Towards a new normalcy: Faculty responses to distance education in Italy and the USA
Abstract: In an international study conducted between July and November 2021, 47 higher education faculty in Italy and the USA answered a survey on distance teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both contexts revealed many similarities regarding perceptions of institutional support and training for distance education (DE), despite differences in experiences with DE's opportunities and challenges. Americans reported being more comfortable with DE, whereas faculty in Italy expressed greater awareness of the barriers associated with DE practices. Both groups emphasized the value of professional development, although issues were identified regarding the efficacy of institutionally-issued professional training. Possible reasons for these similarities and differences are discussed.