Table 1
Needs of Digital Technologies by the Distance Learners
| Factors | Statements | SDA f(%) | DA f(%) | U f(%) | A f(%) | SA f(%) | Mean |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignments | Online submission of assignments through email can give me quick feedback from my instructor. | 6 (.6) | 13 (1) | 42 (4) | 383 (39) | 539 (55) | 4.4 |
| University suggested websites would give me latest information for my assignment work. | 9 (.9) | 26 (3) | 42 (4) | 44 (45) | 464 (47) | 4.3 | |
| Evaluation of assignments through online tutorial would help me to get quick feedback from my tutor. | 7 (.7) | 24 (2) | 92 (9) | 477 (49) | 383 (39) | 4.2 | |
| Workshops | Online lectures through Skype would be easier for me to attend along with my job. | 5 (.5) | 9 (.9) | 22 (2) | 583 (59) | 364 (37) | 4.3 |
| Wi-Fi facility in the workshop center would facilitate me during my study hours. | 17 (1.7) | 21 (2) | 132 (13) | 520 (53) | 293 (30) | 4.0 | |
| WhatsApp can be easier than face-to-face classroom discussion | 13 (1.3) | 7 (.7) | 22 (2) | 420 (43) | 521 (53) | 4.4 | |
| Examination | Availability of instructional material of Smart phones would be easier than reading heavy textbooks. | 4 (.4) | 5 (.5) | 82 (8) | 391(40) | 501 (51) | 4.4 |
| Online quizzes would help me to assess my learning for exams. | 11 (1) | 16 (2) | 107 (11) | 560 (57) | 289 (29) | 4.1 | |
| I prefer online exams to traditional one (with pen and paper) | 61 (6) | 39 (4) | 223 (23) | 411 (42) | 249 (25) | 3.8 |
[i] SDA Strongly Disagree, DA Disagree, U Undecided, A Agree, SA Strongly Agree
Table 2
Challenges in Providing Digital learning at AIOU
| Themes | Codes | Respondents | f |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICT resources & expertise | Digitalization of printed learning material | R1, R3, R4 | 3 |
| ICT professionals | R3, R2, R4, R1 | 4 | |
| Quality assurance | R4, R1, R3 | 3 | |
| Access to technology | High cost of technology | R1, R3, R4, R2 | 4 |
| Digital divide | R1, R3, R2 ,R4 | 4 | |
| Affordability of technology | R1, R4, R2 | 3 | |
| Attitude towards technology use | Change in mindset | R2, R4, R1 | 3 |