INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS STUDENTS AT BOTSWANA OPEN UNIVERSITY: A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive study conducted at Botswana Open University (BOU), focusing on the ICT skills among learners in business students. The research explores the levels of computer proficiency, the presence of ICT skills, and the perceptions of business subject learners regarding the adoption and utilization of ICT skills for teaching and learning purposes. The study involved a sample size of 223 participants from BOU's five regions, with data collected through quantitative means, specifically survey questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data, revealing insights into the participants' abilities to navigate e-learning platforms, their awareness of business learning software and applications, and their familiarity with various MS Office tools. Results indicated that respondents had a moderate ability to use e-learning platforms and were acquainted with essential computer software and internet-related activities. However, the study also identified areas for improvement in utilizing ICT tools for learning business courses. Participants expressed the need for enhanced ICT skills, citing challenges such as poor internet connectivity, unreliable power supply, and slow internet speeds. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing these challenges to improve the overall ICT skills of business course learners at BOU, thereby enhancing their understanding of the subject matter. The paper concludes with recommendations for interventions to overcome the identified obstacles and promote effective integration of ICT tools in teaching and learning practices.