Abstract:
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), with its rapid advancements, has
had a significant impact on education, especially in the field of engineering education,
where teaching and learning practices are being revolutionized by digital technologies
such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, and Learning Management
Systems (LMS). The adoption and use of these new digital technologies at Botswana's
tertiary engineering schools is investigated in this systematic review, which focuses
on detecting trends, evaluating advantages and successful outcomes, and analysing
difficulties encountered in use. Scoping approach was used to perform the review,
which involved analysing literature from credible sources such Web of Science, IEEE,
Scopus, and Google Scholar that was published between 2017 and 2024. The results
show that virtual classrooms and learning management systems (LMS) are the main
topics of research, emphasizing their vital significance in supporting distance learning
and raising student engagement—especially during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Additionally, cloud computing and artificial intelligence are highlighted, highlighting
their potential to offer scalable solutions and tailored learning experiences. However,
the review identifies several major obstacles that prevent the full integration of these
technologies, such as financial constraints, resistance to change among faculty and
staff, inadequate training for educators and students, and infrastructure limitations like
frequent power outages and poor internet connectivity. The assessment suggests
making deliberate investments in infrastructure development, creating all-
encompassing capacity-building programs, and modifying curriculum to take
advantage of new technology to address these issues. It also recommends that future
research concentrate on exploring the ethical implications of digital tools, especially
with regard to data privacy and equitable access, as well as conducting longitudinal
studies to assess the long-term impact of digital technologies on educational outcomes
and the cost-effectiveness of technology integration. To improve the standard of
engineering education in Botswana, policymakers, educators, and institutional leaders
must take these findings seriously. The potential of digital technology can be fully
exploited by resolving the problems that have been highlighted. This will improve
educational achievements in the area and prepare students for the needs of the Fourth
Industrial Revolution. Students pursuing engineering degrees will be more equipped
to meet the demands of the labour market in the future.