EXPLORING THE DUAL MODE OF TEACHING AT THE OPEN UNIVERSITY OF TANZANIA

Abstract

With the increasing demand in both lifelong learning and advanced initial training, dual mode has become a necessity. Many individuals are in need of higher degree qualifications, developing new job skills, and developing competence in their current jobs for better survival. In this view many need education of some form. Based on the demand of higher education the government of Tanzania introduced the Open University of Tanzania (OUT). which is a distance learning institution. However, the OUT after considering the demand from the market found itself providing dual mode of teaching. This paper aims at exploring the dual mode of teaching as practiced at OUT in order to highlight on aspects related to the dual mode such as its management, demand, competition, scalability, sustainability, perception of the end users of the product and the way forward. Data were collected from students and lecturers of the Open University of Tanzania. Findings indicate that skills development, change of job, increasing professionalism, flexibility and increased interactions between lecturers and students enhance dual mode of delivery. It is recommended that OUT has to hasten admission process for students enrolling in executive programmes, intensive face-to-face, online learning, evening programmes and increasing access to skills development amongst persons with and without disabilities.