Challenges of a dual mode institution: The case of the University of Zambia (UNZA)

Richard Siaciwena
The University of Zambia

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     Last modified: October 17, 2006
     Presentation date: 11/03/2006 10:00 AM in NT Portland A
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Abstract
The University of Zambia (UNZA) established its distance education Unit in 1966, the year of its inception. Since then, distance education has played its historical role of contributing to the development of human resources, has contributed to enhancement of teacher quality in the school system and has helped to address the issues of inequalities in higher education provision in Zambia.

However, distance education has faced many challenges including varied quality of course materials, lack of relevant knowledge and skills in all aspects of distance education among lecturers, limited use of ICT and a largely centralised learner support system.

These and other challenges are being addressed and there is hope that distance education at UNZA will play a prominent role in achieving the institution’s strategic objectives of enhancing the quality and relevance of undergraduate education and training, providing opportunities for life long learning and strengthening the services the University provides to the economy and to the whole Zambian society.