Presenter: Mbelle, Frank E Institute of Adult Education

 The study investigated the integration of the National Information and Communication Technology Policy (2003) in two public HEI’s  The policy address expansion and development of ICT application in the formal and informal education and training  ICT policy in HEI aims at preparing students to participate creatively in the growth of a knowledgeable society leading to socio economic development of a national and global competitiveness (Toro and Millind 2012)

 Globally, there has been a proliferation of activity focused on using ICT to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of education systems (James, 2003)  ICT systems have changed the very nature of HEI’s i.e. information transfer, stored, retrieved, study or interact with a given institutions (Hossein, 2008)  Vietnam successfully implemented the ICT policy from 2008/9 in the HEI’s

General objective  To assess the extent on the integration of the National Information and Communication Technology Policy (2003) in the Higher Education Institutions in Tanzania Specific objectives  To identify and analyze issues and strategies the ICT policy provides on HEI  To explore mechanisms facilitating implementation of ICT in HEI  To identify key actors and their roles in facilitating implementation of the ICT policy  To explore options to improve ICT policy implementation in HEI’s

 Study area: Ardhi University and The University of Dar es salaam  Research strategy and design: Case study strategy, that has employed qualitative research methods for data collection  A total of 4 (purposefully selected) staff from ARU,UDSM, MSCT and TCRA and 36 (randomly selected) students were involved in this study  Tools: Interview guide & questionnaire, documentary reviews

 ICT policy has outlined 10 main areas for harnessing ICT in Tanzania such as Human Capital, ICT industry and local content e.t.c  There are initiatives in place by The Tanzanian government such as;  Science and Technology Higher Education Project (STHEP) covered 31 public and private education institution.  Establishing and recognize ICT programmes run by HEI’s  Funding ICT programs at public Universities  Annual provision of 8 scholarship in ICT field; 5 undergraduate, 2 Masters, 1 PhD

 ARU Information and Communication Technology Policy (2010).  The University of Dar es Salaam Information and Communication Technology Policy (2006)  UDSM ICT master plan (2007) Recognizes that ICT can open opportunities be exploited to accelerate TDV (2025)  ARU ICT business plan Intends to promote use of ICT in teaching, learning, research and administrative matters

 The study revealed mathematics department have pioneered ICT at UDSM  While at ARU school of geospatial technology led the adoption processes  Consultancies and north, south south projects have contributed in enhancing ICT

Key ActorRoleChallenge The ministry of Communication, Science and technology ICT policy coordination including in HEI’s -Insufficient Fund -Absence of National ICT strategic plan HEI’sFormulation of institutional ICT Policy and plans -Insufficient budget -Bandwidth -Power cut -Mind set/awareness -ICT competent HR UNESCOProvide grants for ICT in HES -Lack of national code of practice Tel communication companies i.e. Vodacom Internet services-In ability to meet users expectation

 Unstable power supply  Internet access  Inadequate infrastructure  ICT human resources  Awareness and mindset Conclusion Despite of challenges encountered, the National Information and Communication Technology policy 2003 has been integrated and implemented as part of activities of the UDSM and ARU universities. ICT projects and programmes were initiated by the government and other development stakeholders to ensure the policy

 Need to review National ICT policy of 2003  Strategic ICT monitoring and management systems  Sustainable ICT budget  Professional development  ICT infrastructure  Mind set and awareness

THANK YOU VERY MUCH