3 rd International Conference on Research and Innovation in Information Systems – 2013 (ICRIIS’13) Information and Communication Technology (ICT): the Role and its Impact to Maritime University’s Online Distance Education Maria Cristina P. Arante Instructional Material Designer, Online Distance Learning Professor, JBLFMU - Graduate School John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Inc. Iloilo City, Philippines cristina.arante@jblfmu.edu.ph Abstract— Networked computers and the internet are among the ICTs initiatives of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Inc. Being one among the maritime university in Asia and the only maritime university in the Philippines, with its commitment on the “development of a culture of excellence in maritime education and training”, the University made advancement on the practical and operational use of Online Distance Learning (ODL) with the aid of ICTs. The University’s Online Distance Learning enhances the traditional residential/face-to-face teaching of an instructor to its students. This paper will describe how ICTs such as networked computers and the Internet have full potential to aid the development of JBLFMU’s Online Distance Learning; an educational innovation that makes interactive and collaborative learning possible university wide. Keywords-component; eLearning; ICT; LMS; maritime university; online distance learning I. INTRODUCTION In our modern world today, the use of computer is ubiquitous. Technological literacy is no longer an option but a necessity. And the demand of using available technologies to assist in day-to-day teaching-learning activities is profoundly significant to both instructors and students. ICT or ICTs stands for information and communication technology(ies) and defined as a diverse set of technological tools and resources used to communicate, to create, disseminate, store, and manage information. These technologies include computers, the internet, broadcasting technologies such as radio and television, and telephone. There has been an outpouring of interest in how computers and the Internet can best be hemmed in to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of education by any means at all levels. Older technologies such as the telephone, radio and television, although today has been given less attention, they have a longer history as instructional tools too. For instance, radio and television for almost more than three decades were used as medium for open and distance learning. And although print remains the cheapest, it is the most accessible and therefore widely used delivery tools. ICTs such as videos, interactive radio and multimedia computer software (which combined text, sound, and colorful moving images) are used to provide challenging and authentic content in the eLearning lessons. It requires students to engage in the learning process and became more involved in the lessons being delivered. Moreover, ICTs like networked computers with Internet connectivity increases learners motivation as it merges the richness of media and interactivity to other ICTs. It also provides opportunity to students in connecting with real people and to take part in real world events. The John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University s committed to the development of a culture of excellence in maritime educational institutions, shipping and maritime– related industries. In response to the challenge of producing globally competitive seafarers, managers and leaders in maritime institutions and to answer the needs of an ever-dynamic maritime environment, in addition to the existing maritime courses of Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering, a graduate programs have been developed and have obtained Philippine government recognition. These graduate courses are offered on Distance Education/Open Learning Mode of delivery:  Master in Maritime Education (MME) o Majors in:  Teaching Competency  Administration and Supervision  Master in Maritime Management (MMM)  Master in Ship Management (MSM)  Diploma Course in Engine  Diploma Course in Deck Units earned for completing the diploma program can be credited towards a master’s degree. II. OBJECTIVES OF THE DISTANCE EDUCATION The JBLFMU Distance Education seeks to provide wider access to quality maritime education. As a constituent unit of the JBLF System, it adheres to the highest standards of academic excellence, guarantees academic freedom, and encourages social responsibility and nationalistic commitment among its faculty, staff and students. Specifically, the JBLFMU Distance Education seeks to: 1. Provide opportunities for alternative access to quality education in maritime institutions by offering graduate programs in Maritime Education, Maritime Management and Ship Management by distance education;