Digital Transformation in Higher Education: Strategies for 2025

Defining Digital Transformation in Higher Education

By 2025, digital transformation in higher education is a need rather than a "nice to have." Institutions that fail to evolve risk falling behind in student recruitment, retention, and outcomes. Drawing on fresh insights from the 2025 EDUCAUSE Students and Technology Report, this article offers a broad, expert perspective on the trends shaping student expectations today and strategic approaches institutions can adopt to thrive in the years ahead.

The State of Student Technology Experience in 2025

1. Satisfaction with Technology Services

• A solid majority of students (69%) report being satisfied with their institution’s technology-related services and support—but 72% still rate their institution’s overall use of technology for learning as merely average.
  
  
• Those who perceive their campus as “cutting-edge” report dramatically higher satisfaction (85%), while only one-third of students at lagging institutions feel the same.
  
  

2. Modality Preferences Are Shifting—But On-Site Rules

• Despite the post-pandemic rise of online and hybrid formats, 75% of students now prefer on-site lab or interactive work (up 9 points since 2023), and nearly two-thirds (64%) favor in-person lectures (up 8 points).
  
  
• Even in hybrid scenarios, students want choice: 70% agree that engagement expectations are clearly communicated, but fewer than half (48%) see consistent hybrid practices across courses.
  
  

3. Generative AI Is on the Cusp

• Usage remains cautious: 43% of students report not using AI tools in their courses, while those who do primarily deploy AI for brainstorming (33%), ideation (24%), and organization (24%).
  
  
• Barriers include concerns about academic integrity, unclear instructor guidance, and prohibitions - over half (52%) say most faculty forbid AI use.
  
  

4. Workforce Readiness Gaps Persist

• Students prioritize interpersonal “soft skills” but undervalue technical and AI-related competencies (selected by only 1% and 3%, respectively).
  
  
• Although 55% recognize generative AI’s career importance, just 20% receive formal training from their institutions.
  
  

5. Accessibility & Well-Being Demand Attention

• Reports of mental health disorders are up 14 points since 2023, yet satisfaction with campus mental health supports has fallen by 13 points to 55%.
  
  
• Only half of students find it “clear and easy” to access well-being resources, and just 42% believe their institution has ramped up support compared to the past.

Five Strategic Pillars for Digital Transformation in Higher Education in 2025+

Based on these data, higher education leaders should focus on the following overarching strategies:

1. Build a Unified, Digital Learning Ecosystems

Siloed platforms and fractured data flow undermine student experience. Adopt an integrated Digital Experience Platform (DXP) that consolidates, LMS integration, cutting-edge EdTech capabilities, digital catalog, and support services.

2. Elevate Faculty Tech Fluency & Change Leadership

Students’ satisfaction soars when instructors use technology effectively. Launch institution-wide faculty development programs—blending hands-on workshops, peer mentoring, and micro-credentials—to cultivate tech-savvy teaching practices. Empower faculty champions to pilot innovative tools and share success stories across departments.

3. Embed AI Literacy & Ethical Use into Curriculum

Students want AI skills yet lack training. Integrate generative AI modules into coursework—from introductory workshops on responsible AI use to advanced labs applying AI in discipline-specific contexts. Partner with technology providers to offer guided, ethics-centered AI labs that demystify tools and establish clear academic integrity guidelines.

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4. Prioritize Student Well-Being Through Tech-Enabled Support

Rising mental health needs demand proactive, tech-enabled solutions. Deploy AI-powered chatbots and triage systems to screen for well-being risks, seamlessly route students to counseling, and provide 24/7 self-help resources. Integrate accessibility tools—closed captioning, text-to-speech, adaptive interfaces—into all digital platforms as standard practice.

How to Support Student Mental Health Using Digital Technology

Looking Forward: Beyond Technology Adoption

Digital transformation isn’t just a series of technology roll-outs - it’s a cultural shift toward agility, student-centered design, and continuous innovation. Leaders must:

• Measure What Matters. Beyond satisfaction surveys, track learning outcomes, retention, and post-graduation success to gauge impact.
  
  
• Foster Cross-Functional Governance. Create steering committees with IT, academic leaders, student representatives, and marketing to align strategy, share feedback, and accelerate decision-making.
  
  
• Champion Lifelong Learning. Offer microcredentials in digital pedagogy and emerging technologies, positioning the institution as a leader in upskilling for faculty and working learners alike.
  
  

By embracing these strategies, you can transform digital disruption into sustained advantage - delivering exceptional learning experiences, supporting student well-being, and preparing graduates for the challenges of a rapidly evolving workforce.

Ready to lead your campus into the next era?

Discover how LiveCarta’s Digital Experience Platform unifies content delivery, content customization and transformation, digital publishing and engagement tools to accelerate your digital transformation journey. Book a demo today!