ICTs as Enabler in Higher Education

The paper aims at examining impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on higher education and to identifying major impediments that have resulted in slow penetration of ICTs in higher education institutions in rural India. The study is based on primary survey of students studying at graduate and post graduate levels. A sample of 72 students come from four higher education institutions located in Sitapur, a district selected as one of the six e-districts by the Government of Uttar Pradesh. The survey was conducted during October 2012 and January 2013. Findings of the study suggest that while affiliating university is taking all possible measures to facilitate students to improving the quality of education and access to digitized critical literature needed for higher education, the technological and physical infrastructure in rural areas is still a major hindrance in capitalising benefits of ICT revolution. The paper finds evidence to suggest that faculty also needs to be motivated to use more modern and effective ICT led teaching tools. Based on the findings of the study we recommend that cyber-café may be set up in the premises of the institutions on Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model so that ICT could impact higher education in rural India in a more effective manner