An Investigation into the State and use of ICTs by academic Staff a Case of the Copperbelt University in Zambia

Abstract

ICTs are being used in administrative, teaching, and learning activities at educational institutions all over the world. Despite numerous interventions by management and governments to encourage the use of ICTs in teaching and learning activities in higher learning institutions, studies have revealed that academics' adoption and use of ICTs to deliver their teaching remains low. However, the magnitude of the problem, particularly in institutions of higher learning such as CBU, is relatively unknown due to limited or lack of research undertakings in the field. The study's goal was to determine the current state of ICTs and the levels of adoption and use of ICTs by academics at   the Copperbelt University in Zambia. According to the findings of the study, academic staff at Copperbelt University use few ICT tools in their teaching and learning activities.  Obstacles responsible for the low levels of adoption were identified. The paper then made recommendations to enable academic staff to use ICTs to improve students' learning experiences and, as a result, produce quality and relevant graduates to society's current needs.