In collaboration with Hanover Research, Instructure, the creators of Canvas LMS, conducted the 2023 State of Student Success and Engagement in Higher Education, a global survey spanning 17 countries. The study gathered perspectives from 6,100 current students, administrators, and faculty across 2-year, 4-year, public, and private higher education institutions. The survey sought insights into the critical drivers of student success and engagement, revealing six key trends that resonate across regions and hold significant importance for learners and educators alike. 1. Skills-Based Learning Dominates: Practical application in the workforce takes center stage as students express a strong preference for skills-based learning. The changing job landscape, especially with an increasing number of remote positions, emphasizes the need for students to showcase tangible skills to potential employers. Career advancement, learning new skills, cost considerations, and program flexibility emerge as major influencers driving students towards skills-based learning opportunities. 2. Rise of Certificates and Apprenticeships: Certificates and apprenticeship programs gain prominence as valuable assets for both students and employers. Recognized for their demonstrable proof of workplace skills and adaptability for lifelong learners, these programs address challenges like longer life expectancy, rising education costs, and shifts in the workplace. Students increasingly view certificates and apprenticeships not only as avenues for practical skills-building but also as strategic tools for career readiness and advancement. 3. The AI Divide and Educational Consistency: While generative AI tools remain underutilized by educators, a potential divide in skill development is on the horizon. Institutions need to establish consistent guidelines and training around generative AI to avoid widening this gap. Instead of fixating on concerns like cheating, educators should focus on exploring new assessment methods and productive uses of AI tools, especially in course building, to better prepare students for technologically advanced future jobs. 4. The Accessibility Challenge: Access to technology emerges as the linchpin for student success and engagement, but a persistent accessibility gap remains. Institutions, in their pursuit of technological evolution, risk exacerbating disparities for students lacking access to technology, edtech tools, and reliable internet connections. While learning management systems are employed to enhance accessibility, addressing the digital divide remains a paramount challenge. 5. Mental Health Resources and Time Off: Institutions offer mental health resources, primarily in the form of in-person/virtual counseling, but students and educators express a greater desire for personal/mental health days off. There\'s a disconnect between the resources provided by institutions and students\' awareness of them, signaling an opportunity for institutions to enhance visibility and communication regarding mental health resources. 6. Empowering Educators: Educators feel most empowered when given autonomy, respect, and holistic support. Their desire for personal development opportunities, recognition of achievements, and avenues to provide feedback underscore the importance of institutional support. Empowering educators involves acknowledging their autonomy, respecting their positions, and ensuring care for their physical and mental well-being. These trends collectively underscore the need for innovation in higher education. Meeting learners where they are is pivotal for student success and engagement. Institutions can lead by embracing and leveraging edtech and AI tools consistently, while simultaneously offering comprehensive personal and mental health support for both learners and educators. For a deeper dive into these global insights, download the full study.

Introduction:

In the ever-evolving world of social media, Meta continues to introduce groundbreaking updates across its platforms, from enhanced AI features to Messenger encryption and strategic partnerships with Amazon. In this overview, we delve into the key facets of Meta's recent Facebook updates.

1. Facebook AI Features: Transforming Social Media Experiences
2. Meta AI Virtual Assistant Enhancements:

Meta is elevating its Meta AI virtual assistant, aiming to provide more detailed responses and accurate search result summaries. Beyond basic functionalities, the AI is set to enhance user experiences across Meta's products, offering suggestions for Facebook post comments, group chat topics, and refining Marketplace recommendations.

1. Meta AI Reimagine Feature:

Introducing the "reimagine" feature in Messenger and Instagram group chats, Meta enables collaborative creativity with AI-generated images. This capability, accessible through the standalone website "Imagine with Meta AI," caters to hobbyists. To maintain transparency, invisible watermarking will be implemented to trace images, aligning with responsible AI practices.

1. The Human Element vs. AI:

While Meta's AI advancements promise a more engaging social media experience, experts caution against excessive reliance on personalized AI. Balancing AI suggestions with genuine human interactions is crucial to preserving the authentic, spontaneous spirit of social media platforms.

1. Meta AI in Facebook Groups:

The integration of Meta AI into Facebook Groups introduces a waitlist feature. Meta AI will assist in answering group members' questions and summarizing relevant discussions. However, safeguards, including the ability to delete AI-generated comments, are crucial to prevent confusion or frustration among group members.

2. Messenger: Enhancing Privacy and Connectivity
3. Messenger Encryption:

Meta has initiated the rollout of end-to-end encryption for all one-on-one chats and calls on Messenger and Facebook. This move enhances user privacy and security, offering features like message editing, higher media quality, and disappearing messages.

1. Notes in Messenger:

The introduction of Notes in Messenger allows users to post text prompts visible to all contacts. This feature, mirroring a popular Instagram tool, offers a quick and engaging way to share content. While its long-term success remains uncertain, strategic use could drive traffic and engagement.

1. Cross-Platform Messaging Changes:

The integration allowing cross-communication between Instagram and Facebook accounts is ending. This streamlining reflects user behavior, reducing confusion and aligning with individual platform ecosystems.

3. Facebook Video: Facilitating Content Testing
4. Organic A/B Testing API:

Facebook introduces an Organic A/B Testing API, enabling Page owners to test up to four variants of a new post before publishing. This feature, integrated into third-party social media management platforms, streamlines testing and optimization for videos, providing efficiency for marketers handling multiple clients.

4. Facebook Ads: Expanding Lead Generation and Automation
5. Facebook Hobbies Removal:

Facebook is removing the Hobbies feature from user profiles, emphasizing the platform's shift towards behavioral intelligence for ad targeting. Real-time actions and observed behaviors take precedence over self-reported interests.

1. Lead Generation Campaigns:

New lead-generation campaign objectives are being added to Facebook and Instagram ads, allowing direct connections to WhatsApp chats. Advertisers can offer coupons through Instagram Direct messaging Q&A flows, enhancing lead nurturing. Full automation of lead gen campaigns with Meta Advantage is also being tested, promising reduced workload and costs.

1. Meta-Amazon Integration:

Meta's partnership with Amazon allows users to link their Facebook and Instagram accounts with their Amazon account, streamlining the shopping experience. This integration facilitates on-platform purchases, leveraging Amazon's payment methods and shipping addresses for a seamless checkout process.

Conclusion:

Meta's recent Facebook updates showcase the company's commitment to enhancing user experiences, from AI innovations to privacy features and strategic partnerships. As users navigate these changes, the delicate balance between AI assistance and genuine human connection remains paramount, ensuring that social media platforms continue to serve as vibrant hubs for authentic interactions and meaningful engagements.