Student Support Services in Open and Distance Learning: The Case of the Open University of Tanzania
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61538/jipe.v4i1.236Abstract
 In the last two decades Open and Distance Learning (ODL) has witnessed a tremendous growth in Tanzania and worldwide. The Open University of Tanzania shows an increase in enrolment rates from 776 at its commencement in 1994 to over 40,000 in 2011. The same scenario is evident in India and China. The growth has been possible due to an increase in demand in higher education and inability of conventional universities to absorb big numbers of students that qualify for higher education. To maintain quality of education in ODL institutions student support services are crucial. By using questionnaires and interviews the study analyses the student support services available at The Open University of Tanzania: their prospects and challenges. The identified student support services at OUT include print materials, face to face sessions, Portfolios, ICT related support including Student Academic Record Information System (SARIS), on-line examination registration, CD-ROM, cassette records and e-Learning. ÂReferences
Dhanarajan, G. (1997). Face-to- face in distance education. Indian Journal of Open Learning, 6 (1-2), 1-10.
Hancock, G. F. (1997). Student support. Paper presented at Malawi distance education review held in September. Lilongwe, Malawi.
Kuhanga, N. (1990). Report of the committee on the establishment of an Open University in Tanzania. Unpublished Report. Dar-es-Salaam.
Mays, T. (2000). Learner support: A South African programme perspective. Paper presented at the 2nd NADEOSA conference held in August at SACTE, Pretoria.
Molefi, F. (1998). Support services for distance education students at the Department of Non-Formal Education. A Paper presented at the distance education workshop for Setswana Part-time Writers held in July 1998 at Oasis Motel Gabarone, Botswana.
Rumble, G. (1992). The management of distance learning systems. Paris: UNESCO, IIEP.
Sewart, D. (1993). Student support system in open and distance education. Open Learning Journal, 8 (3), 3-12.
Simpson, O. (2002). Supporting students online: Open and distance learning (2nd ed). London: Kogan Page.
