Exploring the role of interpersonal skills and educational technologies in higher education: Perspectives from teachers and students

Samah Fifani; Dounia Rabhi; Abdelhakim Qachar

doi:10.31893/multirev.2025332

Keywords:

interpersonal skills

educational technologies

higher education

employability

learning outcomes

Abstract

This study explores the role of interpersonal skills and educational technologies in higher education, specifically at Mohammed V University of Rabat in Morocco, with a focus on enhancing the employability of young graduates. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used, involving 150 participants, including both teachers and students from various faculties. The study aimed to examine their perceptions of the impact of interpersonal skills and the use of digital tools on teaching and learning outcomes, which are essential for improving career prospects. Data were gathered via a comprehensive five-part questionnaire assessing participants' views on the importance of interpersonal skills and the integration of educational technologies in their academic experiences. The results revealed that 91% of teachers and 87% of students identified communication, teamwork, and problem-solving as the most important soft skills for academic success and future employability. Additionally, 68% of teachers and 95% of students reported the regular use of educational technologies, such as learning management systems (LMS) and multimedia tools. A positive correlation was found between the use of these technologies and the development of critical interpersonal skills, including autonomy, critical thinking, and time management. These technologies also provide an interactive and engaging environment that enhances both learning and teaching experiences. Despite limited formal training in these areas, both teachers and students acknowledge the value of educational technologies in fostering soft skills and improving learning outcomes. These findings suggest that further integration of digital tools in teaching practices could enhance students' academic ability, professional development, and employability in a competitive job market, as well as contribute to their long-term career success.
References
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2. Bergmann, J., & Sams, A. (2012). Flip your classroom: Reach every student in every class every day. International Society for Technology in Education.
3. Biggs, J., & Tang, C. (2011). Teaching for quality learning at university (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
4. Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.
5. Driscoll, M. P., & Walker, J. D. (2014). Flipping the classroom: The upside-down pedagogy. Wiley.
6. Fowler, F. J. (2014). Survey research methods (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
7. Garrison, D. R., & Kanuka, H. (2004). Blended learning: Uncovering its transformative potential in higher education. The Internet and Higher Education, 7 (2), 95-105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2003.09.003
8. Goleman, D. (2006). Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ. Bantam.
9. Jenkins, H., Clinton, K., Purushotma, R., Robinson, A. J., & Weigel, M. (2016). Confronting the challenges of participatory culture: Media education for the 21st century. MIT Press.
10. Laurillard, D. (2013). Teaching as a design science: Building pedagogical patterns for learning and technology. Routledge.
11. OECD. (2020). The future of education and skills 2030: Initial findings. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
12. Roberts, S., & Cutler, T. (2017). Soft skills in healthcare: An essential component of quality care. Journal of Health Education Research & Development, 35 (1), 11-20. https://doi.org/10.4172/2380-5439.1000277
13. Robles, M. M. (2012). Executive perceptions of the top 10 soft skills needed in today’s workplace. Business Communication Quarterly, 75 (4), 453-465. https://doi.org/10.1177/1080569912456223
14. Selwyn, N. (2016). Education and technology: Key issues and debates (2nd ed.). Bloomsbury Academic.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How to cite

Fifani, S., Rabhi, D., & Qachar, A. (2025). Exploring the role of interpersonal skills and educational technologies in higher education: Perspectives from teachers and students. Multidisciplinary Reviews, 8(10), 2025332. https://doi.org/10.31893/multirev.2025332

[1] Bates, T. (2015). Teaching in a digital age: Guidelines for designing teaching and learning for a digital age. Tony Bates Associates Ltd.

[2] Bergmann, J., & Sams, A. (2012). Flip your classroom: Reach every student in every class every day. International Society for Technology in Education.

[3] Biggs, J., & Tang, C. (2011). Teaching for quality learning at university (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

[4] Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.

[5] Driscoll, M. P., & Walker, J. D. (2014). Flipping the classroom: The upside-down pedagogy. Wiley.

[6] Fowler, F. J. (2014). Survey research methods (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.

[7] Garrison, D. R., & Kanuka, H. (2004). Blended learning: Uncovering its transformative potential in higher education. The Internet and Higher Education, 7 (2), 95-105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2003.09.003

[8] Goleman, D. (2006). Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ. Bantam.

[9] Jenkins, H., Clinton, K., Purushotma, R., Robinson, A. J., & Weigel, M. (2016). Confronting the challenges of participatory culture: Media education for the 21st century. MIT Press.

[10] Laurillard, D. (2013). Teaching as a design science: Building pedagogical patterns for learning and technology. Routledge.

[11] OECD. (2020). The future of education and skills 2030: Initial findings. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

[12] Roberts, S., & Cutler, T. (2017). Soft skills in healthcare: An essential component of quality care. Journal of Health Education Research & Development, 35 (1), 11-20. https://doi.org/10.4172/2380-5439.1000277

[13] Robles, M. M. (2012). Executive perceptions of the top 10 soft skills needed in today’s workplace. Business Communication Quarterly, 75 (4), 453-465. https://doi.org/10.1177/1080569912456223

[14] Selwyn, N. (2016). Education and technology: Key issues and debates (2nd ed.). Bloomsbury Academic.

Abstract

References

How to cite