Speaker
Description
Madu, O. T.
BU Nzeribe State Polytechnic, Imo State, Nigeria
theodoreokafor2022@gmail.com
Track: Inclusion, Equity and Digital Access
BRIDGING THE GAP IN LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION ECOSYSTEMS IN AFRICA THROUGH THE USE OF DIGITAL RESOURCES AND TECHNOLOGIES
OKAFOR, THEODORE MADU
School of General Studies, BU Nzeribe State Polytechnic, Awo-Omamma, Imo State, Nigeria
O8033295393
theodoreokafor2022@gmail.com
IWUJI, JOSEPH UCHENNA
School of General Studies.
Imo State, Nigeria.
08032581405.
iwujis@yahoo.co.uk
UGORJI KEVIN ONYEWUCHI PhD
School of General Studies, BU Nzeribe State Polytechnic, Awo-Omamma, Imo State, Nigeria
08037256296
kelvinugorji70@gmail.com
Abstract
The integration of digital resources in language and communication is a phenomenon that is sweeping across every aspect of human endeavour, including higher educational institutions in Africa. Unfortunately, there is a noticeable gap in the pace with which higher institutions in Africa are responding to digitalization demand. This study explores the ways in which technology influences communication and language studies in higher institutions in Africa, the associated challenges and the way forward. The study is qualitative in nature and anchored on the critical mass and the diffussion of innovations theory propounded by Kaye and Medoff (2001) and Rogers (1962) respectively. The study reveals that the use of digital resources in higher institutions has experienced significant growth, but there are many challenges that beset its effectiveness in Africa. The findings highlight the potential of technology to connect students across institutions and backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. Ultimately, the paper suggests that concerted efforts by stakeholders should be geared towards addressing the issues of access and equity in the provision of digital resources in higher institutions across Africa. The paper concludes that no institution of higher learning can make any meaningful impact in the present global world without adequate integration of information communication facilities into its programmes.
Key words : Language, Communication, Digital, Innovation, Technology.