Tec Rector: Universities to become multidiverse after covid

David Garza, rector and executive president of Tec de Monterrey, explained that universities will go through a series of innovations after the COVID-19 pandemic, including new hybrid learning models, the use of immersive technology, and new partnerships.

“The way I see it, universities are going to transition to multidiversity,” said Garza during the Triennial Conference of the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP).

“A key element will be that post-pandemic opportunities will definitely be driven by technology, learning analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and immersive technologies,” he said.

Tec de Monterrey participated in this conference held by the IAUP, an international association of university directors, at which rectors and leaders reflected on important changes in education.

From university to “multidiversity”

In the talk “Innovation/Technology during the pandemic and post-pandemic period”, Garza explained that universities will be transformed by incorporating new models, work schemes, and technologies.

As part of this transformation, the rector mentioned that teaching and learning will evolve to include not only face-to-face but also asynchronous and synchronous hybrid schemes.

“Nor will it be just 4 years of immersion; you’ll be able to start and finish courses at universities at different times under different models. This gives us the opportunity to reach new audiences, not just traditional students,” he added.

Similarly, he also mentioned that education will focus not only on academic areas, but also on other topics such as integrated wellbeing.

In addition, he explained that there will be increased collaboration between universities and faculties in other parts of the world, as well as partnerships with other organizations.

“There will not only be interactions between universities but also between universities, companies, and organizations to create new experiences,” he said.

Challenges to education brought by the pandemic

Before the pandemic, Tec de Monterrey was already using technologies such as holographic telepresence and virtual reality. However, Garza said that the crisis had accelerated these changes.

“Even though we had had previous experiences with technology, we knew this was different. It required innovation, adaptation, and flexibility.”

One of the main challenges that Garza mentioned during the talk was continuity of operations related to the Tec’s educational mission.

“We have given around 2 million online sessions so far as part of our educational mission.

“Something that we discovered very early on was that continuity of courses wasn’t enough. We’re also trying to provide continuity to our students’ university experience,” explained Garza.

Given this, the director explained that student activities such as sports, art, and leadership groups came together in an online model for students called LiFE@Home. Taking Care of Your Mind was also created to improve the Tec community’s mental health.

The future of post-pandemic education

Garza said that the pandemic had caused substantial changes in society, as well as in the remote economy, the green economy, new learning gaps, and even in emotional and social areas.

“The way I see it, disruption was already on its way before the pandemic in the form of Artificial Intelligence, automation, and the fourth industrial revolution.

“Then came the pandemic and these 2 forces collided to create a ‘before COVID’ and an ‘after COVID’. We’re currently experiencing the ‘during COVID’ period,” said Garza.

He added that one of the challenges will be to provide education to students who come from different backgrounds.

“To give you an idea, we receive students from around 500 different high schools. How will these new students differ from the ones we traditionally receive each year?

“What are their expectations, their ambitions, their values? We must adapt to many different situations”, he mentioned.

“These 2 forces (disruption and pandemic) collided and created a ‘before COVID’ and an ‘after COVID’. We’re currently experiencing the ‘during COVID’ period.”

Garza Salazar explained that education will have to include technology as part of the teaching and learning process, as well as pedagogical models that seek to solve new challenges.

The Tec is already working on including learning management systems, simulation, and remote control of laboratories, as well as blockchain, augmented reality at home, and adaptive learning.

“We’re currently preparing to go back to a hybrid operation. About 600 classrooms have been equipped.

“We’re also preparing groups that are only in-person, hybrid groups, and some online groups with synchronous and asynchronous models. We’re currently testing these formats,” he concluded.

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About the international conference

IAUP is a non-governmental organization that organizes a triennial conference to discuss important changes in education.

On this occasion, it was held online from July 29 to 31, allowing leaders to discuss best practices and get the opportunity to network and develop partnerships.

The 2021 conference focused on the priorities for higher education in the post-pandemic world, big challenges for higher education, innovation, and inclusion.

Speakers included presidents and members of universities such as Northwestern in China, Arizona State University, UNAM and Tec de Monterrey.