Digital Transitions in Higher Education: European Dimension

Abstract

In the article, the trends and approaches to digital transitions in higher education in the context of quality assurance are revealed based on the analysis and synthesis of the strategies of the global and European dimension, presented in the documents of the UN and the European Commission, as well as in the analytical and guiding documents of the EHEA. The global social development goals of the UN and the European Education Area are agreed primarily in terms of equal access to quality higher education for vulnerable populations, modernization of higher education institutions to create an inclusive educational environment, and are required the introduction of digitalization in higher education in order to achieve them. A trend towards the spread of digitally enhanced learning and teaching (DELT) in the EHEA covering both the traditional format of providing higher education and distance education has been revealed. The main approaches to providing digital higher education have been determined. A partnership approach to assuring high-quality and inclusive digital higher education requires the consolidation of public efforts based on the partnership of various stakeholders, and national policies and legislation should provide for such partnership and mechanisms for its implementation. The investment approach to financing the resource provision of quality digital higher education involves attracting appropriate investments in connectivity, equipment, and organizational potential and skills for successful digital transition in higher education. Digitally competency approach to the development of professional standards for University teachers and their professional development, re-training and professional excellence in the context of digital transition. An open approach to creating digital courses on platforms available for obtaining degree qualifications, partial qualifications and micro-credentials. A systematic approach to the creation and development of digital study programmes, which provides for high-quality educational content and quality assurance of digital higher education, in particular digital teaching, learning and assessment. It is emphasized that national strategic and other documents in higher education should be harmonized with international documents and strategies regarding digital transition in higher education to effectively introduce high-quality digital higher education in Ukraine and overcome the challenges of the state of war.