Article

The Next Chapter in Higher Ed: Responding to EDUCAUSE’s Teaching and Learning Workforce Findings

Nic Rebne

08 Mar 2024 — 1 min read

The Big Picture

Educause has provided some interesting insight into the Teaching and Learning Workforce since COVID-19. They surveyed over a thousand people from different corners of the academic world, and there are a couple of big opportunities for institutions and the organizations that support them.

Who's Doing What

We already know that the teaching and learning space is alive with varied roles and responsibilities, and almost everyone's juggling more than one ball. Budget cuts and staffing woes have pushed people to wear multiple hats (who’s heard that before?).

Flexibility in where and how we work isn't just a nice-to-have anymore; it's a must-have. A whopping 85% of the folks surveyed are craving remote or hybrid options. Students’ desire for flexible options mirrors this trend, continuing to fuel online education.

With institutions’ varying ability to meet these needs (only 66% say they have the work flexibility option), it’s no surprise that a good chunk of the respondents are eyeing the exit. Job satisfaction has taken a hit, especially for those feeling the burn(out). Which institutions will meet faculty and staff where they are at, and which institutions will continue with traditional models?

Skills for the Digital Age

Digital literacy, especially understanding AI, is the new gold. The demand's there, but the training that institutions are providing their faculty and staff? Not so much. There's a gap between what's needed and what's provided, pointing to a massive opportunity for institutions to step up their game. The edtech ecosystem is already filling this void with tools and resources for faculty.

In Summary

Some well-publicized higher education institutions have already embraced these changes, but as evidenced by this survey, many have not. Embrace flexibility, find ways to ease the workload through powerful edtech solutions, and invest in your faculty and staff’s growth, especially in digital skills. We're at a crossroads, and how institutions respond to these needs will shape the future of teaching and learning.

A Year in Review: Celebrating Our Progress and Looking Ahead to 2025

As we near the conclusion of 2024, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the remarkable progress we’ve achieved this year at Atomic Jolt. This year has been one of growth, innovation, and collaboration, and I am proud of the strides we’ve made in advancing our

Combining VR with AI for an Immersive LMS Experience

Imagine stepping into a virtual classroom where historical events unfold around you or having an AI-powered assistant guide you through complex coding exercises. Sounds futuristic? It might not be that far away. With the recent release of Google’s Genie 2 we start to see glimpses into the possibilities artificial

5 Ways to Use Atomic Discussions in your LMS to Engage Students and Assess Learning

Creating a sense of connection and engagement in the classroom is fundamental to student success. In online learning environments, where face-to-face interactions are limited, fostering meaningful engagement can be challenging — but it’s also crucial. When students feel connected to their peers, instructors, and learning material, they are more likely

Lunch & Learn: Discover the Smarter Way to Search in Canvas LMS with Atomic Search

Does Canvas' new Smart Search feature leave you wanting more? Join us for an exclusive Lunch & Learn, where we’ll introduce Atomic Search — a smarter, more intuitive solution that redefines how you search and make content updates in Canvas. As an educator or administrator, you know that streamlined