Using Educational Technology in Teaching and Learning in Kenya in University: Is It A Blessing or Not

Abstract

From the Mid-20th to 21st Century, modern technology has been blossoming rapidly in Kenya. Education institutions have incorporated Technology to achieve their objectives. Thus, many teachers and students in Secondary schools and Universities spend more time using Technology. The increased use of Technology in Kenya has led some scholars questioning how it enhances teaching and learning in universities, and what benefits it confers to both parties in the educational context and whether or not it has been a blessing. The goal of this paper is to review the literature related to use of technology in University education in Kenya with the view to determining whether or not it has been a blessing. The paper is divided into three parts. The first part looks at the Definition of Technology and Educational Technology and proceeds to describe how it is being used in Kenyan Universities. The second part explores the advantages that educational technology has for teaching and learning- the blessings. Part three discusses various negative effects of Educational Technology. Although technology has brought forth significant positive outcomes, it has encouraged laziness, misguided students and created dependency among learners. The paper presents suggestions on how educational Technology can be utilized to obtain optimal outcomes.