[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F0F0F0″ custom_padding=”19px|15px|11px|15px|false|false” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_blurb title=”Overview” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”25px” content_max_width=”1100px” module_id=”tip4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ header_text_align=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”1%|1%|2%|1%|false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
In March 2024, UVic launched a Student Learning Technological Needs Survey,<\/em> asking students about their technology use and needs. A collaboration between Learning and Teaching Innovation (LTI), University Systems, and University Libraries, the survey explored how students access tools, what they rely on most, and how these insights can shape UVic\u2019s digital learning strategy. The goal was to improve the student experience with technology and boost digital skills.<\/p>\n Discover the full findings and how your feedback is shaping the future of digital learning at UVic.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_slider arrows_custom_color=”#005493″ dot_nav_custom_color=”#28A745″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#005493″ header_font_size=”20px” body_text_align=”left” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”16px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” hover_enabled=”0″ box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_slide heading=”Demographic information” image=”https:\/\/onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca\/uviclearn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5358\/2025\/09\/Tech-Needs-images.gif” image_tablet=”https:\/\/onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca\/uviclearn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5358\/2024\/11\/Tech-Needs-images.gif” image_phone=”https:\/\/onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca\/uviclearn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5358\/2024\/11\/Tech-Needs-images.gif” image_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Tech Needs images” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n 95% of <\/span><\/span><\/span>respondents <\/span><\/span>were <\/span><\/span><\/span>undergraduate students<\/span>. <\/span>T<\/span>he Faculty of Social Sciences <\/span><\/span>had the<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span>highest response rate (22%), followed by <\/span>Science<\/span> (15%). In terms of age groups, individuals aged 22 to 25 <\/span>comprised<\/span> the largest proportion, accounting for 52%<\/span>. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The largest group represented were students from<\/span> Social Sciences (22%), <\/span>followed by <\/span>Science (15%)<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Assistive technologies used to complete academic work” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Visual & text:\u00a0<\/strong>Screen readers, closed captions, digital magnifiers, screen color filters; Speed adjustment for video playback<\/p>\n Writing & communication: <\/strong>Voice-to-text software (e.g., Dragon Naturally Speaking), voice recorders;\u00a0Text-to-speech software, word prediction, grammar\/spell check tools (e.g., Grammarly)<\/p>\n Note taking:\u00a0<\/strong>Digital note-taking, lecture recordings, transcription services; AI assistants, text mining tools, pen input tablets<\/p>\n Environmental & sensory:\u00a0<\/strong>Noise-canceling headphones, quiet exam spaces; Adjustments for ADHD (distraction-reduced environments)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Device used to complete academic work” button_text=”Click Here” image=”https:\/\/onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca\/uviclearn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5358\/2024\/11\/Tech-Needs-images-1.gif” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n The Apple MacBook laptop is the most used device for completing academic work, accounting for 34% of student usage. Most students (98%) have access to their primary device to complete their work. The Apple iPhone (23%) is a popular secondary device among students.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Main issues encountered using technology to complete academic work” button_text=”Click Here” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n The majority of student devices (91%) adequately meet their needs for completing academic work. Some students have encountered situations such as; loss of internet connectivity (38%), not equipped to perform a task needed for a course (25%), could not run the required software (22%), device not working (20%), and app\/tool compatibility issues with assistive technology (19%).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Online tools needed for coursework” button_text=”Click Here” image=”https:\/\/onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca\/uviclearn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5358\/2024\/11\/Tech-Needs-images-2.gif” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Students prioritize Brightspace, Microsoft Office applications (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and OneDrive), and Zoom for their academic work. Additionally, <\/span>just under <\/span>30%<\/span>. of students <\/span>reported benefits to using<\/span> lecture capture tools like Echo 360. <\/span>51% of <\/span>students shared that they discovered <\/span>new technologies<\/span> through word of mouth with peers or friends.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Online class materials” button_text=”Click Here” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Students primarily engage in academic work through in-person <\/span>meetings. However, l<\/span>ecture materials, including presentation slides (PPT), notes, videos, and audio, are considered crucial by students, with<\/span> just under<\/span>\u202f6<\/span>6<\/span>%\u202femphasizing the importance of online access for their learning.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F0F0F0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#ffffff” image_icon_background_color=”#005493″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”16px” content_max_width=”100%” module_id=”tip1″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#005493″ image_icon_custom_padding=”8px|8px|8px|8px|false|false” border_radii_image=”on|100%|100%|100%|100%” use_circle=”on” circle_color=”#f5aa1c” global_colors_info=”{}” image_icon_background_color__sticky_enabled=”#005493″ image_icon_background_color__sticky=”#005493″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 23%\u00a0 <\/strong>GenAI or large language models<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#ffffff” image_icon_background_color=”#005493″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”16px” content_max_width=”100%” module_id=”tip1″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#005493″ image_icon_custom_padding=”8px|8px|8px|8px|false|false” border_radii_image=”on|100%|100%|100%|100%” use_circle=”on” circle_color=”#f5aa1c” global_colors_info=”{}” image_icon_background_color__sticky_enabled=”#005493″ image_icon_background_color__sticky=”#005493″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 26%\u00a0 <\/strong>Social media<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#ffffff” image_icon_background_color=”#005493″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”16px” content_max_width=”100%” module_id=”tip1″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#005493″ image_icon_custom_padding=”8px|8px|8px|8px|false|false” border_radii_image=”on|100%|100%|100%|100%” use_circle=”on” circle_color=”#f5aa1c” global_colors_info=”{}” image_icon_background_color__sticky_enabled=”#005493″ image_icon_background_color__sticky=”#005493″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 25%\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Online graphic design tools<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#ffffff” image_icon_background_color=”#005493″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”16px” content_max_width=”100%” module_id=”tip1″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#005493″ image_icon_custom_padding=”8px|8px|8px|8px|false|false” border_radii_image=”on|100%|100%|100%|100%” use_circle=”on” circle_color=”#f5aa1c” global_colors_info=”{}” image_icon_background_color__sticky_enabled=”#005493″ image_icon_background_color__sticky=”#005493″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 48%\u00a0 <\/strong>Google Drive<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” width=”50%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#ffffff” image_icon_background_color=”#28A745″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”16px” content_max_width=”90%” module_id=”tip1″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#005493″ image_icon_custom_padding=”8px|8px|8px|8px|false|false” border_radii_image=”on|100%|100%|100%|100%” use_circle=”on” circle_color=”#f5aa1c” global_colors_info=”{}” image_icon_background_color__sticky_enabled=”#005493″ image_icon_background_color__sticky=”#005493″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 30%\u00a0 <\/strong>Found lecture capture or Echo360 recording useful\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n The Apple iPhone is a widely used secondary device among students, with<\/span> just under<\/span> 2<\/span>4<\/span>% <\/span>utilizing<\/span> it for academic purposes. To enhance accessibility,<\/span> Brightspace and other relevant UVic academic websites should be <\/span>optimized<\/span> for iPhone compatibility.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#002754″ image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”30px” content_max_width=”90%” module_id=”tip1″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#005493″ image_icon_custom_padding=”||||false|false” border_radii_image=”on|100%|100%|100%|100%” use_circle=”on” circle_color=”#f5aa1c” global_colors_info=”{}” image_icon_background_color__sticky_enabled=”#005493″ image_icon_background_color__sticky=”#005493″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Learn about our Brightspace pulse app<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Some students shared experiences where their primary devices lost internet connection during class sessions, quizzes, or exams.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#002754″ image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”30px” content_max_width=”90%” module_id=”tip1″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#005493″ image_icon_custom_padding=”||||false|false” border_radii_image=”on|100%|100%|100%|100%” use_circle=”on” circle_color=”#f5aa1c” global_colors_info=”{}” image_icon_background_color__sticky_enabled=”#005493″ image_icon_background_color__sticky=”#005493″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n\n
Topics and key insights<\/h2>\n
What tools would be important for learning?<\/h2>\n
Other recommendations and resources<\/h2>\n