Information and communication technologies (ICT) for access to quality education in the global south: A case study of Sri Lanka

Based on a case study of Sri Lanka’s ICT in education experiences, this paper discusses how countries in the Global South (developing and emerging countries) could take up the opportunities of ICT for access to quality education. Sri Lanka is used as a case study because it is at the emerging state of using ICT in education with a relatively high access to education and ranked high on achievements in education. The paper starts with an overview on the potential and current challenges of harnessing ICT for access to quality education in the Global South. By conducting a case study of Sri Lanka, we identify and analyse the key factors that facilitate or hinder the realisation of the opportunities. With the promising practices and lessons learnt, a total of six strategies that can help policymakers and education leaders of Global South countries are generalised; we believe that when these strategies are considered, ICT for access to quality education will be enhanced.