You are here

SURVEY OF BARRIERS AFFECTING THE USE OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICTS) AMONG DISTANCE LEARNERS: A Case Study of Nigeria

Journal Name:

Publication Year:

Author Name
Abstract (2. Language): 
The use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to bridge the communication gap between teacher and learner has been identified as a major characteristic of Open and Distance Learning (ODL). In many developing counties, including Nigeria, several barriers prevent OD learners from maximising the potentials of ICTs to enhance their learning. This study seeks to identify these barriers and consequently, strategies to overcome them within the Nigerian context. Subjects of the research are OD learners in three selected distance learning institutions in Nigeria. Responses from administered questionnaires and interviews constitute the data, which were analysed using appropriate statistical instruments. The findings of this study which form part of an ongoing regional research on the use of ICTs by distance learners, show that - much of ODL instructional delivery is still primarily print based; - there is some significant progress has been made especially with regard to encouraging the use of some non traditional ICTs through ODL; and - although Nigeria has embarked on implementing computer literacy at all levels, the issue of affordability, bandwidth, and infrastructural facilities like constant electricity remain barriers. However, the data that most can afford mobile phones thus providing a unique opportunity to maximize them as support tools for learning.
142-154

REFERENCES

References: 

Commonwealth of Learning (2003). Identifying Barriers to ICTs in Education based on gender differences. Forum on ICTs & Gender: Optimising Opportunities. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: the Commonwealth of Learning. Retrieved from www.col.org
Commonwealth of Learning (2000). Identifying Barriers Encountered by Women in the Use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) for Open and Distance Learning in Africa Zanzibar, Tanzania: The Commonwealth of Learning, the Acacia Initiative, and International Development Research Centre. Daniel, J.; West P. & Mackintosh, W. (2006). Exploring the role of ICTs in addressing educational needs: identifying the myths and the miracles. Presented at NADEOSA 10th Anniversary Conference, 23 August 2006. Pretoria, South Africa: Commonwealth of Learning.
154
Farrell, G. & Isaacs. S. (2007). Survey of ICT and Education in Africa: A Summary Report, Based on 53 Country Surveys. Washington, DC: infoDev / World Bank. Retrieved from http://www.infodev.org/en/Publication.353.html
Lyndsay, G. & Trevor-Deutsch, L. (2002). Women and ICTs for Open and Distance Learning: Some Experiences and Strategies from the Commonwealth. Canada: The Commonwealth of Learning.
International Telecommunication Union (2007). ICT Statistics by country. Retrieved from www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/statistics
Internet World Statistics (2008) World Internet usage and Population Statistics Retrieved from www.internetworldstats.com
Jegede, O. (2008). Building a 21st Century Open University:The Nigerian Experience Lead paper presented at the 2nd ACDE Conference and General Assembly, 8th-11th July 2008.
Khan, A. W. (2008). Open and Distance Learning in Developing Nations, Lead paper presented at the 2nd ACDE Conference and General Assembly, 8th-11th July 2008.
Nigerian National Information Technology Policy (2001). Retrieved from www.nitda.gov.ng
Ngugi, C. (2007) ed. ICTs and Higher Education in Africa: Status Reports on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Higher Education in eight African countries. Cape Town, South Africa: Partnership for Higher Education in Africa (PHEA).
Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia (Updated April 2009). Nigeria. Retrieved from www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/nigeria
World Bank (2006) ICT at a glance: Nigeria. Retrieved from www.internetworldstats.com

Thank you for copying data from http://www.arastirmax.com