Utilization of computer technology in public universities in Ghana: Implications for management

Abstract

This study investigated computer technology for instructional and administrative use in public universities in Ghana. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 450 academic staff and 98 administrators in three Ghanaian public universities: the University of Cape Coast (UCC), the University of Ghana (UG), and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technologv (KNUST).Computers were generally available for both lecturers and administrators 10 use. Availability' and access to technology did not differ significantly between universities. Academic staff used computers mainly for preparing lecture notes or reports while administrators used them mainly for preparing memos and reports. Forty-five percent of lecturers and 58% of administrators reported low or moderate skills in the use of computers. A majority of the respondents obtained their skills through self intuition rather than formal tuition. The findings suggest that universities could improve the availability; access and skills in the use of relevant technologies as part of their staff development programmes. Progress could be monitored by current accreditation programmes.