Jisc has been following the experiences of international students, and how this compares or differs to that of home nation students, for a couple of years now. The 2023/24 digital experience insights surveys shed light on the current state of international students using digital technologies, and how technology limitations may affect their experiences, but what can we take from this into 2025? Here are two of the key issues that universities should focus on when improving international students’ digital experience for 2025.
Different experiences with technology use
Understanding that international students are coming to UK higher education with different experiences and backgrounds can help tailor their digital experiences.
Their prior experiences may be different and should be acknowledged, checked and supported to overcome ‘digital shocks’. International students may have done things a different way, for example using more mobile data over wifi, but that doesn’t mean one way is wrong/right. Ensuring they understand and are aware of how to access wifi can help manage costs, direct support, and ensure a seamless learning environment.
International students were more likely to experience wifi issues on campus with 57% having wifi connectivity issues; 31% on campus, 34% off verses home students (54%/37%/28%).
One survey participant stated: “One of the most challenging aspects of learning with digital technologies at my university is the unreliable connectivity within campus buildings. My mobile phone often struggles to maintain a strong signal inside these buildings, which can be quite problematic. Additionally, I frequently encounter difficulties connecting my laptop to the university’s wifi network.”
These ‘digital shocks’ and differences in how technology has been used compared to their previous educational experiences need to be factored in when ensuring international students have a productive and worthwhile learning experience.
Timely support for international students
Without the correct support, digital tools are obsolete. The timely provision of digital support and skills opportunities is a key factor to address, from enrolment to graduation, and all the key moments in between.
Pre-arrival support and guidance on the technologies they need to participate in their course fully should have high importance for universities. Find out how technology will be used in their learning; the support, equipment and software they will receive and be expected to use – what is available/included, and also provide access to the skills they need and the support available. They may bring also bring their own equipment, but is it the right spec? Are labs with specialist equipment and software open at times that suit their needs?
As well as these support considerations, your institution needs to take into account that our report showed 71% of international students said that English is not their first language. Will this create a barrier accessing certain support and digital skills training? Do the assistive/productivity tools they need to use for their course provide enough context and further information that could provide a backup to language barrier issues?
Fortunately, international students were more likely to say that support was given in relation to using own devices, off-campus access and communication. Seventy two percent agreed they were supported to use own devices verses 60% of UK students.
Eighty-one per cent of international students studying in the UK rated the quality support for effective learning using technology as above average verses the UK’s 67%.
Without appropriate and timely support to develop digital skills for international students, they are less likely to fully utilise and benefit from learning technologies. More training on how to use digital tools and platforms effectively is needed to ensure a level playing field for international students using technology in their course. Jisc’s Building Digital Capabilities discovery tool helps students and staff pinpoint how to develop their digital skills and build their confidence in adapting to new technologies. It asks students questions on their digital skills then provides direct links to recognised training courses aligning with their skills needs.
Elizabeth Newall, senior sector specialist at Jisc dives deeper and explores the complexities and challenges faced by international students in navigating the digital landscape of their educational experiences in this podcast.
The report, while highlighting digital inequalities in international students’ education experience in the UK, also provides institutions with a good indication of where improvements are needed in 2025. Digital transformation plans should ideally include connectivity and reliability, cost implications on students, and diverting support where it is most needed to ensure digital technologies are being used to their full potential and that no groups are left behind. A bespoke support approach for international students is best to ensure that all the complexities and differences in experience are considered.
Your institution can sign up for the 2024/25 surveys to provide powerful data that can give insights to organisations on how students use the technology on offer, what is making a difference and where improvements can be made.
You can read more of the report findings here and learn about Jisc’s ongoing work in transnational education and how we can help you here.
