Reinforcement Measures for Sustaining the Integration of Innovative Teaching and Learning Technologies in Selected Tanzanian Universities

Abstract

Whereas the integration of innovative technology in facilitating learning is crucial in higher education institutions (HEIs), its sustainability has been a challenge, especially in developing countries. This paper reports the findings of a qualitative study that explored academic leaders' views, perceptions, and experiences on sustainability strategies for the integration of innovative teaching and learning technologies (ITLTs). The paper contributes empirically to the educational discipline by developing a deeper understanding of specific strategies for the sustainability of the ITLTs integration in HIEs. Specifically, the study examined reinforcement measures related to rewards, culture, policies, and capacity building used by academic leaders for the integration of ITLTs in the selected Tanzanian universities. Secondly, the study looked into the perceived level of importance regarding attributes to effective integration of ITLTs in the respective universities. A semi-structured interview was used to collect data among 13 academic leaders from two public universities. Lewin’s change management model guided the study in theorising and analysis of the findings. Thematic-deductive analysis revealed that most participants favoured capacity-building strategy reinforcements. Meanwhile, implicit policies were reported to have a higher positive likelihood of enhancing the sustainability of effective integration of ITLTs. Concerning rewards, in-house training and recognition for what academics do were regarded as favourable strategies. Additionally, participants reported that the culture of offering directives and communication through online platforms has promoted the integration of ITLTs. Lastly, capacity building and policies were vital in enhancing the effective integration of ITLTs. There is a need to strengthen ITLTs policies development, rewards, and capacity-building strategies for more effective and sustainable integration of ITLTs. This further supports the cultural transformation of ITLTs usage among academics in universities.