Appropriate Technology for Teaching and Learning in Ghanaian Higher Educational Institutions during and Post Covid-19 Era

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted learning and resulted in a paradigm shift pertaining to the delivery of higher education services. In light of the guidelines on social distancing, online learning dominated teaching and learning in higher educational institutions across the globe. The Ghanaian higher educational sector had to adapt to the changing circumstances and wide adoption of electronic learning was a viable option. This study examines the extent to which higher educational institutions were able to embrace online learning. However, institutions of higher learning in Africa, in general, and in Ghana, in particular, seem to have deficiencies in terms of acquiring the necessary technology. Skills deficiency on the part of technicians, the inadequacy of infrastructure, and limited electronic readiness are among the factors compromising the effective use of information communication technologies (ICTs) in teaching and learning in Ghanaian higher educational institutions. Quality assurance is a central feature of a framework for enhancing the success of online teaching and learning. The other key elements include increasing the level of electronic readiness in Ghana, building the capacity of ICT technicians to develop the appropriate software, ensuring affordability of hardware, software, and data services, and training of both the lecturers and students. Huge financial investments, beyond the scope of the Ghanaian government, are required and multi-stakeholder collaborations seem to be viable funding options.