New electronic technologies like computers and the Internet continue to spread to all parts of the world. Developing nations like Malawi have experienced this thrust in the area of electronic technologies. Mzuzu University, a relatively new university in the Malawian education system has made tremendous efforts in providing computers and the internet to faculty members of the University. It was however not clear if such efforts had resulted in corresponding application and integration of the technologies in teaching and learning. This study ventured to investigate prevailing levels of utilization of the computer technology and the Internet in teaching and learning at the university and uncover factors that facilitate or hinder use and integration of the technologies in teaching and learning. Results of the study revealed that while most faculty members actively engaged with electronic technologies, such engagements often excluded instructional use. Where electronic technologies have been used for instructional purposes, it has been mainly for accessing information for teaching. Factors that affect utilization and integration of electronic technologies comprise limited availability of the technologies; unreliability of the available technologies due to related issues like power outages and poor reception; lack of training; lack of technical, pedagogical and administrative support; and lack of faculty involvement in decision making relating to electronic technologies. / Ph. D.

Information and communication technology (ICT) is becoming a critical part of operations and innovations in many sectors around the world (Basri, Alandejani, and Almadani, 2018). As such, ICT is commonly integrated in academic institutions on a global level, and has been used in the educational process inside and outside the classroom. Currently in Saudi Arabia, the integration of technology in educational environments is viewed as essential in the growth of Saudi education (Alali, 2015). However, the integration of such technology in teaching and learning may face some barriers especially in emerging academic institutions. Some scholars report that while the use of ICT is advocated in many universities and schools, and in particular in Saudi Arabia, some instructors are not likely to use it in their teaching processes because of barriers hindering their utilization and integration of such technology (Asiri, 2012; Albugami and Ahmad, 2015; Al Mulhim, 2014; Muhametjanova and Cagiltay, 2016). This study aimed to examine how ICT is being used for teaching and learning within the context of an emerging university in Saudi Arabia, as well as what factors faculty identify as barriers and enablers to its use. The current study replicates the research conducted by Nyirongo (2009) in the country of Malawi, and is based on the theoretical principles of technology adoption proposed by Rogers, Ely, and Surry (Ely, 1999; Rogers, 2003; Surry, 2002). Faculty members at Al-Baha University, a new university in Saudi Arabia, served as the participants. This study found that there are several common factors that impede the adoption and integration of ICT for teaching and learning at Al-Baha University. Those factors are: lack of computer availability and accessibility for faculty members and students, poor Internet connection, lack of faculty participating in decision making regarding electronic technology, access to training and pedagogical support regarding such technology, and lack of technical support. These findings correlate with the same kinds of factors that have been identified as barriers in other educational contexts (Al Mulhim, 2014; Albugami and Ahmed, 2016; Alkahtani, 2017; Hsu, 2016; Kilinc, et al. 2018; Kler, 2014; Machado and Chung, 2015; Nyirongo, 2009). / Doctor of Philosophy / Information and communication technology (ICT) is becoming a critical part of operations and innovations in many sectors around the world (Basri, Alandejani, and Almadani, 2018). Currently in Saudi Arabia, the integration of technology in educational environments is viewed as essential in the growth of Saudi education (Alali, 2015). Some scholars report that while the use of ICT is advocated in many universities and schools, and in particular in Saudi Arabia, some instructors are not likely to use it in their teaching processes because of barriers hindering their utilization and integration of ICT (Asiri, 2012; Albugami and Ahmad, 2015; Al Mulhim, 2014; Muhametjanova and Cagiltay, 2016). This study aimed to examine how ICT is being used for teaching and learning within the context of an emerging university in Saudi Arabia, as well as what factors faculty identify as barriers and enablers to its use. The current study replicates the research conducted by Nyirongo (2009) in the country of Malawi, and is based on the theoretical principles of technology adoption proposed by Rogers, Ely, and Surry (Ely, 1999; Rogers, 2003; Surry, 2002). Faculty members at Al-Baha University served as the participants. This study found that there are several common factors that impede the adoption and integration of ICT for teaching and learning at Al-Baha University. Those factors are: lack of computer availability and accessibility for faculty members and students, poor Internet connection, lack of faculty participating in decision making regarding electronic technology, access to training and pedagogical support regarding such technology, and lack of technical support. These findings correlate with the same kinds of factors that have been identified as barriers in other educational contexts (Al Mulhim, 2014; Albugami and Ahmed, 2016; Alkahtani, 2017; Hsu, 2016; Kilinc, et al. 2018; Kler, 2014; Machado and Chung, 2015; Nyirongo, 2009).