Attitude towards Distance Learning and Academic Achievement: Study on Postgraduate Distance Learners

Abstract

This research explores attitude of distance learners towards distance learning and its relationship with academic achievement. A sample of 300 distance learners who are studying in post graduate courses in the national open university was selected randomly. The research instrument adopted for this study was the one developed by Kumar (1999).  The study was found that postgraduate distance learners were found to be above average in attitude towards distance learning and male and female post graduates differ significantly in attitude towards distance learning and its five domains. But no significant difference was observed in married and unmarried post graduate distance learners. A high good positive significant relationship was observed in attitude towards distance learning with academic achievement. . The study was implicated that  in order to foster a more favorable attitude towards distance learning, planners should pay attention to the more  use of multimedia communication, self-instructional materials, assignment responses, counseling sessions, student support services, easily access of study centres , regular contact with tutors, library support, workshops, and group discussions.