Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods at the University of Mauritius

Abstract

This chapter provides the multifaceted ways of how the institution has been supporting teaching and learning (T&L) with the use of technology and how it is equipping the younger generation with the skills required to face a changing job market. The prevailing status of use of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4th IR) in T&L was evaluated through: (i) outcomes of a survey approved by the institution undertaken with academics and students for its external audit in 2018; (ii) the continuous support being provided by the Center for Lifelong Learning for fully online programs through the Moodle Platform; and (iii) use of Google Classroom, smartphones, and tablets in faculty-based teaching by the information and communication technologies (ICT) department. This study aimed to identify gaps with a view to enhance the quality of blended/online learning. Findings of the survey reveal that 59.2% of academics who responded were satisfied with the applications of ICT in their teaching, with 42% indicating that there is a need for improvement. Similarly, 55.1% of students who responded indicated that they were satisfied with the use of technology in the classroom. The case studies support the surveys and provide indications of ongoing advancement in the use of ICT following the external audit. The advent of the pandemic has further accelerated our plans in the digital transformation process, leaving us with no choice but to innovate with the use of ICT in the classroom.

Citation

Khodabocus, F., Bahadur, G.K. and Armoogum, S. (2022), "Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods at the University of Mauritius", Sengupta, E. and Blessinger, P. (Ed.) ICT and Innovation in Teaching Learning Methods in Higher Education (Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Vol. 45), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 31-49. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2055-364120220000045003