An Analysis on the Effectiveness of ICT Integration In Learning in Higher Education Institutions in Covid-19 Era

Abstract

ICT is utilized extensively in education for several reasons, one of which is that it improves the effectiveness of teaching techniques for both teachers and pupils. ICT integration in education is most often used to describe a technologically oriented teaching and learning process that is closely related to the usage of educational resources in classrooms. Even in the face of unforeseen setbacks like the Covid-19 epidemic, teaching and learning may go on using information and communication technologies (ICT). Instead of being completed in a single phase, ICT adoption is a continuous process that fully supports teaching, learning, and information resources. The purpose of this study was to determine how ICT integration impacted classroom instruction in higher education institutions in light of the Covid-19 outbreak. For this inquiry, a mixed-methods methodology was employed. Data were gathered from both primary and supporting sources. The legitimacy and validity of this study were guaranteed by its quantitative methodology, which provided a clear picture of how ICT integration has helped higher education institutions throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. 207 out of the 225 individuals in the study's sample returned their questionnaires, giving it a 92% response rate. The findings show how ICT integration is highly advantageous for both teachers and students. Teachers who are well-prepared with ICT tools and resources are one of the critical components in the success of technology-based teaching and learning, according to study. According to the results, 50% of respondents thought ICT was very effective, giving it a grade of 75%; 34.4% gave it a rating of 50%; and 15.6% gave it a rating of 25%. Less users accessing the online learning, a lack of ICT resources (9.4%), a lack of internet connections (28.1%), and a lack of online teaching resources (12.5%) were among the challenges faced by 50% of the participants. The researcher's finding indicate that for teachers and students to get the most from ICT adoption, the first phase must be effective. The researchers recommend that the ICT infrastructure at the universities be updated. Plans for addressing any economic issues that colleges and universities may be facing should be developed by the management. ICT equipment may be exempted from taxation or subject to reduced taxation under certain policies, increasing accessibility. Government incentives could also be provided to service providers to increase the scope of their network.