Digital transformation of higher education in Russia

Abstract

Digitalization of higher education is becoming a global trend, opening up new opportunities for improving the quality and accessibility of education. The Russian higher education system is actively involved in this process, but it faces a number of challenges and limitations. The purpose of this study is to identify the key drivers and barriers to the digital transformation of higher education in Russia, as well as identify promising areas for its development. The methodological basis consisted of an analysis of the regulatory framework, statistical data, the results of sociological surveys, as well as a series of expert interviews (n=25). The sample included representatives of universities, educational authorities, and EdTech companies from 12 regions of Russia. It was revealed that the main drivers of digitalization are government policy (Pearson correlation coefficient r=0.68; p<0.01), student demand and labor market demand (r=0.54; p<0.01), technological innovation (r=0.47; p<0.05). Barriers are shortage of personnel (r=-0.62; p<0.01), insufficient funding (r=-0.58; p<0.01), low digital literacy of teachers (r=-0.51; p<0.05). The personalization of education based on data analysis, the integration of massive open online courses into the educational process, and the development of teachers' digital competencies are promising areas. The results of the study can be used to improve the policy in the field of digitalization of higher education and overcome existing barriers.