Information Communications Technology and Global Education: the challenges of the African Virtual University Learning Centres in Ghana

Abstract

Information communication technology (ICT) is increasingly becoming a crucial strategic tool for facilitating global education. Africa's unique underdeveloped position makes her particularly suitable to take advantage of the many opportunities offered by ICT for global education. This same position Africa also presents challenges that threaten the sustainability of such projects. The African Virtual University (AVU) was originally launched in 1997 as a World Bank Project to facilitate the use of Open Distance and eLearning (ODeL) methodologies in African tertiary institutions and to use modern ICT to increase access to educational resources throughout Africa. After 10 years in operation, the learning centres in Ghana are confronted with practical challenges that seem to jeopardise their continuous existence. Prominent among the challenges are accreditation, students' inability to complete payment of fees and inadequate computers and other relevant facilities. This paper discuses the challenges the centres are facing and the strategies being employed to ensure their survival.