Development of a technology integrated intervention in tertiary education

Abstract

It is expected of lecturers to integrate content knowledge with appropriate pedagogical approaches and select relevant technology to enhance student learning. However the selection of effective technology to support 21st-century learning in tertiary education could be time-consuming and complex since there is a plethora of technology available. The aim of this research was therefore to support lecturers by providing them with an evaluated technology-integrated intervention in fluid mechanics. Hence the objectives were to develop this technology-integrated intervention to support 21st-century learning for first-year physics students and to determine its effectiveness when presented by various lecturers. An exploratory case study research design guided the research. A design-thinking framework for technology-integrated lessons was used and included the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) model. This research was done with two lecturers and 117 students from a University of Technology in South Africa. The data gathering tools comprised pre and post-tests, tutorials, observation schedules and questionnaires. Results indicated that student learning is affected by the way in which technology is used not only in schools, but also in tertiary education and that lecturer belief play a crucial role in the design process but also manifest when lecturers have to use a designed intervention.