Drivers of Digital Technology Adoption in Engineering Education

Authors

  • Uzor Onyia University of Nigeria Nsukka
  • Nzoputa Madueme University of Nigeria Nsukka
  • Uchechukwu Nwankwo Onyia Construction

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2025/v38is2/25001

Keywords:

Digital Technology; Engineering Education; Learning Solutions; Technology Enablement

Abstract

The integration of digital technology in engineering education is essential for improved learning outcomes and to adequately prepare engineering graduates for the demands of a rapidly transforming industry. This article examines the implementation of digital technology in Nigerian educational institutions. The study identifies drivers of digital technology in engineering education from previous literature. The mean rating of each of these drivers was computed and ranked based on importance. Further exploratory factor analysis revealed four major clusters: Institution Capacity Building, Academic Excellence and Support, Technology Enablement and Support, and Flexible Learning Solutions. These clusters represent the fundamental sectors that promote digital inclusion in the engineering educational system. The results provide a holistic overview of segments that could be addressed to transform engineering education through technology inclusion. By concentrating on the highlighted four crucial areas, institutions can provide a more impactful, holistic, and flexible learning environment for engineering students thus producing engineers that will adequately meet the changing demands of the industry.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

2025-05-12

How to Cite

Onyia, U., Madueme, N., & Nwankwo, U. (2025). Drivers of Digital Technology Adoption in Engineering Education. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 38(2), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2025/v38is2/25001

References

Amin, M., Sibuea, A. M., & Mustaqim, B. (2023). The effectiveness of Moodle among engineering education college students in Indonesia. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE), 12(1), Article 1.

Batane, T., & Ngwako, A. (2016). Technology use by preservice teachers during teaching practice: Are new teachers embracing technology right away in their first teaching experience? Australasian Journal of Educational Technology. https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.2299 Blended Learning And Traditional Learning: A Comparison.

(n.d.). Retrieved August 14, 2024, from https://elearningindustry.com/blended-learning-vstraditionallearning-a-detailed-overview-of-the-twoapproaches

Bond, M., Buntins, K., Bedenlier, S., Zawacki-Richter, O., & Kerres, M. (2020). Mapping research in student engagement and educational technology in higher education: A systematic evidence map. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 17(1), 2. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239019-0176-8

Ciarli, T., Kenney, M., Massini, S., & Piscitello, L. (2021). Digital technologies, innovation, and skills: Emerging trajectories and challenges. Research Policy, 50(7), 104289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2021.104289

Dr Shaheen Parveen & Shaikh Imran Ramzan. (2024). The Role of Digital Technologies in Education: Benefits and Challenges. International Research Journal on Advanced Engineering and Management (IRJAEM), 2(06), 2029–2037. https://doi.org/10.47392/IRJAEM.2024.0299

Engineers. (2019, September 11). COREN. https://coren.gov.ng/service/engineer/

Gumus, S., & Bubou, G. (2022, November 14). HAS ENGINEERING EDUCATION ADEQUATELY EN-SKILLED STUDENTS FOR THE WORLD OF WORK? NIGERIAN GRADUATE ENGINEERS’ PERSPECTIVES 1.

Gürdür Broo, D., Kaynak, O., & Sait, S. M. (2022). Rethinking engineering education at the age of industry 5.0. Journal of Industrial Information Integration, 25, 100311. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jii.2021.100311

Hadgraft, R. G., & Kolmos, A. (2020). Emerging learning environments in engineering education. Australasian Journal of Engineering Education, 25(1), 3–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/22054952.2020.1713522

Haleem, A., Javaid, M., Qadri, M. A., & Suman, R. (2022). Understanding the role of digital technologies in education: A review. Sustainable Operations and Computers, 3, 275–285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susoc.2022.05.004

Igbokwe, N. C., Godwin, H. C., & U-Dominic, C. M. (2019). Engineering Education in Nigeria for Engineering Graduates: Issues and Strategies. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports, 22, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.9734/jsrr/2019/29895

Johnson, A. M., Jacovina, M. E., Russell, D. E., & Soto, C. M. (2016). Challenges and solutions when using technologies in the classroom. In Adaptive Educational Technologies for Literacy Instruction (pp. 13–29). Taylor and Francis.

Krasniewski, A., & Woznicki, J. (1998). Flexibility and adaptability in engineering education: An academic institution perspective. IEEE Transactions on Education, 41(4), 237.

Matthew, U. O., Kazaure, J. S., & Okafor, N. U. (2021). Contemporary Development in E-Learning Education, Cloud Computing Technology & Internet of Things. EAI Endorsed Transactions on Cloud Systems, 7(20), Article 20. https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.31-3-2021.169173

McCarthy, A. M., Maor, D., McConney, A., & Cavanaugh, C. (2023). Digital transformation in education: Critical components for leaders of system change. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 8(1), 100479. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100479

Miranda, J., Navarrete, C., Noguez, J., Molina-Espinosa, J.M., Ramírez-Montoya, M.-S., Navarro-Tuch, S. A., Bustamante-Bello, M.-R., Rosas-Fernández, J.-B., & Molina, A. (2021). The core components of education 4.0 in higher education: Three case studies in engineering education. Computers & Electrical Engineering, 93, 107278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compeleceng.2021.107278

Mondragon-Estrada, E., Kirschning, I., Nolazco-Flores, J. A., & Camacho-Zuñiga, C. (2023). Fostering digital transformation in education: Technology enhanced learning from professors’ experiences in emergency remote teaching. Frontiers in Education, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1250461

Oloyede, A. A., Ajimotokan, H. A., & Faruk, N. (2018). Embracing the future of engineering education in Nigeria: Teaching and learning challenges. Nigerian Journal of Technology, 36(4), 991. https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.v36i4.1

Qiao, W., & Fu, J. (2023). Challenges of Engineering Education in Digital Intelligence Era. Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange, 16(2), 145–159. https://doi.org/10.18785/jetde.1602.09

Raja, R., & Nagasubramani, P. (2018). Impact of modern technology in education. Journal of Applied and Advanced Research, 3, 33. https://doi.org/10.21839/jaar.2018.v3iS1.165

Shrestha, N. (2021). Factor Analysis as a Tool for Survey Analysis. American Journal of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, 9, 4–11. https://doi.org/10.12691/ajams-9-1-2

Strom, A. (2021). The Negative Effects of Technology for Students and Educators. Northwestern College, Iowa.

The 7 Greatest Challenges Facing Education Technology Today. (n.d.). Retrieved August 14, 2024, from https://wpgc.io/blog/the-7-greatest-challenges-facingeducation-technology-today/

Tholibon, D. A., Md Nujid, M., Mokhtar, H., Rahim, J. A., Aziz, N. F. A., & Tarmizi, A. A. A. (2021). Relative Importance Index (RII) In Ranking the Factors of Employer Satisfaction Towards Industrial Training Students. International Journal of Asian Education, 2(4), 493–503. https://doi.org/10.46966/ijae.v2i4.187

Timotheou, S., Miliou, O., Dimitriadis, Y., Sobrino, S. V., Giannoutsou, N., Cachia, R., Monés, A. M., & Ioannou, A. (2023). Impacts of digital technologies on education and factors influencing schools’ digital capacity and transformation: A literature review. Education and Information Technologies, 28(6), 6695–6726. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11431-8

Umugiraneza, O., Bansilal, S., & North, D. (2018). Exploring teachers’ use of technology in teaching and learning mathematics in KwaZulu-Natal schools. Pythagoras, 39(1). https://doi.org/10.4102/pythagoras.v39i1.342

Wang, K., Li, B., Tian, T., Zakuan, N., & Rani, P. (2023). Evaluate the drivers for digital transformation in higher education institutions in the era of industry 4.0 based on decision-making method. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 8(3), 100364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2023.100364

Wiangkham, A., & Vongvit, R. (2024). Exploring the Drivers for the Adoption of Metaverse Technology in Engineering Education using PLS-SEM and ANFIS. Education and Information Technologies, 29(6), 7385–7412. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-12127-3