The Application of Information Technology (IT) Tools in Learning and Teaching Process in Private Higher Education Institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the level of IT usage by academics in institutions of higher education in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In order to reap the aim the objectives were management’s willingness to support academics and the consequences of the quality application of IT in student learning.

Research method: The study adopted a field survey as the most appropriate research design for the investigation of the issues of interest. 116 academics (assistant professor, associate professor, and professor doctor) and younger academics (research assistant and senior research assistant) from the different academic fields, were different ages, and had different numbers of years of working experience at higher education institutions participated in the survey. In responding to the questionnaire, the participants gave information based on age, sex, nationality, experience, field and position; their self-reported IT usage patterns in teaching, their perception of institutional support for IT usage and their assessment of the impact of IT usage on learning. In answering the questions, the respondents indicated their agreement/disagreement with each given statement on a 5-point Likert scale. The aspects of IT Usage, Support and Learning were measured with 10 items each.

Findings: The results of this study indicate that the usage of IT has a positive impact on learning. They also show that the level of IT usage depends on the level of management support and the age and position of academic staff.

Originality/Value /Deliverables: While similar studies exist however, this is the first study indicting the preference of practitioners and policy makers from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The practical implications are realistic implementation of IT tools in institutions of higher education. The academic implications are that the results of the study can be the useful resource for future research directions for developing nations like Bosnia and Herzegovina. Contextually it can motivate management to support academic endeavors in pursuit of exceeding customer (students) satisfaction in light of principles of TQM when it comes to the usage of IT.