THE EFFECTS OF DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGY ON HIGHER EDUCATION.

Abstract

Many emerging effects of disruptive technology on higher education have been observed in the modern world with highly suspicious eyes. Disruptive technology means any enhanced or new technology can replaced and disrupts an existing technology in higher education. Many examples of the obvious disruptive technology in classroom such as smart phone, social networking, online learning, class block, podcasting, artificial intelligence, and etc. In other words, there is a new way of learning with the use of new technology that initially does not exist or meet the expectation of students and teachers. The main objectives of this study were to identify the emerging impacts of disruptive technology on higher education institution in Thailand as well as suggest ways to adapt to the situation of disruptive technology in higher education. By using a group of academic and experts to be in a focus group, a method of quantitative research techniques were utilized to a more understanding of effects of disruptive technology in today world and in the near future. A total of 30 sample group were selected from a variety of higher education organizations and policy maker in higher education field. The findings of this study revealed five important things. First, many academicians were still confused between disruptive technology and sustaining technology and its effects. Second, it is clear that there is an urgent need to train both students and teachers about the effects of disruptive technology. Third, it is vital to set up a plan to capitalize the benefits of new technology. Fourth, it is imperative to design curriculum to fit with disruptive technology. Finally, it is important to welcome the new technology with positive attitudes.