Effectiveness of CD-based Study Materials in Addressing Challenges of Print Materials in Open and Distance Learning

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to investigate the extent to which CD-based study materials are effective in addressing challenges of print materials in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) at the Open University of Tanzania (OUT). A single holistic case study research design was used for the study. Through purposive sampling, 172 students were selected from Ilala (22), Kinondoni (97), and Temeke (53) regional centres to participate in the study. Quantitative data was collected using a Structured Questionnaire and analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings have indicated that to a greater extent CD-based study materials are effective in addressing challenges of print materials particularly in terms of enhancing access to study materials and timely delivery of  materials to students. Also, findings have indicated that CD-based study materials allowed flexibility where students were able to use the materials anywhere and
anytime and that they enhanced students’ understanding of concepts. However, the materials did not allow interaction between students and lecturers and between students and the materials. Based on the findings, the study have suggested different strategies on addressing challenges that students encounter when using CD-based study materials in the university and relevant recommendations.