How Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) impact on trends and future educational innovations: the implications for higher education in Africa and the RUFORUM Network

Developments in information and communication technologies (ICT) continue to impact on how universities approach teaching, learning, collaboration, and research. ICT can help universities do their business more effectively and efficiently – by changing how teaching, learning and research are done to increase access, reduce costs and expedite degree completion. But ICT is not an end unto itself; rather it is a tool to accomplish a set of objectives. This paper discusses educational innovation in ICT and its potential to influence how African universities, especially the RUFORUM Network, can meet their mission.1 The paper summarizes the e-readiness status of the RUFORUM network,2 provides a definition for educational innovation, offers a few noteworthy trends and innovations, and assesses the implications for African universities.