Impact of Learners’ Access to Technologies at Bangladesh Open University

Abstract

Bangladesh Open University (BOU) – only provider of open and distance learning (ODL) in the country –deploys technologies in its educational delivery in accordance with the government’s short and long-run educational and development policies. To support government’s promise to achieve digital-Bangladesh agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), BOU has initiated a shift from traditional ODL to ICT-enabled ODL through learning management system (LMS), web2 technology, webTV, webRadio, eBooks and mobile apps. This has created a level-playing-field for providing second chance education and lifelong learning opportunities within the digital environment. BOU caters all sections of workforce through eLearning and/or ICT-enabled programmes where broadcast, computer and mobile technologies are extensively used. The current research deploys content analysis and uses data on students’views to assess impact of technologies on BOU learners. The instrument covers data on the digital version of programme delivery such as LMS, e-Book, on-line information through mobile apps, webTV, and webRadio. A total of 256 students (139 male and 117 female) took part in this study. The findings provide strong support and encouragement for BOU to incorporate ICT in the academic programme delivery as the mobile internet users in the country are gradually increasing in size. // Paper ID 389