There’s always been opportunities for UK universities to meet the demand for learning beyond the narrow demographic of school leavers that tends to characterise who university is for. 1/
The opportunities are still there, particularly given the need for upskilling and growing international demand for education. 2/
Through online learning and a range of offerings of different shapes (microcredentials et al) and sizes there’s potential for universities to seriously serve a much greater proportion of people who need education. 3/
However, I think that rather than the pandemic leading to enlightenment to the potential, a lot of universities seem to be doubling down on that narrow demographic that our culture associates with a university education. 4/
With that number set to grow - what imperative is there for universities to deeply change and serve a broader population? 5/
More progressive universities and private providers aren’t dulled to the opportunity and will seek to offer more and be more innovative - whether that will threaten universities is usually overstated 6/
but with the exception of universities like Leeds and Coventry who have real pedigree and leadership in online learning it’s probably going to be more interesting to observe other education providers within HE for change 7/
rather than most universities who seem to be clinging on to what they were about before (albeit remotely) than reaching out through online learning and deeply seeking transformation 8/
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