A framework for enhancing ICT competency of universities in Sri Lanka

Abstract

In the current information society, the need for securing human resources acquired with ICT competency is becoming a significant factor. Information Communication Technology (ICT) competency describes more than awareness or driving license level of using computing facilities and networking services to carry out different tasks. Undergraduates of a university will become knowledge workers in the society and they should acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes using the modern ICT technology to carry out their job tasks effectively. This paper presents the current status of ICT Competency in Sri Lankan Universities with respect to both the knowledge and skill requirements of knowledge workers in the job market. However, there are several obstacles are affecting this development and the paper discuss the qualitative assessment of these obstacles in detail. In this study, we propose a new framework for enhancing the ICT Competency among a large number of undergraduates in the University system. This framework consists of two main components namely Infrastructure Development and Virtual Learning Environment. In the component, Infrastructure Development new facilities are provided such as computers, networks and Internet facilities, human resource management and other support services in order to solve the problems identified. Under the Virtual Learning Environment, we propose three levels for undergraduates to address the curriculums of ICT competency. The first two levels are declared with respect to the common ICT Competency Certification and level 3 is declared considering special requirements of curriculum or subject streams.