Technology for Collaborative Online International Teaching: Barries and Proactive Strategies

Abstract

The study explored the use of technology in co-teaching and proactive measures to overcome implementation challenges in collaborative online teaching in teacher education in South Africa. Despite the considerable benefits of collaborative online international teaching for engagement and learning outcomes, its successful implementation is often hindered by various challenges. The paper reports on the proactive strategies used by three lecturers to address obstacles to harnessing technology for collaborative online international teaching in teacher education. Data were gathered with a qualitative approach and included semi-structured interviews, and reference to minutes of meetings and email and online discussions. The study relied on connectivism learning theory as its primary analytical framework. The participants were three lecturers who collaborated online to teach education modules at the third-year level. The study demonstrates the urgent need for a more welcoming and encouraging digital learning environment. Difficulties encountered include lecturers’ lack of experience with digital technologies, erratic Internet connectivity, digital inequalities and insufficient training, these obstacles are, however, not insurmountable. One strategy to achieve more equitable and successful implementation of collaborative online international learning is by taking proactive steps such as collaborative planning, the use of adaptable and easily accessible digital technologies and extensive digital training programmes to create more dynamic, inclusive and productive international teaching settings. By making cooperation and capacity building a priority, education institutions can enable lecturers to traverse online learning environments successfully. The results demonstrate that, in spite of the obstacles to technology adoption, the opportunities for improved educational experiences in collaborative online teaching, from an African perspective, are considerable. The study findings could help stakeholders deploy digital platforms for collaboration and offer useful information for their practical implementation in South Africa.