Survey found majority of faculty had challenges with remote teaching

Around 56 percent of faculty responded to a survey in May on how COVID-19 impacted their experience at Pitt. And while a high percentage said they faced few technological hurdles in transitioning to remote teaching, many said there were issues in the classroom.

More than 85 percent said they had no challenges with reliable software, digital devices or internet service, but there were several areas of concern related to teaching.

  • 61 percent: Found it somewhat/very difficult to get students to adequately participate and respond.

  • 63 percent: Found it somewhat/very difficult to understand how to best assess student learning in the remote environment.

  • 56 percent: Found it somewhat/very difficult to translate their lessons or activities to the remote environment.

On the research front, 73 percent said they were able to transition to a work-at-home posture with success and they that they have been able to ensure continuity of critical minimum research operations.

But there were some large areas of concern as research returns to campus:

  • 46 percent: Are very or extremely concerned with the ability to address funding impacts on their current sponsored projects.

  • 41 percent: Are very or extremely concerned with the access to personal protective equipment for laboratory activities.

  • 42 percent: Are very or extremely concerned with the safe return to clinical studies and other efforts with research participants.

Of the 3,067 responses out of 5,507 faculty members, most said they:

  • Were aware of where to look for information about COVID-19 and the University’s status (85 percent).

  • Received timely updates about the remote environment to encourage and support their teaching efforts (82 percent).

  • Received timely updates and informative communications from their leadership about COVID-19 (87 percent).

Find the survey results on the provost’s office website.

— Susan Jones

 

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