Pedagogical Factors That Affect Technology Integration at Two Universities of Technology in South Africa

Abstract

This paper reports on a case study that was conducted at two South African universities of technology to explore the integration of technology in higher education institutions. Fourteen participants from these two institutions provided their perspectives about the pedagogical considerations that were important educational factors in the integration of technology in higher education institutions. The framework proposed by Tedre, Apiola, and Cronjé was used as a measuring tool to determine pedagogical elements that were essential in the adoption of technology. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the said framework as an analytical tool, and to contribute to its refinement. The central research question concerned the extent to which this framework was useful for a situational analysis at the relevant two South African universities. Although the universities’ educational strategies and policies were found to be analogous, differences were identified in the manner of and approach to the implementation of educational technology. The pedagogical considerations for e-learning uptake in both universities were similar to a certain extent. The findings further showed that most of the educational factors that affected technology integration resonated with pedagogical issues experienced in other developing countries. It was concluded that students could determine the future of learning as they persistently engaged in potentially rhizomatic learning environments. This paper offers recommendations that address dramatic transformation in higher education institutions due to emerging technologies and radical changes that are experienced. The limitations of the study and suggestions for future research are also highlighted.