| Title | Chapter 9: Mitigating the unintended consequences of technology adoption in South African higher education |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.4102/aosis.2025.BK494.09 |
| Landing page | https://books.aosis.co.za/index.php/ob/catalog/book/494 |
| License | https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ |
| Copyright | Nobert R Jere, Gardner Mwansa, Memory Ranga, Attlee M Gamundani & Pardon B Maoneke (eds.) Licensee: AOSIS (Pty) Ltd. The moral right of the editors and authors has been asserted. |
| Publisher | AOSIS |
| Published on | 2025-04-11 |
| Long abstract | This chapter investigates the profound effects of technology integration in South Africa’s higher education sector. While the adoption of technology promises numerous advantages, such as enhanced access to educational materials and improved pedagogical practices, it also generates unintended repercussions. Key issues include digital disparities, unequal access to technological resources and varying levels of digital literacy among students and educators. The chapter critically examines the challenges during the swift transition to online learning, a shift intensified by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, which highlighted and widened existing socio-economic gaps. It underscores the necessity for comprehensive strategies to tackle these challenges, advocating for investments in digital infrastructure, specialised digital literacy initiatives and collaborative efforts among educational institutions, governmental bodies and industry stakeholders. The complexities of rapidly implementing technology in a context already marked by digital inequality further complicate the pursuit of an equitable educational landscape. By addressing these unintended consequences, the chapter submits that a just and equitable higher educational environment can be fostered in South Africa. |
| Print length | 16 pages |
| Language | English (Original) |
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Olutoyin Olaitan is an academic and senior lecturer at Walter Sisulu University in East London, South Africa. Olaitan holds a DPhil in Information Systems from the University of Fort Hare, complemented by an MBA from the University of Technology in Akure, Nigeria and a PGDip in Higher Education from the University of the Witwatersrand. Olaitan’s pedagogical vision emphasises nurturing students’ problem-solving abilities and fostering creative thinking. Her research interests include the 4IR, emerging technologies, data governance and addressing the challenges of graduate attributes and student employability in developing economies. Olaitan has published numerous journal articles and conference papers, contributing significantly to the academic community. In addition to her academic pursuits, Olaitan is actively involved in community engagement projects, such as the Cybersafety Awareness campaign for high school learners. Olaitan also serves as the Chairperson of the Board for Guardians of Hope, a haven for abandoned and needy children and infants placed for adoption in East London, South Africa. She mentors postgraduate students and collaborates with colleagues on various research initiatives. Olaitan’s dedication to academic excellence and community service has earned her several awards, including the Vice-Chancellor’s Recognition Award for Technology Integration in Teaching and Learning. Her leadership roles and strategic contributions to departmental plans further underscore her commitment to advancing education and research in South Africa.
Isaac O Ajao is a distinguished scholar and senior lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. With a PhD in Statistics from the University of Ibadan, Ajao’s academic journey is marked by a commitment to demystifying statistical theories and making data-driven insights accessible. His scholarly contributions include numerous publications in esteemed journals, such as the Journal of Applied Sciences in Environmental Sanitation and the International Journal of Statistics and Probability. His research spans diverse areas, including statistical modelling, data analysis and the application of machine learning in solving real-world problems. Ajao’s dedication to education is evident in his extensive teaching experience, where he has taught a wide range of courses, including Statistical Packages, Data Management and Business Statistics. He has also supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students. Beyond his academic achievements, Ajao is deeply committed to community engagement and charitable activities. He has served as a resource person for various training workshops on statistical data analysis, benefiting both researchers and students. Ajao’s vision is to empower individuals and organisations through data education, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. His leadership, scholarly contributions and commitment to community service make him a valuable asset to both the academic and broader community.