Using Educational Technology in Teaching and Learning in Universities in Kenya: Is It a Blessing or a Curse?

Abstract

From Mid-20th Century through the 21st Century, modern technology has been blossoming rapidly in Kenya. At this moment, the Education system has incorporated Technology aiming to achieve its objectives. Most of the teachers and students in Secondary schools and Universities spend more time using Technology. The increase in use of Technology in Kenya has led some scholars to question how it enhances teaching and learning in universities, and what benefits it has both parties in the educational context? And how blessed or cursed it is to students. The goal of this paper is to review the literature related to the use of technology in University education in Kenya to determine whether it has been a blessing or a Curse. The paper is divided into three parts. The first part looks at the Definition of Technology and Educational Technology and proceeds to describe how it is being used in Kenyan Universities. The second part explores the advantages that educational technology has for teaching and learning- the blessings. Part three discuses various negative effects of Educational Technology- Curses. The findings incorporate all types of learners. It covers all styles of teaching and learning; including long distance learning. On the other hand, it is of curse to educational system, because it has encouraged laziness, misguidance, and dependency on it among learners. The paper presents suggestions on how educational Technology can become a blessing in the teaching and learning processes.