INDEx Survey
• National survey of digital
experiences in higher education
o 25,484 students
o 4,485 staff who teach
o 32 institutions
• Survey conducted: Oct-Dec 2019
• Initial report published: May 2020
www.teachingandlearning.ie/index
#NFdigital
• Students’ responses when asked what their institution could do to
improve their experience of digital T&L:
o Access to reliable wifi
o Consistent use of the VLE
o Availability of lecture recordings
• 25% of students said they had access to recorded lectures;
29% of staff who teach said they had access to lecture capture
Theme Two: Digital Infrastructure
Presentation on behalf of the National Forum
Overall theme of this session: “Digital Infrastructure & Tools to Support Online/Distance Learning”
Our presentation – overview of the National Forum + INDEx Survey (design/coordination/national-level analysis)
Let’s get started!
Today’s webinar is a direct outcome of the INDEx Survey…
As many of you may know, 1 yr ago the NF coordinated a national survey of digital experiences in HE – in partnership with S+S across the sector at 32 HEIs
The aim: Highlight what makes a difference to S+S, providing an evidence base to inform decision-making and future enhancement of digital T+L
The survey had nearly 30K respondents &
The National Findings Report was published last May
In terms of the use of these findings across the sector, we know that institutions have shared and benchmarked their findings – some have conducted student focus groups to delve deeper; improved communications with S+S (regarding Privacy policies & processes); enhanced staff induction processes; informed digital strategies for the institution
The NF has continued to analyse the national dataset: producing infographics, deeper qualitative analyses, briefing paper & more (WEBSITE)
Overall, given all that has happened since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we consider this pre-pandemic snapshot to be a unique/valuable dataset at a critical time
www.teachingandlearning.ie/index
www.teachingandlearning.ie/index
www.teachingandlearning.ie/index
www.teachingandlearning.ie/index
The Findings…
The INDEx Survey instruments for S+S were necessarily different, but many of the Qs were matched, so that we could learn about S+S views on key issues, and compare them.
The INDEx Survey was based on Jisc’s DEI Survey – A Steering Group with representatives from all participating institutions, and other key stakeholders, adapted the survey for use in the Irish HE sector.
Illustrating the holistic approach of the survey, INDEx findings for S+S span 5 themes
Top 2 bubbles focus on the Individual:
Digital T+L Practices (what S+S DO) using the VLE & other digital tools/spaces for T+L+A
Attitudes to Digital (what S+S THINK/FEEL) about their use of digital tech/resources & their institutions’ approaches to digital T+L
Bottom 3 circles widen the focus to Institutional digital capabilities:
Digital Infrastructure
Digital Skills Development & Support
Digital Environment & Culture
Digital Environment & Culture: student wellbeing; student data protection; staff information re data protection & privacy
From our conversations with sector, particularly in light of our current context
We know that this is an area of critical interest & importance – how this webinar arose.
I’ll very briefly share the key findings from the INDEx survey in this area, as an introduction to our speakers’ contributions.
Firstly, for students:
Just over one-half agreed that their institution protects their data privacy -- a large minority were NEUTRAL
30% agreed that they were told how their personal data is stored/used – just over 30% DISAGREED & most common response was NEUTRAL
And 4 in 10 students agreed that their institution helps them to stay safe online -- again, most common response (one-half!) was NEUTRAL
International benchmarking: Fewer than half of students in all 4 countries agreed that their institution helped them stay safe online (Ireland 40%, UK 43%, ANZ 48%)
For staff who teach:
Just over half agreed that they were informed about their responsibilities with regard to Managing Learner Data securely (similar to students)
Only 15% agreed that they were informed about their responsibilities with regard to Ensuring Students Behave Safely Online (3x as many students) -- (45% DISAGREED)
These findings clearly highlight gaps in knowledge, confidence & processes around data privacy, data protection & online safety
– on the part of students, staff and institutions
We know that these issues are only becoming more relevant in our current context.
With that, I’d like to introduce our first speaker, Kevin McStravock, to offer a student perspective.
[Theme Two: Digital Infrastructure]
Students’ qualitative responses – can relate to quant findings & international benchmarking
Equivalent statistics for access to lecture recording/capture in HE in UK: 49% and 65%
Firstly, for students:
Just over one-half agreed that their institution protects their data privacy -- a large minority were NEUTRAL
30% agreed that they were told how their personal data is stored/used – just over 30% DISAGREED & most common response was NEUTRAL
And 4 in 10 students agreed that their institution helps them to stay safe online -- again, most common response (one-half!) was NEUTRAL
International benchmarking: Fewer than half of students in all 4 countries agreed that their institution helped them stay safe online (Ireland 40%, UK 43%, ANZ 48%)
For staff who teach:
Just over half agreed that they were informed about their responsibilities with regard to Managing Learner Data securely (similar to students)
Only 15% agreed that they were informed about their responsibilities with regard to Ensuring Students Behave Safely Online (3x as many students) -- (45% DISAGREED)
These findings clearly highlight gaps in knowledge, confidence & processes around data privacy, data protection & online safety
– on the part of students, staff and institutions
We know that these issues are only becoming more relevant in our current context.
With that, I’d like to introduce our first speaker, Kevin McStravock, to offer a student perspective.