Each year, the Media & Learning Association surveys its members to explore the policies shaping media accessibility, artificial intelligence (AI), open educational media resources (OEMR), extended reality (XR) technologies, and digital and media literacy. The 2024 survey saw a record level of participation, offering a fresh look at how institutions are addressing these critical areas.
Who took part?
In 2024, 48 individuals from 39 organisations contributed to the survey, up from 27 individuals and 23 organisations in 2023. This growth reflects increasing interest in understanding and sharing institutional policy trends.
The survey featured 36 questions, slightly adjusted from the previous year to focus more closely on immersive technologies (XR). However, there were notable gaps in responses to some questions, particularly those about OEMR and digital and media literacy.
Highlights from the 2024 survey
Media Accessibility
Media accessibility policies remain a cornerstone for many institutions, though gaps in awareness are evident:
- 42.22% of respondents confirmed that their institutions have accessibility policies in place.
- However, 33.33% were unsure about the existence of such policies, pointing to potential communication challenges within organisations.
Interestingly, teacher training has become a stronger focus, with 50% of respondents reporting that accessibility policies include provisions for teacher education. This shift suggests a growing emphasis on equipping educators with the tools to create accessible learning environments.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI continues to gain traction in educational settings, with a notable increase in the adoption of related policies:
- 62.16% of respondents indicated that their institutions have policies on AI.
- AI applications span various areas, with strong engagement in student usage (80%), staff usage (70%), and teacher training (50%).
Despite this progress, challenges remain. While resource-related barriers appear to be easing, new or undefined obstacles are emerging, as reflected in the 50% of respondents citing “other” barriers. Awareness is also an issue, with many respondents feeling that existing policies are not adequately publicised.
Open Educational Media Resources (OEMR)
The 2024 survey revealed a lack of focus on OEMR policies. None of the respondents reported having policies in place, and there was little data provided on implementation timelines or barriers.
This absence highlights a potential shift in priorities, raising concerns about the level of institutional support for OEMR.
Digital and Media Literacy
Similar to OEMR, digital and media literacy policies were notably absent from this year’s survey responses. Questions about existing policies, application areas, and barriers went unanswered, suggesting that institutions may not be actively pursuing formal frameworks in this area.
Extended Reality (XR) Technologies
XR technologies emerged as a key focus area in 2024, with the survey shedding light on their use and support within institutions:
- 45.45% of respondents confirmed that XR technologies are in use at their institutions.
- 66.67% reported that resources are provided for faculty and students to develop XR initiatives, and 60% stated that technical and pedagogical support is available for integrating XR into teaching.
When asked about the development of XR-related policies, 60% of respondents confirmed that discussions are ongoing. This reflects a growing interest in formalising XR frameworks while institutions continue to experiment with its applications.
Key challenges
Across the policy areas explored in the survey, several recurring challenges were identified:
- Awareness gaps: Many respondents were unsure about the existence of policies at their institutions, suggesting a need for better internal communication and visibility.
- Evolving barriers: While traditional challenges like resource constraints were less prominent, new and undefined obstacles are emerging, particularly in areas like AI.
- Neglected areas: The lack of responses on OEMR and digital literacy points to a potential deprioritisation of these topics, which may require renewed attention.
Recommendations for progress
Based on the 2024 survey findings, the Media & Learning Association suggests the following steps:
- Enhance communication: Institutions should prioritise making existing policies more accessible and understandable to staff and stakeholders.
- Support emerging technologies: With XR and AI gaining momentum, it’s crucial to allocate resources and formalise policies to support their integration into education.
- Refocus on overlooked areas: OEMR and digital literacy are vital for inclusive and forward-thinking education. Institutions should reassess their commitment to these areas and explore ways to reinvigorate policy development.
Looking ahead
The 2024 Media & Learning Policy Survey underscores the dynamic nature of education policy in a rapidly changing world. While advancements in AI and XR are promising, the absence of formal frameworks for OEMR and digital literacy highlights the need for balanced attention across all areas.
