Bridging the Gap Between Researchers, Policymakers and End Users through Open Distance Learning: Experience at The Open University of Tanzania
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61538/huria.v13i0.90Abstract
 This paper is premised on an unmistakable fact of the existence of a hiatus, a disjuncture between knowledge production and knowledge utilization. It argues that there is need for change of mindsets at both ends, and proposes a programme of action that involves all stakeholders into a partnership. The experiences gained through different research activities at The Open University of Tanzania are analysed bringing out their strengths and weaknesses in transmitting the knowledge generated to end users and proposes what needs to be done in order to move forward by widening research objectives which go beyond intellectual needs and desires. This enlarged scope should include a dissemination strategy which leads to utilization of knowledge so produced. The paper concludes with a proposal for a national dialogue which will lead to identification of priority areas in the national and regional economy that can be addressed through University research and dissemination plan in collaboration and with the support of government and the private sectorReferences
Baker, E.L. (1984). Can Educational research inform educational practice? Phi Delta kappa, 65, 453- 455.
Barry Willis (1993). Distance Education – Strategies and Tools. University of Idaho, Engineering Outreach: Englewood Cliffs.
Blasiotti, E. L. (1990). “Disseminating research information to multiple stakeholders:
Lessons from the experience of the national institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research†Knowledge Creation, Utilization 13(3) 305 – 309.
Bujra Abdallah (2009) “The Impact of Globalisation of Higher Education in Africa, Perspectives and Prospects.†www.bujra.com/documents
Burge, E. (1993). “Adult distance learning: Challenges for Contemporary Practice.†In
Thelma Barer-Stein et al.,
Discussion paper No.36. (1998) Prepared by the international Food Policy Institute Washington DC and International Service for National Agricultural Research, The Hague, Netherlands. Also available at www.spri.org/sites/deaut/ files/publications.
Gimbi, A., Kimambo, A. E. and L. N. Kanuya (2000). Reproductive Performance Mineral and Body conditions of small holder Diary Cattle Farming in Rungwe district. Ongoing research
Kamoun Favouk (2005) “ICT and Innovation: The role of African Universitiesâ€. Crystal
Multimedia Network Research Laboratory. University of Manouba: Tunis, Tunisia.
Keane, D. & B. R. Mackneson (1993). “The application of learning theory to the instruction of adults.†In Thelma Barer-Stein and James A. Draper (eds) The Craft of
Teaching Adults. University of Toronto, Ontario.
Lomas, J. (1993). Diffusion Dissermination and Implementation: Who should do What? Available at www.evidenceintoaction.org/index . Accessed 06 June, 2011
Mbwiliza J. (2010). “Towards an effective learning and Teaching platform at The Open University of Tanzania†Proceedings of a Workshop on Rolling Strategic Plan
Review, Bungo, Kibaha
Minga, U., Mhoma, J. and Varisanga M. D. (2009). Transforming Small holder Livestock Farms into Profitable Entreprises. Ongoing research in Dodoma and Singida regions.
Mbogo, E. (2009). Wachawi wa Bongo, a film in DVD format. OUT: Dar es Salaam.
Morgan, A. (1991). Research into student learning in distance education. University of South Australia: Underdale,
Nienke, M., Beintema Phillip et. al (1998) “A Review of the Role of African Universities in
Development. Washington
Nyerere, J. K. (1964). Address at the Official Opening of Dar es Salaam University College, in Freedom and Unit. Oxford University Press: Dar es Salaam
Sutz, Judith (2005) “The Role of Universities 0in Knowledge Productionâ€
www.scidev.net/en/ science and innovation. Accessed June 10 2011
UNESCO (2011) “The University of the Twentieth-first Century. UNESCO conference on the Role of Universities during the 21st Centuryâ€. Oman Jordan 2001.
