INFLUENCE OF THE INTEGRATION OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND DISTANCE EDUCATION IN NIGERIA UNIVERSITIES (A CASE STUDY OF NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY, EDO-STATE)

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the influence of the integration of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Distance Education in Nigeria universities using National Open University NOUN Edo-state as a case study. To achieve the purpose of this study, five research questions were raised and answered. Related literature of scholars views on the study were reviewed. The study made use of descriptive survey research design. Data for the study were collected through the use of questionnaire. The expert judgement approach was used to determine the validity of the instrument while the test re-test reliability method was used to ascertain the reliability of the research instrument and the process yielded an index of 0.76. The data collected from respondents were analyzed using frequency count and simple percentage. The findings revealed that the Integration of ICT has influenced the quality of teaching and learning experiences for students. The integration of ICT has influenced on the accessibility of education in Edo State. The integration of ICT contributed to increased student engagement and participation in distance education programs in Edo State is high. The rate of accessibility of ICT facilities is very poor either with little or no ICT facilities. Also, there are challenges facing distance and online education in Edo State such as limited access to limited reliable interconnect connectivity, insufficient technical support, lack of awareness about online education among others. Based on the findings revealed above, the following recommendations were made: The integration of ICT should be improved to enable both teachers and learners engage more in the participation of distance education programs in Edo State. Also, Access to reliable interconnect connectivity should be done by the government to improve in the accessibility of learning materials by students. Furthermore, Proper awareness about online education should be created to enable students develop interest in taking online or distance learning. Finally, the rate of accessibility of ICT facilities at National Open University is not encouraging, both government and school management should make ICT facilities available and accessible to students to ease their studies.