Information and Communication Technology: A Strategic Tool in the Internationalization of Higher Education

Abstract

The level globalization of education is determined by several factors including the Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This study was designed to examine ICT as a strategic tool in the internationalization of higher education. The study applied the descriptive survey research design. The sample size of the study consisted of 294 respondents (171 male and 123 female lecturers) selected from six tertiary institutions in Delta State, Nigeria using the systematic and simple random sampling techniques. Correlation Coefficient was used to collect data from respondents. Data analysis was done with mean, standard deviation and z-test. Findings from the study revealed that ICT played a crucial role in the internationalization of higher education by fostering the exchange of information and collaboration among different higher institutions, and reducing the stress of processing admission into higher education. It also made teaching and learning easier in higher institutions, enhancing the image of higher institutions across the world and reducing the workloads of staff in higher institutions. Poor budgets/underfunding of tertiary institutions, ill-equipped ICT facilities in tertiary institutions, among others were revealed as challenges facing internationalization of higher education through ICT. No significant difference was found between male and female lecturers’ perception of the role of ICT in the internationalization of higher education. Based on the findings, it was recommended that government should expand accessibility of ICT facilities by building ICT centres in all higher education institutions.