STUDENT SATISFACTION AND TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION IN TEACHING AND LEARNING: THE CASE OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IN NAMIBIA

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to assess Student Satisfaction and Technology Integration in Teaching and Learning: The Case of University Education in Namibia. The concept of customer satisfaction has attracted much attention in recent years. Institutions of higher education are accountable for their performance to their trustees, state boards, accreditation agencies, employees, parents, and of course, their students. Students are the reason for the existence of Institutions of higher education. Hence Student satisfaction should be the core business of such institutions. Yet despite a large body of research literature examining customer satisfaction and student satisfaction for that matter, researchers have not fully investigated the relationship between student satisfaction and technology integration in teaching and learning. This study explores the Challenges faced by academics in terms of technology integration in teaching and learning. It further assesses Students’ Satisfaction in relation to Technology Integration in Teaching and Learning as well as the relationship between the use of technology in teaching and learning and Students Satisfaction. Research Methodology: This is a correlation cross-sectional quantitative survey. Responses were obtained from a 200 valid random sample comprising of Students and Lecturers at one of the major public Universities in Namibia. The responses were analysed using SPSS version 23. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to examine the research questions. Descriptive statistics were used to report demographic information and for inferential statistics, the principal components analysis (PCA) was used. Further, in order to explore the relationships between Student Satisfaction and Technology Integration in Teaching and Learning, Pearson correlation and analysis of variance (ANOVA), were used to address research questions accordingly.Findings: The study found significant relationships between Technology Integration in Teaching and Learning and Students Satisfaction. The results prompted recommendations guiding effective marketing strategies for Institutions of Higher Education, policy making in relation to Technology Integration in Teaching and Learning vis-à-vis Student Satisfaction.Contribution: Regular appraisal of students satisfaction with technology integration is critical. Evaluation of lecturer’s perception and awareness of technology integration is essential-to reduce the Knowledge Gap in the area of technology integration in teaching and learning. Specific studies related to technology integration in teaching and learning per discipline (Programme) are desirable since different Programmes may have different needs in terms of technology integration. Lecturers’ commendations/support for technology integration is key to ensure adoption and full technology integration in the long run. Institutional Policy on course web/e-learning presence is fundamental