Fee-based homework technology gaining popularity
In a recent US-based survey of higher education faculty, 55% of respondents said they were flipping at least some of their courses and 25% said they intended to start using the method soon. Flipped learning involves students reviewing video material before coming to school and then using classroom time for activities such as discussions or projects. When asked about teaching environments, 71% said they used the blended model, which combines online and face-to-face teaching. As 79% said they didn't require students to use fee-based homework systems, such as WileyPLUS, that suggests 21% of faculty members do use those systems.

Dive Brief:

21% of professors participating in a national survey about the flipped classroom teaching model said they use fee-based homework systems for students' out-of-classroom learning time.

More than 70% of professors say they do not require students to use technology to submit homework assignments, but 94% say they do require technology for homework to be completed.

More than 70% of respondents say that their classroom are a hybrid of in-person and online learning access.

Dive Insight:

As debate grows about the preparation level of graduates to compete in the workforce, some could argue that paid homework assigning services are harmful in getting students to master core elements of course content.

These services, and similar tools like gamification can increase engagement and confidence; but do they help students to truly learn content and make necessary applications in moving to the next level of curriculum, or to professional development? Faculty leadership should consider the profile of students, costs and the outcomes of systems like these to assess if they are more helpful than hurtful, particularly to low-income or underrepresented students.