Prospects and Challenges of Learners On-line Discussion Forum Interaction in an ODL (Open Distance Learning) Institution

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to monitor the nature of on-line interaction between the learners and educators. Data was collected by qualitatively and descriptively. A non probability purposeful sampling technique was chosen. The required data was extracted from the discussion forum interaction. The sample was second and third year health services management learners of an ODL (Open Distance Learning) University in South Africa. Data was collected weekly during the first semester from March to June 2012. The nature/type and trend of interaction were shown. Out of 1,379 learners only 53 participated in the discussion forum. Themes which emerged were assignments, study material, video conference study groups, registration and examination. Challenges revealed were originally academic, technical and administrative. Challenges of delay in getting study material, delay/no response from the lecturers, assignment answers incorrect and no connection from venues of video conference was noted. Recommendation was awareness of collaborative effort to support learner led by top management of researched ODL institution to address the challenges which learners were facing. Learners to be motivated by the educators are actively participate in the discussion forum. Further research is to be done on educators' prospects and challenges of on-line discussion forum interaction in ODL institutions.

Perspective of Learners’ in Open Distance Learning Mode: Problems and Prospectives

“…4 shows that maximum percentage of students responded to strongly agree with frequency percentage of 50% about their technology skills regarding the construct of use of technology. Table 4 shows that maximum frequency percentage of 57.1% students responded to Maboe, Makoe, & Nkosi, (2013). The study contrasted with the findings of Rajadurai, Alias, Jaaffar, & Hanafi, (2018) that may be due to sociocultural differences or may have many other factors.…”

“…Khatoon, (2010) indicated that AIOU is the Asia's first open and distance university with an aim of making education accessible to the masses which could not bear the expenses to enroll in regular universities and also those who has no permission to get enroll in universities like women. However, ODL in recent times is not free from challenges in terms of assignments, social interaction, study material, and examinations (Maboe, Makoe, & Nkosi, 2013).…”