Factors Influencing High School Students` Preference of either Open and Distance Learning or the Conventional Mode

Abstract

This study was a survey carried out to establish the factors that influence the decision of high school students to choose between conventional or open and distance learning. The study targeted schools in Marondera urban in which advanced and ordinary level students in their final years responded to questionnaires. The study aimed at tapping the respondents' opinions on how they perceived conventional education visa viz open and distance learning. The questionnaire was administered to 5 out of 12 secondary schools randomly selected in Marondera Urban. All the targeted 100 pupils successfully returned their questionnaires and the collected data were collated and analysed. Results from the study indicate that most high school students are aware of the existence of the modes of learning: the ODL and the conventional mode. The older high school students are more appreciative of the ODL mode than the younger learners. The majority of these high school students shun ODL in favour of the conventional mode of education. Due to lack of more face to face interaction which facilitates more contact time as well as socialisation with peers, the bulk of high school learners would rather opt for the conventional system of education. High school students are computer literate making them potential targets for enrollment in ODL institutions which make extensive use of ICTs. There are poor perceptions of ODL among the learners due to misconceptions about the mode of education. The study therefore recommended that more and vigorous marketing should be undertaken to lure the older high school students who are more appreciative of the ODL mode than the younger learners. There was need for more face to face interaction which facilitates more contact time and socialisation with peers so that the bulk of high school learners would rather opt for the conventional system of education. Block release programmes should be introduced for the young learners to improve on contact time to enhance social interaction and also accord learners more learning time.