Binghamton Research Days Student Presentations
The Impact Of Transitioning Rapidly to a Digital Format on the Mental Health of Educators in Higher Education Institutions
The Impact Of Transitioning Rapidly to a Digital Format on the Mental Health of Educators in Higher Education Institutions
Michael Walsh (First-year, Undeclared); Eliana Ellerton (First-year, History); Lily Aronov (First-year, Undeclared)
Michael Walsh (First-year, Undeclared); Eliana Ellerton (First-year, History); Lily Aronov (First-year, Undeclared)
Mentor: Amber Simpson, TLEL
Mentor: Amber Simpson, TLEL
Abstract
The pandemic has completely changed the landscape of the educational system, and has forced educators involved to re-evaluate the way they approach teaching. Professors have not only had to shift to a digital format and transform their educational approach to their curriculum, but some may feel as though the level of gratification they receive from their career and effectiveness of their educational abilities has been diminished in some regards. A survey was administered to college and university professors across the United States to analyze how the switch to online education affected multiple aspects of professors’ career life. We hypothesized that the shift to digital learning has had a negative impact on the job efficacy, mental health, and job satisfaction of professors around the country. From initial survey reports, this hypothesis seems to be substantiated by most of the responses, indicating a general negative trend regarding participants' attitudes about the pandemic. Using the data collected in this research survey, the public will ideally have a more concrete understanding of the complexities of teaching virtually.
Abstract
The pandemic has completely changed the landscape of the educational system, and has forced educators involved to re-evaluate the way they approach teaching. Professors have not only had to shift to a digital format and transform their educational approach to their curriculum, but some may feel as though the level of gratification they receive from their career and effectiveness of their educational abilities has been diminished in some regards. A survey was administered to college and university professors across the United States to analyze how the switch to online education affected multiple aspects of professors’ career life. We hypothesized that the shift to digital learning has had a negative impact on the job efficacy, mental health, and job satisfaction of professors around the country. From initial survey reports, this hypothesis seems to be substantiated by most of the responses, indicating a general negative trend regarding participants' attitudes about the pandemic. Using the data collected in this research survey, the public will ideally have a more concrete understanding of the complexities of teaching virtually.