Policy and infrastructure challenges influencing ICT implementation in universities: a literature review

Abstract

AbstractInformation and Communication Technology (ICT) has become pivotal in our daily lives and educational institutions' teaching and interaction between instructors and learners. As a result, universities are restructuring their curriculum and classroom instruction bridging the digital gap between education and learning. However, research seldom centers on policies and infrastructure challenges as key ICT implementation factors. Empirical literature identified a substantial technological gap among the ICT policies and infrastructure that significantly influences ICT implementation. The review is essential given the different cultural contexts in which the interplay between ICT implementation, ICT policies, and infrastructure, of which the documentation has been relatively minor. The present study centers on the complex interplay between policy and infrastructural challenges that influence ICT implementation. In line with the study target and contributing to the existing literature, the researcher analyzed the literature drawn from qualitative and quantitative studies from different sources. The review established that ICT implementation depends on policies and relevant ICT infrastructure. Therefore, stakeholders need to intervene and address the challenge of effective ICT implementation. The study findings provide valuable baseline information to stimulate investment in ICT policies and infrastructure to streamline university education by enhancing accessibility, quality, and efficiency through ICT implementation.