Provision of Higher Education through the Open and Distance Learning Mode in Tanzania: Students’ Perceptions

Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is increasingly gaining popularity and is seen as a viable means to promote access to education. This paper stems from a study--originally conducted in 2014-- that examined the students’ perceptions towards the provision of higher education through ODL at the Open University of Tanzania (OUT). The issue was subsequently re-visited by examining the students’ perceptions toward the provision of support services, curriculum design and the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Findings demonstrate that support services, curriculum design and the use of ICT are generally perceived as satisfactory by students. However, still some challenges exist. These challenges potentially inhibit them from learning at a distance successfully. It is recommended that OUT should secure right technologies, such as employing video-conferencing and tele-tutoring, with the view to refraining from the use of costly outdated technologies. It should also review its support services system to allow flexible learning environment to students.