Educational Technology Research in Higher Education: New Considerations and Evolving Goals

Published:: Friday, October 27, 2023
: Briefs, Case Studies, Papers, Reports

Author(s) and Contributors:: Author(s): Sean Burns

Source(s) and Collection(s):: Sources(s): EDUCAUSE Publications

ParentTopics:: Accessibility Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assistive Technology Big Data Data Administration and Management Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Extended Reality (XR) Hybrid Learning Innovation Instructional Technologies IT Effectiveness Learning Analytics Learning Environments Learning Management Systems (LMS) Open Educational Resources (OER) Research Research and Development Student Learning Support Student Technology Use Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

The fusion of education and technology has led to an era in which classrooms are no longer confined by four walls and digital literacy and the use of technology are as vital to student success as any textbook. But how are institutions or other groups researching the effectiveness of technology, especially when it comes to teaching and learning?

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Introduction

This report highlights the ways in which educational technology can be effectively harnessed to engage students in different ways, meeting them where their preferences are, and promoting skills that will help them in the workforce.

Through an exploration of research findings and exemplary institutional insights, this report seeks to provide faculty and institutional stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits and challenges associated with integrating technology into educational practices.

Read the Introduction >

Challenges and Concerns about Technology’s Role in Education

A recent meta-analysis of educational technology indicates that the research we have on educational technology is not the research we need and that “perhaps we can better transform education by fostering incremental changes through collaborative research and development with practitioners.”

Changes in Student and Faculty Learning Modality Preferences

**Student and Faculty Preferences for On-Site Course Modality**

On-site teaching remains the modality preferred by most students and faculty, although those preferences aren’t as strong as they used to be.

Learn more about modality preferences >

Information, Tools, and Access at All Levels

Chart showing satisfaction with technology supports, broken out by disability. Among all students, 10% were very dissatisfied or dissatisfied, 22% were neutral, and 67% were satisfied or very satisfied. Among students with a learning disability, 8% were very dissatisfied or dissatisfied, 31% were neutral, and 62% were satisfied or very satisfied. Among students with a mental health disorder, 10% were very dissatisfied or dissatisfied, 27% were neutral, and 63% were satisfied or very satisfied. Among students with a mobility impairment, 35% were very dissatisfied or dissatisfied, 29% were neutral, and 35% were satisfied or very satisfied. Among students with a sensory impairment, 8% were very dissatisfied or dissatisfied, 54% were neutral, and 39% were satisfied or very satisfied. — **Overall Satisfaction with Technology Supports and Services, by Reported Disability**

Accessible technology and universal design have improved satisfaction for some learners with disabilities, while others still lag behind.

Exemplars

people standing around a large magnifying glass, using it as a bench and table

EDUCAUSE has collaborated with HP to find and tell some of the stories about exemplar institutions and faculty who are leading the way in educational technology.