Perceived Barriers to Learning Process of Rural-Based Female Students at the Open University of Tanzania
Corresponding Author(s) : Lulu Simon Mahai
Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS),
##issue.vol## 10 ##issue.no## 6 (2021)
##article.abstract##
This paper explores the perceived barriers to learning among rural-based female students
studying through open and distance learning (ODL) mode in Tanzania. Specifically, it seeks
to determine the perceived barriers hindering rural-based female students from active
learning. A qualitative research approach informed the study using a single case study
research design. Purposive and convenience sampling procedures were used to obtain 20
participants. Data was generated through semi-structured interviews, non-participant
observations, and documentary reviews; and was analysed thematically. Findings show
that female students in rural locations experience institutional, dispositional and
situational barriers, which challenge their learning process. Moreover, the low level of
technology and limited infrastructure in rural settings largely deter their efforts to benefit
fully from online learning support. Therefore, strengthening the traditional means of
support to supplement the existing online modes of learning has the potential to improve
ODL for female students in rural locations.
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- Angara, J., S. Agostinho, L. Lockyer & B. Harper. 2015. An Actual Expand Access to Education Through
- Open Learning and Distance Education in Post-Secondary and Tertiary Levels of Education. Bingley, UK:
- Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.
- Baharudin, S., M. Murad & N. H. H. Mat. 2013. Challenges of Adult Learners: A Case Study of Full
- Time Postgraduates Students. Procedia–Social and Behavioural Sciences, 90: 772–781.
- Bates, T. 2019. Teaching in a Digital Age: Guideline for Designing Teaching and Learning (2nd Ed.).
- Vancouver BC: Tony Bates Associates Ltd.
- Cosmas. J. K. 2018. Perceived Challenges and Recommendations for Overcoming Challenges by
- Diploma in Adult Education Student Teachers Through Open and Distance Learning in Tanzania:
- A Case of Institute of Adult Education, Dodoma Centre, Tanzania. International Journal of Innovate
- Research and Development, 7(10): 15–21.
- Creswell, J. W. 2014. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches (4th Ed.).
- Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Cross.
- Cross, K. P. 1981. Adults as Learners. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
- Daniel, J. 2007. The Expansion of Higher Education in the Developing World: What Can Distance
- Learning Contribute? CHEA International Commission Conference, 1
- st February, Washington, DC.
- Fan, S., C. Chan-Kang & A. Mukherjee. 2005. Rural and Urban Dynamics and Poverty: Evidence from
- China and India. Washington, DC, International Food Policy Research Institute.
- Gaal, H.O & N. Afrah. 2017. The Impact on Economic Development as a Case of Benadir Region and
- Hir-Shabelle, Somalia, Developing Country Studies, 7(1): 49-55.
- Gudhlanga, E. S., S. N. Magadza & O. Mafa. 2012. Challenges and Opportunities for Women
- Participating in Open and Distance Learning at the Zimbabwe Open University: A Case of
- Matabeleland North and Bulawayo Regions, International Women Online Journal of Distance
- Education, 1(1): 35–47.
- Hammersley, M. & A. Traianou 2012. Ethics in Qualitative Research: Controversies and Contexts. London:
- Sage.
- Kwaah, C. Y. & G.G. Essilfie. 2017. Stress and Coping Strategies Among Distance Education Students
- at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education-TOJDE, 18(3):
- -134.
- Lentell, H. 2003. The Importance of the Tutor in Open and Distance Learning. In: A Tait, R Mills
- (Eds.), Rethinking Learner Support in Distance Education: Change and Continuity in an International
- Context. London: Routledge Falmer. Pp. 64–76.
- Mahai, L. 2008. Provision of Institutional Support Services to Distance Learners: A Case Study of
- Mwanza and Kagera Regional Centres for the Open University of Tanzania. Studies in Adult
- Education, 64: 1–80.
- Mahai, L.N. 2014. Rural Students’ Experiences at the Open University of Tanzania. PhD thesis, University
- of Edinburgh.
- Manuwar, U. & N. Akhter. 2017. Reasons Behind the Selection of Open and Distance Learning by
- Women in Punjab Province of Pakistan. Journal of Educational Research, 20(2): 71–81.
- Matswetu, V.S., V. Munakandafa, V. Munodawafa & E. Mandoga. 2013. Science Student Teachers’
- Challenges and Coping Strategies in an Open and Distance Learning Environment in Zimbabwe.
- Makerere Journal of Higher Education, 4(2): 125 –37.
- Mensa, K. O., P. D. Ahiatrogah & P. Deku. 2008. Challenges Facing Female Distance Learners of the
- University of Cape Coast, Ghana, Gender and Behaviour, 6(2): 1751–1764.
- Mhehe, E. G. 2002. Female Enrolment and Participation Issues at the Open University of Tanzania. PhD
- thesis, Edmonton, Alberta.
- Mir, K. & A. Mehmood. 2016. Examining the Success Factors of Online Student Support System at AIOU.
- Pan-Commonwealth Forum 8(PCF 8). Accessed from http://oasis.col.org/ bitstream/ handle/
- / 2597/pdf?sequence=4&isallowed=y.
- Msoffe, R. M. 2016. Inequality in Gender Roles: A Challenge to Open and Distance Learning: A Case
- of Female Students in Diploma in Primary Teacher Education. European Journal of Education
- Studies, 2(11): 136–154.
- Mtebe, J. S. & C. Raphael. 2017. A Decade of Technology Enhanced Learning at the University of Dar es
- Salaam, Tanzania: Challenges, Achievements & Opportunities. International Journal of Education and
- Development Using Information and Communication Technology (IJEDICT), 13(2): 103–115.
- Musingafi, M., B. Mapuranga, K. Chiwanza & S. Zebron. 2015. Challenges for Open and Distance
- Learning (ODL) Students: Experiences from Students of the Zimbabwe Open University. Journal
- of Education and Practice, 6(18): 59-66.
- Njaya, T. 2015. Female Empowerment Through Open and Distance Learning in Zimbabwe. Journal
- of Humanities and Social Science (IOSR-JHSS). 20 (2), Ver. IV: 93–90.
- Nyaruwata, L. T. 2014. Participation of Women in Open and Distance Learning in Zimbabwe: A Case
- of Commercial Banks and NGOs. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 3(2): 1–5.
- Open University of Tanzania (OUT). 2016. Facts and Figures 2015/2016. Open University of Tanzania.
- —. 2019. Facts and Figures 2018/2019. Open University of Tanzania.
- —. 2020. Facts and Figures 2019/2020. Open University of Tanzania.
- Ramos, F., G. Tajú & L. Canuto. 2011. Promoting Distance Education in Higher Education in Cape
- Verde and Mozambique, Distance Education, 32(2): 159-175.
- Rwegerera, M. K. & E.P. Bhalalusesa. 2005. Factors Influencing Prospective Women Students to
- Enroll at the Open University of Tanzania. International Journal of Humanities and Social
- Sciences, 13(7): 100-122.
- Simpson, O. 2012. Supporting Students for Success in Online and Distance Education. (3rdedition). UK &
- New York: Routledge.
- Tacoli, C. 2008. The Links Between Rural and Urban Development in Africa and Asia. United Nations
- Expert Group Meeting on Population Distribution, Urbanization, Internal Migration and Development,
- st
- -23rd January, United Nations Secretariat: New York.
- Tait, A. 2003. Reflections on Student Support in Open and Distance Learning, International Review of
- Research in Open and Distance Learning, 4(1): 1–9.
- United Republic of Tanzania (URT). 1993. The Tanzania Education System Report of the Task Force, Dar
- es Salaam: Ministry of Education and Culture and Ministry of Science and Technology and
- Higher Education.
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). 2010. Gender Issues in
- Higher Education: Advocacy Brief. UNESCO, Bangkok.
- Wai-Yee, P. 2013. How Female Students Cope with Studies in Open University of Hong Kong(OUHK).
- International Women Online Journal of Distance Education, 2(3): 23–31.
- Yin. R. K. 2014. Case Study Research Design and Methods (5th Ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
##journal.references##
Angara, J., S. Agostinho, L. Lockyer & B. Harper. 2015. An Actual Expand Access to Education Through
Open Learning and Distance Education in Post-Secondary and Tertiary Levels of Education. Bingley, UK:
Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.
Baharudin, S., M. Murad & N. H. H. Mat. 2013. Challenges of Adult Learners: A Case Study of Full
Time Postgraduates Students. Procedia–Social and Behavioural Sciences, 90: 772–781.
Bates, T. 2019. Teaching in a Digital Age: Guideline for Designing Teaching and Learning (2nd Ed.).
Vancouver BC: Tony Bates Associates Ltd.
Cosmas. J. K. 2018. Perceived Challenges and Recommendations for Overcoming Challenges by
Diploma in Adult Education Student Teachers Through Open and Distance Learning in Tanzania:
A Case of Institute of Adult Education, Dodoma Centre, Tanzania. International Journal of Innovate
Research and Development, 7(10): 15–21.
Creswell, J. W. 2014. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches (4th Ed.).
Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Cross.
Cross, K. P. 1981. Adults as Learners. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Daniel, J. 2007. The Expansion of Higher Education in the Developing World: What Can Distance
Learning Contribute? CHEA International Commission Conference, 1
st February, Washington, DC.
Fan, S., C. Chan-Kang & A. Mukherjee. 2005. Rural and Urban Dynamics and Poverty: Evidence from
China and India. Washington, DC, International Food Policy Research Institute.
Gaal, H.O & N. Afrah. 2017. The Impact on Economic Development as a Case of Benadir Region and
Hir-Shabelle, Somalia, Developing Country Studies, 7(1): 49-55.
Gudhlanga, E. S., S. N. Magadza & O. Mafa. 2012. Challenges and Opportunities for Women
Participating in Open and Distance Learning at the Zimbabwe Open University: A Case of
Matabeleland North and Bulawayo Regions, International Women Online Journal of Distance
Education, 1(1): 35–47.
Hammersley, M. & A. Traianou 2012. Ethics in Qualitative Research: Controversies and Contexts. London:
Sage.
Kwaah, C. Y. & G.G. Essilfie. 2017. Stress and Coping Strategies Among Distance Education Students
at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education-TOJDE, 18(3):
-134.
Lentell, H. 2003. The Importance of the Tutor in Open and Distance Learning. In: A Tait, R Mills
(Eds.), Rethinking Learner Support in Distance Education: Change and Continuity in an International
Context. London: Routledge Falmer. Pp. 64–76.
Mahai, L. 2008. Provision of Institutional Support Services to Distance Learners: A Case Study of
Mwanza and Kagera Regional Centres for the Open University of Tanzania. Studies in Adult
Education, 64: 1–80.
Mahai, L.N. 2014. Rural Students’ Experiences at the Open University of Tanzania. PhD thesis, University
of Edinburgh.
Manuwar, U. & N. Akhter. 2017. Reasons Behind the Selection of Open and Distance Learning by
Women in Punjab Province of Pakistan. Journal of Educational Research, 20(2): 71–81.
Matswetu, V.S., V. Munakandafa, V. Munodawafa & E. Mandoga. 2013. Science Student Teachers’
Challenges and Coping Strategies in an Open and Distance Learning Environment in Zimbabwe.
Makerere Journal of Higher Education, 4(2): 125 –37.
Mensa, K. O., P. D. Ahiatrogah & P. Deku. 2008. Challenges Facing Female Distance Learners of the
University of Cape Coast, Ghana, Gender and Behaviour, 6(2): 1751–1764.
Mhehe, E. G. 2002. Female Enrolment and Participation Issues at the Open University of Tanzania. PhD
thesis, Edmonton, Alberta.
Mir, K. & A. Mehmood. 2016. Examining the Success Factors of Online Student Support System at AIOU.
Pan-Commonwealth Forum 8(PCF 8). Accessed from http://oasis.col.org/ bitstream/ handle/
/ 2597/pdf?sequence=4&isallowed=y.
Msoffe, R. M. 2016. Inequality in Gender Roles: A Challenge to Open and Distance Learning: A Case
of Female Students in Diploma in Primary Teacher Education. European Journal of Education
Studies, 2(11): 136–154.
Mtebe, J. S. & C. Raphael. 2017. A Decade of Technology Enhanced Learning at the University of Dar es
Salaam, Tanzania: Challenges, Achievements & Opportunities. International Journal of Education and
Development Using Information and Communication Technology (IJEDICT), 13(2): 103–115.
Musingafi, M., B. Mapuranga, K. Chiwanza & S. Zebron. 2015. Challenges for Open and Distance
Learning (ODL) Students: Experiences from Students of the Zimbabwe Open University. Journal
of Education and Practice, 6(18): 59-66.
Njaya, T. 2015. Female Empowerment Through Open and Distance Learning in Zimbabwe. Journal
of Humanities and Social Science (IOSR-JHSS). 20 (2), Ver. IV: 93–90.
Nyaruwata, L. T. 2014. Participation of Women in Open and Distance Learning in Zimbabwe: A Case
of Commercial Banks and NGOs. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 3(2): 1–5.
Open University of Tanzania (OUT). 2016. Facts and Figures 2015/2016. Open University of Tanzania.
—. 2019. Facts and Figures 2018/2019. Open University of Tanzania.
—. 2020. Facts and Figures 2019/2020. Open University of Tanzania.
Ramos, F., G. Tajú & L. Canuto. 2011. Promoting Distance Education in Higher Education in Cape
Verde and Mozambique, Distance Education, 32(2): 159-175.
Rwegerera, M. K. & E.P. Bhalalusesa. 2005. Factors Influencing Prospective Women Students to
Enroll at the Open University of Tanzania. International Journal of Humanities and Social
Sciences, 13(7): 100-122.
Simpson, O. 2012. Supporting Students for Success in Online and Distance Education. (3rdedition). UK &
New York: Routledge.
Tacoli, C. 2008. The Links Between Rural and Urban Development in Africa and Asia. United Nations
Expert Group Meeting on Population Distribution, Urbanization, Internal Migration and Development,
st
-23rd January, United Nations Secretariat: New York.
Tait, A. 2003. Reflections on Student Support in Open and Distance Learning, International Review of
Research in Open and Distance Learning, 4(1): 1–9.
United Republic of Tanzania (URT). 1993. The Tanzania Education System Report of the Task Force, Dar
es Salaam: Ministry of Education and Culture and Ministry of Science and Technology and
Higher Education.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). 2010. Gender Issues in
Higher Education: Advocacy Brief. UNESCO, Bangkok.
Wai-Yee, P. 2013. How Female Students Cope with Studies in Open University of Hong Kong(OUHK).
International Women Online Journal of Distance Education, 2(3): 23–31.
Yin. R. K. 2014. Case Study Research Design and Methods (5th Ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage