The study is based on the analysis of outcomes of the Erasmus+ Project DITECH: Developing and Implementing Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning at Georgian HEIs (2021-2024). 7 state universities of Georgia were involved in the project, the start of which coincided with Covid-19, thus making its objectives even more pressing and topical. The challenges that Georgian HEIs faced included: lack of students’ technological skills in using digital tools in learning; lack of skills and competences of academic staff in designing online courses; lack of appropriate infrastructure and software to design and implement online teaching and learning; lack of appropriate professional development trainings in technology-enhanced teaching approaches and methods.
The aim of this qualitative study is to explore the impact of applying various digital tools and online resources on learning and teaching, as well as to learn about students’ and teachers’ perceptions of the challenges and prospects of using educational technology in academic environment. The research data is based on the analysis of students’ and teachers’ feedback on course pilots within the DITECH project. 297 students (BA-209; MA-88) and 137 professors/teachers from 7 universities participated in the survey. The survey with semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews with selected respondents have been used as research tools. The findings have revealed some significant changes in teaching and learning practices.
The study offers a number of recommendations that, potentially, can support higher education institutions in Georgia in enhancing the quality of education at large.

Authors:
Izabella Petriashvili, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Georgia
Tina Gelashvili, Samtskhe-Javakheti State University, Georgia
Ina Baratashvili, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Georgia

About the Presenter(s)
Prof. Tina Gelashvili , PHD in Economics, has been working at Samtskhe-Javakheti State University (Georgia) since its foundation (1990). Currently she is a Head of MBA Program at SJSU
http://www.sjuni.edu.ge/

Izabella Petriashvili, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University; Head of the MA Program in Teacher Education. Research Interests: teacher education, educational technology.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Izabella-Petriashvili

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Izabella-Petriashvili

Additional website of interest
http://www.sjuni.edu.ge/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

Bookmark