Can technology solve the crises of higher education?
Yes. Because Many
higher education institutions around the world are taking steps to integrate
technology and OER to improve access to quality learning opportunities for
their students. Integration of technology in teaching and learning can clarify
many of the doubts that we have about the effectiveness of technology. In
higher education, we should ask the effectiveness of what we do daily in our
classrooms, and question why we do what we do? Is there no other alternative
before us to change the status quo? Recent developments in technology (such as
artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain) have far-reaching implications
for higher education institutions in terms of curriculum, pedagogy and
certification. Technology is here to stay. How can we harness the potential of
technology to prepare our learners for the uncertainties that lie ahead? Are we
bystanders, reluctant adopters or are we ahead of the game? The future of
higher education will depend on our response today
COL believes that
technology-mediated teaching and learning can transform lives, making access to
education available to anyone, anytime, anywhere. However, the choice of
technology must depend on whether it is appropriate, available and affordable.
Technology by itself cannot be a panacea for all that ails higher education
today but must be placed in an appropriate social, cultural and political
context.