Blockchain technology in teaching, learning, and academic administration as a long-term solution to emergencies in higher education

The application of blockchain, particularly through avenues in teaching and learning and academic administration, has created scope for a new business model in higher education. Although higher education institutions in many African countries including Botswana are yet to adopt blockchain in their institutional processes, the chapter points to seven unique areas of practice in which the technology could be infused. Distributed ledgers and smart contracts are among the blockchain functions that could assist in improving efficiency, security, and privacy in the way academic administration is executed especially in student identification, processing of student admission applications, degree certification, document authentication, and quality assurance. A distinct highpoint of the chapter is the attention it calls to student experience in the learning and teaching process, by highlighting that it stands to benefit from the collaborative learning model that blockchain enables. At a wider level, the conversation about blockchain-based pedagogy coalesces with the push by many African governments, in particular in Botswana, towards a digitally transformed society. Already, many colleges and universities have placed the focus on achieving 'smart campuses' as a strategic goal. Blockchain adoption is one such step towards a smart campus. The chapter theorises that higher education institutions cannot legitimately talk about smart campuses while still holding steadfast to manual systems and processes. © 2022 by Byron A. Brown.

Perceptions of best practices for higher education administrators in times of crisis

The combination of remote teaching, family care-taking responsibilities, quarantine, and furloughs and layoffs for faculty and students alike has arguably put hospitality and tourism educators in a uniquely challenging space. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify best practices for higher education administrators during times of crisis, using the case of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Qualitative analysis was performed on in-depth interviews of hospitality and tourism educators working in United States institutions. Analysis of the data resulted in four themes: Flexibility, Concern, Value, and Effective Communication. Practical implications point toward offering flexible work schedules whenever possible, demonstrating concern for employees through expressed interest in well-being and commensurate measures that promote it, and emphasizing they are valued, all through open and meaningful communication measures. The findings of the study also build on our understanding of organization support theory and perceived organizational and supervisory support during times of crisis. [ FROM AUTHOR]