Digital technology application in higher education: Some international experiences and lessons for Vietnam

Digital technologies are becoming increasingly important in higher education as they not only reshape and digitize communication between faculty and students on campus but also – in the age of globalization – extend education to the world. It also makes it easier for individuals who would not otherwise have access to face-to-face education to participate in distance education programs. The application of digital technologies in higher education aims to improve the quality of teaching & learning, increase access to technology, enhance student engagement and learning experiences. Such capabilities of digital technologies present new opportunities for universities, and allow them to operate in a completely new market. In addition to all these benefits, the penetration of digital technologies into higher education also brings certain difficulties that higher education institutions face when adopting technology, including infrastructure issues, faculty training, and student acceptance. The aim of this article is to overview international experiences in the application of digital technology in some developed countries, thereby making recommendations for the application of digital technology in higher education in Vietnam, including: Some general recommendations for the state and higher education institutions; Dissemination of digitalization policies in universities; Government support for universities; Universities supporting lecturer training; Universities support students in learning and research in the digital environment.