Performance of Open Distance Learners - ZOU

Distance learning has become an acceptable mode of education and training but studying through distance learning has been eyed with suspicion over the years. The mode of learning of the distance learner has raised preconceived ideas from society in general that the distance learner is a non-performer in industry. There are more negative comments than positive ones as far as ODL is concerned. The university must take the responsibility of sensitising, educating and encouraging learners in developing a positive attitude towards distance education because the society has its own perceptions about distance learners. The distance learner has shown maturity and distance learning has afforded those who were not able to get university education when they were still young and were not lucky to have parent who could pay for them. Not everyone who completes secondary education is able to get a place at a conventional university some opt not by choice by circumstances. Most women will only first go into marriage before going to university and they will have to obtain degrees through distance learning.