Through screens and windows: remote work of university professors

Abstract

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to remote education, significantly impacting teachers and students. This study, the second phase of a longitudinal research project, examines the work context of university professors during the pandemic. Focusing on changes in their work environment, the study involved interviews with three professors, analyzed from a constructivist-interpretative perspective. Key findings indicate a merging of home and work spaces, overlapping professional and personal time, and new costs associated with remote work. The findings also showed increased administrative responsibilities and a lack of institutional support. Furthermore, the study observed reduced work-related interactions and rest periods, counterbalanced by improved flexibility and institutional communication. These insights deepen the understanding of teaching dynamics during the pandemic and its broader life impacts. However, limitations included the study’s small participant number and their single-course affiliation. Future research could expand to diverse courses and a larger pool of participants. Investigating female teachers’ reproductive work to address gender inequality in higher education is also an important goal.

Keywords

• work context
• teaching work
• COVID-19
• Clinic of Activity