Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Modern Research in Education, Teaching and Learning
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Enhancing Student Engagement in Remote Learning: Exploring the Acceptance of Educational Technology in Higher Education Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic
Dr. Manesha Peiris, Alessandro Ferrazza, Thamosha Tharindi Donmanige
ABSTRACT:
COVID-19 has caused institutions across the sector to transition from conventional teaching and learning environments into virtual environments. Amidst this paradigm shift, academics have adopted a range of technology-based strategies to support the online learner. However, low attendance, engagement, and participation continue to challenge the execution of technology driven learning environments across the Higher Education (HE) sector. Within this narrative there has been interest in understanding the acceptance and adoption of technologies in education from the learners’ perspective. As a result, there has been an increased focus on technology acceptance models as a theoretical lens to unpack attitudes and beliefs relating to learning under the constraints of Covid-19. Motivated by these environmental shifts, this study aims to capture themes and perspectives considered in educational literature to present future considerations for researchers and practitioners as we emerge from the pandemic. The study considers a systematic literature review to understand technology acceptance/adoption in HE during the Covid-19 pandemic. The findings reflect on lessons learnt from educational technology acceptance literature and, based on a thematic analysis, classify emerging themes as; learner centred, technology focused and the role of institutions in facilitating the adoption and acceptance of educational technologies. The chapter concludes by confronting these findings to critically engage with their implications for HE institutions in future emergency forced conditions and present areas for future research, while also presenting considerations for practitioners as HE institutions reassess the new normal of teaching and learning.
Keywords: Technology Acceptance, Higher Education, Covid-19, Distance Education, eLearning, Technology Adoption, Learner