Inspiring educators via nudging and self-nudging
The digital transformation in higher education (HE) is no longer a distant goal but an ongoing reality. As digital tools become integral to teaching and learning, HE educators must continuously develop their digital competencies. However, professional development in digital skills is not just about external training—it is also about internal motivation and personal growth. This is where self-actualization plays a crucial role within the Nudging360 project.
Understanding self-actualization and digital competence
Self-actualization, a concept introduced by psychologist Abraham Maslow, refers to the realization of one’s full potential. It represents the highest level of personal development, where individuals continuously seek growth, mastery, and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives. In the context of higher education, self-actualization means that educators are not just adopting digital tools out of necessity but are motivated to integrate technology in meaningful ways that enhance their teaching effectiveness and student engagement.
The Nudging360 project utilizes nudging and self-nudging to support educators in this process. While nudging by administrators encourages the adoption of digital tools, self-nudging empowers educators to take control of their digital growth. By setting personal strategies, such as self-imposed deadlines and curated digital resources, educators can foster continuous learning and self-improvement while enhancing their teaching methods and student engagement.
How Nudging360° supports self-actualization
Enhancing digital competencies
Nudging360 helps educators develop digital skills that improve teaching and student engagement. Gentle nudges—such as reminders, gamified learning modules, and digital tool recommendations—encourage exploration and adoption of new technologies. Self-nudging allows educators to set personal strategies, such as self-imposed deadlines and curated digital resources.
Example: A university organizes a “digital teaching challenge” where educators are nudged to experiment with AI-powered feedback tools. Those who successfully implement these tools share their experiences in a peer-learning session.
Building confidence and autonomy
A major challenge in digital transformation is lack of confidence. Nudging360 fosters autonomy in learning, helping educators set micro-learning goals and reflect on their progress. These small self-nudges build confidence and intrinsic motivation for ongoing skill development.
Example: An educator uses a self-nudging strategy by setting a personal goal to incorporate one new digital tool into their course each semester. They track their progress using a simple checklist and reflect on student feedback to boost confidence.
Strengthening institutional digital readiness
As educators enhance their digital skills, their institutions benefit from improved digital readiness. A digitally competent teaching staff makes HE institutions more agile and capable of implementing innovative pedagogical strategies. Administrators can support this transformation by ensuring accessible digital infrastructures and professional development opportunities.
Example: A department head introduces a “digital mentor” initiative where tech-savvy educators provide informal support to colleagues struggling with digital integration, fostering a culture of collaborative learning.
Improving student engagement
The ultimate impact of Nudging360 is on students. When educators effectively integrate digital tools, students experience a more interactive and personalized learning process. By embedding self-nudging practices into teaching, educators inspire students to take ownership of their digital learning, fostering a culture of self-directed growth.
Example: A lecturer incorporates interactive quizzes and real-time polling into lectures through platforms like Mentimeter. Seeing increased student participation, they make these tools a permanent part of their teaching strategy.
Conclusion: a digital future led by empowered educators
The Nudging360 project aligns digital transformation with personal and professional growth. By helping HE educators self-actualize through digital competence, the project enhances teaching, strengthens institutions, and improves student engagement. Digital transformation is not just about technology—it is about people. When educators embrace digital growth, they pave the way for a more adaptive, innovative, and inclusive future in higher education.
Learning new digital skills doesn’t just improve teaching—it also brings joy and satisfaction to educators. As they take charge of their growth through self-nudging, they feel more confident and in control. Using digital tools makes teaching more rewarding and helps educators feel proud of the impact they have on their students.
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Contributed by Trendhuis