Strategy for Development of Culture and Organization for Digital Education
This project explores how to strengthen the cultural and organizational conditions for high-quality digital and distance education. By investigating the experiences and expectations of students, teachers, and external stakeholders, the project aims to build a strong foundation for future development. The focus lies on identifying what is needed to support flexible, inclusive, and pedagogically sound education—regardless of delivery format. The project has also contributed to a national conversation on quality in digital education, facilitated through collaboration with other universities and UHR.
Background
Digital education has become increasingly important, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of remote teaching formats. At KTH, digital tools such as learning management systems are well established, but are often used more for content delivery than for interactive or reflective learning.
There is now growing interest in developing distance education as an integrated and complementary part of teaching, rather than as a substitute. To support this development, more knowledge is needed about how digital education is perceived and how it can be improved from both pedagogical and organizational perspectives.
Through this project, KTH has clarified its current status, defined future visions, and identified practical and pedagogical challenges as well as incentives that affect teachers, students, and educational leaders. It has laid the groundwork for long-term organizational development and strengthened cross-functional collaboration among support units.
Aim and Objectives
The project aims to contribute to the development of digital and distance education by identifying current needs, expectations, and potential pathways for future improvement.
Specific objectives include:
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Mapping current experiences, needs, and visions among students and teachers.
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Including perspectives from external stakeholders such as industry and other universities.
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Identifying supportive structures and incentives for high-quality digital teaching.
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Highlighting opportunities and challenges for combining campus and digital education.
Outcomes
The project has contributed to a deeper understanding of how digital education is practiced and perceived, and pointed to important conditions for cultural and organizational development. It has also supported collaboration across different functions and linked ongoing initiatives. Beyond KTH, the work has been part of a wider exchange of experiences at national level. While many effects will be seen in the long term, the project has already begun to influence internal structures and quality assurance processes.
Publications
Kvarnmalm Kjellberg, T., Stenbom, S. & Enoksson, F. (2023). Complexities of Educational Culture for Integrated Campus and Digital Education. Proceedings of the ICDE World Conference, San Jose, Costa Rica
Stenbom, S., Karunaratne, T., & Enoksson, F. (2024). Enhancing University Digital Learning Environments Through Research-Driven Development. AECT International Convention, Kansas City, USA
Journal paper under review.
Project team
Project lead:
Team members:
Tove Kvarnmalm-Kjellberg
