The Influence of Digital Transformation on the Performance of Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania. Evidence From Selected Institutions in the Arusha Region
Keywords:
Digitalization, Education Sector, higher learning institutions, PolicyAbstract
Digital technologies have the potential to revolutionize education in developing countries. The adoption and effective utilization of these tools remain inconsistent and fragmented. The educational digitalization comes with unprecedented challenges and opportunities. This study examines the Digital Transformation of Educational Institutions in Arusha City, Tanzania. Specifically, the study examined factors for the digitalization of the education sector, challenges facing the implementation of the digitalized education sector, and strategies for the implementation of the digitalization of the education sector in Arusha City, Tanzania. The study used a pragmatist research philosophy& Technological Determinism Theory. Sequential Explanatory Design & mixed methods approach were adopted. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were employed. A total of 101 respondents were selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Reliability of the students’ questionnaire was tested and Cronbach coefficient Alpha value of r=0.716 was obtained. While the trustworthiness of the instrument for collecting the qualitative data was done by triangulation and ensuring its credibility, transferability and dependability, indicating that the instruments were fairly reliable. The study reveals that technological advancements, ICT policy and vision, availability of ICT infrastructure, government influence, growing digital literacy, and emergence of pandemics like COVID-19 are factors that influence the digitalization of the education sector. The critical barriers are limited ICT infrastructure, financial constraints, insufficient training, inadequate funding, and political interference. For strategies, strengthening infrastructure and increasing funding are seen as the most critical while capacity building, policy piloting, and cloud adoption serve as strategic enablers. Digital transformation in education should be approached holistically with technological, financial, human, and policy elements all integrated.
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