Integrating Technology in Higher Education using the ASSURE Model

Technology Integration is the process by which diverse forms of technology are utilized to enhance instruction, facilitation and improve learner outcome.  It may also be looked at as “the theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management and evaluation process and resources for learning” (Smaldino, 2005).

Higher Education is defined as “ any of various types of education given in post secondary institutions of learning and usually affording, at the end of a course of study, a named degree,diploma, or certificate of higher studies” (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2013) .Generally it speaks to tertiary or post secondary education within a virtual or physical classroom with the intention of obtaining a diploma, associates or bachelors degree, graduate or postgraduate degree.

Technology integration in higher education therefore is the process, practice, design,development, utilization, management and evaluation process and resources of diverse technology in tertiary or post secondary education.

In facilitating learning in higher education today, there are many instructional designs that may be used. These instructional designs also must be supported by principles of adult learning theories such as Andragogy- which looks at the art and science of how adults learn- and general learning theories that facilitate technology integration such as Constructivism. In this Webquest we will feature a technology integration plan utilizing the ASSURE model for technology integration in higher education. In doing this we will look at the theories that support it for justification of why it was chosen. 

Your facilitators are ABCD ( Amanda Berry, Beverly Wright, Celia Seaton, Dahlia Morris) from The Mico University College, Kingston, Jamaica.

 Let’s now discuss the ASSURE model and your tasks.