Struggling to Adapt: Exploring the Factors that Hamper the Integration of Innovative Digital Tools in Higher Education Courses

The pervasive impact of digital technologies has permeated all facets of our society. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, it is imperative for educators to adapt and integrate these advancements into their teaching methods. Nevertheless, educators face challenges in keeping pace with technological advancements for educational purposes. This study revolved around three key objectives: mapping the intricate landscape of digital inclusion in higher education, particularly within a department of informatics; exploring teaching practices that enrich and facilitate the overall educational experience; and defining the challenges that faculty members encounter. This distinctive focus represented an innovative approach, shedding light on the underlying concerns within academia regarding obstacles to incorporating digital tools into university courses. The participants in the study were faculty members and undergraduate students from the Department of Informatics at a Greek university. Data was collected through two distinct questionnaires. A major conclusion of this study is that the types of digital tools faculty prefer are closely related to (a) challenges faced by higher education institutions, such as infrastructure and funding, and (b) their own perceptions and interpretations of their involvement with technology-driven strategies in the classroom.