The Role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Higher Education in India – An Over View

                                   ABSTRACT

 -*Dr. S. Vijay Kumar

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have become common place entities in all spheres of life. During the past two decades the use of ICT has fundamentally changed the practices and procedures of nearly all forms of endeavor within business, governance and education. The higher education system in India has grown in a remarkable way, particularly in the post - independence period. However, the system has many issues of concern at present. The introduction of ICTs in the higher education has profound implications for the whole education process especially in dealing with key issues of access, equity, management, efficiency, pedagogy and quality. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a vehicle to enhance the quality of education. As the world is moving rapidly into digital media and information, the role of ICT in education is becoming more important in the 21^st century. ICT helps to share availability of best practices and best course material in education. ICT based education causes changes in the educational objectives in the conception of the teaching and learning process. ICT allows the academic Institutions to reach disadvantaged groups and new international educational markets in the era of globalization. The new teaching methodologies involve the use of audiovisual, computer and telemetric tools on the part of teachers. In this backdrop, this paper attempts to present an over view of the role and impact of ICTs in various aspects of higher education in the present and future scenario.

Key words:  Evolution of ICT in Indian Education Sector, Role of ICT in Higher Education, ICT as a change agent in Higher Education for Future Needs.
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* Head & Professor (Associate) of Economics (Retired), Kakatiya Govt. (UG&PG) College (NAAC “A” Grade College, Affiliated to Kakatiya University), Hanamkonda, Warangal District, Telangana State (India). The author a Bharat Jyoti Awardee & Ex - Member of Board of Studies, Kakatiya University, Warangal.