Assessment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Use in Construction Education in Ghana

Abstract

Aim: The construction industry in the last two decades has witnessed remarkable advancements in construction technology, procurement practices, information technology (IT), legislation and client demands. The paper explores the use of ICT tools in construction education in Ghana. Study Design: The study adopted a survey design and was conducted over a period from June 2013 to September 2014. Methodology: A five-point Likert scale survey questionnaire was developed and administered to 50 lecturers and 275 students in six selected public tertiary institutions running construction programmes in Ghana. An overall response rate of 84% achieved with response rates of 78% and 85% for lecturers and students respectively. Results: The study showed that the level of use of ICT tools in construction education in higher institutions in Ghana is moderately low. Further findings revealed that the numerous constraints to the use of ICT tools in construction education in the institutions surveyed may be categorized as; technological constraints, financial constraints, human related constraints, environmental constraints and administrative constraints. Conclusion: The study argues for more concerted efforts by educational institutions aimed at overcoming the constraints identified, particularly through effective industry collaborations, innovative funding of ICT budget and training of staff.