How Universities Can Use Edtech to Meet the Digital Expectations of Students

Today’s students expect more than just excellent teaching and a strong reputation. They’re looking for a digital experience that matches the one they already enjoy in their everyday lives — whether it’s ordering food through an app, banking online or learning a new skill through a video tutorial. And when universities fall short of these expectations, students notice.

In both the UK and across Europe, institutions are grappling with how to meet the digital demands of a generation raised on smart devices and on-demand services. The question is no longer if technology should play a role in higher education — but how well it’s doing so.

So, where are universities falling short, and what can they do to catch up?

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The Digital Expectations Gap Is Real

Let’s start with the data. According to Jisc, 90% of all new jobs in the UK now require digital skills. Students know this — and they want their university experience to help them prepare. But despite this awareness, only 75% of UK students believe their university staff have the digital skills needed to support them properly. It’s a disconnect that can affect satisfaction, retention and ultimately a student’s decision to enrol in the first place.

In a similar vein, EdTech Magazine reports that one in three US college students have a diminished opinion of their institution because of poor digital strategies. And while that’s a US figure, the sentiment is echoed across Europe too — particularly as more students compare experiences through global rankings, online reviews and social media.

Where Things Are Going Wrong

The ways in which universities fall behind tend to cluster into three key areas: data, learning resources, and admin systems. Let’s break those down.

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1. Data: Disconnected and Underutilised

Many universities still rely on siloed systems — separate platforms for admissions, academic records, student services and marketing. This lack of integration leads to frustrating student experiences. For example, a student might have to fill in the same information multiple times or chase different departments for updates on their application or support requests.

Modern edtech platforms, like Full Fabric, are designed to break down these silos. By bringing data into a single system, institutions can offer students a seamless experience while giving staff the insights they need to make better decisions.

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2. Learning Resources: Too Slow, Too Rigid

While students are used to Netflix-style personalisation and on-demand content, many university platforms still offer clunky, hard-to-navigate learning management systems. Resources might be hard to find, not mobile-friendly, or poorly adapted to different learning styles.

To raise the bar, universities can:

• Adopt intuitive, mobile-first learning platforms.
• Incorporate interactive content like quizzes, videos and simulations.
• Use analytics to track student engagement and personalise support.
• Offer hybrid learning options that support both in-person and remote learners.

European universities are already taking steps in this direction. The University of Amsterdam, for example, has piloted personalised learning pathways that adapt to individual student needs — a model that’s likely to become more widespread in the coming years.

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3. Administrative Systems: Still Too Manual

Whether it’s submitting an application, enrolling in a course or paying fees, admin processes are a crucial part of the student journey. But they’re often where technology feels most outdated.

Students expect a smooth, digital-first experience — not one that involves downloading PDFs, sending emails back and forth, or waiting days for a reply.

Universities can address this by:

• Investing in an integrated admissions and student management system.
• Offering automated updates and reminders through email or SMS.
• Allowing students to complete tasks — from application to payment — entirely online.
• Using AI-powered chatbots to answer common questions instantly.

These improvements not only make life easier for students — they also reduce pressure on staff and improve operational efficiency.

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Getting It Right Is About Culture, Not Just Tools

Ultimately, meeting digital expectations isn’t just about having the right technology — it’s about creating a culture that prioritises user experience, continuous improvement, and innovation.

That means:

• Training staff to confidently use new tools and platforms.
• Involving students in feedback and decision-making.
• Staying responsive to trends in edtech and student behaviour.

Digital maturity isn’t built overnight, but it’s increasingly becoming a deciding factor in student recruitment, retention and satisfaction.

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Final Thoughts

If your university wants to stay competitive and relevant, embracing edtech is no longer optional — it’s essential. The good news? With the right platforms, partnerships and mindset, universities can not only meet student expectations, but exceed them.

Want to see how Full Fabric can support your university’s digital transformation? Get in touch for a demo — we’d love to show you what’s possible.