Integrating technology in teaching and learning in universities in Lesotho: opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Technology is now considered a critical toll in enhancing teaching and learning in universities owing to the fact that the ubiquitous nature of technology now allows students to access education from anywhere, at any time and at their own pace. The purpose of this study therefore was to investigate the extent to which universities in Lesotho have integrated technology in teaching and learning as well as identify factors that act as challenges and opportunities to effective integration technology in the universities. A quantitative research approach which utilised a structured questionnaire was employed to gather information while SPSS version 21 was also used to analyze data. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to select a sample of 125 lecturers from three universities to participate in the study. Results of the study showed that the level integration of technology into teaching and learning is overall not quite high and the following basic technology tools are being used to support the integration: use of learning management systems, projectors, computers and online activities. It also emerged from the study that factors that include opportunities for individualised staff development, availability of technical support, availability of a fair supply of infrastructure, continuous professional development act as the major opportunities for enabling effective technology integration. Results of the study also showed that limited financial resources, limited investment in new technology, lack of systematic and sustainable approaches for staff development to support effective technology integration were some of the major challenges faced.