Influence Of Learner Characteristics On Information Communication Technology Distance Education Programmes .a Case Of Masinde Muliro University Of Science And Technology, Kakamega County, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the influence of learner characteristics on ICT integration in distance education programmes. The study was guided by the following objectives:- To determine how learner perception influence ICT integration in distance education programs, to assess the influence of learner entry level on the integration of ICT in distance education programs;-to assess the extent to which geographical location of learners influence ICT integration in distance education programmes, to examine the influence of learner age and gender on integration of ICT in distance education programs. The study was conducted through descriptive research design. It was limited by reluctance of respondents who claimed to have busy time schedules and ignorance, which was mitigated by establishing a closer relationship and making several return visits to collect the questionnaires. The scope of the study was Masinde Muliro University of science and technology in Kakamega County. The instrument for collection of data was questionnaires both structured and open ended. The target population for the study were 500 respondents. Simple random sampling was employed to come up with the sample size of 135.Information was randomly collected from the distance learners in Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega County. The collected data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in frequency tables. The research revealed that learner characteristics influence ICT adoption in DE programmes. Basing on the findings of the study the researcher recommended that University ODEL campuses should have ICT departments with specialists who handle learners technological issues and needs. Also possession of laptops should be made mandatory for student’s admission into the DE programs. The study suggests that further research should be done on other factors influencing the integration of ICT in the same University’s DE programs such as Institutional and resource based factors.