Open Access Peer-reviewed Research Article

A transformative educational framework in tourism higher education through digital technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic

Main Article Content

Sofia Kallou corresponding author
Aikaterini Kikilia

Abstract

The rapid development and the integration of emerging technologies are changing the perceptions in all aspects of education. As the current tourism education is considered traditional, changes in learning environments, educational methods, and curricula are required. Additionally, the latest COVID- 19 pandemic developments have led to a new perspective of education through digital technologies, changing how universities perceive the teaching and the learning process. As a result of these circumstances, the transformation of higher tourism education is more than ever a current issue preparing students to face the new challenges that arise. This paper proposes an educational framework using the Transformative Learning Theory and digital technologies, providing a contemporary learning design, and offering flexible use of many digital technologies and tools, leading to the development of tourism students according to the needs of modern society. It can also lead to the transformation of dysfunctional beliefs and assumptions of tourism students to be more functional and thrive. Implementing the educational framework can lead to the upgrade of the provided tourism education and its transformation, leading to a higher quality of the tourism services. 

Keywords
transformative learning, tourism education, digital tools, online education

Article Details

How to Cite
Kallou, S., & Kikilia, A. (2021). A transformative educational framework in tourism higher education through digital technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advances in Mobile Learning Educational Research, 1(1), 37-47. https://doi.org/10.25082/AMLER.2021.01.005

References

  1. Adedoyin, O. B., & Soykan, E. (2020). Covid-19 pandemic and online learning: the challenges and opportunities. Interactive Learning Environments, 3, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2020.1813180
  2. Aithal, P. S., & Aithal, S. (2016). Impact of online education on higher education system. International Journal of Engineering Research and Modern Education, 1(1), 225-235. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.62029
  3. Amin, H., & Mirza M., N. (2020). Comparative study of knowledge and use of Bloom’s digital taxonomy by teachers and students in virtual and conventional universities. Asian Association of Open Universities Journal, 15(2), 223-238. https://doi.org/10.1108/AAOUJ-01-2020-0005
  4. Anderson, L. W., & Krathwohl, D., R. (Eds.) (2001). A taxonomy for learning, teaching and assessing: A revision of Bloom’s Taxonomy of educational objectives: Complete edition, New York: Longman.
  5. Annaraud, K., & Singh, D. (2017). Perceptions of hospitality faculty and students of massive open online courses (MOOCs). Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Education, 29(2), 82-90. https://doi.org/10.1080/10963758.2017.1297714
  6. Aubrey, K. & Riley, A. (2020). Understanding and Using Challenging Educational Theories, SAGE Publications Ltd.
  7. Balula, A., Moreira, G., Moreira, A., Kastenholz, E., Eus´ebio, C., & Breda, Z. (2019). Digital Transformation in Tourism Education. Tourism in Southern and Eastern Europe (ToSEE), 5, 61-72. https://doi.org/10.20867/tosee.05.45
  8. Belenky, M. F., Clinchy, B. M., Goldberger, N., & Tarule, J. (1986). Women’s ways of knowing: The development of self, voice and mind. New York: Basic Books.
  9. Betts, K., & Edgell, Sr., D., L. (2013). Online education and workforce development: ten strategies to meet current and emerging workforce needs in global travel and tourism. Journal of Tourism & Hospitality, 2(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.4172/2167-0269.1000108
  10. Bilotta, E., Bertacchini, F., & Romita, T. (2020). Industry 4.0 technologies in tourism education: Nurturing students to think with technology. Journal of Hospitality Leisure Sport & Tourism Education, e100275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhlste.2020.100275
  11. Brookfield, S., D. (2005). The Power of Critical Theory for Adult Learning and Teaching. New York: McGraw-Hill Education: Open University Press.
  12. Chew, S., W., Cheng, I. L., & Chen, N. S. (2015). Yet another perspectives about designing and implementing a MOOC. Berlin: Springer.
  13. Churches, A. (2009). Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy. https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/31996905/blooms-digital-taxonomy-educational-origami-wikispaces
  14. Cranton, P., & Taylor, E., W. (2012). Transformative Learning Theory: Seeking a more Unified Theory. The Handbook of Transformative Learning Theory. Research and Practice. San Francisco :John Wiley and Sons.
  15. Djamas, D., Tinedi V., & Yohandri (2018). Development of Interactive Multimedia Learning Materials for Improving Critical Thinking Skills. International Journal of Information and Communication Technology Education, 14(4), 66-84. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJICTE.2018100105
  16. Dhawan, S. (2020). Online learning: A panacea in the time of COVID-19 crisis. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 49(1), 5-22. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047239520934018
  17. Dorouka, P., Papadakis, St., & Kalogiannakis, M. (2020). Tablets & apps for promoting Robotics, Mathematics, STEM Education and Literacy in Early Childhood Education. International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation, 14(2), 255-274. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJMLO.2020.106179
  18. Estelami, H. (2016). An exploratory study of the effects of online course efficiency perceptions on student evaluation of teaching (SET) measures. American Journal of Business Education, 9(2), 67-82. https://doi.org/10.19030/ajbe.v9i2.9613
  19. Hall, C. M., Scott, D., & G¨ossling, S. (2020). Pandemics, transformations and tourism: Be careful what you wish for. Tourism Geographies, 22(3), 577-598. https://doi.org/10.1080/14616688.2020.1759131
  20. Hsu, C., H. (2018).Tourism education on and beyond the horizon. Tourism management perspectives, 25, 181-183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2017.11.022
  21. Kalogiannakis, M. (2008). From Learning to Use ICT to Use ICT for Learning: Technological Capabilities and Pedagogical Principles. In R. Kobayashi (Ed.), New Educational Technology, 13-42, New York: Nova Publishers.
  22. Kalogiannakis, M. (2010). Training with ICT for ICT from the trainer’s perspective. A Greek case study. Education and Information Technologies, 15(1), 3-17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-008-9079-3
  23. Kalogiannakis, M., & Kakadiaris, P. (2018). From being one-sided to being diverse: the use of eportofolio as a tool in distance learning of environmental issues for young children. International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies, 8(4), 319-337. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJTCS.2017.088935
  24. Kalogiannakis, M., & Kanaki, K. (2020). Introducing Computational Thinking Unplugged in Early Childhood Education Within the Context of Physical and Natural Science Courses: A Pilot Study in Greece. In J. Keengwe, & P. Wachira (Eds.), Handbook of Research on Integrating Computer Science and Computational Thinking in K-12 Education (pp. 164-190). Hershey, PA: IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-1479-5.ch010
  25. Kalogiannakis, M., & Papadakis, S. (2007). The dual form of further education of educators in ICT: technological and pedagogical training. In C. Constantinou, Z. Zacharias & M. Papaevripidou (Eds.) Proceedings of the 8th International Conference On Computer Based Learning in Science, Heraklion, 30, 265-276.
  26. Kalogiannakis, M., & Papadakis, S. (2008). Hybrid learning for women and socially sensitive groups for the promotion of digital literacy. Proceedings of the 5th WSEAS / IASME International Conference on ENGINEERING EDUCATION (EE’08), 305-311, Heraklion, Greece, July 22-24, 2008.
  27. Kalogiannakis, M., & Touvlatzis, S. (2015). Emotions experienced by learners and their development through communication with the tutor-counselor. European Journal of Open Distance and e-Learning, 18(2), 37-49. https://www.learntechlib.org/p/176209
  28. Kanaki, K., & Kalogiannakis, M. (2018). Introducing fundamental object-oriented programming concepts in preschool education within the context of physical science courses. Education and Information Technologies, 23(6), 2673-2698. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-018-9736-0
  29. Kikilia, Aik., & Barbounaki, S. (2011). The Evolution of E-Learning in Greek Universities and Technological Education Institutes – the Government Intervention. International Conference on ELearning in the Workplace (ICELW), New York.
  30. Kim, J., & Jeong, M. (2018). Research on hospitality and tourism education: Now and future. Tourism Management Perspectives, 25, 119-122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2017.11.025
  31. Kinshuk (2016). Designing adaptive and personalized learning environments (p. eISBN: 978–1-315- 795492). New York, NY: Routledge.
  32. Koulaouzidis, G. A. (2019). A dialogue on adult education. Tips and directions for young trainers. Athens : Metaihmio Publications (in Greek).
  33. Laskaris, D., Kalogiannakis, M., & Heretakis, E. (2017). Interactive evaluation of an e-learning course within the context of blended education. International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 9(4), 339-353. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJTEL.2017.087793
  34. Laskaris, D., Heretakis, E., Kalogiannakis, M., & Ampartzaki, M. (2019). Critical Reflections on introducing e-learning within a blended education context. International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 11(4) 413-440. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJTEL.2019.102550
  35. Law, R., Buhalis, D., & Cobanoglu, C. (2014). Progress on information and communication technologies in hospitality and tourism. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 26(5), 727-750. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-08-2013-0367
  36. Leszczynski, P., Charuta, A., Laziuk, B., Galazkowski, R.,Wejnarski, A., Roszak, M., & Kolodziejczak, B. (2018). Multimedia and interactivity in distance learning of resuscitation guidelines: A randomised controlled trial. Interactive Learning Environments, 26(2), 151-162. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2017.1337035
  37. Liguori, E. W., & Winkler, C. (2020). From offline to online: Challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurship education following the COVID-19 pandemic. Entrepreneurship Education and Pedagogy, 3(4), 346-351. https://doi.org/10.1177/2515127420916738
  38. Lintzeris, P. (2007). The significance of critical reflection and discourse in Jack Mezirow’s theory of transformative learning. Athens: Hellenic Adult Education Association.
  39. Lintzeris, P. (2010). Transformative Learning Theory: Ability for a critical and emancipative turn in the practice of Adult Training. In Vergidis, D. Kokkos, A. (eds) Adult Training: international approaches and greekroute., Athens: Metaihmio Publications, (in Greek) (pp. 94-13).
  40. Liodakis, G., Kalogiannakis, M., Psarros, M., &Vassilakis, K. (2005). Building E-services for Learning and Teaching by the Exploitation of an LMS System. WSEAS Transactions on Communications, 14(9), 792-798.
  41. Lowenthall, P., Snelson, C., & Dunlop, J. (2017). Live Synchronous Web Meetings in Asynchronous Online Courses: Reconceptualizing Virtual Office Hours. Online Learning Journal, 21(4), 177-194. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v21i4.1285
  42. Mackness, J., Mak, S., & Williams, R. (2020). The ideals and reality of participating in a MOOC. In Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Networked Learning Aalborg, Denmark, 3-4 May 2020; University of Lancaster: Lancaster, UK; pp. 266-275.
  43. Matzakos, N., & Kalogiannakis, M. (2018). An analysis of first year engineering students’ satisfaction with a support distance learning program in mathematics. Education and Information Technologies, 23(2), 869-871. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-017-9641-y
  44. McAfee, A., & Brynjolfsson, E. (2015). The digitization of just about everything. Rotman Management Magazine, Fall, 39-42.
  45. Mezirow, J. (1991). Transformative Dimensions of Adult Learning. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
  46. Mezirow, J. & Associates (1990). Fostering Critical Reflection in Adulthood. San Francisco: Jossey- Bass.
  47. Mezirow, J., & Taylor, E. and associates (2009). Transformative learning in practice: Insights from Community, Workplace, and Higher Education. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
  48. Omotayo, F. O., & Haliru, A. (2020). Perception of task-technology fit of digital library among undergraduates in selected universities in Nigeria. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 46(1), 102097. https://doi.org/10.3145/epi.2019.ene.04
  49. Orfanakis, V., Papadakis, St., Kalogiannakis, M., Ampartzaki, M., & Vassilakis, K. (2016). Digital Student Conference Platform Implementation: The case study of the “Research Project” course. Open Education, 12(2), 5-23. https://doi.org/10.12681/jode.10871
  50. Papachristos, D., Alafodimos, N., Arvanitis, K., Vassilakis, K., Kalogiannakis, M., Kikilias, P., & Zafeiri, E. (2010). An Educational Model for Asynchronous e-Learning. A case study in Higher Technology Education. International Journal of Advanced Corporate Learning, 3(1), 32-36.
  51. Papadakis, S. (2020). Apps to Promote Computational Thinking Concepts and Coding Skills in Children of Preschool and Pre-Primary School Age. In Mobile Learning Applications in Early Childhood Education (pp. 101-121). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-1486-3.ch006
  52. Papadakis, S., & Kalogiannakis, M. (2020). A research synthesis of the real value of self-proclaimed mobile educational applications for young children. Mobile learning applications in early childhood education, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-1486-3.ch001
  53. Papadakis, S., Kalogiannakis, M., & Zaranis, N. (2021). Teaching mathematics with mobile devices and the Realistic Mathematical Education (RME) approach in kindergarten. Advances in Mobile Learning Educational Research, 1(1), 5-18. https://doi.org/10.25082/AMLER.2021.01.002
  54. Papadakis, S., Kalogiannakis, M., Sifaki, E., &Vidakis, N. (2017). Access moodle using smart mobile phones. A case study in a Greek University. In Interactivity, Game Creation, Design, Learning, and Innovation (pp. 376-385). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-76908-0_36
  55. Papadakis, S., Kalogiannakis, M., Sifaki, E., &Vidakis, N. (2018). Evaluating Moodle use via Smart Mobile Phones. A case study in a Greek University. EAI Endorsed Transactions on Creative Technologies, 5(16), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.10-4-2018.156382
  56. Paquette, G., Mari˜no, O., Rogozan, D., & L´eonard, M. (2015). Competency-based personalization for massive online learning. Smart Learning Environments, 2(1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-015-0013-z
  57. Petousi, V., & Sifaki, E. (2020). Contextualizing harm in the framework of research misconduct. Findings from discourse analysis of scientific publications. International Journal of Sustainable Development, 23(3/4), 149-174. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijsd.2020.10037655
  58. Poulakakis, Y., Vassilakis, K., Kalogiannakis, M., & Panagiotakis, S. (2017). Ontological modeling of educational resources: a proposed implementation for Greek schools. Education and Information Technologies, 22(4), 1737-1755. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-016-9511-z
  59. Qiu, H., Li, Q., & Li, C. (2020). How technology facilitates tourism education in COVID-19: case study of Nankai University. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism, e100288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhlste.2020.100288
  60. Raikou, N., Karalis, T. & Ravanis, K. (2017). Implementing an innovative method to develop critical thinking skills is student teachers. Acta Didactica Napocensia, 10(2), 21-30. https://doi.org/10.24193/adn.10.2.2
  61. Raikou N., & Karalis, T. (2016). Adult education and higher education – A focus on Transformative learning in Universities. International Education and Research Journal, 2(4), 19-22.
  62. Rodgers, C. (2002). Defining reflection: Another look at John Dewey and reflective thinking. Teachers College Record, 104(4), 842-866. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9620.00181
  63. Seraphin, H., & Yallop, A. (2020). Overtourism and tourism education: A strategy for sustainable tourism futures. London: Routledge.
  64. Sigala, M. (2020). Tourism and COVID-19: Impacts and implications for advancing and resetting industry and research. Journal of Business Research, 117(C), 312-321. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.06.015
  65. Stasinakis, P., & Kalogiannakis, M. (2015). Using Moodle in secondary education: A case study of the course “Research Project” in Greece. International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology (IJEDICT), 11(3), 50-64.
  66. Stone G., A., & Duffy L., N. (2015). Transformative Learning Theory: A Systematic Review of Travel and Tourism. Scholarship Journal of Teaching in Travel & Tourism, 15(3), 204-224. https://doi.org/10.1080/15313220.2015.1059305
  67. Strielkowski, W. (2020). COVID-19 pandemic and the digital revolution in academia and higher education. Preprints, 2020040290. http://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202004.0290.v1
  68. Taylor, E., W. (2009). Fostering transformative learning. In J. Mezirow, Taylor, E., and Associates (Eds.), Transformative learning in practice. Insights from community, workplace, and higher education. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
  69. Tsimane, T. A., & Downing, C. (2020).Transformative learning in nursing education: A concept analysis. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 7(1), 91-98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnss.2019.12.006
  70. Vlachopoulos, D. (2020). COVID-19: Threat or Opportunity for Online Education? Higher Learning Research Communications, 10(1), 16-19. https://doi.org/10.18870/hlrc.v10i1.1179
  71. Vlasopoulou, M., Kalogiannakis, M., & Sifaki, E. (2021). Investigating Teachers’ Attitude and Behavioral Intentions for the Impending Integration of STEM Education in Primary School. In St. Papadakis and M. Kalogiannakis (Eds.), Handbook of Research on Using Education Robotics to Facilitate Student Learning (pp. 235-256). Hershey, PA: IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-6717-3.ch009
  72. Wedlock, B. C., & Growe, R., (2017). The Technology Driven Student: How to Apply Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy to the Digital Generations. Journal of Education & Social Policy, 7(1), 25-34.