Technology-facilitated learning is quickly becoming mainstream in most higher

education institutions. Simultaneously, although not necessarily related, tertiary

administrators are calling for students exiting university to exhibit the capacity for
reflection and higher order thinking. Instructors, therefore, are faced with two challenges:
implementing technology and increasing reflective learning. Technology-facilitated
learning offers many opportunities for students to engage in reflective tasks, if
implemented properly. Ensuring conditions for promoting reflection, as outlined in the
literature, are present, will yield successful changeovers for instructors beginning to use
technology, instead of traditional face-to-face methods, to foster high levels of reflection
and deep learning in their classrooms (Katrina Strampel and Ron Oliver
School of Communications and Contemporary Arts, Edith Cowan University)


With the influx of technology in the tertiary classroom in recent years, special
attention has been paid to using these technologies to foster reflective thinking. With mixed
results, studies have used learning management systems, computer conferencing, email,
chat, online discussion, and portfolios as tools to enhance reflective thinking among
university students. This array of technologies has been used to replace the traditional face-
to-face, paper and pen teaching methods, namely; group discussion, writing, rewriting, and
journaling, which are believed to encourage critical reflection.
Technology has helped me to grow as a student and achieve some of my goals already. In
the classroom, I have developed new skills to enhance my learning. I have learned to
develop web pages which are an extension to my studies. I have practiced creating
electronic portfolios with my projects in school.
In the future, I plan to use electronic portfolios for all my classes. I also hope that electronic
portfolios will become the norm at my school. In order to achieve this, I have to make a
great effort to show their relevance in education.
Technology has also helped me to make new friends and learn other new ideas. I have
joined a network of friends that will last for a long time.

The teachers will benefit from the upgraded technology department because it will
help the teachers to adapt the students different learning styles because technology is a
teaching tool. The students will benefit from the use of technology in the classroom because
it is a learning tool. Technology in the classroom will help to increase the students interest
in learning.