Zimbabwe Open University Research Articles

Examining the mental health and well-being of tertiary students at Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) in Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe.

Examining the mental health and well-being of tertiary students at Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) in Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe.

Innovation for Social Transformation: E-Marking Challenges Faced by Students. A Case Study of Zimbabwe Open University

Innovation for Social Transformation: E-Marking Challenges Faced by Students. A Case Study of Zimbabwe Open University

IoT Based Automated and Remote Monitored Greenhouse Irrigation System for the Zimbabwe Open University Farm

IoT Based Automated and Remote Monitored Greenhouse Irrigation System for the Zimbabwe Open University Farm

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

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.

Prospects and Challenges of the WFH practices: A case of Zimbabwe Open University

The purpose of this paper was to come up with the prospects and challenges that came up because of the Work From Home (WFH) that was adopted by the institutions of higher and tertiary education in Zimbabwe. WFH practices came up because of the restrictions that were imposed because of COVID- 19 pandemic. The study was done upon the Zimbabwe Open University( ZOU) academic employees. The study made use of the mixed methods methodology. This methodology enabled the researcher to expose both the qualitative and the quantitative aspects of the WFH practice in terms of its use and impact upon service delivery. This study made use of the Explanatory Sequential Research Design. This research design required that quantitative data be collected and analysed followed by qualitative data collection and analysis. Thus, the researcher had to explain the quantitative data through the qualitative data. Purposive sampling was utilised to enable the selection of participants with required information. The target population were the employees and stakeholders at one of the universities in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Open university was purposively chosen since there were lecturers who were on the WFH contracts. As part of the target population were the 80 lecturers on the WFH programme and administration staff members. The questionnaires were distributed online using the ZOU groups staff emails. The quantitative data was collected using questionnaires. The participants included some qualitative data on the open-ended questions upon the questionnaires. The quantitative data was collected in tables and clustered column charts were obtained from the collected data. The qualitative data was synchronised with the quantitative data and comments were produced on the prospects and challenges of the WFH practices.The findings of the study: educators need funding for procurement of best network services & ICT infrastructure, lecturers lack data bundles, there is poor internet connectivity in Zimbabwe. Lecturers on WFH are happy with the new normal ( WFH). Lastly the WFH practices improve the service delivery of institutions of learning.

Exposure of Zimbabwe Open University Students to Online Counselling

The paper examined the exposition of online-counselling to ZOU students. The mixed research design was used with the sequential-exploratory strategy and an online-survey. Findings were that Student Advisors/Counsellors used both online and face-to-face modes. Online-counselling was considered useful although face-to-face counselling had the advantage of observing clients’ feelings. Participants had no adequate online-counselling equipment to use. Online-counselling was time-consuming and costly due to network problems. Lack of video/teleconferencing equipment prevented participants from conducting e-counselling effectively. Younger compared to older students preferred online-counselling. The study recommended increasing Wi-Fi access and deploying video/conference equipment to users. Clients needed to observe the body language of the counsellor to see if they were empathizing with the client.

The impact of brand positioning on customer attraction in state universities. A case of Zimbabwe Open University

The impact of brand positioning on customer attraction in state universities. A case of Zimbabwe Open University

Knowledge and skills for managing digital records at selected state universities in Zimbabwe

This study analyses the knowledge and skills for managing digital records at selected state universities in Zimbabwe. State universities are becoming centres of digital records creation facilitated by the advent of ICTs. However, records management personnel remain a marginal community with some noticeable knowledge and skills gaps in managing such records in their institutions. These gaps resulted in records management personnel being excluded from matters concerning digital technology as state universities in Zimbabwe drive towards innovation and industrialisation to achieve Education 5.0 and the government’s Vision 2030. Lack of knowledge and skills among records management personnel at state universities is worrisome, even though there are records and archives management training programmes in various institutions of higher learning in Zimbabwe. The primary purpose of this article is to explore the implication of lack of knowledge and skills, with an intention to bridge this gap among records and archives management personnel in state universities. Data were collected from the Zimbabwe Open University and Harare Institute of Technology. A mixed methods research design was used to ascertain the knowledge and skills for managing digital records at the selected state universities. The study found that state universities still employed records and archives personnel who were not trained, although institutions of higher learning, including polytechnics and universities, are offering records and archives training programmes and churned out hundreds of records and archives professionals each year. Therefore, the study recommends that state universities should change their recruitment policy and employ qualified records and archives management personnel to manage records in this digital era.

Reconstructing Higher Education in the Post-COVID-19 Period: A Lesson from Zimbabwe Open University

This study sought to determine potent policy tools which can be utilized as levers in reconstructing higher education landscapes that have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Three key participants were purposivelselected for the in-depth interviews of the study. The sample consisted of a former minister of Higher and Tertiary Education in Zimbabwe and two current Regional Directors of Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) from Harare and Bulawayo regions. The study utilized the qualitative case study research design and a literature review to collect data to address the research question. The concept of hard and soft policy instruments and the Intervention Taxonomy were utilized as conceptual guides in data collection and the interpretation of results. The study results reveal that serious resistance to curriculum change and innovation in higher education can be overcome through the effective use of policy instruments. Policy tools can be utilized effectively and efficaciously to scale implementation barriers such as entrenched elitist cultures and practices, which are characteristic of higher education landscapes. More precisely, the study discovered that prudent and innovative application of a mix of hard and soft policy tools or instruments could effect sustainable and durable change. In view of this, the study recommends the use of policy tools as key levers in transforming and reconstructing higher education curricula and systems worldwide.

ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STUDENT RETENTION STRATEGIES AT ZIMBABWE OPEN UNIVERSITY

The study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the student retention strategies at the Zimbabwe Open University. It utilised the qualitative approach to collect and analyse data. The data was collected through interviews. The study sample comprised sixteen participants, eight staff members and eight students. These were selected through purposive sampling since the study was qualitative. The findings show that ZOU had very lucrative strategies to manage student retention. Among them were management and leadership styles, peer teaching, mentoring and collaboration, orientation, and student-centred active learning. It also noted that ZOU had challenges in student retention which included resources, social influences, soft skills and teaching methods. The study concluded challenges faced by students were basically situational not institute based. Teaching methods like peer tutoring and collaboration were important as they created a conducive environment for learning. The study recommended that ZOU continuously trains its front desk employees and equip them with correct information. It was also recommended that the students be made aware of the learning styles in an ODL setup before taking up the studies.

The uptake and impact of social media sites (SMS) on open and distance teaching and learning in Zimbabwe: A case study of the Midlands regional campus of Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU)

The uptake and impact of social media sites (SMS) on open and distance teaching and learning in Zimbabwe: A case study of the Midlands regional campus of Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU)

Creation and storage of records in the cloud by Zimbabwe Open University

This study investigated the challenges and prospects of creating and storing records in the cloud by Zimbabwe Open University in Zimbabwe. Like other universities in Zimbabwe, the university adopted Education 5.0 advocated by the government in 2019. Consequently, the university came up with innovation hubs and industrial parks that became centres for records creation. Keeping all records in the computer without appropriate backups and servers has consequences such as losing vital records. Organisations around the world use cloud computing increasingly to address records storage and disposal. Adoption of cloud computing services carries with it cost implications, and legal and ownership challenges as the virtualised environments are hosted and managed by third parties. The objective of this study was to examine the management, operational, legal and technical issues surrounding the storage of records in the cloud, and the implications for their trustworthiness and authenticity. The study adopted a qualitative research design and drew data from interviews with key participants. Qualitative data were organised into broad themes and the content reported in narrative form. The study found that Zimbabwe Open University is not using cloud computing services effectively and is in the trial phase of cloud computing. It further found that there was a lack of collaboration between the information and communication technology and the records management units as the university decided to move to the cloud on a full-scale basis. The study recommends that the university should first address the management, operational, legal and technical issues surrounding the storage of records in the cloud before implementing the complete use of the cloud. The study deepens the understanding of cloud computing in the management of records at the university, and other state universities in Zimbabwe can use this study to deal with the management of records in the cloud.

Creation and storage of records in the cloud by Zimbabwe Open University

This study investigated the challenges and prospects of creating and storing records in the cloud by Zimbabwe Open University in Zimbabwe. Like other universities in Zimbabwe, the university adopted Education 5.0 advocated by the government in 2019. Consequently, the university came up with innovation hubs and industrial parks that became centres for records creation. Keeping all records in the computer without appropriate backups and servers has consequences such as losing vital records. Organisations around the world use cloud computing increasingly to address records storage and disposal. Adoption of cloud computing services carries with it cost implications, and legal and ownership challenges as the virtualised environments are hosted and managed by third parties. The objective of this study was to examine the management, operational, legal and technical issues surrounding the storage of records in the cloud, and the implications for their trustworthiness and authenticity. The study adopted a qualitative research design and drew data from interviews with key participants. Qualitative data were organised into broad themes and the content reported in narrative form. The study found that Zimbabwe Open University is not using cloud computing services effectively and is in the trial phase of cloud computing. It further found that there was a lack of collaboration between the information and communication technology and the records management units as the university decided to move to the cloud on a full-scale basis. The study recommends that the university should first address the management, operational, legal and technical issues surrounding the storage of records in the cloud before implementing the complete use of the cloud. The study deepens the understanding of cloud computing in the management of records at the university, and other state universities in Zimbabwe can use this study to deal with the management of records in the cloud.

Challenges to the Effective Teaching and Learning of Geography through ODeL at the Zimbabwe Open University

ODeL offers a lot of opportunities and unique challenges for adult learners. In this paper, the authors sought to examine the main problems that influence the effective teaching and learning of geography and environmental studies in Zimbabwe through ODeL as perceived by the students at the ZOU's Harare/Chitungwiza Regional Campus. This single case study employed vital informant semi-structured interviews, documentary analysis and observations to solicit information from ten students and four tutors in the Geography and Environmental Studies Department (DGES) over three months. Thematic analysis and review of qualitative gained insight into the challenges that are faced by ODeL students in the DGES. The study found out that students in the department face personal and socio-economic challenges as well as related institutional challenges. The study recommends that the ZOU DGES should offer more academic support and improve its communication to the students so that they are aware of all university-related developments that impact on their studies.
 Keywords: challenges, teaching, learning, ODL, ODeL

Assessing the Effectiveness of Student Retention Strategies at Zimbabwe Open University

Assessing the Effectiveness of Student Retention Strategies at Zimbabwe Open University

Digitisation of records and archives at two selected state universities in Zimbabwe

This study focused on the digitisation of records and archives at two selected state universities in Zimbabwe, namely Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) and Harare Institute of Technology (HIT). The specific objective was to evaluate the legal and statutory frameworks for managing the digitisation of records and archives at the state universities. The legislative and statutory imperatives in Zimbabwe, the exponential growth in digitised records and archiving in the state universities and the lack of capacity of records personnel with regard to the management of digital records and archives, motivated this study. The records of the state universities are stored on network servers that the university can access. However, individual users are often able to copy or move them to individual desktops and portable devices that are beyond the university’s control. The study adopted a mixed methods convergent parallel research design and collected data through questionnaires and interviews. The data collection instruments provided both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using the SPSS analytical software package, while qualitative data were organised into broad themes and the content reported in narrative form. The findings were that both respondents and participants understand the records management functions in their universities and both state universities are busy creating policies and procedures for the digitisation of records and archives in their business transactions. The findings further indicated that the two state universities were digitising their records and archives using untrained personnel. Legislation, policies, and standards and procedures were not enforced. This exposed the materials to major threats and risks in terms of their integrity, security and authenticity. The study recommended that there the legal and statutory frameworks must be formulated, implemented and enforced to cater for the digitisation of records and archives at state universities in Zimbabwe.

Problematising Mentoring in Open Distance Learning Teacher Education: An Action Research

Open distance learning has helped produce quality teachers and has functioned as an alternative to qualifying underqualified and unqualified educators. This article problematises the effectiveness of mentoring and its strategies in the context of open distance learning using the case study of the Postgraduate Diploma in Education offered by the Zimbabwe Open University. The action research method was used to attain data and evaluate the effectiveness of mentoring strategies on professional development. The study reveals the importance of co-learning in mentoring processes. The findings also show a lack of dialogue between teacher-training universities and the practicing schools. It finally recommends that education policymakers review key areas such as mentor selection processes and mentor in-service training.

The Health Risk Behaviors Experienced by traditional University Students during the Implementation of Restrictive Measures of COVID-19 in Zimbabwe

Globally, academic zeal had been put on hold by the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. The coronavirus lockdown which lead to the closure of all learning institutions in Zimbabwe has caused traditional university students to indulge in health risk behaviours. The research findings revealed that some of the health risk behaviour have short term or long term effects. The lockdown led university students to sexual abuse, alcohol abuse, reluctant at home, social media addiction, drug abuse, excessive sleeping and eating habits. These health risk behaviour causes physical and psychological effects to traditional university students. This study is conducted with an aim of exploring the health risk behaviours experienced by traditional university students during the implementation of COVID-19 restrictive measures in Matabeleland Province. The phenomenological research design was used to study individuals in their natural setting and the population in the study was traditional students from National University of Science (NUST) and Technology, Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) and Lupane State University of Matabeleland region. The convenience and purposive sampling was used to select the participants and data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. Data was collected through an open ended interview question on social media platforms. The COVID-19 lockdown have caused more harm to traditional university students as they were cornered to behave in unexpected behaviours which threatens their future.

Open and Distance Learning in Rural Communities of Zimbabwe: Exploring Challenges Faced by Zimbabwe Open University Students in Kadoma District, Zimbabwe

This study sought to explore challenges faced by Open and Distance Learning (ODL) students in rural communities using Kadoma District as a case study. The specific objectives of this study were to (i) identify challenges faced by ODL students in rural communities in achieving their educational goals and (ii) establish effects of these challenges in accomplishing/finalizing their programmes. The research employed a mixed research approach to triangulate the results. The study used a case study research design to solicit information. The target population was undergraduate students who were currently pursuing the following programmes; Commerce, Education, Applied Sciences, and Agriculture. A sample of 30 postgraduate students and five key informants were used to collect data. The sampling techniques employed were convenience and purposive samplings respectively. Findings revealed that students in rural communities are facing some challenges during their academic career. These challenges include inadequate access to tutor support and physical resources, inflexible practices and access to ICT, poor or no electricity to operate ICT appliances, financial, cultural, community and employment responsibilities. These challenges have some effects which include but not limited to late submission of assignments, poor quality results and university dropouts. Basing on these conclusions, the study recommends the university to recruit more tutors who should be available for students at district offices. The university should ensure technological development at the district centers, and within the student’s locations. The study also recommends the university to provide students in the rural communities with study skills, time management skills, as well as guidance and counseling required to manage their studies. The study finally recommends further studies on strategies to encounter challenges faced by ODL students in rural communities.

The quality of orientation in ODL

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the consistency with which quality is maintained in the orientation process. Orientation is a key university process intended to prepare new students for life in higher education (HE). For open and distance learning (ODL), orientation can be a key process for lessening some of the challenges associated with the separation of the learner and the lecturer. Indeed, for ODL students, orientation can be fraught with a variety of challenges one of which could be quality problems.Design/methodology/approachConvenient sampling was used to obtain a total of 89 students in the first semester and 34 students in the second semester. The respondents came from all the eight districts in the Midlands province of Zimbabwe. They belonged to various degree programmes found in the eight faculties of the institution. Correlation was used to determine quality variations. Using a mixed methods approach, the study sought the views of the students and the relationships between activities done in the two semesters of 2018. SPSS version 16.0 software was used to compute Spearman’s correlations whereas content analysis was used to analyze the open-ended responses to the questa-view. This mixed methods approach helped the researchers to analyze and compare the quality of the orientation sessions.FindingsResults yielded a positive and high significant correlation between first and second semester variables (r=0.916,p=0.000), a finding indicating that staff members in the Midlands Regional Campus of Zimbabwe Open University have not changed their ways of conducting orientation. On a scale of 1 (least effective) to 5 (most effective), the average ratings for the presentations in the first and second semesters were 4.08 and 4.26, respectively. In the qualitative analysis, adequacy of the venue, timing, coverage of aspects and use of media were all rated positively for the two sessions. However, for the two sessions, some students mentioned negative sentiments to do with the provision of needed materials at time of student registration, the public address system, orientation packages, time management and communication.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper looks at the process of orientation as it was done at one regional campus of an ODL institution in Zimbabwe. It also analyses the quality of the orientation using correlation as a lens that measures consistency and also by critically analyzing content in the respondents’ voices. Implications are that the findings and recommendations can also be applied in other ODL (and even non-ODL) institutions with a view of finally coming up with common policies and procedures with regards to providing quality service and support to the twenty-first century student.Practical implicationsFindings were relevant and could be used for designing applicable orientation programmes in ODL institutions and for improving the quality of student support and services.Originality/valueWhile a number of studies have been carried out on orientation in HE, it would appear that research on orientation in ODL institutions, especially in Zimbabwe, appears minimal, hence this study covers an unexplored niche.