Covid-19 and beyond: teachers’ work, digital labour and learning

The challenge

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented disruption to schooling. While research to date has focused on disruptions to student learning during lockdown periods, there remains little understanding of the ways in which digital technology is impacting teachers’ digital labour and how it can be used to enhance teachers’ capacity to work effectively. This study aims to investigate the changing nature of teachers’ labour in the post-COVID environment.

Solution 

To explore how these emerging and intersecting conditions affect teachers’ work and student outcomes, the research team will conduct a pilot study involving interviews with teachers and school leaders across NSW. These interviews aim to provide contextual qualitative perspectives on teachers’ experiences regarding digital technology within schools and implications for their work.

Outcome and impact

As schools convert to a ‘new normal’ post-COVID, this project will provide insights to academics, industry and policymakers. Findings will consider the opportunities and problems generated by the rapid move to remote learning – and its impact on schools, students and teachers. Engagement activities will ensure the research findings are of benefit to end users – aligning with the priorities of UTS Business School to accelerate engagement with industry to collaboratively address social problems.