Njeri, George Macharia (2013) Open, Distance and E-Learning in Kenyan Universities: The Case of the Institute of Open, Distance and E-Learning at Kenyatta University. Masters thesis, University of London.
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Abstract
In spite of the expansion of universities from one in the 1960s to 22 in 2013, Kenya is heading towards a major catastrophe in the university sector where the demand for education has disproportionately outpaced the supply. This study focuses on the status, achievement and challenges of Open, Distance and e-learning as a reasonable alternative to the inflexible face to face method. The research aim was achieved by reviewing literature and by undertaking a practical research. The latter was carried out through a case study at the Institute of Open, Distance and elearning at Kenyatta University where ten students participated. In addition, ten lecturers from various universities and eight officials from the Ministry of Education were interviewed. The study collected both quantitative and qualitative data. The study noted the following key findings: Distance learning is not a new innovation in Kenya. However, its expansion and acceptability has taken a very long time to take off. Nonetheless, ODel is gradually gaining momentum due to its convenience and flexibility. However, while respondents were enthusiastic about ODel, the majority expressed their dissatisfaction with the current set up due to four main challenges: poor ICT infrastructure, lack of effective coordination of courses, institutional unpreparedness and low quality of courses. The challenges were exacerbated by the lack of a National body to oversee ODel program. This study concluded that irrespective of the Government investment, the rapidly increasing demand for higher education outweighs the physical and financial ability of the universities to absorb all the qualified students. Despite this deficiency, ODel as an alternative and cost effective method remains at infancy due to the following four factors: lack of universities preparedness, poor quality of courses, limited ICT infrastructure and lack of a National ODel Policy framework. This research recommends the enactment a National ODel Policy that will govern and coordinate ODeL. In addition, the study recommends the restructuring of the Ministry of Education and curtailing its dual responsibility of policy making and policy implementation. Furthermore, the study recommends that the Government should collaborate with the private sector to tackle the challenges of ICT infrastructure and electricity supply without which ODel can never attain its intended purpose.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Education and national development, The trend of university education since independence, ConceptualiZing Open, Distance and e-learning (ODell), A historical background of ODel in Kenya, The current state and barriers to effective implementation of ODel program, Ministry of Education Officials' perspectives, The trend of university education since independence, |
| Subjects: | L Education > LC Special aspects of education |
| Divisions: | Africana Comparative Jesuitica |
| Depositing User: | JHI Africa |
| Date Deposited: | 09 Apr 2014 13:24 |
| Last Modified: | 12 Mar 2018 14:09 |
| URI: | http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/57 |
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