Coursera convenes leaders from over 60 universities and companies for Future of Higher Education Summit

By Scott Shireman, Global Head of Coursera for Campus 

Last week, we were honored to host Coursera’s Future of Higher Education Summit 2023, with delegates from more than 20 countries at our Silicon Valley headquarters. The event  brought together leaders from over 60 universities and companies to discuss the evolving educational landscape, focusing  on adaptability, collaboration, and innovation. 

Speakers included Fanta Aw, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, NAFSA Association of International Educators, Jeff Selingo, journalist and New York Times bestselling higher education author, Barb Oakley PhD, Professor and creator of the globally renowned Learning How to Learn course, and Tsu-Jae King Liu, Dean of UC Berkeley College of Engineering. 

Here are some of the key takeaways from two days of engaging panels, workshops, and peer-to-peer conversation:
Student-centered experiences are critical to achieving positive outcomes 

Digital transformation, globalization, and demographic shifts are reshaping higher education. Holistic models like micro-campuses, “credit for prior learning,” and industry-integrated curricula address challenges like overcrowded classrooms and outdated facilities while preparing students for a dynamic global landscape. Leaders emphasize the need to look beyond mere entry and completion, focusing on comprehensive development for improved educational and job outcomes.

University-industry collaboration can address changing workforce needs

Investments in digital transformation, generative AI, and other technologies are creating a skills and talent shortage, and policies like the CHIPS & Science Act in the US and National Education Policy in India highlight the urgency for cross-sector collaboration to address the gap. The delegates widely recognized the efforts of leading companies, including Google, IBM, AWS, and SAP, which are working with universities to offer students supplementary career prep, micro-credentials, and hands-on skills training. 

AI is seen as both enabler and disruptor for higher education   

Generative AI will reshape many aspects of how we design and deliver education today.  Learning experiences can be more personalized, interactive, and accessible. Content and curriculum production will be faster but require more guardrails for quality control. Assessments may become more hands-on and qualitative to protect academic integrity. AI is also impacting the job market for graduates, as many will be expected to use AI-powered tools in the workplace. 

Micro-credentials are growing in acceptance and adoption globally  

Industry micro-credentials are redefining employability standards for universities, offering a flexible way for students to complement their broad-based education with practical skills aligned with their career goals. Leaders discussed practical strategies for integrating micro-credentials into degree programs, including offering Professional Certificates for credit as career electives, extra credit hours, or readings for in-class coursework. Faculty participation in design and delivery of hybrid programs is critical to successful implementation. 

Digital learning experiences are becoming more immersive and experiential 

Institutions are leveraging digital tools like Labs and virtual reality to create more engaging, inclusive, and experiential learning experiences outside the classroom. For example, popular courses in human physiology and public speaking have VR experiences from Coursera and Meta that enable learners to practice skills in a hands-on virtual environment. Universities are even creating digital twin campuses with Meta to increase skills competency in areas that previously couldn’t be studied online. 

We’re proud to convene this community of university and higher ed leaders to exchange ideas, insights, and best practices that can help ensure that the next generation of talent has the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed to unlock their full potential. 

To learn more about Coursera for Campus, visit coursera.org/campus.