A framework for developing ICT policy for tertiary institutions in Ghana. The case of Ghana institute of languages

Abstract

Information and communication technologies play an important role in reshaping education to respond to current and contemporary information society needs and to reduce the gaps that exist between socio-economic realities. The purpose of this study was to establish the framework for developing ICT policy for tertiary institutions in Ghana with reference to the Ghana Institute of Languages as a case study. This study was guided by the following specific objectives: to identify the benefits and challenges of developing the ICT policy for tertiary institutions in Ghana; to determine the ways in which the ICT policy could be integrated into the teaching and learning process by lecturers and students; and to determine the extent to which the implementation of the ICT policy for tertiary institutions can reach A survey research design method was used for this study. The study population consisted of 50 lecturers and students. A sample of 35 was drawn using a simple random sampling technique from the list. The data was collected by the use of a questionnaire. The study proves to be of immense benefit, although it may encounter challenges, which are a common phenomenon with most such programs. However, with the overwhelming advantages expected to be achieved, there is a need for tertiary educational institutions to embrace the concept no matter what may serve as an obstacle. Also, it would lead to online education, which would improve students’ intake and give more access to both teachers and learners, thereby easing the pressures of the traditional face-to-face teaching and learning process. Furthermore, it was also concluded that the integration of the ICT policy framework should be on a pilot basis so that strengths and weaknesses would be identified and resolved before spreading to the other institutions. Additionally, capacity building should be established using the teachers who are considered cardinal points and the centre for the entire implementation of the policy University of Education,Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh xiii framework. The study recommended that in order to successfully integrate the ICT policy framework, there is a need to run the programme on a pilot basis in order to identify its strengths and weaknesses before generalization.