THE INTEGRATION OF COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Universities and colleges offer students the opportunity to grow intellectually
and creatively through the advanced study of science, engineering and
literature. As modem workforces require well-motivated individuals with the
skills and adaptability to meet the demands of an ever more competitive world
market for quality products, the govcrnment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
(KSA) wants to see a successful and inclusive society, with a competitive
economy built on the talents and skills of all.
The idea that technology is changing the way we work and learn has become a
constant refrain in contemporary society. Thus, universities and higher
colleges look to modem technologies to help solve problenls that have
inhibited learning in the past. Another challenge to institutions of higher
education with regard to professional development in areas of technology is
the mere fact that students of tomorrow will be more dependent on technology
skills than the students of today.
Taking up the idea that educational technologies have the potential to alter how
universities and higher colleges are run and how students learn. This paper
addresses how to encourage widespread effective use of new technologies in
teaching, learning and research in all educational institutions and all subjects to
ensure that students are able to use new technologies to enhance their learning
and prepare for working life.