The Quality of Higher Education - Internet and Computer Technologies: Exacerbating or Lessening Differences Across Countries? An Analysis at Three Levels: National, Institutional, and Classroom

Abstract

This dissertation addresses the gaps of access and quality in higher education between high-income countries and low-to-middle income countries, and the role that Internet and computer technologies play in association with those gaps. It asks the question whether the gaps will widen or narrow over time. It utilizes a mixed methodology, analyzing national-level gaps in Internet and computer technology through quantitative analyses of public data on telecommunications and Internet connectivity. It uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze the diffusion and impact of Internet and computer technology at the institutional and classroom levels. Ultimately, the answer as to whether the gaps will widen or narrow depends upon strategic decisions made at the national, institutional, and classroom levels.