Achieving a Holistic Digital Paradigm Shift: Five Elements to Achieving Digital Learning Success in Higher Education

This paper presents the findings of a year-long study investigating global best practice in digital learning, in the global university sector. A collaborative team of researchers from UK universities undertook primary research with 21 established digital pedagogues in six countries to determine any fundamental lessons for integrating digital learning into higher education. The analysis revealed five key elements that contribute to successful digital learning. These are presented and explored within the paper as flexibility of access, the pre-eminence of subject and pedagogy, authentic digital activity, immersive learning experiences, and communitarianism. The paper concludes by advocating for a model for successful digital pedagogy within the university sector and positions this model as a pivotal catalyst for a digital paradigm shift in university education practices.