Impact of Information and Communication Technology on Distance Education: The case of National Open University of Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the impacts of information and communication technology media on effective distance learning education in Nigeria. It implores the use of questionnaire as instrument with reliability index of 0.89 (using Cronbach) to generate data. The data were analyzed using mean scores, cluster mean scores and criterion mean scores to answer the 4 research questions. The paper finds out that information and communication technology media have greater positive impacts on distance education enhancing academic success; that the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has not fully employed ICT media such as radio/television broadcast of lectures, computer aided instruction and tele/video conferencing exception of e-library, sms and email/internet. The study also shows that methods of teaching employed include email for assignment collection and submission, e-library and to lesser extent internet bracing and radio/television broadcast. The authors recommend more government assistance and urge the lecturers and students to be receptive of all the teaching/learning methods akin to ICT media as to improve on their achievements.