Abstract:

The way learning technologies are fast changing, self-directed learning (SDL) and student engagement is becoming increasingly important in the 21st century and this calls for a shift in the educational settings from teacher-directed to a more student self-directed learning. SDL is a learning process that need students to be able to plan, set their goals, select as well as seek data to evaluate their learning processes. The 4RI generation needs SDL opportunities, engagements learning environments that will enable learners to use different ICTs to create personally meaningful learning experiences. There is a gap for students in education to learn how to develop SDL skills without being passively taught by others. The perception of SDL has been investigated for many years which gives students’ the opportunities to take decisions on what to study, when to study what they want to study, how much time they intend to study and whether they have really studied something. The digital technological revolution has brought SDL to the forefront. The context has changed with the presence of ICTs in current learning environments that gives students the opportunities to have control over their own learning. Literature indicate that ICTS have direct positive relationship with students’ engagement learning and levels of SDL that are related to academic performance and success. The aim of this literature review is to provide a theoretical conceptualization of Information and communication technology (ICT) as a platform for students’ engagement and self-directed learning (SDL) in academic pursuits. This paper will reveal literature since 2018 to 2022 on how ICT can impact student engagement and SDL skills in classroom teaching and learning. Nevertheless, ICT integration into teaching and learning environment has remained inadequate in the areas of student engagement, performance and SDL. Technology plays an important role in the teaching and learning environment, but the consideration on whether and how to engage students motivation are complex. Students need to be equipped with self-directed learning skills and habits to equip them for the 21st century and the 4IR. The use of ICT has become an important aspect in teaching and learning and as such the use of technological tools might be able to influence student engagement and their SDL disposition. Although there is growth in ICT use in education, there are gaps in research concerning student engagement and enhancement of SDL when implementing ICTs into teaching and learning environments. Student engagement is paramount to SDL.

Keywords:

ICT, Student engagement, Self-directed Learning, Higher education.