Digital Transformation Practices in the College of Education and Human Development at University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Abstract

The continuous and massive pressure for innovation, as well as the impacts of COVID-19, have accelerated the demand for digital transformation (DT) in every sector. DT refers to fundamental change brought about by the adaption and integration of digital technologies that enhance workplace culture and performance excellence in higher education institutions. Although DT is underway across sectors, few studies have been conducted on this topic, especially in higher education. As a result, this study was initiated to further explore DT practices in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at the University of Minnesota (UMN) Twin Cities (TC). Using a qualitative single case study design, this study addressed four basic research questions, including: What has been the evolution of DT? How has it affected the workplace culture? How has DT contributed to performance excellence? and what are the major challenges in moving towards DT? A semi-structured interview was conducted with thirteen administrative and student-supportive service staff members who were selected using purposive sampling techniques. Additionally, documents were reviewed, and a thematic approach was used to organize and analyze data. This study revealed that several digital technologies have been adopted and integrated with institutional systems. Also, DT practices maximized work flexibility, accessibility of college services, collaboration, data management, capacity to track work in progress, avoided redundancy of work, decreased office costs, hall rental costs, travel, and paperwork expenditures. However, DT has brought several challenges, including employees’ missing sense of community, the digital divide, and anxiety about emerging digital technologies. Finally, administrative and student support staff of CEHD reported needing more human, financial, and technological support to accelerate DT practices that enhance their workplace culture and performance excellence.