QA4ODFL1/Infrastructure/Creating

Open schooling involves a lot of independent learning. There are many challenges that distance learners face when they learn on their own, away from the school premises. These factors include but are not limited to time management, motivation to learn, home environments that may not be conducive to study, and just being able to cope with the learning materials without anybody mediating them. Where technology is used, additional challenges faced include lack of access to relevant technology like computers, tablets or smartphones. In many contexts, learners also experience challenges with unreliable electricity supply, which affects powering of devices. Internet connection is also unstable and many find the cost of data beyond their reach. Open and distance learners need support with technological infrastructure. For example, they need support with computers or tablets, free or subsidised data, power for charging their devices, and support on how to navigate technologies like LMSs.

Improving ICT infrastructure that supports distance learning requires the joint effort of many stakeholders in a given context. These stakeholders include relevant government ministries, the private sector, individual educational institutions, communities and even parents. The table below shows how these different stakeholders can contribute in creating an enabling ICT environment for distance learners.