On Social Business Design
A few years ago, while in school, I wrote pretty extensively about rethinking technology in higher education.
Unfortunately, most CTO-types (not necessarily even near the senior levels of administration) in that realm spend their time trying to make Outlook function and keep the website up to date. Instead of just applying superficial technology, I wanted to transition to strategic technology.
This is the idea that the right technology (think a full spectrum collaborative environment) drives the structure of the organization rather than simply being a function thereof.
My example from back then, to turn a college into a powerhouse of innovation (rather than a factory of rote):
- Most colleges and professors take feedback forms at the end of the year – on paper. Instead, create an indexed and searchable database where this data is input.
- Doing so would create a marketplace for its courses – which creates incentive for professors to innovate and simultaneously allows students to gain the most bang for their buck. Alumni could reinforce the most innovative classes by earning advanced degrees and paying higher fees etc.
(Looks like exactly the kind of stuff that friends over at Dachis are gearing up to help you accomplish.)
-Shlok
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