How do you keep yourself updated on the latest trends and research in higher education?

I find Wonkhe useful to keep up-to-date about what is front-of-mind for the sector in the UK. The diversity of voices and subjects helps make sure that I don’t get too narrow in my thinking.

I stay updated on the latest trends and research in higher education by regularly attending conferences, webinars, and workshops, as well as subscribing to academic journals and online platforms. I actively engage in professional networks and discussions to exchange insights with peers. For instance, as Academic Registrar, I ensure to integrate the latest developments in flexible learning and digital pedagogy by staying informed through platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning, which helps enhance our institution's academic strategies.

I stay updated on the latest trends in higher education by regularly engaging with industry publications, attending conferences, and participating in professional networks. For instance, as Academic Registrar at Gulzar Group of Institutions, I recently attended a national seminar on digital transformation in education. This event provided insights into emerging technologies and pedagogical innovations, which I later integrated into our institution’s academic planning. Additionally, I stay active in online forums and subscribe to key research journals, ensuring that I remain informed about evolving best practices and advancements in the field.

One thing I have found helpful is to join the British Educational Leadership, Management and Administration Society (BELMAS). BELMAS brings together educators from all forms of education, including higher education, and provides many opportunities to connect with and learn from other leaders in education. There are research interest groups, access bursaries & grants, a blog with regular articles, and an annual conference - amongst other resources and opportunities. There is a small annual fee but it offers great value for money.

When comparing different methods for staying abreast of all the latest developments within the Higher Education sector, professional networking (aka communities of practice) appears to be both most effective as well as the most enjoyable method of all. I have been a member of several professional networks (LinkedIn included) and by staying in touch with my peers, not only I am able to follow everything that happens but I am also able to work collaboratively on developing understanding of all of the paradigm shifts.

Specialist knowledge networks like EducatorData.com provide a community for data-driven education sector professionals to keep updated on the latest trends, research, and discuss ideas.

No Brasil, congressos anuais como FNESP, CBESP, CIAED, ESUD/CIESUD e CIES são fundamentais para acompanhar casos de sucesso de outras instituições, identificar boas práticas e debater as tendências com outras lideranças do setor. Além disso, vejo mais dois importantes motivos para estar em pelo menos dois desses eventos todos os anos: 1. é possível conhecer o que há de novo sendo oferecido pelas EdTechs e outros fornecedores de produtos e serviços para Educação Superior; 2. ampliamos o networking com gestores de outras instituições, propiciando oportunidades para projetos em rede e, inclusive, a ampliação da mobilidade acadêmica.

Engaging with books and reports offers valuable insights and perspectives on contemporary higher education issues. Authors provide in-depth analysis and recommendations, enriching your understanding and informing your practice. Incorporating such resources into your learning helps you stay informed, adaptable, and equipped to navigate evolving challenges in the field.

Engaging in professional learning and development, including volunteering for accreditation agencies, is crucial for staying abreast of trends and research in higher education. This approach not only provides insights into the latest educational standards and practices but also facilitates a deep understanding of quality assurance processes. Volunteering with accreditation bodies offers a unique perspective on institutional effectiveness and the opportunity to exchange knowledge with peers. It enhances one’s ability to implement best practices and innovations within their own institutions, ultimately leading to improved academic outcomes and adherence to high standards of educational excellence.

It is helpful to keep track of new institutions that have recently started educating students. These institutions typically have a different focus than existing ones and highlight a type of student that those who created the institution believe is not being fully served. One example is the creation of a number of Catholic trade schools that teach students a trade and provide a liberal arts foundation along with an environment grounded in the Catholic faith.

One of the best ways to follow things that are covered by non-traditional Higher Ed news outlets is by setting up google alerts and following hashtags on relevant sites. It allows you to specifically target information you're looking for and have it sent directly to you. Often, some of the most interesting coverage is not from the traditional HE news outlets. I think about the key terms a *non-higher ed* person may use to describe something I want to follow and I set up alerts related to those.

In higher education, networking cultivates innovation and collaboration. It fosters idea exchange, professional growth, and resource sharing. Harvard and MIT's joint venture, edX, exemplifies this. Their partnership birthed a groundbreaking online platform, showcasing how networking between institutions can revolutionize global education. This real-life example underscores the transformative power of networking in academia, inspiring new approaches and advancements.

There’s a simple way to stay abreast of advances in higher ed: talk with your colleagues! Stoke your natural curiosity when you hear about something new, and just go and ask someone about it. Look for opportunities to connect and learn about other fields. Every discipline has touch points and connections with a bunch of other domains; follow those threads and it’s astonishing what you can find.