"Application of ICT in Rural Colleges: A Study with Reference to Commerce and Management Education Offered by Bangalore Rural Colleges"

This is an empirical research study which investigates the application of ICT in rural Colleges, Bengaluru. Two hundred and twentyfive (225) teachers were selected as the sample for the study. A self-developed instrument on the availability and use of ICT was used for data collection. The instrument contained 25 items. The reliability co-efficient of the instrument stood at 0.88. The data collected were analyzed using mean percentages. The findings revealed: acute shortage of learning materials such as on-line/ internet-connected computers, e-mail facilities, multimedia television, multimedia computer and digital library. It was also revealed that the few available ones such as off-line/ordinary computers, scanner, printer and ready-made courseware are not utilized because the teachers lack the knowledge and skills of computer application. The only material identified as available and in use is the telephone. It was recommended the authorities should embark on a massive computer training program for teachers. Teachers should be trained and retrained through in-service training, seminars, workshops and conferences for acquisition of the knowledge and skills needed for ICT application in Colleges.