DISTANCE EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

ABSTRACT

The study examined the challenges and prospects of the UEW distance education programme. The design for the study was a descriptive survey whereby data were collected to answer the research questions. The sample for the study was 381 comprising 168 diploma students, 201 post-diploma students, 9 tutors/lecturers and 3 study centre coordinators. The stratified random sampling techniques were used in selecting the sample. Questionnaire was the main instrument used for the collection of data. The questionnaire was pilot-tested before the main data were collected. The Cronbach Alpha Reliability Co-efficient for the three research questions stood as .758, .681 and .788 respectively. The study identified inadequate feedback from tutors, inadequate modules, inadequate support system, delayed modules and inadequate motivation of tutors as the major challenges facing the University of Education (UEW) distance education programme. Despite these challenges, the UEW distance programme was described as good due to the quality of the programme and course structure. The face-toface tutorial was also found to be effective. The prospects of the UEW distance education programme according to the study include access to university education, opportunity for higher professional training, teacher efficiency and the potential to attract more teachers to enroll in future. Based on the findings the following recommendations were made: that feedback should be given to students. It was also recommended that adequate modules be provided to the students and on time. In addition it was recommended that adequate support should be provided to students to facilitate teaching and learning.