Essential Learner Support Services for Effective Open, Distance and Electronic Learning Programmes in Kenyan Public Universities

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been widely used to enable people access quality education. As such Open Distance and Electronic Learning (ODEL) mode of learning has been embraced by various universities in Kenya. However, the success of such programme is dependent on learner support services offered to individual students. Thus, this study set out to identify learner support services that students and the administrators felt were essential to be offered in ODEL programmes. The study used descriptive survey design as it relied on attitudes, opinions and the state of learner support services at the universities under study. Purposive sampling was used to select three public universities and three study regions where each of the three universities had a study centre. The study population target was 2028 students and 32 administrators. A sample size of 329 fourth year students was identified using Morgan and Krejcie (1970) statistical table while all the administrators took part in the study. Stratified sampling technique was used to get a representation of students from each university while convenience sampling was used to select students at each study centre from each university. Interview schedules for the directors and questionnaires for coordinators and students were constructed to help in data collection. Questionnaires from students and coordinators were sorted and the directors’ interview schedules were transcribed and coded as per the objective using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and presented in a tables and charts to ease understanding of results. The study established that student’s and administrators were of the opinion that printed materials (modules), on line interaction, on line library, availability of e-learning materials and face to face interactions were essential learner support services. The study also noted that the administrators were aware of essential learner support services but were limited by other factors that were beyond their control. The study recommends that institutions offering ODEL programmes should strive to offer few but essential learner support services that are of high quality, adequate and satisfactory to the students.