Use of Media and Technologies in Open and Distance Education: A Case of Bangladesh Open University

Abstract

PCF5 Sub-theme: Cross-cutting Themes // A communications network has become an essential tool in today’s educational environment. Open and distance education is getting more dependent on information and communication technology (ICT) than ever before. Bangladesh Open University (BOU), the only distance education provider in Bangladesh, has been trying to adopt the use of various media and technologies for its distance education. It has adopted a teaching learning system based on a combination of print and non print media. BOU has not yet adopted computing media (e. g. Internet, on-line technologies) for teaching because of resource constraint and poor access. It uses ranges of media, such as print, audio, video and human interaction. TV is a powerful educational tool for the learners of Bangladesh Open University. As on of the non-print media BOU aims to advance and disseminate knowledge by television broadcasts to the various sections of the population with a wider access to higher education. However, the real strength of television is its unique teaching features and its ability to improve learning efficiency. This paper aims to reveal the effectiveness of the use of media in open and distance learning system on the basis of a survey on the students of Bangladesh Open University and to suggest remedial measures to be undertaken to make the TV program more effective for BOU students. // Paper ID 648