Implementing Sustainable ICT-Supported Innovation Policies: Case of Universitas Terbuka – Indonesia

Abstract

As a distance learning university, the use of ICT at Universitas Terbuka (UT) is of central importance for both administration and instruction. As technology continues to advance and change very rapidly, the university is pressured to enhance the utilization of ICT even more. It is believed that the use of an ICT-supported distance learning environment can and will increase the quality of student learning as well as enhance the efficiency of the administration. Yet, two important considerations are the nascent national ICT infrastructure and the lack of readiness of students to embrace ICT-supported learning environments. Given the challenging and limited national ICT infrastructure, the challenge for management is how to keep innovating and introducing state-of-the-art ICT-supported learning to facilitate the enhancement of student readiness and their familiarity with online learning. Similarly, strong leadership is needed to convince the entire university faculty and staff to support the university's policies on the development and implementation of ICT-supported innovations. This chapter will describe the experience of Universitas Terbuka (The Indonesia Open University) in addressing concerns about the sustainability of their ICT-Supported Learning System and administration, including discussions about policy-making, action plans, implementation, student participation, student and staff ownership, as well as maintenance.