The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 completely upended both private and public life. Higher education institutions worldwide were forced to abruptly transition their teaching and learning processes to digital mediums. This transition caused significant anxiety in educational systems worldwide. This article highlights technology's indispensable role in tertiary education, including how it can improve instructional strategies, increase access to education, and prepare students for the digital age.

What long-term effects will COVID-19 have on how education is provided in the future? Although the answers have not yet been entirely determined, the abrupt transition has proven to be an enlightening experience. Modern technology has inspired teachers to investigate a new interactive approach to teaching, both in theory and practical courses. It has caused students and educators to communicate and interact more through the graphic medium than the verbal medium. Technology has transformed how to teach and learn, from interactive multimedia tools to online learning platforms.

The COVID-19 crisis is at the endemic stage now, and it is essential to remember the lessons learned so that they can be applied to developing and improving digital education. To do this, one must have a comprehensive viewpoint on online learning and teaching in higher education. It is impossible to overestimate how much technology has impacted education overall and tertiary institutions.

Technology has levelled the playing field for tertiary education by removing knowledge and resource access obstacles. Students can browse a vast assortment of digital libraries, scholarly publications, and online resources, allowing them to delve further into their areas of study. Online platforms also provide access to instructional materials from well-known institutions worldwide, exposing students to various viewpoints and cutting-edge research.

In addition, technology aids in the transformation of static classrooms into dynamic and participatory learning spaces. Videos, computer simulations, and virtual reality engage pupils' senses and encourage active learning. A more profound grasp of the subject matter can be achieved using interactive whiteboards, collaborative tools, and online discussion forums to increase engagement and stimulate peer-to-peer interaction. Gamification techniques and instructional apps make Complex subjects more approachable and fun.

In tertiary education, cutting-edge technology has encouraged collaboration and worldwide communication. Students and teachers from many locations may interact, communicate, and exchange ideas easily, thanks to virtual classrooms and video conferencing capabilities. Online group projects, discussion forums, and platforms for shared documents foster cross-cultural communication and expose students to various viewpoints while improving cooperation abilities. These encounters equip students with the skills to prosper in a connected, globalised society.

Providing children with digital literacy skills is crucial in today's world. By ensuring that students are skilled in using digital tools, evaluating data, and employing technology for effective communication and cooperation, technology integration in tertiary education prepares students for the needs of the digital age. Using technology in the classroom, students develop the adaptable learning abilities necessary for success in the modern workforce.

In conclusion, the landscape of tertiary education has changed because of technology and has empowered teachers and students. Digital technology integration holds great promise for creating cognitively stimulating learning experiences in higher education institutions, not just in the face of present or upcoming crises. Academic institutions and educators need to embrace technology as it develops. By utilising technology, one can create a generation of students who are prepared for the future and have the knowledge and abilities necessary to succeed in the digital era. 
 

Seri Intan Binti Md Sidik
School of Arts
Email: @email