Exploring the Transformative Impact of Digital Technologies on Higher Education in South Africa
The Impact of Digital Technologies on Higher Education in South Africa
Keywords:
Digital technologies, higher education, transformative, South Africa, digitalizationAbstract
Digital technologies are revolutionising higher education and reshaping institutional operations, including teaching and learning in South Africa and across the globe. In South Africa, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the process, forcing most Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to adopt hybrid learning models as an alternative to traditional face-to-face approaches. Using a qualitative research paradigm, this contextual study examines the position of digital technologies as change-agents for the South African higher education system. The study utilizes content analysis to explore the benefits and limitations of employing digital technologies. Findings reveal that digital technologies have contributed immensely to teaching and learning by streamlining things, offering better access to educational materials, lowering the cost of operation, and improving education quality in general. Despite having such advantages, there are several unresolved issues, i.e., inadequate digital infrastructure, uneven deployment of dependable internet and devices, variation in digital competency among students and staff, and concerns about honesty in virtual exams. These issues are significant hurdles to realizing the benefits of digitalization in higher studies. In order to address these issues, the study recommends that HEIs emphasize digital inclusion through the growth of infrastructure, improved access to the internet, and ongoing digital literacy skills for students and employees. It also emphasizes the importance of developing efficient online examination strategies and policies for academic integrity. The study concludes that effective digital transformation in South African tertiary education calls for action from all the stakeholders involved in developing a digitally empowered ecosystem that enables all stakeholders with the necessary skills, tools, and support needed to thrive in the 21st century.
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