Use of Digital Technologies for Learning: Reflections on Students’ Experiences at the University of Dar es Salaam

This study explored the students’ experiences with using digital technologies to enhance learning in a conventional system of a higher learning institution. Specifically, it examined the types of digital technologies, usage and challenges students encountered. The study engaged second-year students taking Bachelor of Education in Adult and Community Education (BED ACE) at the University of Dar es Salaam. It applied questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to obtain requisite data. The study findings indicate that students mostly used mobile phones, laptops and USB flash/external drive to further their learning. Moreover, their use of applications such as Moodle enabled them to interact, access learning materials, get feedback on their assignments, and participate in discussion forums. Similarly, students used social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook for academic and social purposes. Human and technology-related challenges limited students’ engagement in learning, especially off-campus. Despite the challenges the students faced, they still expressed their readiness to harness potentials associated with technology to add value and boost the quality of their learning. The study, therefore, calls for continuous improvement of human and digital infrastructure to support widely and further upscale intake of the applications of digital technologies among students.