Established in 2010, the Center for 21st Century Universities (C21U) is Georgia Tech's living laboratory for fundamental educational change.
Serving as a research arm of the College of Lifetime Learning, C21U's technologists and researchers support the Institute's innovation mission by pushing the boundaries of what is already done in higher education to bring learners the most impactful resources and technologies.
We serve as a nexus of collaboration and communication and a catalyst for innovation, bringing together an array of internal and external partners across various disciplines.
Through a sustained and systemic program of research, experimentation, design, prototyping, and implementation, C21U serves the Institute in thought leadership, educational technology design, community building, and support of Georgia Tech stakeholders of all ages.
Featured Research
The significance of metacognitive processes in online learning cannot be overemphasized. This study delves into the application of metacognitive processes as manifested in the active participation of online students within discussion forums. It aims to unravel the correlation between the utilization of metacognition, cognitive presence, and overall course performance, scrutinizing these dynamics across distinct courses and diverse online settings.
Recent News
Cracking the Code on Financial Aid Opportunities at Georgia Tech
Tech will use machine learning and artificial intelligence to predict applicants' eligibility for different financial aid categories. The effort is a key part of expanding access, a focus area of Georgia Tech’s Strategic Plan. Led by C21U, this collaborative effort aims to increase educational opportunities and improve the accessibility of financial aid.
Seeking Faculty to Participate in an XR Technologies Survey
The Georgia Tech XR Cross-functional team, formed in 2024, aims to promote XR technologies on campus and enhance learning and research. For the 2025 spring semester, they will collect data through a 15-minute online survey to understand how faculty use XR technologies in teaching and research.
Why Transfer Student Programs are Key to Expanding Access
Transfer student programs provide pathways for students from diverse backgrounds to achieve their academic goals. In this article Provost Steve McLaughlin and Executive Director of Strategic Student Access Rick Clark emphasize their importance in removing barriers and supporting student success.
Dean Search Begins for College of Lifetime Learning
Georgia Tech has begun the search for the dean of the new College of Lifetime Learning. The search committee, chaired by Anuj Mehrotra, Dean and Stephen P. Zelnak Jr. Chair in the Scheller College of Business, includes a mix of faculty, staff, and students from across the College of Lifetime Learning, Georgia Tech, as well as University System of Georgia representatives.
The Changing Role of Digital Credentials in Higher Education
Digital credentials offer flexible and secure recognition of skills and competencies, bridging the gap between traditional degrees and the demands of lifetime learning and workforce trends.
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