An overwhelming proportion of higher education teaching staff think that the use of edtech will rise over the next three years, according to a new report by PebblePad.
Ninety-two percent of poll respondents from more than 100 universities forecast an increase in the range and scope of learning technology by 2025.
A similar proportion – 87% – predicted that the 2025 learning model will be a hybrid one, combining online and in-person studies.
While more than two-thirds (69%) of HE educators expect their investment in classroom technology to increase over the next three years, a clear majority (53%) believe that its cost remains a barrier to its procurement and utilisation in the sector.
A significant proportion of teaching staff also admitted reservations over edtech’s effectiveness and optimisation.
Thirty-nine percent voiced concern that a prohibitive amount of staff training and education is required to ensure that technology purchases are a success, while more than a quarter (27%) fear that tech procurement is not linked (or not as well linked as it could be) to an institution’s strategic objectives.
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As well as tech, ‘Teaching and Learning Priorities 2025’ asked respondents questions regarding a number of other educational areas, with findings including:
- 82% said it will be vital to embed employability into the curriculum during the next three years
- 64% reported that they plan to increase their collaboration with employers by 2025, the better to ensure that course materials and teaching methods equip students with the skills set that employers want most
- 71% said that the coming years will bring about a significant change in the way they approach measurement and assessment
- 84% suggested that more emphasis needs to be placed on helping students articulate their skills throughout their studies
“Following an unprecedented period in higher education, universities up and down the country are taking the opportunity to rebuild, reset and plan,” said PebblePad CEO, Shane Sutherland.
“While there are plenty of reports on what the future might look like for university leaders – how they can remain competitive and demonstrate value – less has been written about the nuts and bolts of what’s next for classroom staff.
“This study puts that right and uncovers a group which is optimistic about the future [and] committed to enhancing all aspects of the student experience, from curriculum design and development to assessment and measurement.”
