Assessing the challenges facing student pursuing distance education at University of Education, Winneba

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the challenges facing students pursuing distance education at the University of Education, Winneba. The study focused on the satisfaction level of Distance Education to student, affordability of the programme, student support services and feedback systems, and the problem student encounter on the distance problem. The study was conducted at three study centres; namely Ho, Hohoe and Dambai. The population of the study comprised students, coordinators and administrators in the study areas. A combination of sampling techniques was used, Simple random sampling and stratified sampling was utilized to select a sample of 150 respondents. Mixed methods were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data from student, coordinators and administrators using questionnaires and interview respectively. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (Mean and Standard Deviation) and thematic approach was used to draw pattern in the interview data. The study found out that inadequate feedback from course tutors, inadequate modules, inadequate support system, delayed modules and inadequate motivation of tutors were the major challenges facing the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) distance education programs. The findings further revealed that a huge gap existed between the level of importance the students placed on the various support systems and the rate at which they were able to access the support systems. The study also found that most of the non-motivation of the students about studying distance education was because of lack of support services, poor face-to-face communication, unsatisfactory counselling services, non-availability of course materials and internet facilities as identifies during the study. Therefore, the study recommended that, adequate support system services should be provided for students to ensure effective teaching and learning so as to boost students’ morale and improve upon the quality of education on the distance programme.