Stakeholders’ Perception of Access to and Credibility of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Integration into Distance Learning in Nigeria

Abstract

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have transformed
distance learning by expanding and widening its access to education,
improving quality, reducing the cost and establishing its credibility. This is,
however, observed that not many nations, especially in the developing world,
have accepted this technological innovation. The study investigated
stakeholders’ perception of access to and credibility of ICT integration into
distance learning in Nigeria. The research was descriptive in nature, using
the survey method. The sample was drawn from one single and four dual
mode universities. Respondent were 897 open and distance learning
stakeholders, 366 were males and 531 were females, 195 from single mode
and 670 from dual mode institutions and 32 were categorized as others.
Two research questions and four research hypothesis were formulated for
the study. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data. Scheffe’s post hoc analysis was also used to further analyze test. It is
therefore found out that there was a significant difference among the
stakeholders in their perception of access to ICT in distance learning. There
was also a significant difference among the stakeholders on their credibility
of ICT integration for distance learning. It is therefore recommended among
others that distance learning programme should be designed to accommodate
the integration and utilization of ICT facilities, distance learning stakeholders
should imbibe high positive attitudes and competencies in the utilization
of ICT facilities.