Available from UMI in association with The British Library.
This study investigates the effectiveness of distance learning courses at the University of Zambia. It assesses the relevance of courses to distance students' occupations, the efficiency of the delivery system and the effectiveness of the teaching and support systems. Lecturers' opinions on distance teaching were also elicited.
Questionnaires were used to collect data. In addition, relevant reports, records and statistics were used. Also, some study materials were physically analysed.
Distance education at the University of Zambia has, since 1967, played a small but significant role in increasing the output of manpower from the university and in widening access to university education to many adults, in accordance with its original objectives. However, the developments that have affected the programme since then and the issues raised by various individuals and authorities about its viability necessitated an evaluation of the distance learning system.
Distance education at the University of Zambia fits into the integrated model of distance education in which internal courses are offered to distance students by the same, regular teaching staff. This study showed that: (a) Courses were relevant to most students' occupations. (b) Lecturers found distance teaching an extra burden and not sufficiently rewarding. (c) The course production and distribution (delivery) system was not efficient enough for fair and effective implementation of the pacing system. (d) Study materials were of reasonably high quality in many respects. (e) Students benefited from the Residential School. (f) Counselling and library facilities were satisfactorily provided but other support facilities (e.g. bookshop and radio) were not.
The overall conclusion is that distance learning courses were reasonably effective. There are, however, areas of concern which should be given attention if distance education at the University of Zambia is to contribute to its full potential in the attempt to meet personal, manpower and other national needs.
