Digitising the lecture theatre: A hybrid future for higher education

Remember those packed computer labs, the printer queues, the last-minute scramble to submit coursework? The future of education looks very different.

Education – much like a lot of sectors – is in the midst of a radical digital evolution; transforming from a mostly analogue environment into one that is thriving digitally. 

Just as public or private sector organisations have embraced new processes and working environment patterns, the education sector too has also had to keep up – offering online and physical courses that meet the needs of their students regardless of where they are based. Data from UK universities found that as we emerged from the pandemic, hybrid learning formed a new method of teaching, with just shy of a third (28%) of courses being taught in a hybrid manner, compared with 4.1% in 2018-19 before the pandemic.

Today’s students are more likely to be found collaborating on a cloud-based project, attending a virtual lecture from their student accommodation, or using AI-powered tools to personalise their learning experience.

This shift in service delivery – not to mention student expectations – hasn’t happened overnight. 

Changing environments

There is a lot more that goes into the delivery of a hybrid education and institutions have a responsibility to be fit for the future as much as ensuring that courses are delivered in a way in which students demand them.

These ever-evolving expectations on top of access to research funding, and international rankings, are creating increasingly fierce competition between higher education institutions. As a result, many universities now operate with an innovative mindset. 

Creating an optimum environment for learning is so much more than attractive facilities though – as colleges and universities alike must provide seamless connectivity between university equipment/infrastructure and that of a student’s own IT equipment. 

This requires getting the right environment in place. 

Creating the right infrastructure to meet future needs

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, we saw many organisations reconsider the use of on-premises IT as they embraced a hybrid future. As many universities also making that move found though, this required a robust, but flexible, infrastructure to meet the technical needs of those accessing networks both on campus and at home. Key to this was the cloud. 

Alongside hybrid service delivery, universities have seen computer labs increasingly becoming virtual and powered by cloud technology. As a result, higher education institutions have needed to be clear on which aspects of their infrastructure should be available in the cloud – for example webmail servers. But they also need to consider other cloud technologies, such as Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to guarantee that any virtual lectures are delivered without any lag.  

This is something that Teesside University (TU) recognised as it sought a modern, flexible, and sustainable solution for delivering specialised computing resources to students at their new TU London Digital Campus. With a desire to reduce reliance on physical labs, enable remote access, and support a blended learning environment, they knew that they needed to bolster the cloud services it already used.   

We partnered with the University to design and implement a cloud-based solution using application streaming technology. This allowed students to access demanding software, like those used for 3D design and animation, from any location and device. 

This innovative approach has yielded numerous benefits for TU, including increased student and staff flexibility, engaging learning experiences, and reduced reliance on physical infrastructure. By linking computing demand with cost and carbon impact, Teesside University has achieved a cost-effective and environmentally conscious solution that supports its academic goals and enhances the overall student experience.

The digital transformation of education, accelerated by the pandemic, is far from over. Hybrid learning is no longer a temporary fix, but a fundamental shift in how institutions deliver education. To remain competitive and relevant, universities must prioritise building robust, flexible, and future-proof digital infrastructures. This means embracing cloud technologies, implementing innovative solutions like application streaming, and fostering partnerships that provide specialised expertise.

The success of Teesside University demonstrates the tangible benefits of this approach: enhanced student experiences, increased flexibility, and a commitment to sustainability. 

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, educational institutions must remain agile, proactively adapting to meet the changing needs of both their students and the wider world. The future of education is digital, and those who invest in the right technologies and strategies will be best positioned to empower the next generation of leaders and innovators.

Read more about Teesside University’s journey here: https://cirrushq.com/case-studies/paving-the-way-to-excellence-with-digital-campus-workstream/ 

CirrusHQ will also be exhibiting/showcased at Digital Universities UK in Lancaster. Are you heading along? We would love to chat!