Professional Development Programs: Increasing Lecturers' Competencies in Technology Enhanced Learning and Gaining Students' Engagement

Abstract

Keeping up with the rapid progress in the educational field requires lecturers to gain competencies so that they can improve the quality of the classroom teaching and learning process. The purpose of this study is to explore how Professional Development (PD) might increase lecturers’ competencies in implementing Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) in their classrooms and its impact. TEL refers to the application of information and communication technologies in the classroom. It also includes the development of digital content and digital teaching skills, particularly for engaging students in the classroom. Based on the findings of the research, it appears that lecturers can gain knowledge and competence in developing digital content through PD programs that follow an ideal framework. Several digital tools are used to create and revise the digital contents, however the impact is still far from what was expected. It is still necessary to improve the quality of digital content developed and the way lecturers implement digital applications to increase student engagement in the classroom.