Factors influencing enrolment into distance learning programes at the university of Nairobi: a case of bachelors of education students in Lamu county.

Abstract

Today, demand for higher education has been so high such that face to face learning in the University cannot accommodate the high numbers of student who want higher education through the regular program. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing enrollment of distance education at the University of Nairobi in Lamu County. The objectives of this study were; to determine the extent to which learner characteristics influence enrollment of distance learning programe, the extent to which physical facilities influence enrollment of distance programe of Lamu county, to what extent do learners support services influence enrollment into distance programes, the extent to which economic factors influence enrollment into distance program and the extent to which economic factors influence enrollment into distance program and the extent to which social cultural factors influence enrollment into distance learning programes in Lamu county. It is hoped that the findings of this study will be useful to the administration of the University of Nairobi to evaluate their activities in terms of leaner support and guide them to formulate and implement policies which will increase enrollment of distance learners. The research used a descriptive research design as it is concerned with finding out factors influencing distance learners. The target population was 200 teachers in the area of study from this population; the researcher sampled 100 Bachelor of education Arts degree students. The data was collected by use of questionnaire for undergraduate students. Qualitative data was analyzed according to the objectives using descriptive statistics. to show a comparison between factors, while inferential statistics, specifically, the independent sample t-test was used to determine the relationship between the dependent and the independent variable. Data was then presented in form of table for interpretation. The project findings showed that the number of male who enrolled for distance education was higher than females. Majority of distance learners got information of distance learning through their friends. Majority of distance learners were employed and could not leave their work and family commitment despite the fact that they had challenges of financial constraints. The study recommends that the University should create awareness of distance education to common people by using different means of communication. The university should open a sub-centre in Lamu to bring education close to people. Every year the university should give a report to the government on how distance program has been promoted through its centres like extra murals. There should be an audit which can be used to point our future measure which would be used to address shortfalls. The government should intensify distance program in primary education program in collaboration with the university at the divisional level, to reduce the level of literacy by using technology whereby the students can access information and knowledge from internet.