Perceptions of University of Cape Coast Distance Education Learners and Tutors on the Availability and Adequacy of Learner Support Services

Abstract

The study was conducted to find out the perceptions of learners and tutors of the University of Cape Coast Distance Education Programme on the availability and adequacy of learner support services. The influence of gender, location and study centres patronized was also examined. The sample for the study comprised 269 distance education learners, 27 tutors and 4 coordinators from the three study centres making a total of 300 respondents. The respondents were selected from Cape Coast, Accra and Koforidua study centres. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling procedures were used. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. Questionnaires were used for data collection. Frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation were used to present the responses. Findings revealed that most distance learners had low perceived satisfaction with UCC learner support services. There was however difference in the learners’ perceived satisfaction with specific learner support services. Specifically, most learners perceived satisfaction with tutorials and learners’ handbook was high and low for finance, library, study centre facilities, ICT/computer centres, counselling services, tables and chairs, lecture halls, air conditioners, and others. In light of these findings, it is recommended that the College of Distance Education (CoDE) of UCC improves the facilities and learner support services at the regional study centres while locating new ones to provide easy access for distance learners. Finally, access to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust students ’ loan scheme should be arranged with the government for the Distance Education students.