Exploring Technological Challenges and Growth in Faculty Transition to Remote Teaching during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Study

The COVID-19 pandemic forced institutions of higher education into an emergency remote teaching practice. In this study, the researchers utilized a convergent triangulation mixed-methods study design to investigate the technological challenges and growth that faculty experienced in seven schools at...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Driscoll DeVaul, Angela Burrell, Kendria Lyles, Britney Reulet, Kristy Cole, Celia Lea A. Reulet, Carley Dear, Xiaoshan Z. Gordy
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-08-01
Series:Education Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/13/8/833
Description
Summary:The COVID-19 pandemic forced institutions of higher education into an emergency remote teaching practice. In this study, the researchers utilized a convergent triangulation mixed-methods study design to investigate the technological challenges and growth that faculty experienced in seven schools at the University of Mississippi Medical Center as a result of the transition to emergency remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Quantitative data were collected through an anonymous online survey that asked faculty to rate their competency in each of the 14 technology-related tasks twice—once for the pre-pandemic period and once for the current period. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted virtually or in person. One hundred faculty participated in the quantitative survey. A significant difference between faculty self-rated competency levels in the pre-pandemic period and the current period was observed, suggesting technology knowledge growth from the forced transition. Qualitative interviews of 19 faculty revealed five overarching themes: inconsistency in instructional support, pandemic-induced technological growth, power of togetherness, maintaining continuity through flexibility, and resilience against adversity. This study provided faculty with the experience to perform effective self-reflection and gain insights into their pedagogical practices. Future research should focus on professional development that can help faculty remain up-to-date on technology utilization and establish a contingency plan to better prepare for the unknown.
ISSN:2227-7102