Factors Influencing Delivery of Open and Distance Learning Programmes in Public Universities in Kenya: the Case of the University of Nairobi

Abstract

Open as well as distance learning relieves the government of the responsibility of constructing or investing in physical facilities that are entirely new and provides opportunities that enable continuous learning. However, despite the open and distance education being formed in Nairobi University, its adoption among learners has been slow. The research aimed at finding out factors that were affecting delivery of open and distance education programmes at Nairobi University. Study objective were to determine how infrastructure related factors, instructor characteristics, learning environment and service support affected delivery of open and distance education programmes at Nairobi University. Target population was all the 36 teaching and non-teaching staff as well as 52 Masters of Distance Education (MDE) students. The study sample size was 62 respondents (32 teaching staff, 4 non-teaching staff and 26 MDE students). Secondary and primary data was. Data from secondary sources was generated from university records and annual reports. Semi-structured questionnaires generated primary data. Before collection of data, a pilot study was done for testing how reliable and valid the research instrument was. Qualitative and quantitative data was generated by the questionnaires. Analysis of qualitative data done by the use of thematic content analysis and a prose form presentation was done. Analysis of Quantitative data was by use of inferential and descriptive statistics. Tables and graphs were used for data presentation. Correlation analysis was useful in the determination of the association between the study variables. The results indicated that infrastructure related factors have a positive and significant impact on delivery of ODL programs. Further, instructor‟s characteristics had a positive and significant effect on delivery of ODL programs. Further, learning environment had a positive and significant impact on delivery of ODL programs. Also, service support had a positive and significant impact on delivery of open and distance learning programs. The study concludes that infrastructure related factors had the most significant influence on ODL programs delivery, followed by instructor characteristics, learning environment and service support. The study recommends that the University of Nairobi should ensure that there are enough computers in the University for Use by the teaching staff, students and non-teaching staff. More so, the University of Nairobi ought to develop more platforms to enhance service support to the students through tutor assistance and communication between tutors and students.