We can do better in higher education. And it is more than just

Host: The café was quiet now, the soft murmur of conversations blending with the clinking of coffee cups in the background. The light outside had started to fade, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. Jack sat back in his chair, deep in thought, his fingers lightly tracing the rim of his coffee cup. Jeeny, sensing his reflective mood, waited for him to speak.

Host: After a moment, Jack looked up, his voice thoughtful.

Jack: “I came across a quote today from Roy Romer. He said, ‘We can do better in higher education. And it is more than just technology. It’s also an attitude on the part of faculty. We need to think through how we can produce a better quality product at less cost.’ It got me thinking about the future of education. It’s easy to focus on technology and how it can improve learning, but there’s also the human element — the attitude of the educators themselves. Do you think that’s the key to improving education? Not just the tools, but the way we approach teaching?”

Jeeny’s eyes softened, and she leaned forward slightly, clearly engaged with his question. Her voice was calm, yet filled with insight as she responded.

Jeeny: “I think Romer’s point is important. Technology certainly plays a role in modernizing education, but the real change has to come from a shift in mindset, especially among educators. The attitude of faculty members, how they engage with students, and how they approach teaching can have just as much, if not more, of an impact than technology alone. If we focus on producing better quality, with a mindset that’s focused on improving both the learning experience and outcomes, we can create a more efficient and effective educational system.”

Host: Jack nodded slowly, his fingers still on his mug as he processed her words. The quiet of the café seemed to deepen as they both reflected on the importance of mindset in education.

Jack: “So, it’s not just about using the latest tools or technology, but about cultivating a culture where educators are committed to improving the quality of the education itself, while also being mindful of costs. It’s about making education more accessible without compromising on its value.”

Jeeny smiled softly, her eyes steady with understanding.

Jeeny: “Exactly. If we rethink the approach to education, making it more student-centered and focused on quality, we can produce better outcomes for everyone involved. Faculty members need to be innovative and open to new teaching methods that encourage active learning, critical thinking, and creativity, all while being efficient with resources. It’s about balancing cost, quality, and the overall experience. The goal should be to make education accessible, engaging, and impactful for all students.”

Host: Jack seemed to reflect on her words, a sense of clarity settling over him. The conversation in the café seemed quieter now, as if they had touched on something deeper about the future of education.

Jack: “So it’s not just about cheaper or more tech-driven education; it’s about fostering a mindset that strives for better quality at every level. It’s about making education more effective and inclusive, while also ensuring it’s sustainable.”

Jeeny nodded gently, her smile warm with affirmation.

Jeeny: “Exactly. Education is an evolving system, and it requires both technological advancement and a shift in how we approach teaching. When we focus on producing quality, with a commitment to improving outcomes and making education more accessible, we can create a system that works for everyone — students and educators alike.”

Host: The weight of the conversation seemed to settle in, a quiet understanding between them that improving education isn’t just about adopting new technology, but about fostering an attitude of innovation, commitment, and efficiency. Jack and Jeeny shared a moment of clarity — that the future of education lies in balancing technological advances with a fundamental shift in how we think about teaching and learning. The world outside continued its rhythm, but inside the café, the conversation had turned into a deeper reflection on the real possibilities for change in higher education.