Improving Higher Education Institutions’ Innovative Teaching and Learning in Tanzania Through Information Communications Technology Tools.

Abstract

The application of information communications technologies (ICTs) in higher education institutions has created opportunities for improving teaching and learning. One such avenue is innovation. However, in the Tanzanian HEIs environment little is known on the extent ICTs tools are utilized for innovative teaching and learning. The aim of this study was to find the extent ICT infrastructure, teachers' skills, and readiness influence innovative teaching and learning. Guided by the Activity Theory, the sample for the study was 80 teachers and Information Technology (IT) staff from three HEIs. Data was collected through an administered survey questionnaire and interviews. The results indicate that the infrastructure is adequate and teachers have skills and are ready to use ICT tools in classrooms. However, wireless technology is inadequate in all the three HEIs. Furthermore, the results show that innovative curriculums and collaborative innovation projects among the different HEIs are factors for improving innovative teaching and learning.