Integration of Technologies in Higher Education: Teachers’ Needs and Expectations at UTAD

Abstract

Experiences with online learning in higher education are increasing in number. This is due to advancements in technology, technological savviness of teachers and students, evolution of teaching practices, and changes in student expectations. That is why understanding learners’ and teachers’ needs, expectations, and perceptions of their proficiency and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) is critical to the success of the integration of technologies in higher education. The purpose of this paper is to reflect on teachers’ needs and expectations about ICT adoption in higher education, based on the results of a questionnaire, applied in a Portuguese university. The questionnaire explores what motivates teachers to use ICT tools in the context of teaching in higher education. It also intended to reveal which tools are most used from the ones available, as well as the needs and requirements that are not covered by the existing tools and services provided. The results allowed to analyze the usefulness of the measures implemented for teachers and consider new ones, more appropriate to the reality in permanent change by the constant evolution of the technologies used in the pedagogical practices.