The Access and use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Distance Education by Zimbabwe Open University’s Virtual Region Graduates.

Abstract

This study investigated ‘The Access and Use of Information and Communication Technology for Distance Education by Zimbabwe Open University’s Virtual Region graduates.' This study was informed by the pragmatist philosophy and used the sequential exploratory approach. From a population of 50 virtual region graduates in 2022, 16 were sampled for this study. Findings were that using ICT for ZOU’s online-communication was uncomplicated. Half the graduates used their laptops for e-learning while the other half used other means. Most students indicated that lack of robust ICT-infrastructure led to students’ inability to access learning materials. 50% of the students indicated that ZOU’s responses online was slow. All graduates indicated that ZOU online tutorials were unavailable. Most graduates’ lives/careers/businesses improved after the attainment of ZOU’s virtual-qualification. All graduates were willing to recommend studies with ZOU’s Virtual region. They rated ZOU as most-convenient. Challenges graduates faced included unavailable online-tutorials, computer-illiteracy, inadequate tools, unwillingness to change, lack of expertise, software problems, internet-connectivity, lack of robust ICT-infrastructure and administration challenges. Recommendations were that Government should supply free e-learning resources and training, time-management and attitude-change training programmes to enable prospects to use and access ICT easier. Band with had to be increased, e-tutorials to be functional and communication improved by ZOU’s administration to allow full utilisation of ICT for learning purposes by students. Graduates needed hands-on skills to overcome e-learning challenges.