The Interplay of Institutional Support and Faculty Roles During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for the Future of Online Teaching and Learning

Abstract

While the outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic was largely the same across higher education institutions (HEI) – a rapid transition to online teaching and learning (OTL) – the processes and institutional support leading to this transition varied greatly. As such, the perception and anxieties experienced by faculty warrant exploration as these perceptions likely dictate the future of online teaching and learning within higher education institutions. Through the use of tweets made during the pandemic and interviews with faculty, this study reveals the emotional stress experienced by faculty when playing multiple, unfamiliar roles hindered the implementation of online teaching and learning initiatives. This hindrance may in part be alleviated through well-targeted institutional support.