INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY TYPE ON DEVELOPMENT OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS FOR DISTANCE EDUCATION

Abstract

Purpose: no one technology can support all types of teaching and learning at a distance – the most effective approach is to combine a range of technologies. Using multiple technologies ensure that all learning styles are catered for and that significant opportunities for interaction between the learner and the tutor are provided. The general objective of the study was to evaluate influence of technology type on development of instructional materials for distance education. Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps. Findings: From the study findings, it is concluded that learning through experience influences the creation of new values which become attitudes that have a strong impact on teacher's behavior towards e-learning technology. Therefore, the attitude and values are singled out as a separate category as well, linking together certain factors that influence them. Because of the manner of academic teaching process, the most commonly used is blended learning model where a course instructor chooses the e-learning technology based on certain elements. The practice has shown that creating a blended learning environment is not easy and that course instructors have problems in many stages of designing the virtual learning environment, from the analysis of the course requirements, analysis of the student requirements, application of instructional design model, e-learning technology use, not understanding the concept of the quality of e-learning process and many other factors.. Recommendations: The study recommends that is a need for more courses should be integrated in distance learning so as to cover all the courses offered to students. There is also need for students to enroll in practical classes for computer training. This will enable the less net savvy students to brace up so as to avoid being left behind by others. There is no doubt that a lot of pressures are facing our students when it comes to distance learning technology adoption, especially distance barrier. There is therefore, need for e-learning to be fully put in place to enable the group of students that their homes are far away from the school to participate in classes even when they are not able to make it to school. Finally, there should be availability of ICT infrastructure, the absence or inadequacy of which will totally hamper the idea of e-learning adoption in universities. There should be provision of computers and high bandwidth to enable the easy flow of classes online