1 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY CAPACITY IN ENHANCING LEARNING: ISSUES OF INTERACTIVITY IN THE MALAYSIAN CONTEXT OF DISTANCE EDUCATION

Information Communication Technology (ICT) has flourished in almost all sectors. In education, ICT is used to maximize educational potential, and it is now widely use as a teaching and learning tool. In distance learning for example, ICT has expanded the potential for interaction between DLs with instructors, tutors, fellow learners and has aid the learning process. One of the factor affecting distance learners ’ (DLs) satisfaction in distance education (DE) is the amount of interaction that occurs between instructors, course content and distance learners (the interactive learning triangle of DE). Nevertheless, the literature seems to suggest that there is still a lack of understanding particularly on the role of interactivity in distance learning. This research was an attempt to seek an in-depth understanding of ICT in promoting interactivity within distance learning. In particular, this paper looks at the issue of building and sustaining interactivity with the support of ICT in distance learning. This study employs a qualitative approach as its research instrument.12 research informants were approached and interviewed. Two themes surfaced as being significant issues in promoting interactivity: student’s needs and student’s support. Since training is perceived to be beneficial, the opportunities and diversity of training on ICT usage must be given a priority. To conclude, adequate provision of ICT facilities and training combined with DLs ’ positive acceptance to ICT may help DE institutions achieve its DE objectives, and produce an information rich and computer literate learners