Lecturers' Perceptions of Support for Integrating Information and Communication Technologies in Teaching and Learning

The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in higher education institutions has become a necessity rather than an option. As higher education institutions enrol students for conventional and distance education programs, lecturers are not only compelled to equip themselves with technological knowledge and skills, but are also supposed to receive support from their institutions to fully integrate technology in their academic endeavours. This study examined lecturers' perceptions of support for integrating ICTs in teaching and learning in higher education institutions in Tanzania. A mixed methods research approach was used to conduct the study. Data were collected through survey and interviews. The analysis was done through SPSS 26.0 and JASP 0.12.2 for quantitative data, and MaxQDA 20.0 for qualitative data. The study sample of 115 lecturers was drawn from five universities in Tanzania. The results of the study revealed that majority of lecturers were dissatisfied with the support for integrating ICTs in teaching and learning offered by their institutions. The findings also indicated that there were no significant differences in lecturers' perceptions of support services for integrating ICTs in teaching and learning by gender and age. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that universities have the obligation to provide adequate support to lecturers in terms of training, technical staff, finance and facilities to effectively integrate technology in teaching and learning.