Open and Distance Learning: The Past, the Present & the Future

Abstract

The future of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in developing countries

will benefit from a critical analysis of its operational environment due to the

belief that it might contribute substantially to poverty reduction if its potentials

are recognised. It is however, observed that the demand of ODL is increasing

due to the associated potentials for new innovations and use of Information

and Communication Technologies (ICT) that results to the increased demand

of knowledge to both literate and illiterate.

The paper presents the solicited views of 31 students and 9 staff from

the higher education sector in developing countries with Tanzania as a

representative country. In Tanzania, the Open University of Tanzania (OUT)

is the only accredited higher distance education institution that awards

various qualifications including degrees up to PhD.

Data was collected using open- ended questions in the questionnaire as

well as interviews. The findings indicate that there are mixed feelings about

the roles and potentials of ODL though almost all agree that absence of ICT

infrastructure and services might become a hindering factor. Regardless of

the challenges on the use of ICT in ODL, yet there is unanimous agreement on

contribution of ODL in accelerating access to higher education