Investigating the adoption and utilisation of ICT facilities in a selected higher learning institution

Abstract

The current times has brought demands for the effective adoption and utilization of Information Communication Technology (ICT). ICT integration is no longer an addition to the existing teaching and learning practices, but an integral part thereof. Therefore, the adoption and utilization of ICT for both teaching and learning is of utmost importance. Moreover, the adoption and utilization of ICT in teaching and learning institutes lies in the hands of the lecturer. This study was conducted to evaluate the adoption and the extent of the utilization of Information Communication Technology & Audio Visual (ICT & AV) facilities for teaching and learning in teaching centers at the North-West University Mafikeng campus. The Unified Theory of Technology Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) guided the study as the underpinning theories, guided by the post-positivism philosophical paradigm. A mixed approach research design was utilized to collect data for this study. The target population of the study consisted of lecturers drawn from the Faculty of Economic Management and Sciences (FEMS) at the North-West University, Mafikeng campus. The study adopted the explanatory sequential mixed methods research design. Quantitative data were collected from lecturers through questionnaires and qualitative data through interviews. The statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 26.0) was used to analyse the quantitative data, while the NVivo 14 package was used to process the qualitative data. Among the key findings of the study was that lecturers had adopted and utilized a variety of ICT & AV facilities. Moreover, the findings did not automatically translate into a widespread utilization of such ICT & AV. Nonetheless, the findings further reveal that the majority of lecturers regularly pursue innovative ways to incorporate ICT & AV instructional facilities in their teaching to such an extent that it has become standard learning tools for the learners. The findings further revealed that lecturers utilize certain ICT and AV facilities more than others, mainly for presentation of lectures. The findings further revealed that compatibility and trialability were the strongest factors influencing adoption and utilization of ICT & AV facilities for teaching purposes. The study determined insufficient number of ICT and AV resources, insufficient technical support, lack of adequate skills and a poor technology culture as major challenges. The study, therefore, concluded that North-West University (NWU) Mafikeng lecturers are not utilizing ICT & AV facilities to their fullest capacity for instructional delivery. Since lecturers are not fully utilizing

the facilities, a key recommendation was that the institute should consider putting in place a framework for the integration of ICT and AV facilities including the use of interactive digital cameras, white boards, and conference cam connect into the curriculum.