How Technology is Driving Student Success and Degree Completion

Adam Connor, the VP of Design and Experience Research at Labster, explains how technology can drive student success and degree completion in higher education. This article originally appeared in Insight Jam, an enterprise IT community that enables human conversation on AI.

Amidst changing economic environments, universities face increasing pressure to improve student retention and engagement and bolster falling graduation rates. Many institutions are turning to innovative technologies like virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and hybrid learning tools to meet these challenges. These advancements streamline processes, offer personalized learning experiences, and provide cost-effective teaching solutions that have the potential to revolutionize education.

Successful integration requires careful planning, commitment to addressing challenges, and a clear focus on student needs and faculty capabilities. Given the scale and complexity of higher education institutions, change can be challenging. This is not due to resistance from educators—who are often eager for more resources—but rather the systematized nature of institutional processes, budget constraints, IT and security considerations, and accessibility compliance requirements. Technology must be implemented thoughtfully to support instructors and enhance their impact, not replace or dilute their role in student learning.

The Benefits of Tech-Enabled Learning Tools

One of the greatest advantages of technology in education is its ability to deliver tailored, one-on-one learning experiences that meet students’ specific needs. AI-driven platforms allow students to progress at their own pace, providing additional support where necessary. As students increasingly expect the same level of personalization in education that they receive in streaming services and online shopping, adaptive learning tools help keep them engaged and on track toward degree completion.

Importantly, technology does not—and should not—replace instructors. Instead, it should amplify their ability to guide students effectively. Rather than being the sole conduit of knowledge, educators become facilitators, helping students navigate their learning journeys. The goal is not to offload teaching responsibilities onto technology but to use it to enhance student-instructor relationships, ensuring that instructors can focus on areas where they add the most value.

Immersive learning environments, including virtual labs and simulations, further enhance comprehension and retention by integrating educational material, hands-on experimentation, and formative assessments. This multifaceted approach is particularly beneficial in gateway courses, which are critical to long-term student success. Immersive learning is not just about 3D visualization; it creates rich multimedia experiences that engage students on cognitive, emotional, and conceptual levels. At UbiSim, for example, we define immersive learning as a process that fosters deep understanding by providing realistic, emotionally engaging, and cognitively stimulating educational experiences.

Additionally, virtual labs remove traditional bottlenecks caused by budget constraints and limited physical resources. Students can complete essential coursework without being restricted by lab space or equipment availability. Meanwhile, hybrid and remote learning options provide greater flexibility, enabling students to balance education with work and family responsibilities. These scalable solutions allow institutions to expand access to education while keeping costs manageable.

Overcoming Roadblocks to Adoption

Integrating new technologies in higher education comes with challenges. Institutions must balance innovation with academic traditions and structured decision-making processes. Adapting coursework methods requires collaboration among multiple stakeholders with diverse priorities, making the transition complex.

To ensure successful adoption, universities should carefully evaluate the technology and the chosen provider. The right provider can facilitate faculty engagement, ease the transition, and provide essential training and resources. Universities should seek vendors who offer comprehensive support, including hands-on training, accessible resources, and ongoing assistance, ensuring that faculty can seamlessly incorporate these tools into their teaching practices.

Ensuring Successful Implementation

Universities should take a strategic approach to implementation to maximize the benefits of technology in education. Engaging faculty and students in the decision-making process ensures that chosen tools address real pain points, fostering buy-in and enthusiasm. Establishing clear objectives for how and when the technology will be used helps align implementation with institutional priorities. Collaboration with vendors is essential to ensure smooth integration, with providers working closely with educators, administrators, and IT teams to establish best practices and expectations.

Providing effective training is critical, as is ensuring faculty are equipped with practical strategies for incorporating technology into coursework beyond just technical how-tos. Creating safe experimentation spaces allows faculty to explore new tools without fear of disrupting existing workflows. Additionally, students and faculty need time to adjust and discover how to use new tools most effectively. Finally, monitoring student outcomes through analytics can help faculty track engagement and identify areas where additional support is needed. This ensures that technology enhances learning rather than hinders it, ultimately improving student retention and success.

The success of tech integration depends on aligning the needs of students, faculty, and programs with the best available tools and partners. If we design and build the right tools and systems, we can create a future where students have wider access to learning resources on demand. Ideally, this access would be paired with instructors and communities that provide the guidance, support, and mentorship they need.

Let’s face it: Instructors are not simply trying to teach as many students as possible; they’re here to help each student find their way, inspire them, and share their own love for the subject. This role and relationship are what’s most important to instructors who seek careers in education. Ultimately, it’s this relationship that has the greatest lasting impact on their students.