Analyzing Barriers to ICT Integration in Education: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This paper examines the barriers to the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) in higher education in Nepal through a systematic review. The term ICT integration in higher education involves integrating digital technologies into teaching, learning, research, administration, and institutional management to enhance educational processes, outcomes, and experiences. The review has focused on studies conducted between 2020 and 2024 to address barriers to the integration of ICT in higher education, which are included in this paper. The study has used a thematic analysis approach to examine and compare barriers in 21 selected articles across various educational contexts. This review highlights the challenges of ICT in enhancing educational outcomes, including inadequate infrastructure, high technology costs, and a lack of digital literacy among educators and students. The paper also reveals the disparities in ICT access across various regions and educational levels, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The finding emphasizes the need for enhanced infrastructure, targeted professional development, and strategic policy interventions to fully harness the transformative potential of ICT in education. The paper suggests tackling the challenges preventing equitable access to digital education.