Sustaining Higher Education Learning in Australia

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted teaching and learning in higher education institutions globally since March 2020. Tertiary educators restructured modes of delivery to maintain enrolments and engage with students, shifting to remote online learning. This chapter forms part of the study “Reimaging the Future: Music Teaching and Learning, and ICT in Blended Environments in Australia.” It investigates the ways in which tertiary music educators modified teaching practice as they engaged with music technology and information communication technology. Qualitative thematic analyses are employed to code survey data (March-April 2021). Five overarching themes are discussed including constraints and opportunities. This chapter provides additional insights into the growing body of research investigating adaptive approaches to teaching and learning in blended environments. Recommendations identify the need for Australian university educators to prepare graduates with digital and social-emotional competencies in response to the ‘new COVID-19 normal environment'.