CHALLENGES OF DISTANCE LEARNING IN UGANDAN UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

The research study focused on the challenges faced in running distance learning programs in Ugandan Universities. The study recognizes the development of distance learning in Uganda in general and the adoption of distance learning in the provision of education to a big section of people who would not get a chance to study. This study was carried out in five Universities including; Makerere, Islamic University in Uganda, Kyambogo, Kampala international university, and Kampala University. A descriptive survey design was adopted in this study. The primary data was collected through the use of questionnaires and interview tools. The secondary data was obtained from reference books, journals and internet materials. Data were collected through 332 questionnaires for students, 109 for lecturers and administrators, 20 interview schedules for NCHE staff. Content validity of the instruments was done before instruments were pre-tested and reliability calculated using the split-half technique for internal consistency. The data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively using statistical package for social sciences(SPSS). The study established that institutions offering DL in Uganda are governed by their institutional policies and that DL delivery in Uganda is faced with various challenges that hinder its full implementation. The key challenges identified during the study were; prohibitive registration requirements, lack of capacity by students to own personal computers, lack of access to the internet and being expensive, lack of access to computer labs, lack of national policy for distance learning. It is hoped that the findings of this study and the recommendations suggested would aid the government and Universities in Uganda to achieve their goal of providing improved DL. It would aid in the policy establishment to cater to increased demand for university education, financing for DL programs, infrastructural development for DL and other student support services. Given these challenges, key recommendations were made, which include: a national policy for distance in Uganda be put in place, human resource development, quality assurance and social acceptance of the DL products. Mobilization of resources by government to establish infrastructures for ICT, provision of affordable and accessible internet, the registration requirements be relaxed, training of staff be strengthened in DL, and study materials be produced and provided on time. Above all, students are availed with an opportunity to access computer labs for the universities. The staff and students must be provided with an educational environment conducive to learning and teaching. This calls for the provision of adequate resources. ICT infrastructures, human resources, and other support systems should be provided.