The Open and Distance Learning Approach: An Information and Communication Technology Mode of Enhancing Social and Academic Development in Kenya: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

Open and distance learning (ODL) has in the recent times become an educational theme of significance the world over. The growth of ODL has occurred as a result of its flexibility with respect to time, pace, entry requirements, affordability and quality. In Kenya, despite the rapid expansions and innovations in the education sector in the past two decades, challenges to access and equity in ICT still exist. As we focus attention on the use of ODL as one of the popular mediums of social and academic development in Africa, Kenya needs to do more than it has done to provide opportunities that will enable its citizens to acquire and use ICT effectively. The introduction of free primary education in 2003 and free secondary tuition in 2008 are an indicator that Kenya is moving along other countries in the world to embrace change and to ensure that all children are given a chance to get an education as well as an exposure to ICT. This has resulted into a population explosion in educational institutions and thus the need for ODL. This paper examines some of the opportunities and challenges of ODL in Kenya today. It recommends that the Kenyan government through the Ministry of Education should aggressively develop ODL. It should also develop proper means of communication technology towards the country’s educational curricula as a means of expanding equity and access to education through ODL as medium of effective social and academic development.

Keywords: Open and distance learning (ODL), opportunities, challenges, approach and mode.