In the spring of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced educational institutions at all levels to switch instruction almost overnight to the virtual classroom. With scant time to marshal their resources, K-12 schools and colleges and universities had to figure out how to deliver curricula, share materials, foster collaboration and keep students engaged. Given the many teachers who lacked experience with distance learning, and the many students who lacked access to the necessary technology, schools faced significant challenges.
Since then, educators have learned a great deal about how to deliver instruction in a hybrid learning environment. Now, as most schools have returned to in-person instruction, they are looking for ways to leverage digital solutions to further enhance the teaching and learning experience.
In this new digital classroom, visionary educators will blend in-person learning with opportunities for online communication and collaboration. At the same time, schools will work to ensure that all students have the devices and connectivity required to embrace new modes of learning.
To assess the role of digital transformation during the pandemic and explore the implications for the future of learning, the Center for Digital Education (CDE) conducted a survey of 103 K-12 and 135 higher education (HED) leaders.