Supporting undergraduate students in selected Open Distance and eLearning institution.

Abstract

Supporting undergraduate students is important to ensure student success especially in using the Learning Management Systems (LMS). The case study research reviewed literature of student support, Open Distance and eLearning (ODeL), challenges and strategies for student support in ODeL context. The aim of the study was to investigate student support in ODeL context. The aim of of the study was to investigate student support in ODeL. The case study was designed to draw from qualitative research so as to deepen the understanding of student support in ODeL context. Purposive sampling was used to interview 7 lecturers as participants from a total number of about 30 lecturers. The researcher adopted Garrison, Anderson and Archer\'s Community of Inquiry framework to study the case in - depth. The findings suggested that some lecturers do not have the necessary skills to support student on the learning management. Nevetherless, some participants interviewed do not have qualifications in online learning. More importantly, the selected institution had adopted ODeL to promote access of higher education at the business school. Some of the challenges that the institution is experiencing is the lack of internet connectivity on the LMS. Workload is sometimes hampering lecturers to support students on the LMS. The study has recommended that academics should be trained on strategies and approaches to support students in ODeL. Therefore, training lecturers in new technologies should also be considered. In conclusion , student support is the cornerstone of distance education in higher education institutions.