Abstract:

Over the last few decades, considerable shift in higher education from the teacher-centered models to the learner-centered models enhanced the acceptability of the Open and Distance Education system. Since the distance learners are more heterogeneous than the conventional learners, the characteristics of these two categories obviously differ to a large extent. The distance learners are considered as self-motivated, self-centered and selfinitiators. Learners' behaviour is the outcome of their personal characteristics and is considered as an influential factor for the overall performance of the DE system. As a result, these personal characteristics of the learners are important considerations in planning and developing distance education course materials, policy formulation and strategy implementation. This paper describes and identifies the student heterogeneity and their characteristics of a professional degree of Master in Business Administration (MBA) programme of School of Business (SOB), Bangladesh Open University (BOU) which was launched in 1998. Several significant characteristics of students who prefer distance education are also discussed. The findings of this study will guide BOU as its strives to better meet students' needs and desires and the expectations of other concerned authorities. The findings could also assist those institutions considering expansion, or the initiation, of distance education activities.