Preparing lecturers to integrate educational technology into their teaching and learning practices

Abstract

Technology improvements in education created new methods, opportunities and challenges for teaching and learning. Globally Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) integrate the Internet and technology into teaching and learning. This is a challenge for lecturers not trained for this mode of course delivery. However, HEIs should improve and supplement traditional classroombased courses by taking advantage of the Internet and technology, and empowering lecturers to utilise and integrate technology into their teaching and learning practices. Many HEIs offer professional development programmes to ensure the effective use of technology in courses delivery. Partners@Work is a well-planned professional development programme, supported by management and academic staff, designed to promote the optimal use of technology in teaching and learning at the Tshwane University of Technology. This article reports on the strategies and approaches to prepare lecturers to use technology in their classes.

J South African Journal of Higher Education Vol. 21 (7) 2008: pp. 940-953