THE FUTURE OF HIGHER EDUCATION, DIGITALISATION AND TECHNOLOGICAL DECISIONS THROUGH THE EYES OF STUDENTS

Abstract

The present of higher education is highly dynamic, and its future is contingent upon numerous factors. It is crucial to recognize that today's students with their perspectives, expectations, and demands, are significantly shaping the future of higher education. They are the future educators and creators of new scientific knowledge. This article aims to identify the essential components for constructing a vision for the future of universities through an analysis of current students attitudes and behaviors. A literature review was conducted on the evolving dynamics of higher education. Based on these dynamics a tailored questionnaire was prepared to study student's opinions, expectations, and recommendations for technological development and their decisions. Over one hundred students, nearly all of them undergraduates, were surveyed. This empirical study assesses students' satisfaction with the educational process, the university environment, interactions with business, and their future aspirations. The survey data was utilized to construct a vision for the future of higher education. The results confirm students' positive attitudes towards technological advancements, but also highlight concerns regarding their impact on the labor market structure. Notably, students envision a future where universities maintain in-person education, emphasizing the need for enhanced social interactions. Despite improved student-university interactions, there remains a strong desire for greater attention to be paid to their opinions and for closer collaboration with business and industry experts and practitioners.