Developing IT education in Tanzania: Empowering students

Abstract

Due to an urgent national need for more IT professionals, developing countries spawn academic IT programs at an increasing rate. Those programs are often replicated from similar programs in Europe and America. Students’ preferences concerning their education are, however, rarely inquired. This research study explored and analyzed Tanzanian IT students’ views of challenges in their studies, as well as their views of the most important factors for their learning. A longitudinal perspective was introduced, as changes in results between 2008 and 2011 were analyzed. The findings suggest that there is a need for increased practical training, development of facilities, improvement of course design, and increased feeling of ownership and empowerment.