Transformation of Korean Higher Education in the Digital Era: Achievements and Challenges
Keywords:
adult learners, COVID-19, digital divide, digital teaching and learning, higher education institutions, Korean higher educationAbstract
This essay addresses the transformation of Korean higher education (HE) that has occurred since COVID-19, with a focus on the digitization of teaching and learning. Digitization has impacted both remote and traditional universities and colleges. While remote higher education institutions (HEIs) have been quick responding to the changed situation, traditional universities and colleges have also been searching for various instructional methods in their online as well as traditional classrooms, experimenting for the best methods for learners. National policies have also supported this digital transformation of HEIs which has had results of the engagement of more adult learners in HE gaining credits, certificates, and academic degrees online. While new ways of being ‘learner-centered’ have been intensively explored in these processes, some concerns such as the competency gap of institutions and instructors, and the deepening digital divide among learners have emerged, which needs attention from policymakers, researchers and practitioners in HE.
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