Only one in three teachers in colleges and universities has regular opportunities to develop their digital skills, a new survey by education and technology not-for-profit organisation Jisc shows.
The survey, published today, also reveals that less than 15 per cent of college teaching staff feel they have time and support to innovate using digital technologies.
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Meanwhile, just 14 per cent of teaching staff in further education say they receive recognition for developing digital skills, and only a third say they receive guidance about the digital skills they are expected to have.
Embedding edtech in colleges
Sarah Knight, Jisc’s head of change (student experience), says: “At Jisc, we work with colleges and universities to review their digital practice, helping to create a technology-focused environment that works for all. FE and HE staff need the confidence and capabilities to embed technology within teaching and learning, to deliver the world-class experience students deserve, and to prepare learners for the jobs of tomorrow.”
The survey considered the digital experiences of 6,534 members of teaching staff at 61 UK colleges and universities, and will be launched today at an event hosted by Jisc and the Independent Commission on the College of the Future. Its findings suggest that teaching staff need more time and support to innovate in their use of technology.
Professor Sir Ian Diamond, chair of the independent commission, said: “Colleges and universities are investing in infrastructure and their digital environment. Now is the time to ensure that the systematic and continuous updating of staff digital skills is prioritised, too. The world of work is changing at pace, so it is crucial that students are equipped for our increasingly digital workplaces. This is only possible if teaching staff are confident and encouraged in their use of technology, now and in the future.”
