Student’s perspectives on enhancing research in ODL in selected higher learning institutions in Zambia

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VIII, Issue I, January 2021 | ISSN 2321–2705

Student’s perspectives on enhancing research in ODL in selected higher learning institutions in Zambia

Rose Chikopela¹, Daniel L. Mpolomoka², Francis S. Sikanyika³, Grace Sondashi⁴, Cynthia N. Kalizinje⁵ and Judith Zimba^6
1Zambia Institute of Special Education, Department of Hearing Impairment, Lusaka, Zambia.
²ZambianOpen University, School of Education, Lusaka, Zambia.
³Bwalya Mponda Secondary School, Department of Guidance and Counselling, Lunga, Zambia.
⁴Libala Secondary School, Department of Guidance and Counselling, Lusaka, Zambia.
⁵Royal Monze Institute of Medical Evangelism, Department of Philanthropy, Lusaka, Zambia.
⁶Lundazi Day Secondary/DEBS Office, Department of Guidance and Counselling, Lundazi, Zambia.
Corresponding Author*

ABSTRACT
The study was undertaken to analyze student’s perspectives on enhancing research in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in Lusaka. A descriptive survey design was used. The sample comprised25 students in five institutions of learning in Lusaka who were purposively and randomly selected. Data was collected using questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides, while analysis of data was done using SPSS and themes. The study revealed that there are different student perspectives on enhancing research in ODL during COVID-19.There is a dire need to enhance research in ODL among students, and that students are positive about enhancing research in ODL. The study established that enhancing research in ODL can in turn improve the quality of ODL programmes and increase the student’s research skills. The study also revealed that using different approaches or strategies and/or methods in research can enhance research in ODL during COVID-19. The study suggests that students should engage in many research endeavors in ODL, carryout research studies with experienced lecturers so that they can learn better, collaborate with other students pursing programmes via ODL platforms. This study concludes research in ODL is very vital in making ODL a worthwhile alternative to other forms of learning.

Keywords: COVID-19, Student, Perspective, Research, ODL.

Introduction and Background
Research is very vital in Open and Distance Learning (ODL). There have been changes in the provision of ODL programmes. One of these changes is research (Gaba, 2001).Therefore, there is a great deal of research in ODL just like in conventional education system (traditional education).

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