An academic’s personal perspective on the integration of educational technology in higher education for teaching and learning

Abstract

COVID-19 brought a drastic shift in the education sector, influencing how T&L and assessment is done as EduTech became prominent. This saw many academics grappling with pressure to adopt new technologies as formal education was in a traditional f2f format for years. Despite these challenges, there is a significant shift from traditional to modern T&L practices such as e-learning and blended instruction as the adoption of EduTech in HE became a topic of interest recently. However, while studies have made contributions to the adoption of EduTech, none has focused on real-life academic experiences with the use of EduTech. Therefore, the study aims to provide an academic’s personal perspective on the integration of EduTech for T&L. The objective is to encourage and promote the use of EduTech, by highlighting the benefits of these technologies for academics in various disciplines. A scholarly personal narrative methodology is used to reflect the academic's personal experiences regarding the use of EduTech. Reflection on the use of Blackboard Learn LMS, SAM Cengage, MS Excel, and Kahoot! is provided. The LMS was effective for managing subject content, providing students with a centralized place for accessing learning material on SAM Cengage and grades. All student grades are easily exported from the gradebook to Excel, which is also used for electronically taking and managing class attendance. Kahoot! was utilized to keep students engaged in the classroom, providing a competitive, yet fun and relaxing learning environment. These tools are good to supplement and improve the T&L experience of students.