The diffusion, adoption and development of ICTs for research, teaching and communication in public universities in Kenya

Abstract

This project set out to examine how ICTs, particularly the Internet have diffused and been adopted in research and teaching activities of Academic Staff and Postgraduate Students of public universities in Kenya. The justification for this study is that ICTs have fundamentally changed the way information is gathered, and used as well as how it is created. Since the creation, transmission and preservation of knowledge are core functions of universities, it is important to explore how ICTs are enhancing these functions through research and teaching. Clearly, adoption of electronic information resources adds value to all academic activities. Furthermore the presence of ICTs can no longer be ignored by either individuals or institutions of higher learning as they would find themselves isolated and unable to cope with the demands of the information society which the world has because in the 21st century. The study was undertaken at the University of Nairobi, which the author considers to a large extent to represent public universities in Kenya. The findings and recommendations may therefore safely be generalized to apply to all public universities in Kenya. This study was undertaken using the survey method. 180 questionnaires were distributed. Out of these 132 were returned, achieving an 80.3 percent response rate. The sample consisted of 34 Academic staff and 98 Postgraduate Students from all colleges and faculties of the University of Nairobi. The primary objectives of the study were to explore the diffusion, accessibility and utilization of the Internet for teaching and research. The project assessed the competence (skill) levels of respondents in accessing and using electronic information sources. It sought information on how the Internet is used. It also sought to find out how well e-mail and the electronic journals are used. A subsidiary objective was to find out if respondents· were involved in the development of any Internet resources. Based on the findings, the study aimed at making appropriate recommendations for entrenching the Internet in all academic activities of Academic Staff and Postgraduate Students of public universities in Kenya. The findings indicate that Academic Staff and Postgraduate Students are familiar with the Internet. They are aware of its potential benefits and they 'use it whenever possible. They are skillful in basic computer use as well as in basic Internet searching using general search engines. They however require training in order to exploit the more structured, subject oriented search engines and information gateways. The facilities need substantial improvement if they are to meet increased user demand. The Online (electronic) journal service is not well known and therefore not much used. However, those who have discovered it rely and use it quite heavily. This calls for better publicity and user training. E-mail is well used for personal and official communication but has not been exploited for exchange of research information. It also needs to be promoted as a medium of communication between lecturers and students. Little evidence of the development of Internet resources was found. There is a clear case for launching training programs on website development and hosting, as well as electronic publishing. The findings on facilities indicate that there is need for more reliable, connected computers. The number of working computers should also be increased and be located in more convenient places. The University Library system should be supplied with more connected computers, for users to access not only the library catalog but also the Internet. The major recommendations embrace the need for formal Internet training, provision of facilities and better coordinated university efforts. Free access to the Internet should be made possible at least to all Academic Staff and Postgraduate Students, if not to all members of the university