Challenges and Practices of University Teachers in Embedding Information and Communication Technology while Supervising M.Phil. and Ph.D. Scholars' Research

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to ascertain the perceptions, basic skills, practices, and challenges of supervisors about embedding the latest Information and Communication Technology (ICT) applications in the process of supervising M.Phil. and Ph.D. scholars’ research. To investigate the research problem, a quantitative method was used. The population of the study includes all faculty members such as Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, and Professors from public sector universities of Punjab. The sample of the study includes 173 university teachers, who accessed using multistage sampling techniques. Data was collected through a questionnaire named ICTI-IRSPS for supervisors, developed and validated by the researcher. The research tool's overall reliability for supervisors was .897. The reliability range by component was .797 to .828. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Major findings of the study include that faculty members as research supervisors have positive perceptions and low levels of basic skills about ICT applications. They practice the ICT apps to some extent under the supervision of M.Phil. and Ph.D. Researchers. The main obstacles they face during the research supervision process are technical, budgetary, and lack of knowledge and training about the use of particular ICT applications. It is recommended that training workshops may be conducted, equipped computer labs may be established, and specific funds may be specified for the integration of the latest ICT in the research supervision process.