Global Digital Education Council Established

Ed tech accelerator SuperCharger Ventures and over a dozen global universities have established the Digital Education Council (DEC) to address ed tech issues worldwide, including the impact of AI on education and work.

The new organization will apply deep analysis and recommendations for education that have a global impact and release monthly reports and executive briefings to keep members and partners informed, according to a release.

SuperCharger Ventures initiated the council platform, assisted by several founding members, including Bocconi University in Italy; Singapore Management University; Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Melbourne Business School; Esade Ramon Llull University in Spain; Tecnologico de Monterrey in Mexico; and Wits Business School in South Africa.

DEC's initial executive briefings and publications have addressed AI frameworks, regulation, and academic integrity, the organization said.

The council is also in the process of establishing thematic working groups tasked with discussing, collaborating, advocating, recommending, and publishing policies, strategies, and structures on several topics, including:

  • The future of education and work with regard to AI;
  • Startups and innovation;
  • Skills and credentials;
  • ESG (environmental, social, and governance) sustainability; and
  • Digital and online learning.

"It's the blind spots that often cause the most change," said Danny Bielik, DEC president. "Where aren't we looking? What structures can help meet emerging challenges? What is best-practice and what are people testing in other parts of the world? Already, governments are creating regulations and legislation for the use of AI in education. They don't want to be caught out like they were for social media."

DEC is planning its first conference in November 2024, said CEO Alessandro Di Lullo. The organization is "scaling up our ability to provide advisory services to universities and corporates in the applications of new technologies and frameworks," he added.

DEC has published several articles on its website that can be read for free.

Past and upcoming video executive briefings are available to members only. The next executive briefing is scheduled online for April 24, 2024.

Visit DEC's signup page to inquire about becoming a member.

About the Author

Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.

Featured

  • interconnected cloud icons with glowing lines on a gradient blue backdrop

    Report: Cloud Certifications Bring Biggest Salary Payoff

    It pays to be conversant in cloud, according to a new study from Skillsoft The company's annual IT skills and salary survey report found that the top three certifications resulting in the highest payoffs salarywise are for skills in the cloud, specifically related to Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and Nutanix.

  • a hobbyist in casual clothes holds a hammer and a toolbox, building a DIY structure that symbolizes an AI model

    Ditch the DIY Approach to AI on Campus

    Institutions that do not adopt AI will quickly fall behind. The question is, how can colleges and universities do this systematically, securely, cost-effectively, and efficiently?

  • minimalist geometric grid pattern of blue, gray, and white squares and rectangles

    Windows Server 2025 Release Offers Cloud, Security, and AI Capabilities

    Microsoft has announced the general availability of Windows Server 2025. The release will enable organizations to deploy applications on-premises, in hybrid setups, or fully in the cloud, the company said.

  • digital brain made of blue circuitry on the left and a shield with a glowing lock on the right, set against a dark background with fading binary code

    AI Dominates Key Technologies and Practices in Cybersecurity and Privacy

    AI governance, AI-enabled workforce expansion, and AI-supported cybersecurity training are three of the six key technologies and practices anticipated to have a significant impact on the future of cybersecurity and privacy in higher education, according to the latest Cybersecurity and Privacy edition of the Educause Horizon Report.