University 4.0: Professors' Perceptions’ on the Future of Higher Education. Evolutionary Progress or Revolutionary Change?

María Isabel Pozzo

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0186-0910

Argentina

Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas image/svg+xml

Professor María Isabel Pozzo is a Doctor in Educational Sciences graduated at National University of Rosario, Argentina, where she works as a Full Professor. She is Main Researcher of the National Scientific and Technical Research Council of Argentina, and Director of Master Programs in University Teaching at the National Technological University, Rosario Faculty, Argentina.

Abdallah Al-Zoubi

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7267-0519

Jordan

Princess Sumaya University for Technology image/svg+xml

Professor Abdallah Yusuf Al-Zoubi received his BSc and Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, in 1983 and 1987, respectively. Since 2000, he works as Full Professor in Communications Engineering Department, Princess Sumaya University Technology, Jordan.

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Accepted: 2025-03-27

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Published: 2025-04-14

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2025.23314
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Keywords:

Educational Technology, Educational Transformation, Fourth Industrial Revolution, Higher Education, University 4.0

Supporting agencies:

Princess Sumaya University for Technology, Jordan

National Scientific and Technical Research Council of Argentina

Abstract:

The convergence of several emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, 3D printing, big data, and augmented reality into the fourth industrial revolution has profoundly changed all facets of life, including higher education. The speed and nature of change in the aim and structure of the University of the Future may take two paths: evolutionary, termed the University 4.0 model, or revolutionary, called the University 4.1 model.  A semi-structured survey was designed to explore the perception of university professors about the University of the Future. A total of 142 professors from 23 countries responded to the study. The results gave valuable insights into the vision of the world's academic community for University 4.0/4.1.

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