Evaluating technological interventions for developing teamwork competency in higher education: A systematic review and meta-ethnography

Recent years have seen a surge in higher education educators employing technology to support students' holistic competency development. A rigorous evaluation is essential to ensure these technological interventions achieve their intended outcomes. This systematic review of 37 studies from January 2008 to March 2024 evaluates how technology assists in enhancing teamwork competencies in higher education. Using meta-ethnography, it synthesizes qualitative student feedback to assess the effectiveness and challenges of technology use. The findings reveal that technology integration helps students realize the importance of teamwork, understand team dynamics, develop practical skills, and foster team spirit. Additionally, technology's contribution to teamwork training includes boosting student engagement, facilitating the execution of team tasks, and advancing student self-reflection. However, technological interventions also present challenges, including increased training complexity, deviation from learning objectives, and negative impacts on motivation. These findings are crucial for educators aiming to develop effective technology-enhanced training programs to improve teamwork competencies.