The Impact of Tele-education on Learners in Open Distance Learning Environment in Botswana

Abstract

This paper critically evaluates the impact of tele-education system on learners in open distance learning (ODL) in Botswana. It aims to assess the impact of Tele-education as a new ODL mode on learners at a college of Open Distance Learning in Botswana (CODLB). Assessing the impact and success of such implementation is essential to determine the effectiveness of invested efforts in terms of learner satisfaction and individual performance. The study adopts the IS Success/Impact Measurement Framework assessment framework due to its successful application in numerous studies on ODL and its success in multiple dimensions of educational systems. For data collection, 295 students from the CODLB were surveyed. Combinations of qualitative and quantitative approaches were used in this study. Three key areas of assessment were based on: depth of learning and performance, student satisfaction in line with learning pace and grasping of concepts and student productivity as measured by overall pass rates. The research indicates that Tele-Education has improved the way students learn, interpret information and grasp new concepts with greater concentration - leading to better pass rates. Thus, Tele-education has a positive impact on the way students are learning.