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Vygotsky (1978) respectively opined that learning is viewed as the construction of meaning

rather than the memorization of facts. Learning approaches using contemporary Information

technology provide many opportunities for constructivist learning through their provision and

support for resource-based, student centered settings and by enabling learning to be related to

context and to practice (Berge, 1998; Barron, 1998). In view of the aforementioned as previously

indicated, any use of information technology in a learning environment can act to support

various aspects of knowledge construction and as more and more students employ it in their

learning processes, the more pronounced its impact both on learning outcome and the changes in

academic curricula.

Learning Environment: When and where Students are learning the Instructional Materials

The traditional academic delivery modality as it pertains to various educational

institutions, provides little or no choice for students to participate both in the methodological

approach and manner in which their course programs are delivered. Students in the classroom of

the traditional modality are forced to accept the instructional materials their teachers provide.

However, in recent times as a result of the advent of technology, course materials designed with

information and technology in mind provide many options which presents competitive edge for

the students. These choices extend from when and where students can choose to learn (Oliver,

2002). The choice as to where and when a student desires to learn resulted in the flexibility of the

delivery process of the academic programs. According to Moore & Kearsley (1999), the idea of

flexibility in the delivery of academic programs which is not a new idea gears towards an

orientation and mindset that makes student learning outcome more user friendlier.

Educational institutions have been offering programs at a distance for many years and

there has been a vast amount of research and development associated with establishing effective

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