2024/5 UK higher education teaching staff digital experience insights survey findings

The digital experience insights survey for higher education teaching staff took place between October 2024 and June 2025. Participating organisations were able to select their own survey period within these dates, typically a three to four week window.

There were 1,765 respondents from 22 different organisations (19 universities and three colleges offering higher education degrees). 15 of these were based in England, four in Scotland, two in Wales and one in Northern Ireland. These 22 organisations represent 7% of all higher education providers in the UK.

The highest number of responses from a single organisation was 274 staff. The mean number of responses was 80 per organisation and the median was 49 per organisation. Four of the 22 organisations contributed fewer than 10 responses.

A survey indicating the digital experience of further education teaching staff was run simultaneously and results can be found in our 2024/25 FE teaching staff report.

Through Jisc’s digital experience insights service, organisations can gain valuable data to inform strategic, operational and digital investment decisions, evidence year-on-year improvements and demonstrate return on investment. Organisations that take part have access to their own data to assess their unique situations as well as benchmarking data. Full information about the digital experience insights surveys is detailed on our information page.

Executive summary

The 2024/25 Digital Experience Insights survey for higher education teaching staff gathered responses from across UK higher education organisations to explore how digital technologies are used in teaching roles, and how institutions support staff in their digital teaching practices. The survey examined staff experiences with devices, infrastructure, digital tools, training and support, as well as their views on the impact of digital technologies on their roles and on student learning.

This year’s findings show that teaching staff experiences of digital technologies continue to evolve, but digital technologies are firmly embedded in the teaching, research and administrative roles of most. The digital teaching environment was rated positively (best imaginable, excellent or good) by 64% of staff, with the same percentage rating their digital teaching experience as above average. However, persistent challenges remain. Over half of respondents reported issues with wifi connectivity, and nearly half experienced problems accessing the systems they needed for teaching. Over a third faced issues in teaching at some point because of unsuitable devices, and more than a third said they had no private area to work.

Support for digital skills development remains inconsistent. More than half of teaching staff felt that the support offered to them by their organisation to teach effectively using digital technologies was above average (53%). However, only about a third felt they had guidance about the digital skills needed for their teaching role, 10% felt they had formal recognition for their digital skills, and 19% felt they had development opportunities to build digital skills for future employment. The reported availability of training in specialist areas such as artificial intelligence (23%) and data analysis (11%) was limited, despite growing interest and use. Notably, the use of artificial intelligence in teaching has risen significantly, with 37% of staff reporting that they incorporated AI tools into their teaching practice – up from 24% last year.

Teaching staff praised digital technologies for enhancing student engagement, improving accessibility, and offering flexibility in both teaching and learning. Tools like Padlet, Mentimeter, and Microsoft Teams were frequently cited as valuable for fostering collaboration and supporting diverse learning needs. However, concerns were raised about increased workload, reduced spontaneous interactions during classes, and the impact of digital tools on student engagement with course content. Some staff felt that digital technologies encouraged passive learning among students and diminished real-time engagement.

Staff expressed a desire for clearer guidance, more reliable infrastructure, and more opportunities to shape decisions about the digital tools and platforms they use. Many called for streamlined systems, improved training provision, and dedicated time for professional development. By addressing these concerns and building on the strengths identified, universities can better support teaching staff in delivering engaging, digitally enhanced education.

Full report

Download our 2024/25 UK higher education (HE) teaching staff digital experience insights survey findings [pdf].