Challenges for Teaching and Learning Information and Communication Technology Courses in Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania: A Review

Abstract

Teaching and learning ICT courses in higher learning institutions (HLIs) in Tanzania is facing    various challenges. This study, examined challenges facing teaching and learning of ICT courses in HLIs in Tanzania. Variables including limited access of ICT hardware and software, weak government policies, poor ICT infrastructure, lack of competent ICT staff, poor institutions’ coordination and curriculum variation, high cost imposed on ICT tools, little government funding, reluctance to use ICT tools in teaching and learning, lack of practical training, limited capacity of ICT hardware and software were studies using quantitative approach. Thirteen (13) current papers (2010-2014) related to the study were reviewed to extract the challenges which appear most frequently. Percentages and frequencies of ten (10) studied variables were computed and presented using a table and bar graph. The findings show that   limited access of ICT hardware and software, poor ICT infrastructure, lack of competent ICT staff, little government funding, lack of practical training and poor institutions’ coordination are significant challenges hindering teaching and learning of ICT courses in  HLIs in Tanzania. The study recommends that, policy makers should sharply concentrate with first priority to tackle the most critical challenges instead of dealing with a multitude of challenges, an approach which may not be fruitful for quick improvement given limited resources facing the nation.

Key words: Challenges, ICT, Higher Learning Institutions, Learning and Teaching