Samsung Electronics Australia has today released new insights[1] revealing the impact that the teacher shortage crisis is having on Australian teachers, and the role that technology can play in overcoming some of the key challenges faced.

The survey commissioned by Samsung found that, despite barriers to adoption including budget restraints (60%), access to technology (37%) and individual digital confidence or skills (43%), almost half (49%) of teachers agree that technology has the potential to help teaching staff overcome some of the issues raised by the teacher shortage.

Phil Gaut, Senior Director and Head of Display and Memory Solutions Division at Samsung Electronics Australia says,”Our insights highlight the critical need to future-proof Australia’s education system. Educators agree that technology is key to providing productive, accessible and high-quality learning experiences for all students.

“We see tech as the ultimate enabler of top-tier learning experiences, and our suite of education products are crafted with teachers’ needs in mind, ensuring they address the sectors current challenges and deliver effective solutions to help instil meaningful change to Australian classrooms.”

The impact of the Australian teacher shortage

The data showcases that three quarters (75%) of teachers say they are feeling the impact of the teaching shortage crisis, either directly or indirectly via their employer. Teachers report that they feel overwhelmed or stressed by their workload (71%), are having to take on more responsibilities than usual (61%) and say they are working longer hours on regular tasks (53%).

In fact, 41% of respondents even said they are considering leaving their job, or the teaching profession all together, with this feeling highest amongst Queensland educators (48%).

Primary and secondary teachers report experiencing the impacts of the shortage more than university lecturers or specialist educators (43% vs. 13%), with teachers in primary or secondary education reporting that they are taking on more responsibilities and working longer hours on regular tasks (52% and 53%) in comparison tertiary educators (24%).

Technology is part of the solution

The survey found that 71% of teachers agreed the integration of technology within classrooms will improve the quality of learning opportunities they’re able to provide their students. This includes being able to provide students with greater accessibility to educational resources (61%), enhance digital knowledge and expertise (59%), offer futureproofing skills development (59%) and drive higher engagement with lesson content (53%), all of which are essential components toward the future of education.

Interestingly however, the belief that technology can help to offer solutions to issues raised by the teacher shortage in Australia varies amongst age groups, with the youngest teachers (18-24) less likely to agree (23%). This differs to older generations, with 52% of those aged 25-24, 60% of 25–44-year-olds and 51% of teachers aged 55-64 either agreeing that technology can overcome pressures faced.

For many educators, integrating technology in some format is already commonplace in the classroom. Almost three quarters of respondents (72%) turn to tech for lesson content (such as screens or presentations), followed by 64% that use interactive tools, or similar, for student engagement in lessons.

Through increased digitisation, educators are already feeling the benefits technology can have on learning. As outlined in the NSW Department of Education’s Schools Digital Strategy, digitalisation has freed up time in the teachers’ day allowing more time for one-on-one student support, and greater capacity to be more present in the classroom for effective and engaging teaching.  

Teachers frequently find themselves adapting to new environments, moving between classrooms or even schools, requiring technology that is intuitive and easy to learn. By fostering connected learning environments, teachers and students benefit from more consistent experiences, whether this be in-person or remote. Incorporating technology into the curriculum allows for diverse and flexible delivery of educational content, catering to different learning styles and needs, as well as simplifying the admin for teachers so they can focus on the lesson at hand. Inside the classroom, tools including Samsung’s Flip Interactive Display and WAD Interactive eBoard help captivate students with features such as high-resolution screens, powerful speakers, and realistic pen-to-paper writing making the learning experience more engaging and collaborative.

Outside of the classroom is where Samsung’s connected campus vision comes to life, and where there is more scope for institutions to offer connected learning through integrated technology to create seamless and efficient experiences for students, faculty and staff. Through technology such as digital signage and LED displays, campus’ can offer real-time communication, keeping students and the schooling community both onsite and remote informed and connected.

Overcoming barriers to adoption

Samsung’s insights show some of the biggest challenges to integrating technology within schools lies with affordability (60%) and educators’ personal time constraints for learning/upskilling in technology tools (50%).

Regionally, the data shows a lack of proficiency or confidence in technology is one of the biggest barriers facing Victorian educators (45%), compared to Queensland (41%) and New South Wales (38%).

However, a connected campus supports a modern vision of teaching and learning, offering opportunities for students and teachers to upskill their digital literacy. Samsung’s ed-tech solutions focus on making education accessible and inclusive, with easy to use tools including the Flip Interactive Display and WAD Interactive eBoard cater to all types of teaching styles, as well as taking into considerations students diverse needs and learning styles, ensuring all have the opportunity to succeed.

Samsung Electronics Australia believes that the role of technology in the classroom is to supplement teachers and future-proof education, offering them the tools to automate, create and optimise their daily professions, enabling them to free up their time to focus on teaching itself. Interactive technologies not only have the potential to streamline efficiencies but also foster collaboration, engagement and accessibility across the education ecosystem, benefiting teachers, students and institutions.

To find out more about Samsung’s Pro Display education suite solutions and interactive devices including the Flip Pro and WAD eBoards, visit: https://www.samsung.com/au/business/mobile-solutions/education/

[1] Samsung teacher shortage survey, conducted by PureProfile Research in July 2024. Nationally representative of Australian teaching staff 18+, n = 509 

At the Samsung Display Tech Summit 2023, Samsung Electronics showcased an integrated enterprise solution approach to help enable the next stage of enterprise digital transformation.

Enterprise customers and partners from across the SEAO region gathered in Seoul, South Korea, on October 11 and 12, where Samsung shared its technological vision while showcasing its latest display, IT and industrial solutions and services to help enterprises become more agile and competitive in the fast-evolving digital world.

Hoon Chung, Corporate EVP and Head of Enterprise Business Team, Samsung Electronics, said, “In today’s post-Covid world, we are seeing an increase in hybrid learning and working, which has led to a need for display solutions that cater to digital transformations in the workplace and classroom. Equally, there is a growing importance for content management and remote management tools with the expanded role of digital signage.”

Integrated Digital Solutions and Services for Today’s Enterprises

Together with its wide ecosystem of partners, Samsung provides a comprehensive range of devices, solutions, and services to help meet the needs of various industries, including corporations, education, hospitality, healthcare and more.

Combining its range of products with its solutions for device, display and content, smart building management, and enterprise grade Knox security services, Samsung can help provide a holistic portfolio of seamlessly integrated offerings to power the modern digital enterprise.

SH Jo, President & CEO, Southeast Asia & Oceania, Samsung Electronics, said: “Samsung is committed to providing an integrated enterprise solution approach for organisations to be more strategic in their transformation efforts. This is especially relevant in the hyper-competitive and digitally-forward   Southeast Asia and Oceania region where enterprises are actively looking for new ways to offer products and services to customers that add greater value to their every day.”

To power the next phase of digital transformation for enterprises in SEAO, that were launched at the Summit last week include:[2]

• The Wall for Virtual Production (Model name: IVC): A new addition to the expanding The Wall series, The Wall IVC has pixel pitch options of P1.68 and P2.1. It supports dedicated studio frame rates (23.976, 29.97, and 59.94Hz) while supporting gen-locking to synchronise the screen with a camera’s video signal. A high refresh rate of up to 12,288Hz, 1,500 max brightness, and up to 170-degree wide angle enables incredible picture quality for virtual content. Based on modular technology for a variety of installation options, including a flat screen or up to 6,000R curvature, The Wall IVC can be hung or stacked with other screens and is protected against dust and particles that are common in production environments. The integrated Virtual Production Management (VPM) solution makes it easy to manage the screen and ensure high-quality picture with an easy interface;
• Indoor LED All-in-One (Model name: IAC): The IAC is a 130-inch full HD LED screen with a pre-assembled frame kit that allows users to install the display simply by hanging it on the wall. With a slim 56mm design, it provides 1,000 nits of peak brightness and a 3,840 Hz refresh rate for immersive video display well suited for high-end corporate lobbies, boardrooms, and retail stores. Supported with Microsoft 365 suite of services in its built-in Samsung S-Box, the IAC is a powerful and versatile display solution for commercial environments;
• Samsung eboard Interactive Display (Model name: WAC): Built on Android OS, the new Samsung Interactive Display is the foundation for digital classrooms and lecture theaters with its customisable UI, support for education apps, multi-screen mode and ability to share up to nine displays at once regardless of OS or device and utilise intelligent education apps. Coming in 65 and 75inch models, it also has a myriad of connectivity options for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, and 3-in-1 USB-C, enabling screen mirroring, touch control and external device charging (max. 65W power pass through);
• Samsung Windows Kiosk (Model KMC-W): Samsung has expanded its self-ordering kiosk solutions with the Samsung Windows Kiosk, featuring support for Windows OS. The new Kiosk features an interactive 24-inch display that brings expanded software compatibility for F&B, retail, travel, and healthcare industries;

These new display offerings further strengthen Samsung’s suite of enterprise solutions for creating new customer experiences in a digital world.

For more information on Samsung Display Solutions, please visit https://www.samsung.com/au/business/smart-signage/

[2] The eboard Interactive Display and Windows Kiosk are available to purchase in Australia now. The Wall and Indoor LED All-in-one will launch in Australia at a later date, to be announced.