Preparing Faculty for the Digital Era: Exploring the ISTE Faculty Standards
Authors: Philip Garza; info@ciddl.org
The Next Step in Faculty Digital Competency
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), in collaboration with Old Dominion University, has introduced the ISTE Faculty Standards for Digital Teaching and Learning Competencies (2025)—a framework that helps higher education faculty intentionally use technology across instruction, research, and service. The standards reflect the rapid evolution of academic work and outline what it means to be an effective digital educator in today’s institutions.
The Six Core Faculty Roles
- Instructor
Faculty design and facilitate learning experiences that make effective use of digital tools. This includes creating accessible learning environments, mentoring students through technology-supported guidance, and applying data-driven assessments to measure progress - Coordinator
Faculty coordinate programs and courses using digital systems that enhance communication and organization. These tools help manage curricula, streamline academic planning, and prepare students for technology-centered careers - Leader
As leaders, faculty model responsible technology use. They mentor peers, advocate for innovation, and uphold ethical digital practices—establishing norms for professionalism in an increasingly connected environment - Researcher
Faculty apply digital tools to enhance research design, analysis, and dissemination. Online collaboration platforms and data visualization tools expand opportunities for interdisciplinary partnerships and scholarly impact - Learner
Continuous professional learning is key. Faculty engage in digital skill development, explore new technologies, and participate in online communities that support innovation across disciplines - Contributor
Faculty extend their influence beyond the classroom by using technology for institutional service, professional collaboration, and community engagement
Why It Matters
Adopting the ISTE Faculty Standards helps higher education institutions modernize faculty development and align academic goals with technological realities. The standards can be used to:
- Guide faculty evaluation and professional learning initiatives.
- Support institution-wide planning and continuous improvement.
- Inform hiring and onboarding processes for new faculty
Integrating these standards into institutional culture ensures that technology use is intentional, ethical, and directly tied to teaching excellence and student outcomes.
Moving Forward
The ISTE Faculty Standards provide a clear, research-based structure for strengthening faculty practice in a digital world. By embedding these competencies across higher education, institutions can better prepare educators and their students for a technology-driven future.
Reference:
Crompton, H., Burke, D., & Nickel, C. (in press). Designing faculty standards for technology integration in higher education institutions: A design-based research study. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education.
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