Knowledge Production and Management: The South African Tech-Empowered
摘要
Studies on academia and technology advancement have focused on education transformation, E-learning, digital information resources, and technology adoption. The concern regarding substantial advancements in knowledge development and its management within academics in today’s technology-led environment has not been adequately addressed in literature. Therefore, this chapter explores how modern technology empowers knowledge development and the management in academic institutions in South Africa. It delves into technology’s impact on educational paradigms, information dissemination, and crucial strategies for effective knowledge curation and management. The chapter applies a multimethod approach to elucidate data via case study, literature review, semi-structured interview, and thematically analyzed the findings. Social Constructivism Theory is adopted to explain how digital platforms and tools facilitate collaborative knowledge development and knowledge management among students, educators, researchers, and professional managers. This chapter dissects the intricate relationships among technological empowerment, knowledge development, and knowledge management, showcasing how tools like artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data analytics, and immersive technologies redefine scholarly output. The chapter highlights benefits and challenges linked to integrating these technologies into academic knowledge frameworks. It further addresses the urgent need for robust management strategies in handling the vast influx of data facilitated by technology. In addition, revealed is academic institutions’ role as knowledge custodians, emphasizing the shift towards digital repositories, collaborative platforms, and innovative learning environments. Significant emphasis is placed on best practices for efficient knowledge management, nurturing a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Recommendations are made to enable academic institutions to leverage today’s technology not just for enhancing knowledge generation and dissemination but also for fostering holistic learning experiences.