Digital transformation in higher education: critiquing the five-year development plans (2016-2020) of 75 Chinese universities

Abstract

This study examined how the role of digitalization is framed in the strategic development plans of 75 top universities in China. Findings show that digitalization as perceived by these universities features instrumentality (e-campus construction and application) and modernization (sustaining and efficiency innovations in teaching and learning), a situation also seen in other countries. On the other hand, there seems to be not enough incentive for them to use digital technologies to serve a wider community and to build technology-enhanced research capacity. There is also scanty evidence of open, flexible, distributed, and disaggregated learning encouraged in these plans. Finally, unique to Chinese higher education institutions are the goals of building a positive online ethos and developing political and ideological education via digital means. Influence of national policies and strategies on institutional digital strategies is also discussed.