Important Technology Integration Administrator Take-Ons in Adult Learning

 With more and more students enrolling in higher education each year, it is important for adult education administrators to "keep up with the times" when integrating technology into their programs and institutions. When looking at the UTAUT model, it is important to see why it is important to be ahead of the game when integrating technology into the higher education setting.  An important "take-on" for adult education administrators is to lead the digital transformation happening in the world of higher education, rather than reacting to the changes that need to be made.  When a program can set the example, and lead with innovation, rather than follow the leader, the program's reputation, and quality of education can benefit considerably.  There are constantly changes with technology, and administrators should look to integrate new technology that gives students and instructors a better educational experience at any appropriate moment possible.  

In "Supporting Technology Integration in Adult Education: Critical Issues and Models" by Ajit Gopalakirshnan (2006), the author discusses the importance of integrating new technology into adult education.  Gopalakirshnan states, "as technology has proliferated in schools over the past 15 years, many researchers studying the K-12 school system have identified a broad range of factors necessary to facilitate technology integration." (Gopalakirshnan, 2006).  They go on to discuss the importance of replicating this in not just the K-12 school system, but higher education as well.  When educational institutions take advantage of new technology, they are not only helping themselves by offering up to date resources for their students, but also helping the world, because the students are gaining a higher quality of education, which helps in their future career path.

There are many important factors for adult education administrators to remember, but this in my opinion is one of the most important.  What factors do you believe are important for adult education administrators to consider? 


Resources:

Venkatesh, V., Morris, M. G., Davis, G. B., & Davis, F. D. (2003). User acceptance of information technology: Toward a unified view. MIS Quarterly, 27(3), 425-478. https://k-state.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01KSU_INST/1260r8r/cdi_gale_infotracacademiconefile_A108912880

Gopalakrishnan, A. (2006). Supporting Technology Integration in Adult Education: Critical Issues and Models. Adult Basic Education, 16(1), 39–56.


Comments

  1. HKDecember 1, 2021 at 9:41 PM

    "There are constantly changes with technology, and administrators should look to integrate new technology that gives students and instructors a better educational experience at any appropriate moment possible. "

    Well said, Chase. Technology integration is meant to better but not disrupt educational experience. There are many good examples out there such as the Sloan C semester during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 (Lorenzo, 2005). However, this was not the case last year when the whole world was hit by COVID. As you can see from this school district's "Reopening Plan" presentation that using technology to continue teaching/learning was considered as an option that "disrupt educational experience ..." (Buckeye Union School District, 2020, p. 5). What do you think was the problem or was it a problem at all?

    Reference

    Buckeye Union School District. (2005). Reopening plan overview. https://www.buckeyeusd.org/cms/lib/CA02209466/Centricity/Domain/3379/Final%20BUSD%20Re-Opening%20Plans.pdf.

    Lorenzo, G. (2005). The Sloan semester. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/cb2c/1b7027b43c0c033dbb7bce2ba1c03509d3b8.pdf.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chase WiseDecember 4, 2021 at 7:34 AM

      I think that there are certainly problems when looking at online education in early/mid level education, and those problems do not necessarily apply to adult education in all cases. Through the early education years, students are not just developing their academic skills, but also learning how to interact with each other face to face, break through their comfort zone, participate in extracurricular activities, etc.

      My best friend is actually a middle school instructor in a low income/ socioeconomically disadvantaged area. He mentions that students have such a low motivation now in person, because they were so used to online learning, and now they almost forgot how to interact with each other, and respectfully participate in class. However, in adult education I do not think that these same problems always apply, because adults have already developed those skills, and typically have social interaction outside of their schooling. Whether this is at work, with family, friends, etc. they are already gaining that aspect of their life.

      Delete
  2. Kiera's Adventures @ K-State!December 2, 2021 at 2:45 AM

    This sentence really resonated with me...."An important "take-on" for adult education administrators is to lead the digital transformation happening in the world of higher education, rather than reacting to the changes that need to be made." ...because I read an article last week about this same thing! It was from the EDUSummIT 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand and it said that one of the cultural impacts of being ahead of the rest of the world in regards to technology was that being in the lead allowed you to drive the changes in technology, rather than have them imposed on you.

    I think that goes along well with what you quoted and how being in the lead has so many more advantages for all involved. It is a tall order though, and does require some risk-taking and tough decision-making...but in the end, it is well worth it.

    Reference
    Webb, M. E., Fluck, A., Cox, M., Angeli-Valanides, C., Malyn-Smith, J., Voogt, J., et al. (2015). Thematic working group 9: curriculum - advancing understanding of the roles of computer science/informatics in the curriculum. In K.-W. Lai (Ed.), EDUsummIT 2015 summary report: Technology advance quality learning for all (pp. 6069). Thailand: Bangkok.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chase WiseDecember 4, 2021 at 7:36 AM

      Thanks for reading! It certainly is a tall order to take the lead, but I think as educators/administrators we should welcome the challenge, because the benefits can be immense. As you mentioned there are certainly risks being taken, and tough decisions being made, but that comes with everything good in life. Without taking risks, we would never break free from our comfort zone and try new things/ gain new experiences. It is certainly well worth it. Even if we fail, we learn a lesson and apply that experience moving forward. Thanks again for reading.

      Delete
  3. Rachel OhmesDecember 5, 2021 at 1:20 PM

    Like Kiera, your line about being proactive and not reactive really stood out to me. I think this could be said about a lot of things in education (or really, any industry). In my opinion, I think it would be most effective for administrators to do a lot of listening. Ask students, faculty, and staff what barriers they are facing. Then, put together a focus group dedicated to solving those problems. I would definitely be interested to see what technology could solve at my own institution.

    ReplyDelete

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