Security and Quality Assurance of ICT Enhanced Learners Support Services in Distance Education: National Open University Nigeria Experience

Abstract

Learners Support Services are important parts of any Online and
Distance Learning (ODL) system. Quality assurance of these services
are paramount to the sustainability of ODL processes in meeting the
primary learning objectives. This study focuses on quality assurance
of information and communication technology tools deployed in
providing supports for learners in ODL institution using National
Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) as a case institution. It was
conducted using survey research methodology while structured
questionnaire was applied to elicit information from student who were
sampled using cluster sampling techniques on the quality assurance of
ICT utilization for learner support. It was statistically evident from the
result of analysis that effective quality assurance processes influence
the learning content design and development and provides quality
learning content and services for learners’ support. The outcome
provides sound quality assurance blue print for quality ODL
provisioning of ICT-based learner support and security of ICT
infrastructures.