Success factors in ICT integration

Tony Bates reviews Sangra A. (2008): The integration of Information and Communication Technologies in the university: models, problems and challenges

The analyses covers success factors for ICT integration in 16 univerisities world wide. It seems these factors do not differ significantly to secondary education.

1. embedment of ICT in a overall picture: «use of ICTs was sometimes part of a larger and often hidden agenda to bring about greater cultural change in institutions».

2. Strategic planning is a process: action is often a «bundle of initiatives as a part of smaller or larger projects but not necessarily related to a global strategy»

3. Wide variations in strategies and actions: change management strategies; shared, well disseminated vision and capable leadership; specialised, centralized support unit

4. Common problems: problems of organization, lack of funding, high-resistance to change from front-line staff.

VET Kazakhstan is on the right path to encourage the dialogue between professional education and business on the one hand and to address qualification on-site as the main tool to overcome resistance to change. An objective might be to achieve a crucial level in developing,  formulating and communicating a common vision, covering the realization of the State Investment Program 2008 - 2012.