Integrating ICT in teaching and learning at Sultan Qaboos University: Current status and future recommendations

The present study investigated the current status of integrating ICT into teaching and learning at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). A sample of 220 faculty members from six different colleges and four administrators from the Center of Educational Technology (CET) and the Center for Information Systems (CIS) at SQU in Oman were chosen, and quantitative qualitative design using a semi-structured questionnaire, interviews and checklists was employed. The findings show that SQU had a high availability of ICT infrastructure in terms of hardware, software and support services, as well as adequate computer labs for educational purposes. However, the results also indicated that, although SQU provided a series of professional development workshops related to using ICT in teaching, few faculty members were interested. Furthermore, the finding indicated that, the degree of ICT integration into teaching at SQU was at a medium level. Given the importance of ICT integration in teaching and learning, it is recommended that SQU should recognise and acknowledge the faculty members’ role in ICT integration. Therefore, it should provide ways to support faculty members in developing their ICT skills and knowledge and increasing capability in performing their role.