Analyzing attitudes of students toward the use of technology for learning: simplicity is the key to successful implementation in higher education

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gali Naveh ◽  
Amit Shelef

PurposeResearch has shown that the much-anticipated technology revolution in higher education has failed to come to fruition. The arrival of ‘digital natives’ millennial students to higher education was presume to present even greater challenge concerning technology use. In light of these gaps, this research aims to capture higher education students' choice, use and preferences of technology in learning and teaching.Design/methodology/approachA paper-based questionnaire was distributed to third and fourth year students of industrial engineering and management at an engineering college in Israel. The students were asked to indicate their use of devices and technologies for learning, their frequency of use and their purpose of using.FindingsStudents extensively use a variety of technologies for learning. They prefer to use the same technologies for learning that they use in their personal lives – mainstream, commercially available technologies – rather than those offered by the institute. They perceive technology as a learning tool more than as a logistic/administrative tool, they would like technology to be more easily accessible and that it not be used as a facilitator of pedagogical change.Practical implicationsThe results indicate that technologies intended for use in teaching should be designed similar to commercially available alternatives that are simpler to use and more appealing.Originality/valueThis study provides an up-to-date view of students' perceptions of technology for learning that can be used to more effectively implement teaching technologies in higher education.

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 183-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pradeep Kumar Nair ◽  
Faizan Ali ◽  
Lim Chee Leong

Purpose – This study aims to explain the factors affecting students’ acceptance and usage of a lecture capture system (LCS) – ReWIND – in a Malaysian university based on the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) model. Technological advances have become an important feature of universities’ plans to improve the flexibility and accessibility in a learning and teaching environment. For private universities, which are market-driven, it is vital to assess if these technologies influence the perceptions and behaviour of their target beneficiaries. Design/methodology/approach – The study is designed using a causal research design to examine the cause–effect relationship between the study variables. The study sample consists of 398 students selected via purposive sampling. Data are collected using a five-point Likert scale covering UTAUT2’s factors and variables featuring ReWIND’s acceptance and usage. Partial least squares-based structural equation modelling is used to analyse the data. Findings – The findings show that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, price–value, hedonic motivation and habit have significant influence on students’ acceptance and usage of ReWIND. Research limitations/implications – This research examines the factors affecting students’ acceptance and usage of ReWIND in a Malaysian university. The main limitation of this study is that it focuses only on the factors highlighted in the UTAUT2 model. Practical implications – The results provide a useful framework to the universities for the successful implementation of student-friendly technologies such as ReWIND to enhance their learning experience. Originality/value – Responding to the need of studies validating the UTAUT2 model in the adoption and use of different technologies, this study contributes to the literature by extending the UTAUT2 into the context of LCS at a private university in a developing country.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam M. Mwando ◽  
Amin Issa ◽  
Verinjaerako Kangotue

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the perception of university staff and students in implementing flexible working arrangements (FWA) to increase space efficiency, lower overheads and improve productivity at the Namibia University of Science and Technology. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews and document searches. A total of 253 university staff (academic and support) and students were surveyed to solicit their perceptions on the extent to which FWA could be implemented to ensure space optimisation, minimise property related costs and improve employee productivity. Findings The study confirms that the successful implementation of FWA needs coordinated institutional policy to effectively support and cater to university staff’s different needs while meeting those of the university. Implementing FWA may reduce demand on utilities resulting in lower overheads for the institution. Based on the findings, the study is inconclusive on whether FWA improves or reduces staff productivity. Practical implications In the era of austerity measures in institutions of higher education (IHE), with rapid advances in communication information technologies, FWA are not only a possibility but inevitable to ensure optimal use of space, lower operating costs and improved work productivity. This study provides a cursory understanding of the possibility to implementing FWA in higher education. Originality/value This study contributes to the FWA body of knowledge from the perspective of both academic, non-academic staff and students in IHE.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bayu Rima Aditya ◽  
Ridi Ferdiana ◽  
Sri Suning Kusumawardani

PurposeExisting literature has reported a barrier list that could affect the implementation of digital transformation in higher education, yet the research question of how to identify barriers remained unanswered. Thus, this study intended to address this gap.Design/methodology/approachThe research design adopted a mixed-methods approach based on the problem-centered design science research (DSR) process model for the development and evaluation of framework.FindingsThis study proposed a systematic framework of three sets of components: (1) the initial set of barriers; (2) the barrier rating scheme and (3) the barrier scoring matrix. The three-component of the framework is to identify and prioritize barriers to the successful implementation of digital transformation in higher education.Research limitations/implicationsThe evaluation of the framework was only based on an expert opinion.Practical implicationsThis study provided a direction to the policymakers for designing sensible strategies to increase the chances of a successful digital transformation in higher education.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the knowledge body by offering a more systematic understanding of barriers to digital transformation in higher education.


2020 ◽  
pp. 289-298
Author(s):  
Ulf-Daniel Ehlers ◽  
Patricia Bonaudo

Digitalisation is an issue of growing importance at all higher education institutions (HEIs). It is often developed and driven bottom-up. In this regard, the intended self-assessment tool that the present paper aims to present “DIGI-HE” will support higher education institutions in developing their individual approaches to foster digitisation, methodological and conceptual approach. The present paper will outline the methodological procedure of design and subsequent validation of the tool. In a time when experimentation with, and mainstreaming of digital technology use is progressing to develop holistic strategies that encompass learning and teaching, research and innovation, as well as cooperation and outreach DIGI-HE will represent a self-reflection tool adapted to higher education to support the institutional efforts, to develop and implement strategies, which purposeful and holistic in comprising both missions, education and research. It will also furthermore attach particular importance to the need for dialogue among all actors and stakeholders in digitalisation, and address areas of activities relation to cooperation and outreach, including internationalisation strategies and practices.


Assessment is an important component of education especially in the context of the learning and teaching environment. In higher education, assessment is the heart of formal education. Nowadays, technology plays an important role in the assessment process. Therefore, using technology development has an impact on improving the assessment system. Focus on the using of electronic assessment (e-assessment) systems is increasingly developing at the higher education level. Technological developments have led to a shift in concepts and ways of assessing moving from face-to-face assessment to digital-based assessment, namely an end-to-end assessment process using ICT. E-assessment system is provides many benefits for the effectiveness and efficiency of learning in higher education for lecturers, students and institutions. Many e-assessment models are developed to meet various objectives, especially in the purpose of educational learning. However, there are many challenges in its process and application. This paper aims to provide an example of e-assessment system application, describe challenges in the use of e-assessment systems in higher education based on literature, journals and research results and provide recommendations on how to deal with all of these challenges so that the assessment objectives can be achieved. The method that used is to figure out and describe qualitatively. Overall conclusion is the e-assessment system has become one of the requirements in higher education with many models. There are still many questions for lecturers, students and institutions that pose challenges in the application of e-assessments related to validity and reliability, accuracy, fairness, security, infrastructure and human resources. Based on this fact then the recommendation of these challenges in the successful implementation of e-assessment in higher education are paying attention to the characteristics of e-assessment, designing assessments according the needs, and creating a complete and accessible assessment system for all.


Author(s):  
John K. Hope

The purpose of this chapter is to examine the past two decades of technology use in adult education with the intention of providing a critical lens with which to view future technological trends in adult education. The article begins with a brief summary of technological trends, such as the introduction of the Internet and the World Wide Web, that have influenced adult education over the past two decades. Political, economic, social, and pedagogical issues that have influenced the use of technology in adult education are also discussed and possible solutions to these issues are outlined. The article concludes with an attempt to extrapolate future technological trends that could influence the direction of adult education in the decade to come.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne van Zaalen ◽  
Mary McDonnell ◽  
Barbara Mikołajczyk ◽  
Sandra Buttigieg ◽  
Maria del Carmen Requena ◽  
...  

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on ethical and judicial themes related to technology and the older adults.Design/methodology/approachDifferent consecutive phases in technology design and allocation will be discussed from a range of perspectives.FindingsLongevity is one of the greatest achievements of contemporary science and a result of development of social relations. Currently, various non-communicable diseases affect older adults and impose the greatest burden on global health. There is a great emphasis across Europe on caring for the older person in their own homes. Technology has a mediating role in determining the possibilities for good quality of life (QOL). The concept of assisting the older adult through the use of technology so as to access healthcare services has enormous potential. Although the potential of technology in healthcare is widely recognised, technology use can have its downsides. Professionals need to be aware of the risks, namely, those related to the privacy of the older person, which may accompany technology use.Research limitations/implicationsBy 2050, there will be more people aged over 65 than there are children. This phenomenon of global ageing constitutes a massive challenge in the area of health protection.Practical implicationsProfessionals need to be aware of the risks, for example, related to the privacy of the older person, that may accompany technology use.Social implicationsThere is a great emphasis across Europe on caring for the older person in their own homes. Technology has a mediating role in determining the possibilities for QOL.Originality/valueThe concept of assisting the older adult through the use of technology to avail of healthcare has enormous potential. Assistive technology, social media use and augmentative and alternative communication can have a positive effect on the QOL of older people, as long as they are supported enough in use of these technologies. However, ethical and juridical considerations are at stake as well.


2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon Talbot ◽  
Andy Lilley

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline a small research project designed to explore the practices of the UK work-based learning (WBL) tutors in facilitating formal research projects in the workplace. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected using a short questionnaire to practitioners administered electronically and a daylong workshop where issues were discussed in greater depth by participating tutors. Findings – The main findings are that there is a degree of agreement by WBL tutors about the distinctiveness of WBL research projects; that although there is increasing use of technology to support delivery only one institution is using e-learning as the principal means of delivery; emphasis is upon a relatively small number of techniques and there is a strong preference for qualitative over quantitative methods. Research limitations/implications – The main limitation of the study is the relatively small number of active participants. However, this is the only study of its kind and the results offer insights into an important element of pedagogic practice in WBL. Practical implications – The project enabled the identification of common approaches and facilitated discussion of problems shared by WBL tutors across the field. There appears to be a consensus that situated investigation exists within a different contextual framework to traditional academic dissertation projects and that the focus is therefore necessarily on generating data as the basis for active problem solving. Originality/value – This is the only empirical study of practice in respect of facilitating research projects on WBL programmes in higher education.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diogo Casanova ◽  
António Moreira

This paper presents a comprehensive model for supporting informed and critical discussions concerning the quality of Technology-Enhanced Learning in Blended Learning programmes. The model aims to support discussions around domains such as how institutions are prepared, the participants' background and expectations, the course design, and the learning process. The research that supported the design of this model was framed by a Grounded Theory method, combining different approaches to empirical data collection with a review of evaluation models on aspects of the quality of Online and Distance Learning. Throughout the paper, arguments are made that Higher Education institutions need to be more critical with regard to the use of Technology-Enhanced Learning, and to support it as a counterpart to face-to-face learning and teaching. The model provides a framework for teachers in Higher Education to reflect and discuss the quality of Technology-Enhanced Learning in their Blended Learning programmes.


2011 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 234-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Hall

PurposeThis paper sets out to argue that the strategic implementation of technology is implicated in a range of crises or socio‐economic disruptions, like peak oil, climate change and the rising environmental costs of energy consumption. It aims to argue that institutional technological implementation is contested, complex and should not be treated deterministically, but that technologists might usefully consider the impact of these disruptions on their practices. The paper seeks to amplify how a focus on resilience, rather than marketised outcomes, can enable higher education to use technology to overcome or adapt to disruption and crises.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a critique. A conceptual analysis of the place of current research into the use of technology‐enhanced learning in higher education is critiqued in light of peak oil and climate change, in order to align strategic developments with disruptions and potential responses. The strategic response of one institution is outlined as a programme‐of‐work, and is related to a second university's approach.FindingsThe paper highlights five areas that require strategic responses to the use of technology in and for HE. These are: the place of TEL in the idea of the University; complexity in the use of technology, linked to shared values; adapting to disruption; institutional planning; and competing priorities for the use of technology.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the educational connections that are made between the politics of technology, shared values and socio‐environmental disruption. It also analyses a programme of work that is designed to engage with and adapt to disruption.


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