Abstract:

Higher education institutions in developed countries have been using information and communication technologies (ICTs) to provide quality education and valuable research but the picture is not that bright in case of developing countries. In this paper we explore Web 2.0 services and applications can be used to foster discussion, interaction and collaboration among stakeholders for resolving quality issues in higher education in developing countries. In the second part of this paper, on the basis of Hofstede, G. work on cultural dimensions, theoretical background of Value Sensitive Design, Structuration Theory and IT, Technology Enactment Framework, Capabilities Approach, and Technology Alteration (Design and Management) Framework, we would argue that as developing countries and their higher education institutions have different structures (social and organizational) as compared to developed countries because of cultural variations of values, therefore ICTs and systems can not be used on the as is basis as being used in developed countries. Cultural variations of values and social & organizational structures variations perspective has to be taken into account while implementing, customizing and re-designing ICTs and systems to be used in the institutions of different societies. The paper would also stress that care should be taken so that the ICTs and systems are not implemented just to reinforce those existing institutional structures due to which quality issues arise in higher education in developing countries.

Keywords:

web 2, 0, icts, higher education, quality, developing countries, technology alteration framework.