Abstract:

Worldwide, the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for teaching and learning has led to major transformations among the prevailing Higher Education systems. In this context, the potential value of ICT is widely recognized by several international organisms and policy makers. Still, due to the nature of this trend, the process of incorporating technology in Higher Education faces significant challenges in order to provide tangible benefits for the learning processes and the correct alignment between technology, society demands and Higher Education Institutions. International experience has shown that the conditions and effectiveness of the use of technology in education vary from country to country. Yet, when delivered properly, it provides an extensive variety of opportunities for students and professors to acquire top quality teaching and learning practices across nations and to create borderless networks.

The objective of this paper is to present a critical reflection on the challenges and outcomes of the ICT integration process for Higher Education by illustrating, on the basis of two case studies, the importance of applying defined educational policies, strategies and plans that converge with the universal vision and potential of technology for learning enhancement. For this purpose, the study was developed with the collaboration of two Higher Education Institutions located in different regions of the world, namely: in Mexico, the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) and in Canada, University of British Columbia (UBC). A comparative analysis of their learning experiences was examined through two of their online courses.

As results of the study, their e-learning experiences suggested an increment in the active participation and interaction of students, an enhanced interaction among professor-students and the overall achievement of high quality results on the development of competences and skills. Finally, the nature of the different locations for each of the case studies served to illustrate the potential benefits of the effective use of ICT within a global dimension, providing evidence of the valuable impact that technology can have to the teaching and learning processes in Higher Education.

Keywords:

Information and Communication Technologies, Higher Education Institutions, e-learning.