Information technology integration perception on ghanaian distance higher education: A comparative analysis

This study examined students' perception on the integration of Information Technology (IT) in Ghanaian distance Education, and provided a comparative analysis of the levels of integration among public universities in Ghana. The research was conducted at the distance learning centres of the 4 major public universities, namely: University of Ghana (UG), University of Cape Coast (UCC), University of Education, Winneba (UEW) and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Questionnaires were used to collect data from a sample of 297 students, using a cluster sampling technique and the data were analysed using One-Way ANOVA and chi-square statistics. The study showed that although computer literacy among distance learners was high, technology integration was low and varied among the institutions. Smart phones were the major internet access devices. The online learning tools for self-efficacy were vital to IT integration. Based on the gathered results, recommendations such as implementing a robust national IT infrastructure, among others, were provided for reflection by higher education institutions offering distance education in Ghana.