Role of information and communication technology in pursuit of academic excellence: a comparative study of Indian universities

Abstract

This study analyzes the Role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in pursuit of academic excellence with respect to the Indian Universities Accredited by NAAC. The objective of the study is to compare the use of information and communication technology in the admission of students for various courses admitted; employment of staff; teaching and learning process at different levels; examinations at different levels; management of library; administration and finance in state universities and other universities. Data collection method is used with those institutions accredited by NAAC. Before framing the questionnaire the investigator had interaction with some of the sitting Vice Chancellors and also ex -Vice Chancellors for their opinions and views on the ICT and its implementation in Universities. After designing the questionnaire comments / opinions were obtained regarding the structure and the contents of the questionnaire from Vice Chancellors / Professor (s) of fifteen Universities and the questionnaire was modified accordingly. The questionnaire included queries related to use of ICT in students admissions; staff recruitment; teaching and learning; examinations; library and information services; and administration and finance. The top page of the questionnaire-contained questions related to general information about the Universities. A questionnaire on perception of faculty, administrative staff was also designed and data was collected. The scale was based on Likert Method. The questionnaire was sent to 140 NAAC accredited Universities till 31st March 2007. Eighty-five (85) Universities, 520 faculty, and 195 administrative staff were formed the respondents involving both men and women.