Applying Information Technology to Improve Teaching and Learning in an African University

• Published in: Proceedings. Frontiers in Education. 36th Annual Conference pp. 22 - 26
• Main Authors: Obuobi, D., Adrion, W.R., Watts, K.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01.10.2006
• Subjects: Africa; African Universities; Collaboration; Communications technology; Computer science; Computer science education; Educational programs; Educational technology; Information and Communication Technology; Information technology; Instructional Technology; Multimedia Learning Technologies; Multimedia systems; User-generated content
• ISBN: 1424402565; 9781424402564
• ISSN: 0190-5848; 2377-634X
• DOI: 10.1109/FIE.2006.322498

This paper describes collaboration between the University of Cape Coast in Ghana and the University of Massachusetts Amherst to apply innovations in education and educational technology to the challenges facing Cape Coast as they attempt to meet the demands of the 21st century. Ghanaian Universities face increasing population growth and enrollment, inadequate infrastructure, poor connectivity, inadequate funding, inadequate educational resources and staffing, and a persistent "brain drain" of qualified instructors. With a multitude of students waiting for higher education, external factors such as globalization, information technology growth, and international markets have left almost all African Universities stranded. Despite these problems, a critical mass of highly qualified professionals and teachers are needed to accelerate economic and academic development on the continent as a whole. The adoption of innovative teaching and learning methods to enhance teaching and learning is essential