Proceedings of the 13th Open and Distance Learning Seminar (ODLS)

Abstract

Open and Distance Learning rather than conventional learning, commands a higher potential in creating a knowledgeable society and related socio–economic transformation benefits. ODL offers many benefits and presents significant challenges that can hinder the learning experience. Using desk review methods, this paper identified major challenges in ODL, assessed the importance of ODL, and approached to designing effective instructional materials. Evidence from international experiences reveals that most of educational institutions adopt multiple and comprehensive materials targeting at diverse students’ backgrounds such as location, access to internet and library, students’ awareness to technologies, age of the students, and employment backgrounds. The review also identified various factors affecting ODL in different contexts. These factors are access to technology, students’ self-motivation, social isolation and limited interaction, inadequate support systems, cultural and linguistic barriers. The potential of these and other ODL factors in various countries in general and in Ethiopia in particular affected the provision of quality education due to underdeveloped infrastructure and resource limitations.