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The Technological Challenge Facing Higher Education Professors: Perceptions of ICT Tools for Developing 21st Century Skills

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  • Marta Liesa-Orús

    (Faculty of Human Sciences and Education, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Cecilia Latorre-Cosculluela

    (Faculty of Human Sciences and Education, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Sandra Vázquez-Toledo

    (Faculty of Human Sciences and Education, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Verónica Sierra-Sánchez

    (Faculty of Human Sciences and Education, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain)

Abstract

To consider that some quality teaching-learning processes in the Higher Education is practically unthinkable without the use of technology, especially because of its impact in developing the necessary skills and abilities for the 21st century. (1) Background: One of the initial steps to successfully approach this challenge is to analyze how university professors consider that ICTs can contribute to developing skills and abilities in their students. In this regard, their perceptions are one of the factors that will limit the use they make of these tools. (2) Method: For this reason, a quantitative research has been designed in which 345 university professors have participated for different branches of knowledge of one Spanish university. (3) Results: Among the most relevant results, we can highlight that the professors recognize the potentials of the ICTs and consider they have a positive effect on learning and development of 21st century skills in their students. These benefits are seen in different fields like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking, among others. Likewise, the importance of the technology culture teaching role is outstanding. (4) Conclusions: Finally, the need for integration of ICTs in a pedagogical model in which professor training in digital skills acquires relevance is shown.

Suggested Citation

  • Marta Liesa-Orús & Cecilia Latorre-Cosculluela & Sandra Vázquez-Toledo & Verónica Sierra-Sánchez, 2020. "The Technological Challenge Facing Higher Education Professors: Perceptions of ICT Tools for Developing 21st Century Skills," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-14, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:13:p:5339-:d:379140
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Katerina Ananiadou & Magdalean Claro, 2009. "21st Century Skills and Competences for New Millennium Learners in OECD Countries," OECD Education Working Papers 41, OECD Publishing.
    2. María Napal & Ana María Mendióroz-Lacambra & Alicia Peñalva, 2020. "Sustainability Teaching Tools in the Digital Age," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-14, April.
    3. Jordi Colomer & Teresa Serra & Dolors Cañabate & Remigijus Bubnys, 2020. "Reflective Learning in Higher Education: Active Methodologies for Transformative Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-8, May.
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    2. Núñez-Canal, Margarita & de Obesso, Mª de las Mercedes & Pérez-Rivero, Carlos Alberto, 2022. "New challenges in higher education: A study of the digital competence of educators in Covid times," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 174(C).
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    4. Silvia Farias-Gaytan & Ignacio Aguaded & Maria-Soledad Ramirez-Montoya, 2023. "Digital transformation and digital literacy in the context of complexity within higher education institutions: a systematic literature review," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-11, December.
    5. Johanna Andrea Navarro-Espinosa & Manuel Vaquero-Abellán & Alberto-Jesús Perea-Moreno & Gerardo Pedrós-Pérez & Maria del Pilar Martínez-Jiménez & Pilar Aparicio-Martínez, 2022. "Gamification as a Promoting Tool of Motivation for Creating Sustainable Higher Education Institutions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-20, February.
    6. Salvador Baena-Morales & Rosabel Martinez-Roig & María J. Hernádez-Amorós, 2020. "Sustainability and Educational Technology—A Description of the Teaching Self-Concept," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-20, December.
    7. Dolors Cañabate & Maria Luisa Garcia-Romeu & Anna Menció & Lluís Nogué & Marta Planas & Joan Solé-Pla, 2020. "Cross-Disciplinary Analysis of Cooperative Learning Dimensions Based on Higher Education Students’ Perceptions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-17, October.
    8. Khalid Abbas & Ahmed Eltweri & Muhammad Kamran Nawaz & Zafar Ali, 2023. "Systematic Analysis of the Factors That Impact upon the Mindset of Knowledge Sharing Behaviour (KSB) for Individuals within Academia," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-27, July.
    9. Hiya Almazroa & Wadha Alotaibi, 2023. "Teaching 21st Century Skills: Understanding the Depth and Width of the Challenges to Shape Proactive Teacher Education Programmes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-25, April.
    10. de Obesso, Maria de las Mercedes & Núñez-Canal, Margarita & Pérez-Rivero, Carlos Alberto, 2023. "How do students perceive educators' digital competence in higher education?," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 188(C).
    11. Shabir Hussain Khahro & Yasir Javed, 2022. "Key Challenges in 21st Century Learning: A Way Forward towards Sustainable Higher Educational Institutions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-19, December.

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