Despite the increasing costs of education and spread of the use of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in developing countries, the need for more educational opportunities is increasing. This paper aims to answer the question: is e-learning a panacea for education in developing countries? It is based on the case country Sudan, and analyzes students’, academics’ and policymakers’ attitudes towards e-learning, ICTs and educational technology. This study uses an exploratory research approach, and relies mainly on two data collection instruments: questionnaire and semi-structured interview. A survey was conducted of a population of academics and students at five public universities in Sudan, as well as policymakers from these institutions and the higher education ministry.
Impact / Outcome There is a general positive opinion of e-learning and educational technologies among policymakers, academics, and students in Sudan. E-learning is seen as a good solution to students’ problems in higher education and as a worthwhile project. Respondents reject the idea that e-learning is suitable only for developed countries. All groups recognize obstacles in the use of e-learning and educational technologies and identify the need to be supported by the institution in their effort. There is a positive disposition on the part of policymakers and academics to use educational technologies, as well as a relatively high aptitude in ICT. Academics appear more conservative towards e-learning and educational technologies. Higher education in developing countries has major problems that e-learning and its varied technologies will help solve or eliminate.
Key Metrics Take advantage of advances in communication and information technologies to solve current educational problems
