By now, I assume many of you have reviewed this year’s Horizon Report; the annual report was released by Educause on May 18th. If you have not yet reviewed this year’s edition, I have provided a link: The 2026 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report: Teaching & Learning Edition. Educause has been responsible for the annual report since 2017 – but the New Media Consortium (NMC) was the originator of the report, publishing the inaugural edition in 2005. The Horizon Report has always focused on the bleeding edge of technology. The report has always intended to provide a “heads up” as to what the emerging trends in new technologies were. It was edgier in the beginning AND the ITC participated for several years in providing information about the trends at community colleges.
This year, the Horizon Report is likely more of a “must read” than it has been in recent years. As an article in this week’s eNews puts it, “Higher Ed’s warning light is flashing”!!! As you might suspect, the winds of technological change are blowing at hurricane strength these days. And many of our campuses seem to be living in a state of denial. They indicate awareness, but can’t seem to see the forest for the trees. After all, there are many warning signs pointing towards tremendous change:
- The recent Canvas Ransomware attack raised the DEF-CON level from “4” to “2” in regards to the increased risks of cybersecurity attacks. After all, if a company of the size and stature can be hacked, why would we think our campuses are not even more vulnerable? This type of attack at the campus level can be devastating. The costs involved, the student privacy violations – and lawsuits, the resulting overwhelming costs of defending against future attacks, etc. You get the picture.
- The divisive issue of Artificial Intelligence (AI) - - the campus topic that many love to hate. Our students get how important AI will be in their lives (and careers). They want to learn related skills and abilities. But we have growing faculty resistance on many campuses. And administrators are timid at best in dealing with the issue. AI is a hill they don’t want to die on, but as a result, many campuses are stuck/not doing much to help their students prepare for the new realities.
- AI as a transformational technology. As the report indicates, teaching and learning will change dramatically. And AI’s impact on student services will be profound.
- Keeping up with an accelerated level of change – driven by technology - going forward. Higher Education is not good with change – we fight it with vigor.
Reading this year’s Horizon Report is therefore a strong recommendation. And, once you have, be sure to share the link with others at your campus including leadership. This is a report we just can’t ignore.
Recommended Reading
ITC Alert: White House aims to establish oversight of Federal grants, Inside Higher Ed
The White House is advancing a sweeping rule change that would give administration officials more power over billions of dollars in federal grants.
Higher Ed’s warning light is flashing: What the 2026 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report reveals, eCampus News
Published on May 18, 2026, the report argues that higher education is being reshaped by pressures surrounding value, trust, AI, financial instability, sustainability, data protection, accessibility, and policy change.
Red light, yellow light, green light (Using AI in the classroom), CCDaily
The rise of artificial intelligence in higher education has forced faculty to make critical decisions: Should AI be allowed in their courses? If so, how much? These aren’t just policy questions — they’re fundamentally about trust, learning and what we want students to actually master.
Bridging the AI divide in community colleges, CCDaily
The AI divide, however, is more nuanced. It involves not only access to generative AI applications but also students’ ability to use these technologies effectively and to translate AI literacy into meaningful educational and workforce outcomes.
Community college baccalaureates continue to grow, CCDaily
Nearly half (24) of states are authorized to offer CCBs, with three more considering legislation to do so - - 58% of CCB colleges are minority-serving institutions - - 70% of recent CCB grads are age 25 and older.
The AI learning paradox: why students feel unprepared for the AI-driven workforce, eCampus News
Without guardrails on the use of AI tools, students are left to find their own way and make their own decisions for using the technology
Video of the Week
Why AI will never replace higher education, Tedx Talks/YouTube
When knowledge is free and instant, what's left to learn? University president and former pilot and federal prosecutor Russ Kavalhuna reveals that a college education isn't just about what you know but who you become when the stakes are real.
