Distance Learners‟ Perception of Learner Support Services

Abstract

Inadequate learner support has been identified as a major factor for dissatisfaction among students learning by the distance mode. The University of Education, Winneba (UEW), produces self instructional materials for its distance education students and in addition provides some learner support services. The study investigated UEW Distance Education (DE) students‟ perceived satisfaction with learner support services available to them. The study revealed that most distance education students had high perceived satisfaction with learner support services offered them. Differences in perceived satisfaction with specific learner support services were however observed. Most students‟ perceived satisfaction with tutorials and counselling services was high, but low for financial, library and study centre facilities and services. Significant differences were observed among the various study centres in respect of the DE students‟ perceived satisfaction with the learner support services provided for them. Keywords: distance education students, learner support services, perceived satisfaction