The Tech Effect: A Double-Edged Sword of Faculty Help and Hindrance

The impacts of technology on faculty burnout are becoming increasingly evident. A recent report from WGU Labs highlighting the fatigue and trepidation felt by many higher education faculty members in response to the rapid evolution of educational technologies.

According to the report, which polled 359 faculty members from colleges and universities, the majority of respondents anticipate an increased use of edtech in their classrooms. However, less than a third of the faculty members expressed confidence that these changes are "heading in the right direction." The concern is compounded by the belief of 58% of respondents that these technologies will result in faculty having less autonomy in designing courses.

Additionally, the report revealed alarming statistics, with "41% of faculty members reporting burnout and a staggering 79% indicating that they constantly feel "on the job" due to technology" (Wood, 2024)

Notably, faculty members' perspectives on technology's use in the classroom varied depending on their primary teaching modalities. Only 20% of those teaching face-to-face expressed belief that education was moving "in the right direction," in stark contrast to 42% of teachers conducting online asynchronous classes.

In regard to the burgeoning popularity of artificial intelligence in higher education, 42% of faculty members believe that AI will "positively impact" faculty. However, approximately half of the faculty reported that they are not currently using AI in the classroom.

To better support faculty amidst these challenges, we offer these three suggestions:

1. Professional Development: Provide comprehensive training and ongoing professional development opportunities for faculty members to effectively integrate and leverage educational technologies in their teaching practices.

2. Autonomy and Flexibility: Empower faculty members to have more autonomy in designing and implementing courses by creating flexible guidelines and frameworks that accommodate diverse teaching styles and preferences.

3. Well-being Support: Establish support systems and resources aimed at addressing and mitigating faculty burnout caused by technology, including wellness programs, mental health resources, and workload management strategies.

It's imperative for academic institutions to recognize and address the impact of technology on faculty well-being, and to proactively implement strategies to support and empower educators in navigating the evolving landscape of educational technologies.

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