Role of Technology in Higher Education Curriculum Development

The role of technology in curriculum development in higher education has revolutionized the learning process. Incorporating technology in the curriculum offers a dynamic as well as collaborative learning experience to students. For the tech-savvy Gen Z students, technology means not only quick access to a broad spectrum of knowledge, but also an interesting way of learning.  

The use of technology in higher education such as digital learning platforms and interactive multimedia is already improving classroom engagement and educational outcomes. Implementing interactive learning features, quizzes, simulations, gamification, and so on in an educational curriculum can improve the motivation, performance, and achievements of learners.

Higher education institutions must focus on creating a need-based curriculum for students, with the help of smart education apps and AI-based programs. Embedding technology in the educational curriculum can help students learn in a better and effective manner.

How to Develop a Curriculum For Tech-Savvy Students

In the present scenario, when textbooks are getting replaced by laptops or tablets, and backboards are giving way to smart boards, it has become essential to reform the curriculum for tech-savvy students and develop a new curriculum that embeds digital technologies. Many higher education institutions now realize the potential role of information technology in curriculum collaborating with IT and software organizations to develop smart learning apps and tools to integrate technologies into their curriculum. The aim is to provide students with instant access to a wide spectrum of knowledge and various types of learning materials. Some of the changes that higher education institutions can incorporate when it comes to developing a curriculum for tech-savvy students are:

• Developing and providing eLearning content
• Developing learning videos and audiobooks
• Incorporation of  online lectures and interactive lessons for flipped learning
• Leveraging simulation and gamification to make the learning process engaging
• Use of learning software for better understanding
• Use of course management software for better collaboration
• Implementation of online collaboration and broadcasting tools to make the courses accessible from anywhere
• Adoption of cloud-based applications (such as – Learning management system) for the better learning experience

For online or hybrid higher education programs, it is essential to have all study materials available online. Many institutions have already incorporated measures to facilitate a digitized learning infrastructure, such as the preparation of a course outline with due dates, planning of assignments for evaluation of learners’ knowledge, creation of online quizzes, and so on. In short, the implementation of technology in the curriculum needs the collaborative effort of all teaching facilitators, institutional heads, and governing bodies. Some educational institutions are already using advanced technologies to improve the student learning experience. For instance, Temple University has implemented a chatbot to answer common and frequently asked questions by students.

With a thoughtful and seamless integration of technology in the curriculum, students will not only have a better learning experience, but the role of teachers will also evolve. Effective technology integration in the learning process will change classroom dynamics. Today’s tech-savvy students are comfortable with smart campus concepts, where they can freely interact with smart devices and accumulate knowledge whenever and wherever they want. To facilitate this concept of active learning, educators prepare online lectures and interactive lessons (Flipped Classrooms concept) that students can access anytime.

Similarly, Active Learning Forum is one of the collaborative distance learning platforms on which both the educators and students virtually collaborate, and participate in a face-to-face learning process like a regular classroom, but all interactions occur remotely. Institutes like the University of Minnesota and North Carolina State University have been successful at running Active Learning Classrooms to facilitate learning activities. All these approaches are meant to make the learning experience more engaging for the tech-savvy generation.

Several higher education institutions are currently focusing on the importance of technology and curriculum, and finding new ways to incorporate technology into their coursework. Some are also providing laptops or tablets and free internet connection on the campus to encourage learners.The present scenario requires educational institutions to embrace the role of technology in delivering the curriculum and making it engaging and beneficial for today’s tech-savvy students. To bring about an effective reformation in curriculum designing, all concerned individuals, including teachers, instructors, institution heads, and government authorities, should put in efforts in a progressive way.

Since the needs of students change with time and advancements in technology, gradual upgradation of the curriculum is essential. Technology integration is a vital step to make learning effective and collaborative, which in turn will make students future-ready.