Journal of University Studies

Journal of University Studies

Platformization and datafication of university; Challenges and opportunities for higher education

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Author
Assistant Professor, Communication Research Institute, RICAC, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
This article examines how the process of platformization has reshaped the higher education sector. This process, which began just in the last decade, has resulted in the emergence of a social platform. In fact, platformization refers to the penetration of mechanisms and logic of prominent digital and social media platforms into various cultural, social, and economic aspects of society. The process also influences the education sector, especially higher education. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to assess the consequences of platformization of higher education as well as the challenges and opportunities resulting from this development. This study employs a systematic review method whereas the thematic synthesis method is used to combine the results of previous studies. For this purpose, all scientific studies published between 2013 and 2023 have been collected and analyzed by going through available databases. The search process was conducted using terms related to the purpose of the study. In the course, 132 articles were found and after various stages of screening, the final study was conducted based on available conditions. Finally, 17 articles were selected, evaluated and their findings were analyzed through the thematic synthesis method. After this stage, the final analytical themes were extracted. The results showed that the increasing combination of platform mechanisms with education had various consequences for higher education, the most important being the improvement of efficiency and its transformation from university management to governance. On the other hand, the increasing marketization of universities, the adaptation of higher education to the data-based business model, and the transformation of higher education into a surveillance society are among the most important consequences of the datafication of higher education. In the end, despite some promises, the platformization of higher education jeopardizes the independence and agency of academics and creates a global corporate governance mechanism over the university institution.
Keywords

Subjects


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Volume 2, Issue 1 - Serial Number 5
Autumn 2023
Summer 2023
Pages 63-94

  • Receive Date 08 May 2023
  • Revise Date 27 July 2023
  • Accept Date 27 July 2023