The Dynamics and Challenges of Distance Education at Private Higher Institutions in South Ethiopia

Abstract

Evidently, the implementation of a DL system does not ensure a high-quality education. The purpose of this study is to explore the dynamics and challenges of distance education at Private Higher Institutions in South Ethiopia. In a given study, a representative sample of tutors and academic program leaders selected through simple random and stratified sampling techniques. Questionnaires and interview were instrumental for data collection. The finding revealed that, the number of learners in a class during tutorial programs is not to the standard, the tutors’ are responsible for one to two courses at a time and the remainder for more than two courses, assignments were too difficult for the ability of the students on the courses some learners do not receive modules before tutorial sessions and, consequently, some were forced to share modules, modules were not given long enough in advance of the actual tutorial sessions less commitment of stakeholders to realize the DL program. It is recommended that, Intensification distance education units at the institution and ensuring that students have a suitable educational background when they join to the specific program would make distance education efficient. In addition to this, it is good to try to make the system more flexible and use different information and communication technologies to support distance education.