Integrating Information and Communications Technology into Counselling for Effective Learning Outcomes in Open and Distance Education in Nigeria

Abstract

Open and distance education attracts many students from varying geographical locations. Some of such students are far away from the study centers of their institutions where they can easily run to student counselors for assistance, especially in solving socio-, psychological and academic problems. Such students can easily be reached through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). This paper discusses the need to integrate ICT into counseling in open and distance education in Nigeria for effective learning outcomes. Current counseling practices in distance education are discussed along with the processes of integrating ICT into counseling. This proposal for integration may face a lot of challenges such as epileptic power supply, poverty, poor attitude, inadequate computer literacy, and poor policy implementation in open and distance education. It is suggested that the government should ensure an adequate supply of electricity on a regular basis, and initiate poverty alleviation programs through several economic empowerments. There should also be a change of mindsets among people about the credibility of distance learning. Similarly, there should be mass training of people to acquire computer literacy. The government should also endeavor to embark on the sincere implementation of policies on ICT and open and distance education in order to achieve full integration of ICT into counseling for effective learning outcomes and retention of students in ODL institutions.