On 27 July 2023, the University of the Western Cape (UWC) hosted a provocative colloquium, "Digital Horizons: Transforming Higher Education," at the Future Innovation Lab on the main campus. Drawing almost 400 in-person and online attendees, the event emerged as a resounding success.
UWC's Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tyrone Pretorius, inaugurated the colloquium. He powerfully set the tone for the day by emphasising the integration of novel technologies and a fundamental shift in interaction, communication, and nurturing digital literacy. Prof Pretorius stated, "It provokes us to tap into the expertise and strengths across sectors to weave an inclusive, digitally-powered learning environment."
Representatives from 23 public universities, various private institutions, the Council on Higher Education (CHE), the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Southern African Association for Institutional Research (SAAIR), and the Western Cape Government were part of this groundbreaking event.
The day was filled with thought-provoking presentations and discussions providing innovative strategies, best practices, and challenges in digital transformation.
One of the highlights was the roundtable discussion - a rich exchange of ideas, challenges, and opportunities that underscored the spirit of collaboration transcending institutional and geographical boundaries. Together, stakeholders envisioned a future where technology empowers education, enables groundbreaking research, and nurtures deeper connections within diverse communities.
"Digital Horizons: Transforming Higher Education" is a testament to a shared commitment to shaping the future of higher education in the digital era. As Prof Pretorius called on all stakeholders to strengthen their collaborations, the event sparked imagination, broadened understanding, and amplified the collective strategy for digital transformation. He concluded: “Let's embrace this opportunity to shape the digital future of higher education together”.
For those who wish to revisit the discussions or share them with colleagues, the video recording of the colloquium is now available at this link: https://youtu.be/c5b-gahP_SY. You will also find the Google Drive link for the presentations under the video.
UWC's Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tyrone Pretorius, inaugurated the colloquium. He powerfully set the tone for the day by emphasising the integration of novel technologies and a fundamental shift in interaction, communication, and nurturing digital literacy. Prof Pretorius stated, "It provokes us to tap into the expertise and strengths across sectors to weave an inclusive, digitally-powered learning environment."
Representatives from 23 public universities, various private institutions, the Council on Higher Education (CHE), the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Southern African Association for Institutional Research (SAAIR), and the Western Cape Government were part of this groundbreaking event.
The day was filled with thought-provoking presentations and discussions providing innovative strategies, best practices, and challenges in digital transformation.
- Dr Wouter Grove from UWC explored how digital transformation is rooted in community engagement and social transformation;
- The University of Cape Town’s Niall Naidoo highlighted the importance of research in driving digital innovation;
- Dr Jan Petrus from Stellenbosch University shared their success in integrating technology into teaching and learning; and,
- Professor Lalini Reddy from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology discussed how digital solutions strengthen graduate employability.
One of the highlights was the roundtable discussion - a rich exchange of ideas, challenges, and opportunities that underscored the spirit of collaboration transcending institutional and geographical boundaries. Together, stakeholders envisioned a future where technology empowers education, enables groundbreaking research, and nurtures deeper connections within diverse communities.
"Digital Horizons: Transforming Higher Education" is a testament to a shared commitment to shaping the future of higher education in the digital era. As Prof Pretorius called on all stakeholders to strengthen their collaborations, the event sparked imagination, broadened understanding, and amplified the collective strategy for digital transformation. He concluded: “Let's embrace this opportunity to shape the digital future of higher education together”.
For those who wish to revisit the discussions or share them with colleagues, the video recording of the colloquium is now available at this link: https://youtu.be/c5b-gahP_SY. You will also find the Google Drive link for the presentations under the video.
