Challenges Facing Implementation of Distance Education in Kenya
Keywords:
Challenges, distance education, open learning, virtual university
Abstract
In the world we are living in today, teaching and learning in the class room setting is being complemented by virtual and distance modes. This has been precipitated by the ease of access to information through the use of the internet and web technology. The development of distance education in Kenya has evolved over a period with some institutions of higher learning having programmes in distance education mode. Each institution has done this on its own volition without any guidelines from the governing authority. However, the rate of literacy and access to higher education in Kenya remains a challenge. Efforts to use distance education successfully in Kenya are still hindered by numerous problems despite efforts that have been taken to solve them. There seems to be some inertia by institutions to change this mode of education. This paper reviews issues and challenges on provision of distance education in Kenya through use of secondary data from previously published works. An analysis of the major issues facing distance education in Kenya is made. It is noted that several challenges influence implementation of distance education in Kenya. Factors responsible for this situation are identified as limitations of network infrastructure, ineffective policy framework and social and financial among others. The use of information and communications technology for education in the form of distance education holds promise and this paper recommends that teacher education embrace lifelong learning and follow the UNESCO-NIR guide for upgrade and preparation for distance facilitation. It also recognizes that there is need for consideration of socio-economic factors and improvement of network connectivity to enhance in improved literacy rate and access to higher education through distance learning in Kenya.Article Views and Downloands Counter
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References
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Barasa, F. S. (2010). Promoting open and distance learning in Africa: A critical reflection on rhetoric, real and ideal. A paper presented at the conference of rectors, vice-chancellors and Presidents of African universities, May-June,2011, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Bower, B. L. & Hardy, K. P. (2004). From correspondence to cyberspace: Changes and challenges in distance education. Retrieved from www.qou.edu/arabic/ research Program/distanceLearning/chngesChallenges.pdf
California Distance Learning Project (CDLP). (2011). What is distance learning? Sacramento County office of education. Retrieved from http://www.cdlponline. org/index.cfm/ index.cfm?fuseaction=whatis&pg=2
Doug, V. (2002). Distance learning: Promises, problems, and possibilities. USA: University of Oklahoma. www.westga.edu/-distance/ojdla/fall53/valentine53. html
Edutechwiki. (2015). Distance education. Retrieved from www.edutechwiki.unige. ch/en/ Distance-education
Fetherston, T. (2001). Pedagogical challenges for the World Wide Web educational technology. AACE Journal.
Galusha, J. M. (1998). Barriers to learning in distance education. USA: University of Southern Mississippi.
Garner, J. K. & Bol, L. (2011). Challenges in supporting self-regulation in distance education environments, Springer Science and Business Media LLC, Norfolk: USA.
Holmberg, B. (1995). Theory and practice of distance education, 2nd Edition, Routledge: London.
Moodley, S. (2002). Pathways 6 conference 2002 inclusive education: Challenges for distance learning, policy and practice. Johannesburg, South Africa: Academic Development Centre, Technikon.
Republic of Kenya, (ROK). (1964). Kenya Education Commission, Nairobi: Government Printer.
Republic of Kenya, (ROK). (1976). Report of the National Committee on Educational Objectives and Policies (Gachathi Report). Nairobi: Government Printer.
Republic of Kenya, (ROK). (1981). Second university in Kenya, (Mackay Report). Nairobi: Government Printer.
Republic of Kenya, (ROK). (1988). Report of the presidential working party on education and manpower training for the next decade and beyond, (Kamunge Report). Nairobi: Government Printer.
Republic of Kenya, (ROK). (1999). Report of the inquiry into the education S\system of Kenya (TI QET), Koech Report, Nairobi: Government Printer.
Srinivasan, W. (2011). Distance learning education challenges. Retrieved from https://proteans.wordpress.com/2011/09/01/distance-learning-education-
challenges/
Thomas, M. (2001). The problems faced by students in distance learning, Demand Media. Available online at: http://www.classroom.synonym.com/problems- faced-students-distance-education-1303.html
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, [UNECA]. (2000). The challenge to Africa of globalisations and the information age. Proceedings of African development forum, 1999. Retrieved from http://www.uneca.org/ adf99/docs. htm
UNESCO. (2001). Revised Recommendation Concerning Technical and Vocational Education. UNESCO: Paris.
Published
2017-10-01
How to Cite
Garbutt, G., & Wanami, S. (2017). Challenges Facing Implementation of Distance Education in Kenya. Africa Journal of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, 2(1), 132-139. Retrieved from https://afritvet.org/index.php/Afritvet/article/view/44
Section
ICT AS SUSTAINABILITY ENABLERS
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