Prospects, Strategies and Challenges of Adapting Modern Information and Communication Technologies (MICTs) in Folk Development Colleges (FDCs): A Case of Northern Zone Tanzania

This research intended to determine the prospects of adopting modern information and communication technology (MICTs) in Folk Development Colleges (FDCs) in Northern Tanzania and the challenges that these institutions face as they strive to adopt these technologies to promote lifelong learning. Three objectives led this study: Asses the community members’ views on the role of modern information communication technologies in enhancing lifelong learning and promote selfreliance and self- employment; assess the strategies that FDCs employ to obtain, access, and use MICTs to support lifelong learning in FDCs; and determine the prospects and challenges of adopting modern information communication technologies in FDCs. Descriptive survey design was used though interview and observation conducted to access information from thirteen participants. This study found that there is positive views among the community members on the role of modern information communication technologies in enhancing lifelong learning and promote self-reliance and self- employment. Secondly, in all the FDCs visited, modern information technologies are yet to be adopted fully, but are still using old technologies. Further, the study found that there were more challenges than prospects in adopting and using MICTs in FDCs. The reasons provided include lack of electricity, internet connection and knowledge and skills in using these technologies. The study recommends that Government should develop policies, regulations and legal framework to promote MICTs for provision of equal opportunities for quality education at all educational institutions including FDCs. This study covered only northern regions of Tanzania. More studies should be conducted in other regions of the country to draw comparison of the findings.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

The Open University Of Tanzania

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Ng’unda, Anna Joseph

• 370 Education

Language dc:language

en