The role of information and communication technology in tertiary education in Africa

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays an essential role in all sectors of an economy including education. In the higher education sector, the usefulness of ICT cuts across all disciplines of study from mathematics to social science. ICT transforms the educational system by replacing traditional ways of teaching and learning with modern, computer-based infrastructure. This paper highlights the role of ICT and its ability to increase the quality of education in higher institutions of learning in Africa. The paper further discusses the advantages of having ICT infrastructure such as: e-learning/virtual library, access to quality education through special tools for physically challenged students in tertiary institutions across Africa. The study concludes that government funding of ICT infrastructure is important so as to improve the quality of education in tertiary institutions.