Perceived Effectiveness of Extranets in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Institutions: Students’ and Lectures’ Perspectives

Abstract

This survey examines the perceived effectiveness of an extranet within an open distance learning institution from the students’ and lecturers’ perspectives. It is underpinned by the uses and gratifications theory and followed a mixed-methods approach in which quantitative and qualitative methodologies were adopted. Purposive sampling technique was employed to sample the academics while the sample size of 400 students was reached using the randomizer available on the internet. Participants were 2 academics and 350 students who were registered in 2013 for their second and third year level. The response rate was 88%. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the students while the in-depth interviews were held with the academics. While quantitative data was analysed using statistical Package of Social Science Research (SPSS) version 18, qualitative data was analysed using thematic categorization. The findings showed that while extranet presents numerous challenges when used as a technological learning and teaching pedagogy, it is viewed as an effective communication tool in ODL institutions.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p1293