Access and Utilization of ICTs: the case of distance education in Ethiopia

Ato Yared Getachew, Lecturer
Ethiopian Civil Service College

Abstract

Distance education is used in many parts of the world as a viable alternative to the conventional education system. However, several studies have affirmed that the promised outcomes of distance education systems primarily depend on the capacity and effectiveness of these systems in applying ICTs.

The repeated research reports from many developing countries which indicate the 'inappropriate use' and 'under-utilization' of' those ICTs purchased with large sums of money from meager economies, suggest a compelling need to find research-based solutions to this problem.

This paper, therefore, reviewing the existing experience in the country, puts forward recommendations for better access and use of ICT's for distance learning in Ethiopia . It focuses on the major problem of access and utilization of ICT's: as primary and supportive learning resources, for the two-way traffic between the distance teaching institution and its students; and for establishing networks among distance education systems within a country or across the globe.