The Need for Technology in Promoting Teacher Education in Nigeria through Open and Distance Learning

Abstract

This paper considers Open and Distance Learning (ODL) as the mode of education delivery where learners and teachers need not be in physical contact. ODL possesses a high range of flexible learning environments, enhancing access to tertiary education. The paper goes further to explore how ODL is made effective in Nigeria through the use of a variety of media and technologies in providing quality education for a large number of learners in the country. Nigeria is a highly populated black nation. This paper further portrays how ODL could be used to enhance teacher education through technologies. As a result, the government alone cannot provide the basic educational needs ofthe teeming population 1Vithin aformal classroom setting. Therefore, there is the recourse that with the help of technology, Open and Distance Learning becomes very essential. Distance education provides programmes for various levels. The paper discusses and concludes by sholVing how ODL promotes cost-effective pre-service and in-service teacher education in society, thus supporting school-based pre-service and continuing professional development programmes for teachers to upgrade unqualified teachers and enable qualified ones to acquire higher teaching qualifications, especially those in remote areas. This paper also sees the role technologies play in enhancing teacher education, therefore recommends that ODL or ODE institutions should pay more attention to the use of technologies in their mode of delivery than otherlVise.