Changing computing curricula in African universities: evaluating progress and challenges via design-reality gap analysis.

Bass, Julian M.; Heeks, Richard

Abstract

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are diffusing rapidly into all African nations. Effective use of the new technology requires a step-change in local skill levels; including a step-change in ICT-related university education. Part of that process must be an updating of university computing curricula, ranging from computer science through to information systems. Adoption of international curricula offers a ready means for updating, but African universities face challenges of implementing these curricula “ curricula that were typically designed for Western rather than African realities. To help understand the issues surrounding implementation of international computing curricula in Africa, we selected a case example: Ethiopian higher education. Using the design-reality gap model and its 'OPTIMISM' checklist of dimensions, we analysed what ensued following its 2008 decision to adopt a new IEEE/ACM-inspired computing curriculum. We find that significant progress has been made, but that important gaps between design and reality “ and, hence, challenges “ remain. We are therefore able to identify specific actions along particular dimensions such as technology and skills that will help close design-reality gaps, and secure greater implementation. We propose that this analysis method will prove a valuable strategic tool for computing curriculum reform in other African nations.

Citation

BASS, J.M. and HEEKS, R. 2011. Changing computing curricula in African universities: evaluating progress and challenges via design-reality gap analysis. Electronic journal of information systems in developing countries [online], 48(1), article 5. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1681-4835.2011.tb00341.x

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 31, 2011
• Online Publication Date: Aug 31, 2011
• Publication Date: Aug 31, 2011
• Deposit Date: Sep 3, 2014
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 3, 2014
• Journal: Electronic journal of information systems in developing countries
• Print ISSN: 1681-4835
• Electronic ISSN: 1681-4835
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 48
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: 5
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1681-4835.2011.tb00341.x
• Keywords: Higher education; Computing curricula; Design reality gap; Africa
• Public URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10059/1044