Outcomes of Technology Integration in Instruction by Higher Learning Institutions in Asia: Perspective from Malaysia

Abstract

Malaysian Higher Learning institutions have embraced ICT skills in teaching and learning to ensure career readiness among learners. Information Communication Technology tools provide the opportunity for educators to address problem-solving and project-based learning in both face-to-face and blended learning. However, there have been issues of educators’ awareness and skills in utilizing the technology tools in the instructional processes. The purpose of the study was to establish the Outcomes of Technology Integration in Instruction by Higher Learning Institutions in Asia with a focus on Malaysia. The paper was a literature based in which comprehensive review of existing literature on technology integration in Education was interrogated to come up with study themes. The empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and conclusion drawn based on the reviewed literatures. The study found that factors that influenced integration of ICT in the primary teacher training colleges in Malaysia included: adequacy of internet connectivity, adequacy of computer hardware, adequacy of computer software, maintenance of ICT infrastructure, training of personnel in ICT, teacher workload, teacher gender, teacher age, presence of ICT policy and adequacy of fund.  Additionally, lecturers were found to be aware of the relevance of Web 2.0 tools for instructional purposes. However, they highlighted low internet speed as the main challenge in their efforts to integrate technology into their instructional activities. This research contributes to the area of TPACK (Technology Pedagogical Content Knowledge) by highlighting the application of computer-related technologies into classroom instruction and how such technologies are matched with learner-centered instructional strategies to enhance learners’ 21st century skills that are essential for career readiness. This paper concludes that integrating technology in instruction will serve as a strategy for leveraging education in Malaysia if first-order barriers such as insufficient ICT infrastructure, limited ICT competency among teachers and tutors and lack of comprehensive ICT training are addressed effectively. The study recommends that, the managements of higher learning institutions in the country should provide teachers with regular trainings and seminars on how to adopt ICT in the teaching and learning process.

Key words: Technology integration, higher learning institutions, ICT, Malaysia