Reform in higher education and the use of information technology: the response of information technology to the challenge of HIV/AIDS in higher education institutions in Africa

Abstract

Having briefly considered the scale and scope of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, especially in Africa, the paper briefly examines some aspects of the way the disease affects institutions of higher learning. It provides several illustrations of the way IT has contributed in other fields to responding to the challenge of HIV/AIDS, and then proceeds to examine the potential and known actual use of information technology in addressing the five key components of an institutional response to the pandemic. These areas are: management and policy; staff and student welfare; teaching and curriculum development; research; and engagement with and outreach to society and communities. There is only mixed evidence that higher education institutions in Africa make much use of IT in crafting their HIV/AIDS responses in these areas. Developments, however, are occurring and more appear to be coming on line. The paper concludes by drawing attention to two prerequisites for the increased institutional use of IT in responding to HIV/AIDS on campus and in communities and society. These are the need for committed and convinced leadership at a variety of academic and managerial levels, and the need for resources in the form of basic essential equipment, inexpensive and reliable connectivity, training, and access to already existing HIV/AIDS educational programs, resources and research.