ADOPTION AND USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MULTIMEDIA TECHNOLOGIES AMONG DISTANCE LEARNERS: A STUDY OF IGNOU DELHI REGION

The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), multimedia technologies, and digital learning platforms has transformed the landscape of distance education. Distance learners increasingly use digital resources such as online learning platforms, educational videos, digital libraries, mobile applications, video conferencing, podcasts, interactive multimedia resources, and AI-based tools to support their academic activities. However, the extent to which distance learners adopt and effectively use these technologies depends upon several factors, including perceived usefulness, ease of use, digital literacy, accessibility, technological infrastructure, awareness, cost, privacy concerns, and academic requirements. The present study investigates the adoption and use of AI and multimedia technologies among distance learners of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in the Delhi Region. The study focuses on learners' level of awareness, frequency and purpose of technology use, perceived usefulness, ease of use, digital competence, barriers to adoption, and the perceived influence of these technologies on learning. It also examines the relationship between selected demographic/academic characteristics and technology adoption. A descriptive survey research design was employed.