Palestinian Journal for Open Learning & e-Learning
Abstract
The future of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in developing countrieswill benefit from a critical analysis of its operational environment due to thebelief that it might contribute substantially to poverty reduction if its potentialsare recognised. It is however, observed that the demand of ODL is increasingdue to the associated potentials for new innovations and use of Informationand Communication Technologies (ICT) that results to the increased demandof knowledge to both literate and illiterate.The paper presents the solicited views of 31 students and 9 staff fromthe higher education sector in developing countries with Tanzania as arepresentative country. In Tanzania, the Open University of Tanzania (OUT)is the only accredited higher distance education institution that awardsvarious qualifications including degrees up to PhD.Data was collected using open- ended questions in the questionnaire aswell as interviews. The findings indicate that there are mixed feelings aboutthe roles and potentials of ODL though almost all agree that absence of ICTinfrastructure and services might become a hindering factor. Regardless ofthe challenges on the use of ICT in ODL, yet there is unanimous agreement oncontribution of ODL in accelerating access to higher education
Recommended Citation
shaer, Ibrahim
(2015)
"Open and Distance Learning: The Past, the Present & the Future,"
Palestinian Journal for Open Learning & e-Learning: Vol. 5
:
No.
9
, Article 6.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.aaru.edu.jo/jropenres/vol5/iss9/6