ONLINE LEARNING IN DISTANCE EDUCATION: THE PLIGHT OF DISTANCE LEARNERS IN GHANA

Abstract

Distance education (DE) in Ghana continues to evolve as new approaches to teaching and learning are constantly being integrated into educational programmes. The latest addition is the introduction of online learning to supplement or replace the face-to-face sessions conducted across study centres. Even though COVID-19 forced some educational institutions to adopt hybrid teaching and learning, the DE programmes at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) were slow to adopt these modalities of instruction. This study aimed to explore the online learning experiences of students who enrolled in DE courses at the main campus of UCC. The purpose of the study was to report on the challenges associated with online learning and bridge the digital divide gap. The study utilised a narrative inquiry approach with a sample of 12 students to explore their experiences and challenges as distance learners and to also note differences in digital barriers between those employed and self-employed/unemployed. Students found online learning to be convenient and improved their digital skills. However, the students felt that the high cost of internet data, poor quality of the internet, distractions, and limited interaction hindered the full benefit of online learning. Those employed and who used the online meeting tools at the workplace served as support systems for the others. It is, therefore, recommended that the necessary steps be put in place to address these challenges. Additionally, instead of online learning replacing face-to- face sessions, blended learning should continue to be used to maintain good social and pedagogically appropriate interactions.

Keywords: distance learning, distance education, digital divide, online learning, Ghana.

Date of submission: 3rd March, 2024; Date of acceptance: 30th August, 2024 Date of publication: 30th August, 2024
url: https://mjdesjournal.com
*Corresponding author: Samuel Jabez Arkaifie, samuel.arkaifie@cctu.edu.gh Citation:

Arkaifie, S.J. & Shaban, S.H. (2024). Online learning in distance: the plight of distance learners in Ghana. Multidisciplinary Journal of Distance Education Studies, 2(1) 17-40.