Students' perceptions of the effectiveness and impact of current ODFL delivery in increasing educational access for marginalised members of communities in Lesotho

Abstract

This report presents the findings of a study on the capacity of open and distance learning (ODL) within four education sub-sectors – secondary education, teacher education, technical vocational education and training (TVET) and tertiary education – in Lesotho. Within an aim of greater and more strategic deployment of distance learning within and across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, the study undertook a survey of the perception of staff and students regarding the effectiveness and impact of current ODL provisioning among marginalised members of the communities in the country. Using semi-structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions, the study evaluated students’ perceptions of how ODL could improve their and their communities’ socioeconomic wellbeing, both now and in the future. Students highlighted the challenges of current ODL provision, such as lack of investment in human and material resources for ODL. They also highlighted the real and potential ability of ODL to improve the wellbeing of marginalised members of communities in Lesotho. Particularly for those respondents who are situated in difficult circumstances, it emerged that the flexibility and openness of this mode of educational delivery are features that have made the mode attractive and effective in improving their socioeconomic status, as they seek a second chance.