**8. How tuition is extended to ODL learners at Makerere University**

Each ODL programme at Makerere University is provided using self-regulated print-based modules. The modules are specially written with a number of activities aimed at stimulating self-study. The self-regulated print-based modules (distance education modules) are supplemented with two residential (face-to-face) sessions at the main campus, each of two (2) weeks, in a semester of seventeen (17) weeks. In effect, each student attends four (4) weeks of face-to-face session at the main campus in a semester of seventeen (17) weeks. The remaining two (2) weeks are used for completing final semester examinations.

The first face-to-face session is undertaken at the beginning of the semester while the second one is undertaken in the middle of the semester. For each face-to-face session, ODL students are invited from wherever they live or work to congregate at the main campus for the period of the face-to-face session. ODL students live and/or work in different parts of Uganda and neighboring countries. When they come to the main campus for face-to-face sessions, ODL students may reside within or nearby the University campus. All the students (6,350 No.) on the four ODL programmes may or may not be invited for a face-to-face session at the same time. However, B.Ed and BSc. students are invited for face-to-face sessions during secondary/primary school holiday time.

In the first face-to-face session, lecturers give an overview of the courses for the semester after which, take home assignments are given. Briefing sessions are also held in the first face-to-face session to communicate to students any salient administrative and/or academic issues. In the second face-to-face session, further guidance on the courses is given and students are given timed tests. In the last two (2) weeks of the semester, students write examinations in the courses on offer. Examinations are conducted from the main campus. The examinations are done at the same time as those of the internal programmes. This examination arrangement removes the flexibility required in ODL programmes.

In the remaining time of eleven (11) weeks when the students are not attending residential sessions (4 weeks) or undertaking examinations (2 weeks), students do independent study through self-study materials and group discussions. During this period, student-student, student-lecturer and student-university interaction is encouraged. The DODL offers academic, administrative and social support to the students through organized tutorials at study centers. Sometimes, when resources permit, ODL staff pay physical visits to students in their homes or workplaces to establish impediments to their studies with a hope of providing solutions. The visits are also intended to reduce the 'distance' in distance learning. The visits are mainly executed when staff are delivering or checking on study materials at different collaborating up-country libraries. The two way communication channel is always open between the students and Department during face-to-face or non face-to-face times. Sometimes, communication is made to and from students via electronic and non-electronic media. Electronic communication is accomplished using e-mails, mobile phones, Internet and radio. Non-electronic communication is provided through course handouts, brochures, fliers and face-to-face meetings or briefings. On the whole however, ODL at Makerere University relies more heavily on face-to-face tuition than on self-study materials.

42 International Perspectives of Distance Learning in Higher Education

grades and they qualify for the programmes being changed to, they are permitted to change hence causing such a high (79%) attrition rate. To avoid this scenario, the Department is in

Generally speaking, the demand for ODL programmes at Makerere University is high. As at December 2010, *Tables 1* through to *4* above show that the total available places on all ODL programmes were 6,350. Of these 4,919 were taken up at admission representing a percentage demand of 77.5%. Whereas the demand is high, attrition rates are equally high. As at December 2010, there were 2,988 students registered on all the ODL programmes out of 4,919 admitted students representing an attrition rate of 60.7%. According to Aaron and Writson (2005), this high attrition rate is due to several factors, including: 1) lack of policy for ODL at Makerere University; 2) limited resourcing for ODL activities, especially materials development, insignificant position of the DODL and over centralization of the student support services. When Makerere University addresses these challenges the demand for ODL programmes will rise and attrition rates will decline significantly. Increased funding to the DODL and the ratification of a policy for ODL at Makerere

process of upgrading CYP diploma programme into a degree programme.

University are key issues that should be dealt with in the short run.

**8. How tuition is extended to ODL learners at Makerere University** 

remaining two (2) weeks are used for completing final semester examinations.

sessions during secondary/primary school holiday time.

Each ODL programme at Makerere University is provided using self-regulated print-based modules. The modules are specially written with a number of activities aimed at stimulating self-study. The self-regulated print-based modules (distance education modules) are supplemented with two residential (face-to-face) sessions at the main campus, each of two (2) weeks, in a semester of seventeen (17) weeks. In effect, each student attends four (4) weeks of face-to-face session at the main campus in a semester of seventeen (17) weeks. The

The first face-to-face session is undertaken at the beginning of the semester while the second one is undertaken in the middle of the semester. For each face-to-face session, ODL students are invited from wherever they live or work to congregate at the main campus for the period of the face-to-face session. ODL students live and/or work in different parts of Uganda and neighboring countries. When they come to the main campus for face-to-face sessions, ODL students may reside within or nearby the University campus. All the students (6,350 No.) on the four ODL programmes may or may not be invited for a face-to-face session at the same time. However, B.Ed and BSc. students are invited for face-to-face

In the first face-to-face session, lecturers give an overview of the courses for the semester after which, take home assignments are given. Briefing sessions are also held in the first face-to-face session to communicate to students any salient administrative and/or academic issues. In the second face-to-face session, further guidance on the courses is given and students are given timed tests. In the last two (2) weeks of the semester, students write examinations in the courses on offer. Examinations are conducted from the main campus. The examinations are done at the same time as those of the internal programmes. This

In the remaining time of eleven (11) weeks when the students are not attending residential sessions (4 weeks) or undertaking examinations (2 weeks), students do independent study through self-study materials and group discussions. During this period, student-student,

examination arrangement removes the flexibility required in ODL programmes.

Fig. 1. Distance Learning Delivery Situation at Makerere University.

*Source: Otto & Wrightson, 2005* 

Fig. 2. Ideal Distance Learning Delivery Situation.

Makerere University is yet to fully partake of the ideal ODL model. The mental attitude of most faculties is still that of on-campus based learning and teaching. Adjusting this attitude to rhyme with the requirements of ODL is still a major huddle.

Open and Distance Learning in Dual Mode Universities: A Treasure Unexploited 45

Since Nsubuga Block was originally meant to be a hall of residence, it is not suitable for the industrial like activities of ODL. Besides, Nsubuga Block is in dire need for renovation. Other than office space, Nsubuga Block does not have any lecture space to use during faceto-face sessions and examination time. The Department does not own any lecture space for tutorial/group discussion at the main campus or in regional study centers. Over the years, lectures, tutorials, group discussions, tests and examinations have been conducted in space hired from dining halls at Makerere University, lecture halls of other colleges and nearby secondary schools at very exorbitant rates (USD 25 per room per day and USD 40 for a hall per day). Regional centers are housed in rented premises. This has had a negative impact on the Department's budget. One would argue for the case of having face-to-face lectures, tests and examinations in lecture halls at the main campus, but during times when internal students are in session, this has proved to be impossible. The Department is looking for

Student Support refers to the culture of care accorded to an ODL student with the aim of ensuring that he/she accomplishes his/her study programme within the stipulated time. This care can be seen as a range of services to the student; for example, study materials provision, extending services nearer to the student, provision of up-to-date feedback to student's problems, synchronous and asynchronous interactions, tutorials, self-help study groups, counseling services, personal tutorship, and so on. Student support begins with pre-

At Makerere University, pre-enrolment support stops at calling upon prospective candidates to apply for admission into the external programmes. No further support is given at that level. Ideally, the university should be providing prospective applicants with information about the ODL mode of study and timely responses to all inquiries from interested parties. It should be following up the applicants that are not admitted and advising them on the way forward and having an enrolment advisor or persons performing the role of an enrolment advisor to track inquiries and applications and be in contact with

On-programme support and care at Makerere University is done by holding regular briefing session, educating learners and staff about the ODL mode of study, providing appropriate and regular information to learners, ensuring that regular contact is made with all learners and obliging tutors of ODL students to provide clear and useful feedback to learners in their assignment/coursework scripts. Further, tutors of ODL students are obliged to return assignment/coursework scripts to students in time to allow them internalize the feedback provided therein before undertaking examinations. Other on-programme support extended include: creating a friendly contact environment which ensures that learner needs and concerns are dealt with in a timely and effective manner, conducting and co-ordinating faceto-face sessions at the main campus, conducting examination sessions at the main campus and providing regular communications to students through the SMS broadcast systems and voice telephone calls. Makerere University is not doing the following on-programme

a. Providing special care for students with special needs, e.g. mothers, those with

donors to help it get out of this infrastructure quagmire.

enrolment support to on-programme support.

the applicant and the administrators.

student support services:

disabilities, etc.

**11. ODL student support system at Makerere University** 
