ISTE+ASCD and Old Dominion University (ODU) have launched the ISTE Faculty Standards for Digital Teaching and Learning Competencies, a research-based framework aimed at enhancing the digital teaching capabilities of higher education faculty. This initiative, released in Norfolk, Virginia, is designed to respond to the evolving landscape of higher education, particularly in light of shifting enrollment patterns and the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI).
ISTE+ASCD, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to technology-enabled learning, collaborated with ODU, a public research university recognized for its digital innovation initiatives. The newly established standards delineate how faculty can effectively engage with technology in their roles across teaching, research, and service. Specifically, the framework identifies six key roles: Instructor, Coordinator, Leader, Researcher, Learner, and Contributor.
According to ISTE, the purpose of these standards is to provide a comprehensive resource for institutions as they navigate the complexities of modern educational demands. The framework seeks to bolster faculty development and digital transformation efforts while ensuring that educational quality and relevance are maintained amid technological advancements.
Helen Crompton, Professor of Instructional Technology and Executive Director of the Research Institute for Digital Innovation in Learning at ODU, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative on LinkedIn. She described the release of the standards as a pivotal moment for higher education faculty, emphasizing that they represent significant progress in adapting to the rapidly changing digital environment. Crompton noted that the framework was developed through the collaborative efforts of a diverse group of faculty, ensuring that it accurately reflects the realities of digital teaching and research.
Crompton highlighted the importance of establishing a strong, research-grounded foundation for faculty development, stating that this framework will serve as a vital tool for institutions undergoing digital transformation. Early adopters of the standards include ODU, Aquinas College, and Utah Valley University, which have pledged to implement the framework throughout their institutions.
Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE+ASCD, remarked that the new faculty standards offer higher education a clear roadmap for effectively utilizing emerging technologies in meaningful, ethical, and forward-thinking ways. He underscored that the implementation of these standards could significantly enhance teaching quality, support accreditation processes, and ensure faculty are equipped with relevant digital competencies.
As universities increasingly embrace technological innovations, the ISTE Faculty Standards may serve as a critical resource in guiding faculty to harness the potential of digital tools. The ongoing integration of AI in educational settings further necessitates such frameworks to ensure that faculty can adeptly prepare students for a workforce increasingly influenced by technology.
Looking ahead, the release of these standards signals a broader shift in higher education towards a more technology-integrated approach to teaching and learning. By equipping faculty with the necessary competencies to adapt to these changes, institutions can better support both educators and students as they navigate an evolving educational landscape.
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