The impact of computer-based technology on faculty members' work at the ITESM's Guadalajara Campus

Abstract

Higher education administrators around the world are promoting an increased use of educational technologies in the academe based on the assumption that these technologies offer the opportunity to improve students' learning. However, most of the time administrators do not take into consideration the effect that technology might have on faculty members. Through an exploratory case study, this research project seeks to provide a better understanding of the impact of computer-based technology on faculty members' work and on the conditions under which this impact occurs. Structured interviews with administrators and faculty members as well as document analyses from the ITESM's Guadalajara Campus will be used in order to provide a deeper understanding of how faculty members have responded to the required use of specific educational technologies. It is anticipated that this study will show that beliefs and assumptions held by administrators have strong effects on the institution's strategic choices and policies regarding new educational technologies. Furthermore, it is believed that this study will provide examples of the effect of new educational technologies on faculty members' skills. Finally, it is expected that this study will make significant recommendations for higher education administrators to assist in developing technology-related policies that are better suited not only for students but also for faculty members.