In an unknown future, one thing is certain: higher education and education technology (EdTech) are integrally connected. But far from shrinking away from the change, a new report by the College Innovation Network (CIN) has found that the majority of faculty are embracing the technology that allows them to reach, connect with, and serve their students, particularly those from marginalized communities.
The latest survey is one in a series conducted by CIN, a network of institutions that implement EdTech using experimental and observable methods to better understand its impacts. CIN is a part of WGU Labs, which works to develop EdTech innovation.
Dr. Nicole Barbaro, senior communications content manager at WGU Labs.
Dr. Nicole Barbaro, senior communications content manager at WGU Labs and author of the report, said this runs contrary to the narrative that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“That narrative was enhanced at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Barbaro, partially because many faculty were asked to move their classes online in very short amount of time, sometimes over a weekend.
“You can’t just put things online, it’s a lot of work,” said Barbaro. “Faculty want to use technology, but faculty need more support and time to make sure that system is working effectively.”
The report shows that 34% of faculty said they struggled with having enough time to learn and implement new technologies into their classroom, and 15% of faculty said they do not receive enough or effective training.
