The Influence of Technological Advancement on Curricula of Institutions of Higher Learning

Technological advancement has affected the relevance of curricula in higher learning. In the South African context, this was accelerated by the responses to the Covid-19 pandemic. Thus, technological advancement has presented a need to review and develop curricula that meet the current change in teaching and learning and assessments. Technological acceleration and advancements pose a challenge to curricula which were designed before the digital era. The new normal has provided institutions of higher learning with opportunities and possibilities that can transform the purpose of their co-existence. Therefore, institutions of higher education should maintain their relevance by developing curricula that address current issues. In this chapter, a review of literature approach is used to argue the influence of technological advancement on the curricula of institutions of higher learning. In this chapter, factors that must be taken into consideration to maintain the relevance of curricula are highlighted. Important elements of curriculum are identified in the chapter, which can be used in curriculum development and review to improve the relevance of the curriculum. The challenges associated with curriculum development in this era are also highlighted. It is concluded that the influence of technological advancement on the curricula of institutions of higher learning is inevitable. Therefore, institutions of higher education are faced with a challenge to align curricula with technological advancement to maintain the relevance of curricula. Therefore institutions of higher learning that can embrace the current changes and improve their curricula are more likely to improve throughput and graduation rate.