Using Digital Tools for Information Management in Higher Education

Abstract

In recent years, Knowledge Management (KM) has gained significant attention within the Information Systems (IS) community. The economic importance of data and information, often likened to “data as the new oil,” underscores the critical role of data/information/knowledge management. KM is crucial in both educational and organizational contexts. Despite growing interest, research in KM in Higher Education (HE) remains fragmented, especially with the rapid evolution of digital tools and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This paper explores the intersection of KM and HE, emphasizing the use of digital tools and platforms for knowledge acquisition among university students. An open survey conducted in Sweden among bachelor students enrolled in a digitalisation course revealed that digital tools are used frequently for knowledge acquisition and communication. The study highlights the benefits, challenges, and suggestions about how to use digital tools in KM in HE and the need for structured educational training to facilitate KM processes. It also advocates for new research avenues emphasizing the role of digital tools in HE and provides guidance for integrating technology into KM principles in HE.