontiers like Generative AI, the metaverse, and blockchain credentialing promise further disruption, compelling universities to reimagine their core value proposition. The ultimate challenge lies in harnessing these technologies to amplify, rather than replace, the inherently human and social mission of the university—fostering critical thinking, community, and wisdom in a digitally saturated world.