Technology Convergence in Tourism Education: Modelling a Multimedia Technology Inclusive Academic Instruction

Abstract

COVID-19 laid the groundwork for the transition from traditional to digital classrooms during its peak period. In the digital classroom, various technologies enhance teachings, such as hardware (PCs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones) and software (social media sites, videos, slides, sounds, and narrations). To illustrate how digital technologies enhance, innovate, and keep up with tourism education, this paper describes how convergences of digital technologies enhance, innovate, and update tourism education. The author selected a hybrid classroom setting as a case study for International Tourism and Culture, a course offered during the Fall 2021 semester. In designing and implementing the course, the facilitator employed content, pedagogical, and technological knowledge. As part of the course management plan, both the facilitator and students will utilize technology. The study concludes that incorporating multimedia technology in teaching tourism courses provides numerous advantages, such as 1) time and space flexibility, 2) development and practice of technical competencies, 3) positive effect on students' engagement, and 4) promotion of soft skills development. Integrating multimedia technology into the teaching of courses and throughout the curriculum contributes to the development of strategies for transforming Tourism Education.