Torrens University details its digital transformation journey

In a recent episode of the iTnews Podcast, Eoghan Hogan, the now-former director of transformation at Torrens University, discussed the institution's innovative use of generative AI to enhance and standardize 60,000 web pages of course content as part of a broader digital transformation initiative. Torrens University, despite being relatively young and digital-first, found itself in a rapidly evolving market, prompting a proactive transformation to stay ahead. Hogan explained, "We really want to have the best content in the best web experience for students."

With 21,000 students split between online and face-to-face learning, all students have access to the university’s digital learning assets. This access includes seven hours of on-demand learning assets per week, delivered through the learning management system (LMS).

The university launched MyLearn, an online student platform powered by Instructure’s Canvas LMS and Microsoft Teams, integrated with several peripheral systems. MyLearn replaces the former Blackboard-based LMS, emerging from a comprehensive planning process that included a 16-week discovery phase involving students, alumni, and competitive analysis. This phase generated 1800 project requirements, focusing on superior UX/UI, video content prioritization, better mobile responsiveness, and persistent chat access to course facilitators.

A key challenge was migrating and standardizing the course content, which had been assembled by various subject matter experts over several years, leading to inconsistent formatting and presentation. The university’s AI team, active since 2022, proposed using generative AI to address this. "We've now completed the first phase of the project," Hogan stated. "We have achieved 100 percent mobile responsiveness within our content. We've also met WCAG 2.0 [Web Content Accessibility Guidelines] from an inclusion and accessibility perspective, and we've improved UX/UI consistency."

Torrens University is pushing the boundaries of educational technology by integrating generative AI into its learning management system (LMS) to enhance student studies and assessments. This move reflects a broader trend of leveraging advanced technologies to transform educational experiences. By embedding generative AI within the LMS, Torrens University aims to offer personalized support and interactive learning tools that can adapt to individual student needs. This includes generating tailored study materials, assisting with assignments, and providing real-time feedback. Such innovations have the potential to significantly improve the learning experience by making it more engaging and responsive.

The use of generative AI also underscores the university's commitment to enhancing content delivery and standardizing user experience across its digital platforms. The technology allows for the consistent presentation of educational materials, improved mobile responsiveness, and adherence to accessibility standards, such as WCAG 2.0. This ensures that all students, regardless of their learning preferences or needs, can access high-quality educational resources seamlessly.

Furthermore, this initiative demonstrates how cutting-edge technologies can address various challenges in education, from content management to user engagement. As Torrens University expands its use of generative AI, it will likely explore additional applications, such as adaptive learning paths and automated tutoring systems, which could further revolutionize the way education is delivered and experienced. Overall, Torrens University's efforts highlight the growing role of innovative technologies in shaping the future of education, offering a glimpse into how AI can be harnessed to create more effective, inclusive, and personalized learning environments.