RETHINKING RELATIONSHIPS: THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON TEACHER-STUDENT INTERACTIONS IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

This study focuses on understanding the impact of technology on the communication of teachers and students within the context of higher education institutions in the Punjab region of Pakistan. The research comprised 250 individuals (200 students and 50 faculty members) from five public and private universities located in Punjab. These individuals were selected using purposive sampling. Structured questionnaires which included 25 Likert scale items, and semi-structured interviews with 20 individuals were used for the study to capture the understanding of technology-enabled communication, digital learning tools, and the closeness of the relationship. The quantitative data, which was analyzed using SPSS, included descriptive stats, correlation analyses, and t-tests, The qualitative interview data was analyzed through thematic coding to surface key themes. Results show technology improves and negatively discord pedagogical relationships, through the positive affordances of increased access and flexibility, and the negative of decreased face-to-face connection and communication proximity. The study also discusses the disparity in technology use between public and private schools, within the context of the infrastructure and digital literacy challenges in Pakistan. Findings suggest technology, to an extent, improves some features of the academic relationship, while worsening the prolonged connection of teachers and students. This study adds to the understanding of the extent meso morph technology on the interaction and personal relationship in higher education institutions within Pakistan.