Information and Communication Technologies’ (ICTs) Enhancing Teaching and Learning in ODL
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23918/ijsses.v6i2p14Keywords:
Information and Communication Technologies, Open and Distance Learning, Teaching and Learning, EnhanceAbstract
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are digital tools that distribute educational content, and facilitate teaching and learning in ODL (Open and Distance Learning) universities. This study was conducted at the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) to ascertain the role that ICTs play in teaching and learning. The qualitative approach was employed and data were gathered through interviews and open-ended questionnaires from nine ZOU staff members and students. It was established that ICTs were used by most students studying with ZOU in the eleven regions and most got their modules as hard copies and through an online platform called MyVista. and they had the option to download and print them. ICTs were used by the students to apply online, register online and get their assignments and results online. It was also discovered that some ZOU academic staff and students did not fully appreciate the importance of ICTs, hence, the need to train them in use of ICTS.
References
Arinto, P. B. 2013). A framework for developing competencies in open and distance learning. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 4(1), 167-185 doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v14i1.1393.
Awadhiya, A. K., Miglani, A., & Gowthaman, K. (2014). ICT usage by distance learners in India. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education (TOJDE), 15(3), 242-253.
Bates, A. W. (2005). Technology, e-learning and distance education (2nd ed.). London: Routledge.
Charumbira, S., & Samukange, T. (2015). Zimbabwe misses digitalisation target. National News, 17 June, 2015.
Chi-Yuan Sun, J., & Metros, S. E. (2011). The digital divide and its impact on academic performance. US-China Review A, 2(2011), 153-161.
Christie, M., Jaun, A., & Jonsson, L. E. (2002). Evaluating the use of ICT in engineering education. European Journal of Engineering, 27(1), 13-20.
dela Pena-Bandalaria, M. (2007). Impact of ICTs on distance and open learning in a developing country setting: The Philippine experience. IRRODL, 8(1).
Fox, C. (2012). Zimbabwe pushes for open education despite oppression. Retrieved from file:///K:/Zimbabwe%20ranked%20one%20of%20worst%20countries%20for%20national%20information%20communication%20technology%20_%20Opensource.com.htm
Graham, M. (2011). Time machines and virtual portals: The spatialities of the digital divide. Progress in Development Studies. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/146499341001100303
Kaur, N., & Nanak, G. (2015). Using ICT in empowering teachers for quality education. International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology LISRET), ISSN: 2278-0882. EATHD-2015 Conference Proceeding, 14-15 March 2015.
Isaacs, S. (2009). ICT in education in Zimbabwe. Retrieved from https://infodev.org/infodev-files/resource/InfodevDocuments_437.pdf 23,10/19.
Kungeni, P. (2017). An investigation into the challenges that are being faced in the use and teaching of computers in schools: A case of six secondary schools in Chihota district Mashonaland East Province, for period (2012-2017).
A research project submitted to the Midlands State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree in adult education programme, Gweru, Zimbabwe.
Li, S. C., Pow, J. W. C., Wong, E. M. L. (2010). Empowering student learning through Tablet PCs: A case study.
Education and Information Technologies, 15(3), 171-180. https:/doi.org/10.1007/s10639-009-91032-2
Lwoga, E. (2012). Making learning and Web 2.0 technologies work for higher learning institutions in Africa. Campus-Wide Information Systems, 29(2), 90-107.
Machadu, C. (2013). ZIMSTAT releases final census results. The Zimbabwean.
Mafa, O., & Mpofu, J. (2013). The extent to which open and distance learning students utilize information and communication technology in their assignments and research projects. IOSR Journal of Research and Method in Education (IOSR-JRME), 1(4), 33-39.
Mishra, A. (2015). Enabling the role of ICTs in distance education programs EdTechReview, https://edtechreview.in/trends-insights/insights/1807-enabling-the-role-of-ict-in-distance-learning-education-programs.
Rajesh, M. (2003). A study of the problems associated with ICT adaptability in developing countries in the context of distance education. Turkish Journal of Distance Education-TOJDE, 4(2), 1-10.
Ramanujam, P.R. (2002). Overcoming barriers to access and success: Some strategic issues. Retrieved from https://col.org/pcf2/papers%5Cramanujam.pdf
Rao, M. M. (2009). ICT in open distance learning: Issues and challenges. Retrieved from www.col.org/pcf6/2/IN4327.doc
Robinson, B. (2008). Using distance education and ICT to improve access, equity and quality in rural teachers’ professional development in Western China. IRRODL, 9(1), 1-17.
Rumanyika, J. D., & Galan, R. M. (2015). Challenges for teaching and learning information and communication technology courses in higher learning institutions in Tanzania: A review. Information Knowledge Management, 5(2).
Shan Fu, J. (2013). ICT in education: A critical literature review and its implications. International Journal of Education and Development using Communication and Information Technology (IJEDICT), 9(1), 112-125.
Smith, M., & Casserly, 2006). The promise of open educational resources. Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning. Retrieved from https://icde.org/the+Promise+of+OER.9uFRzIXH.ips
TechZim (2015). Zimbabwe Internet statistics: 5.2 million subscriptions. 40% penetration. Retrieved from https://techzim.co.zw/2014/01/zimbabwe-internet-statistics-5-2-million-subscriptions-40-penetration/
Wiley, D., Bliss, T. J., & McEwen, M. (2014). Open educational resources: A review for the literature. In J. M.
Spector, M. D. Merrill, J. Elen, & M. J. Bishop (Eds.), Handbook of research on education communications and technology. (781-789). New York: Springer.
Zuppo, C. M. (2012). Defining ICT in a boundaryless world: The development of a working hierarchy. International Journal of Managing Information Technology, 4(3), 13-22.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 International Journal of Social Sciences & Educational StudiesInternational Journal of Social Sciences & Educational Studies applies the
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic Licence (CC BY-NC 2.0)