|
Abstract:
|
This paper discusses the status and use of ICT in Science and Engineering in higher education in Malawi focusing on the University of Malawi. In addition, it discusses the challenges so that we learn from the achievements so far in the presence of these challenges in order to map the way forward.
University of Malawi, which was established in 1965, is based on a federal structure, with a central office and 5 colleges: Chancellor College, Malawi Polytechnic, College of Medicine, Bunda College of Agriculture and Kamuzu College of Nursing. These colleges offer various courses, which include science and engineering.
In pursuant of her academic objectives, the University of Malawi faces several challenges including inadequate and unstable funding, high demand for university places, and shortage of well-qualified human resources. The University has nevertheless responded to some of the challenges through distance and e-learning, parallel programmes, use of ICT and formulation of relevant policies.
In Malawi, access to ICT is very low and concentrated in urban areas. However, through a National ICT policy, the government of Malawi aims at transforming the Malawian society and economy into an information and knowledge-based. In addition, among other things, Case of University of Malawi the policy provides for improvement of education institutions through ICT and improvement of ICT sector using higher education institutions. Similarly, the University of Malawi recognises and exploits the symbiotic relationship between higher education institutions and ICT. To this end, the University of Malawi uses ICT to enhance the institution activities and processes. On the other hand, the University is being used to increase awareness, skills and expertise in ICT sector. In particular, ICT in Science and Engineering is used to model and analyse systems, simulate systems, calculate and solve engineering and scientific problems, and capture and explore experimental data.
Having said that, ICT in the University of Malawi faces several challenges including inadequate resources such as bandwidth, hardware and software, lack of policies to guide development and exploitation of ICT, and limited ICT awareness and skills. Therefore, in order to realise the potential of ICT, the University should formulate an ICT policy, train staff members on the use of ICT, and provide a conducive environment where novel ideas on the use of ICT are harnessed and exploited. |