The Future of Technology-Based Learning at the Open University of Tanzania

Abstract

Today, digital transformation in higher education reshapes traditional educational systems toward technology-based learning. In the wake of the global pandemic COVID-19, digital transformation has even accelerated at many universities worldwide due to the pressure put on policymakers and university management to adopt educational technology at their institutions to allow education to continue. Using the case of the Open University of Tanzania (OUT), this article discusses critical factors needed for the successful implementation of technology-based learning and other technological innovations like adaptive learning, for example, in higher education in an African context. We applied a Delphi design, a rigorous research method used for structuring a group communication process to allow a group of experts, as a whole, to deal with a complex problem effectively. In total, 24 experts (e.g., instructors, staff, and students) from different regional OUT centres participated in the Delphi study. The paper presents the results of the first round of the Delphi study on the challenges of technology-based learning identified at OUT providing the first insights into the perceived role, probability, and estimated realisation time of adaptive learning at OUT in the future. We argue that not only technological challenges linked to the internet, network, or technological equipment affect the adoption of technology-based learning in higher education, but also that pedagogical, organisational, and global challenges are indispensable for the successful transformation of higher education.

Educational Innovation in Higher Education with the Use of Management Simulators for the Development of Competencies

“…Currently, HEIs need to include technological tools in their teaching-learning processes, allowing them to innovate in order to improve the quality of education and maintain the attention of students [18], who require spaces that favor the formation of skills and competencies for the use and adoption of technologies in higher education [12,17]. Sometimes, these important tools are underutilized, taking away the importance they offer and their contribution in the educational field to facilitate the grouping of content through Wikipedia, for example, and to organize classrooms to maintain academic interaction in Moodle [20].…”

“…In higher education, technology allows bringing educational communities closer in teaching-learning [15], although there is a difficulty for the institutions due to its rapid advancement, which implies inconsistencies in its rapid implementation [16] because it is required to face challenges of connectivity, its adoption, the formation of digital competencies, pedagogical aspects, and the fight against change [17]. The importance of the use of technology implies the need to access different ways to apply knowledge and achieve success in the student's academic results [18].…”

Infographics as a Tool to Facilitate English Learning Activities: Student’s Perceptions

“…In the learning context, technology has played an increasingly important role in enhancing students' learning experiences and expanding the accessibility of education (Kirschner, 2015;Nicolaou et al, 2019). Technology has changed the way students actually engage in learning (Cushion & Townsend, 2019;Mirata et al, 2022). The textbook is not the only sources of information anymore.…”

Gamifying mathematics education through Kahoot: Fostering motivation and achievement in the classroom

“…Integrating technology with traditional teaching methods enhances enthusiasm and motivation (Akbarjono et al, 2022;Cui, 2022;Muthik et al, 2022). However, a universal shift to fully technology-driven learning faces resistance (Mirata et al, 2022). Educators, adopting a flexible approach, blend e-learning with traditional methods to strike a balance (Atwa et al, 2022;Ebbini, 2023;Setyosari et al, 2023).…”

“…As Ayu (2020) emphasized, e-learning enables continuous, flexible learning, which is vital for adapting to the evolving educational landscape (Mosa et al, 2016). A flexible integration of technology and tradition optimizes the learning experience, acknowledging the significance of both approaches (Atwa et al, 2022;Ayu, 2020;Duffys & Jonassen, 2013;Keane et al, 2014;Khaldi et al, 2023;Mirata et al, 2022;Mosa et al, 2016;Rasmitadila et al, 2023;Udvaros & Forman, 2023;). One of the ways of introducing digital elements into a non-digital learning environment to strengthen learning is through gamification.…”