Creating Capacity for Digital Transformation of Education: Mode and Disciplinary Barriers in the Development of Highly Qualified Personnel

Abstract

Educational institutions and training programs have faced an accelerated transformation toward the integration of technology. However, it is unclear whether the capacity to train qualified personnel to support this digital transformation in education. In this session, we review university websites across Canada looking at the availability of online PhD programs in Education Technology. Findings indicate only one is offered online only (5% or 1 out of 20) and two provide students with the possibility to study in a blended format for their PhD program, which is 10% (2 out of 20) of all Canadian universities that have PhD programs. Only 5% (1 out of 20) of Canadian institutions provide a PhD program in educational technology; however, this is offered on campus only. While this review excludes the EdD pathway, we did find two EdD programs in educational technology that could be accessed entirely online and one blended program. As technological and conceptual shifts of entire sectors that prioritize digital learning and digital literacy (e.g., B.C. Digital Learning Strategy), there is significant demand for PhD qualified individuals to lead or execute these initiatives. As such, there needs to be more discussion about how to make PhD study more accessible, specifically in educational technology.