Information and communication technology skills in higher education: the case of a distance learning institution

Abstract

It is essential for information and communications technology (ICT) to be fully utilised in order for higher education institutions to deliver effective and sustainable education in a digital world. The aim of this article is to report on the self-assessed level of ICT skills of staff in an open distance learning (ODL) institution. Important findings of the study include significant differences between academic and support staff, with academic staff claiming higher confidence levels in a number of ICT competencies. A clear age dynamic is also observable, with younger staff members (34 years and younger) displaying significantly higher confidence levels in all ICT skill categories than older staff. The contribution of the article is that a holistic view of ICT skill levels for all staff in the institutions are identified upon which more specific individual or departmental ICT training needs analysis initiatives could be launched. It also creates a platform to allow for more targeted strategic training and development interventions to prepare staff for the digital age. Based on the exploratory work done in this study, other ODL institutions may use a similar approach when strategic ICT training and development initiatives are considered.