Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use by lecturers at the National University of Lesotho

Abstract

This study investigated the characteristics which determine the rate of ICT use by lecturers at the National University of Lesotho (NUL). It also  examined ICT use factors, competency level in usage, as well as  challenges constraining use by the lecturers. Survey research design was adopted. Data was collected with a structured questionnaire administered to 213 respondents. Collected data was structured into grouped frequency distributions. Findings revealed that majority of the lecturers used various ICT resources and facilities and were competent in using ICT for most of their routine work. The major challenges that constrained their use of ICT were inadequate access, inadequate ICT facilities to use and erratic  communication infrastructure. Based on these findings, it was  recommended that the NUL authorities should improve ICT use among lecturers through training, provide more ICT equipment and services,  facilitate easy access to ICT, invest in acquisition of ICT, and upgrade the bandwidth. It was further recommended that the Lesotho government  should improve the electricity infrastructure and lower the tariffs on  imported ICT technologies with a view to improving better exploitation of ICTs at NUL.