scholarly journals Perceptions about the Future of Integrating Emerging Technologies into Higher Education—The Case of Robotics with Artificial Intelligence

Computers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 110
Author(s):  
Janika Leoste ◽  
Larissa Jõgi ◽  
Tiia Õun ◽  
Luis Pastor ◽  
José San Martín López ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Higher Education ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Emerging Technologies ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
University Teachers ◽  
University Level

Emerging technologies (ETs) will most likely have a strong impact on education (starting with higher education), just like they have already had in so many economic and social areas. This paper is based on the results obtained in the project “My Future Colleague Robot”, an initiative that aimed to improve the competence of university teaching staff regarding the introduction of ETs in teaching practices at university level. In this paper, we identified the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that are related to the adoption in higher education of the combination of two ETs: robotics together with artificial intelligence (AI). Additionally, we analyzed the perceptions of university-level teaching staff about the potential of introducing ETs in education. The empirical data presented here were collected using written essays from 18 university teachers and students. Deductive and inductive approaches with thematic analysis were used for the data analysis. The findings support the idea that previous ET-related experience can support positive attitudes and the implementations of ETs in university teaching; in this study, university teachers had optimistic expectations towards ETs, accepting them as part of teaching practice development, while discussion about the negative effects of ETs was negligible.

scholarly journals Integrating Emerging Technologies into Higher Education – The Future Perceptions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janika Leoste ◽  
Larissa Jõgi ◽  
Tiia Õun ◽  
Luis Pastor ◽  
José San Martín López ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Teaching Practices ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Emerging Technologies ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
University Teachers ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
The University

Emerging technologies have a potential future impact on the developments in higher education and teaching practices at the universities. The paper is based on the project “My future colleague robot” that aims to improve the competence of university teachers in the implementation of Emerging Technologies (ETs) in the teaching practices at the university. In this paper, we identified the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats that are related to the adoption of two ETs, robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), in higher education. Additionally, we analyzed the perceptions of faculty about these ETs. The empirical data was collected using written essays from 18 university teachers and students. Deductive and inductive approaches with thematic analysis were used for the data analysis. The findings support the idea that previous experience related to ETs can support positive attitudes and the implementations of ET in university teaching. University teachers had optimistic expectations towards ETs accepting them as part of teaching practice development, while discussion about the negative effects of ETs was negligible.

scholarly journals Inclusive educational process at the university: Theoretical and experimental model of teachers' psychological readiness

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 156-182
Author(s):  
V. Z. Kantor ◽  
Yu. L. Proekt
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Integrative Model ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Disabled Students ◽  
University Teachers

Introduction. The institutionalisation of inclusion in higher education determines new requirements for university teachers, what is also found in the field of psychological readiness for the implementation of the educational process with the participation of students with disabilities. Aim. The present research was aimed to develop theoretical framework and experimental verification of the model of psychological readiness of academic teaching staff for the implementation of an inclusive educational process. Methodology and research methods. Methodologically, the research was based on the idea that the true implementation of inclusive higher education is conditioned by the formation of an inclusive culture of university teachers, which serves as the foundation for the implementation of inclusive practices and policies and one of the immanent attributes of which is psychological readiness to implement the educational process with the participation of disabled students. In the diagnostic and methodological terms, the current study relied on the authors' questionnaire containing the blocks of questions built using a 5-point Likert scale and characterising the severity of the various components of such readiness among university teachers in relation to working with disabled students of diverse nosological groups. The survey results were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively using the Cronbach Alpha coefficient, Shapiro-Wilk, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney tests, and the median test applying the Pearson test. To check the consistency of the proposed theoretical model of the psychological readiness of university teachers to implement an inclusive educational process, structural equation modelling (or SEM - the method of asymptotically non-parametric assessment) was employed. For statistical calculations, the program IBM SPSS Statistics ver.23 and the AMOS module were used. Results. The integrative model of the psychological readiness of faculty for the implementation of an inclusive educational process has been theoretically substantiated and experimentally confirmed. This model includes a motivational-value component (the acceptance of the values of an inclusive culture, beliefs and attitudes of the teacher regarding inclusive education), an affective component (the emotional acceptance of the situation of inclusive education and its subjects) and an operational component (the teacher's assessment of own skills in using the tools of inclusive education). In the presented model, the teacher's methodical preparedness for teaching students with disabilities acts as a cognitive component, and the resulting component is the implementation of inclusive practice based on the willingness and ability to interact with students with disabilities. It was found that, to the greatest extent, university teachers have formed a motivational readiness to implement inclusive education, but they experience a deficit of operational skills, when working with students with disabilities. At the same time, the level of psychological readiness to implement an inclusive educational process significantly differs depending on the subject specialisation of teachers and the presence / absence of previous experience of interaction with people with disabilities. Scientific novelty. The model of the psychological readiness of teachers for the implementation of inclusive education in Russia was developed and empirically confirmed. Practical significance. The findings of this research highlight the significance of the stages of the formation of university teachers' psychological readiness for inclusive education. The following stages are determined: from providing basic methodological readiness in the framework of professional development through the creation of internal conditions for readiness for inclusive education, examining the experiences and psychological difficulties in interacting with people with disabilities, and, finally, to accompanying the actual inclusive teaching practice.

scholarly journals Increasing access to professional learning for academic staff through open educational resources and authentic design

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-66
Author(s):  
Gail Wilson ◽  
◽  
Paula Myatt ◽  
Jonathan Purdy ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Professional Development ◽  
Professional Learning ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Open Educational Resources ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Limited Time ◽  
Personal Reflections

This research examines the design and delivery of a new Foundations of University Teaching Practice (FUTP) program delivered through asynchronous online modules. The freedom to choose defines the new momentum of openness in distance and open learning. University teaching staff expect quality resources to support their professional development within the reality of limited time for learning and a desire for increased accessibility. Openness and increased access bring both opportunities and challenges. This paper uses mixed methods to examine the FUTP from the perspectives of both the designers and the academic staff who participated in the program. Using personal reflections, focus groups, a survey, and interviews, we explore those opportunities and challenges within the context of the design and delivery of the program and report on the findings. Our research confirmed the value of openness and increased access to professional learning in higher education

scholarly journals Teaching in Higher Education: Theories, Realities and Future Controversies

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Katerina R. Toka ◽  
Labrina Gioti
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Learning Theories ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
University Teachers ◽  
Teacher Student ◽  
Teaching In Higher Education

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the field of University Pedagogy and specifically the relationship between theory (learning theories university teachers adopt) and practice (actual teaching) in Higher Education Institutions. To this end, we conducted a mixed methodology research (triangulation) by implicating both the students and the university teachers of post graduate programs of the former Alexander Technological Educational Institute–ATEI-of Thessaloniki (current International Hellenic University-IHU). The data collection methods were:7 semi-structured interviews with the teaching staff, student questionnaires (n=98) and non-participatory observation. Results show that teachers’ views about learning and teaching are consistent mostly with person-centered humanistic learning theories and cognitive constructivism. Learning is viewed as a dynamic process revolving around students and their needs. Their student-centered approach and the theories they embrace are consistent with their teaching practice to a satisfactory degree (role, climate, teacher-student relationship, objectives, connection to reality). However, an issue detected is the relatively limited use of the most active teaching techniques.

scholarly journals Staff Development Needs In Pakistan Higher Education

2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Hameed Ullah ◽  
Muhammad Naeem Ullah Khan ◽  
Ali Murtaza ◽  
Muhammad Naseer Ud Din
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Staff Development ◽  
Classroom Management ◽  
Philosophy Of Education ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Learning Theories ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
University Teachers ◽  
Professional Attitude ◽  
The University

Staff development is very significant for the achievement of overall goals of higher education in Pakistan. The success of innovations depends largely upon the skills of instructors; but in Pakistan, the people with a simple masters degree (without any pedagogical training) are  inducted as teaching staff at the university level, so it is time to explore whether or not the inducted teachers feel the need for training. Further to be explored are areas in which they are interested in being trained. Therefore, the objectives of study were 1) to explore the training needs for university teaching staff, 2) to identify the areas in which development is needed by the teaching staff of the universities in Pakistan, and 3) formulation of recommendations for staff development in Pakistan to improve education at the higher level.  The sample comprised of 20% randomly-selected teaching staff of ten selected universities, degree-awarding institutions from the public sector, and 40% teaching staff of ten selected universities from the private sector. A self-developed questionnaire, consisting of 41 items to be responded to on a five-point Likert scale and two open-ended questions, was used to collect data.  The principal researcher approached all the respondents personally by repeated visits and got the completed questionnaires, so this questionnaire also served the purpose of an interview. The analysis of data revealed that the university teachers need training in the following areas: philosophy of education, Islamic philosophy of education, educational psychology, research techniques, professional trends, professional competencies, professional attitude, professional ethics ,global innovations in teaching strategies, classroom management, counselling and guidance, student discipline, communication skills, learning theories, and supervision. Therefore, it is recommended that they may be included in the training curriculum of university teachers.

scholarly journals University Teachers’ Opinions about Higher Education Pedagogical Training Courses in Slovenia

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 141-161
Author(s):  
Katarina Aškerc Veniger
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Present Survey ◽  
University Teachers ◽  
Pedagogical Training ◽  
Training Courses

Pedagogical training courses (PTCs) for university teachers have often been discussed and have become a widespread trend in recent years in many countries. Many university teachers consider pedagogical training (PT) as a valuable tool in their teaching practice. In Slovenia, however, there is little evidence of teachers’ opinions and beliefs regarding PTCs.2Many authors consider the effect of PTCs in higher education (HE) on teaching questionable, but there is also evidence of the positive impact of PTCs on university teaching. The results of the present survey show that there are statistically significant differences in teachers’ opinions on initial and sustained PTCs. Formal education for teaching in primary and/or secondary schools is often considered as appropriate for teaching in HE. The respondents with higher titles attributed the lowest importance to sustained PTCs. Those involved in (short) PTCs attributed less importance to PT, as well as to the certificate of participation in PT in comparison to the respondents who were not involved in PTCs. On the other hand, the respondents with the highest participation in PT (51 hours and more) are more in favour of PTCs, which confirms the preliminary findings that courses of longer duration provide more opportunities to affect teachers’ pedagogical thinking and conceptions of teaching and learning in comparison to shorter courses.

scholarly journals Evaluating the performance of teaching staff members, a step towards teaching performance development of higher education in Sebha University

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 21-26
Author(s):  
Zamzam Amhimmid Mare
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Analytic Description ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Teaching Performance ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Performance Development ◽  
The University

This study aims to show the importance of evaluating the teaching performance level of the University teaching members. It also aims to provide the suggested mechanisms for evaluating the teaching performance of the teaching staff members of Sebha University. This study was based mainly on documents and analytic description to collect information about the importance and ways of evaluating teachers with reference to some of the international experiences on teaching performance development. This study concluded that the absence of an experienced entity that would develop the teaching performance of faculty members is one of the main reasons for the weak teaching performance at Sebha University. Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that there should be a planned system based on measured standards and criteria for evaluating staff members to improve the quality of teaching in the higher education domain. 

scholarly journals Benchmarking of University teachers’ professional development: successful European, Chinese, and Russian practices

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 ◽  
pp. 01004
Author(s):  
Tatiana Tregubova
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Professional Development ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Effective Practices ◽  
Teaching Activities ◽  
University Teachers ◽  
European Universities ◽  
Teachers Professional Development ◽  
Higher Education Organizations ◽  
The University

In the context of socio-pedagogical transformations of higher education organizations, the modernization of the system of teachers’ professional development becomes an integral component of the reforms. Today university teachers have to be ready for continuous development and advanced training throughout their lives. Thus, the study of the problem of university teachers’ professional development in Russia and abroad is very relevant and timely as a response to the modern requirements of civil society for the personality of the teacher. The need for professional development among university teachers is closely related to his (her) desire for more successful indicators in teaching activities. To do this, it is necessary to fulfill several pedagogical conditions, including the teacher's own awareness of the need for professional development; the interest of the university administration and the availability of resources to organize an effective professional development system, etc. The purpose of the article is to show some successful practices of the teachers’ professional development in Russian, Chinese and European universities which the author observed while visiting those universities within the realization the project “Enhancing teaching practice in the universities of Russia and China”. The article presents the possibilities of benchmarking in higher education, in particular, the use of the benchmarking technology as a method of studying the effective practices of organizing the teachers’ professional development in a modern university.

scholarly journals Changing teaching practice: The evolving purpose of the teacher in higher education

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Prue Gonzalez ◽  
◽  
Beate Mueller ◽  
Kevin Merry ◽  
Colin Jone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Student Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Leadership Roles ◽  
Future Expectations ◽  
Higher Education System ◽  
Subject Matter Expertise ◽  
Cultural Historical Activity

In this Editorial, we take the opportunity to expand on the second Journal of University Teaching and Learning theme, Developing Teaching Practice. Building on Editorial 18(4), which articulated changes to higher education in the period roughly between 1980 and 2021, we believe it is pertinent to explore the changing conceptions of academic as ‘teacher’. We use Engeström’s cultural-historical activity theory as a lens to consider how higher education teachers are situated in the current context of rapid changes arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore possible future purposes of higher education to consider flow-on impacts on the purpose of its teachers and how their roles might change to accommodate future expectations. We assert the need to challenge the notion of the academic as a person who is recruited into higher education largely because of their subject matter expertise and maintains strong commitment to teaching expertise that is grounded in scholarship, critical self-reflection, and agency. In our various teaching and leadership roles, and consistent with the literature, we have observed paradoxical outcomes from the nexus between risk, innovation and development, driving risk aversity and risk management, with significant (contradictory) impacts on teaching, teachers and student learning. The barriers to implementing innovative curricula include questions of do students get a standardised and ‘safe’ educational experience or are they challenged and afforded the opportunity to transform and grow? Are they allowed to fail? Related, do teachers have genuine agency, as an educator, or are they positioned as agents of a higher education system? We explore these questions and invite our readers to engage in serious reflexivity and identify strategies that help them question their attitudes, thought processes, and assumptions about teaching and student learning. We welcome papers that contribute values-based conversations seeking to continue exploring ways of dealing with and adapting to change in our teaching practices, case studies of learning through failure, change and adaptation and the development of the field.

Opportunities and Challenges of Adopting Artificial Intelligence for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education

2021 ◽  
pp. 67-78
Author(s):  
Aniekan Essien ◽  
Godwin Chukwukelu ◽  
Victor Essien
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Higher Education ◽  
Emerging Technologies ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Teaching In Higher Education

This chapter provides a sense of what artificial intelligence is, its benefits, and integration to higher education. Seeing through the lens of the literature, this chapter will also explore the emergence of artificial intelligence and its attendant use for learning and teaching in higher education institutions. It begins with an overview of artificial intelligence and proceeds to discuss practical applications of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence on the manner in which students learn as well as how higher education institutions teach and develop. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the challenges of artificial intelligence on higher education.

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