The Role of Digitalization in Higher Educational Institutions: The Case of Addis Ababa University
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Date
2024-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the role of digitalization in HEIs in the case of Addis Ababa
University questioning what effect digitalization has on enhancing student service; and to what
extent AAU leadership possesses the readiness to embrace change. This research will be
significant to AAU since it may provide critical information that could be utilized for policy reform
and to make a paradigm shift in its investment in educational technologies and infrastructure. The
research design is descriptive, and a pragmatic research approach is applied. Primary data
sources were used, and multiple data-gathering instruments specifically close-ended
questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were applied. Descriptive statistics were employed
for data analysis. AAU has already fully digitalized the student service. This ensured the digital
accessibility of the service through the online student portal. However, the accessibility and
inclusiveness of the online portal to meet the needs of specially-abled students is under question
mark. Leadership digital readiness can be explained as strategic level requirements i.e.,
predefining educational goals with digitalization; integrating ICT plan with institutional strategic
plan; preparing institutional e-learning policy and guidelines; establishing e-learning partnership
with different stakeholders like Arizona State University and China; designing digital literacy
improvement program and engaging educators; financing digitalization through internal and
external sources; building state of the art and installing LMS and fully digitalizing student service
which is appreciated. Resistance to change will be a great challenge in digitalizing education.
Therefore, assessing the digital behavior of educators, students, and support service experts and
taking necessary development measures is mandatory.
Keywords: digitalization, higher education institutions, e-learning, digital literacy, educational
technologies
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Keywords
digitalization, higher education institutions, e-learning, digital literacy, educational technologies