Opportunities and Challenges to Educators When Transitioning to a TEL Environment – Case of Kuwait

Year 2021, Volume: 5 Issue: 1, 50 - 88, 31.07.2021

Dania El Acmar Rupalı Bhagat

Abstract

Abstract – Technology-enhanced learning (TEL) is rapidly becoming relevant for its ability to incorporate new and emerging technologies into education that can promote better learning, circumvent issues in traditional classroom environments, and engage learners more effectively. This paper provides an introduction and background to TEL, explains several theories that undergird the use of TEL, provides a literature review that examines TEL in several contexts, describes the methods used for the study, and details the results obtained. From a theoretical standpoint, TEL is primarily associated with disruptive innovation, because it changes the way things are done. Multidisciplinary as a component of activity theory is another salient feature of TEL and situated learning theory is used to explain why haptic feedback improves TEL effectiveness. The literature review discusses different aspects of TEL that have been studied, and the methods section describes how the data was collected and analyzed. The research findings and recommendations are based on the data collected through online survey and its analysis. The data used in this research is mostly primary. The participants were from Kuwait and the recommendations are suitable for Kuwait Technological learning environment. One of the important findings of the research was that participants agreed that big data is influencing the educational sector due to the sudden shift to online teaching and is creating a common use experience for everyone who is part of it. Another important research was that most of the educators feel that TEL supports the individual growth of a learner. In addition, educators believe that TEL will be more effective if senior management supports them and there is a TEL support center to assist when needed. The current situation that we are facing because of COVID-19 has given TEL a strong foundation as educators are using it like never before. This has also enabled the TEL to grow and adopt to new situations and teaching environments..

Keywords

Keywords – Technology-enhanced Learning, TEL, Kuwait, Technology, Digital

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