The objectives of this study were to find out the level of access to computer facilities for both staff and students in the faculties of science and engineering. In addition, the study was to determine the factors that affect the use of ICTs as an educational technology. To this end, the training needs in each university were to be determined and necessary recommendations made. Although the study was confined to the faculties of Science and Engineering within five Universities in East Africa, the study concluded by recommending that the findings were generally applicable to most of the universities in the African region.

Students waiting outside an Internet Kiosk for their turns at Makerere University. Students is a computer lab which also doubles-up as a control and circuit lab in the EE department at the University of Nairobi

The study identified several factors that influence the use of ICTs in universities among these was lack of adequate training in e-content development and access to computers.

To address the training needs under these circumstances, a curriculum was developed and piloted with thirteen (13) members of staff from eight (8) universities in six (6) African countries. Emphasis was given to production of e-learning materials on standalone CDs. The workshop took place in October 20th – 25th 2003 at the University of Nairobi, Kenya.