The Impact of Information Communication Technology (ICT) on Distance Education

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to investigate the “Use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Distance Education in National Open University of Nigeria, Makurdi Study Center. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The population consisted of 300 respondents made up lecturers and students of Makurdi study center. One hundred (100) respondents were randomly selected from the population to form the sample size. A structured questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. The researchers adopted the direct delivery technique to collect data. Data collected was analysed using frequency and simple percentages. Findings revealed thus: results on the ICTs used in NOUN, Makurdi Study center revealed that Computers, smartphones, scanners and photocopiers as well as telephone for calls were used. Types of ICTs used for lectures include; chatrooms, telephone calls, emails, web conferencing, internet/radio podcasts and virtual worlds. Similarly, the study revealed the types of ICTs used by researchers to include: computers, smart phones, Emails, scanners/photocopiers, CD plates and telephone calls. Moreso, findings revealed that computers, smart phones, emails, and CD plates are highly successfully used in NOUN for teaching and research. Constraints of ICTs used in NOUN include: lack of funds, lack of ICT facilities, inadequate skill manpower, epileptic power supply and poor telecommunication facilities constitute the major problems. Finally, strategies to enhance the constraint of ICT use in NOUN were suggested to include; training of teachers/facilitators; provision of alternative source of power to complement public power supply; government should ensure to mobilize efforts for the funding of ICT infrastructure. Based on the findings, it was recommended that; the establishment of National Open University should always ensure adequate release of funds in other to ensure purchase of ICT facilities that will be used to boost information and communication technology in the institution; Government, non-governmental organizations, cooperate bodies and spirited individuals should provide ICT equipment’s for instructions of higher learning in other for them to cope with the tremendous challenges posed to modern technology as well as adequate power supply should always be made available in other to ensure uninterrupted power so as to encourage constant use of information and communication technology appliances.