Open Distance Electronic Learning (ODEL) Integration in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET): Challenges, Opportunities and Best Practices in Zimbabwe

Description

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21319780

Abia Mutumbwa¹ and Tichaona Mapolisa² (Department of Teacher Development, Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe¹ and Directorate of Research, Innovation and Technology Transfer, Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe²)

Open Distance Electronic learning (ODeL) has received great attention in recent years especially after the COVID19 pandemic. This research investigated the challenges, opportunities, and best practices in the integration of ODeL in TVET in Zimbabwe. The study used a qualitative approach. Interviews, Focus Group Discussions, and an open-ended questionnaire were used to collect data. A sample of five key informants, including lecturers and students, was selected to participate in the study using the homogeneous purposive sampling technique. A single case study research method was employed to conduct this study. A six-step thematic analysis technique (Braun &Clarke, 2006) was used to analyse data from interviews and focus group discussions. The study revealed the challenges of poor internet connectivity, high cost of internet bundles, ICT tools and equipment, resistance to change by stakeholders, absence of customized Learning Management Systems and lack of ICT competencies among some lecturers. The study revealed the opportunities created by the availability of mobile networks as well as the availability of community information centres around the country. The study recommended that government should partner with private partners to subsidize the cost of internet bundles and ICT tools and equipment. The study also recommended that Learning Management Systems customized for use in TVET should be developed. There is a need for other researchers to conduct a macro-scale study on the phenomenon of integrating ODeL into TVET using quantitative and mixed methods research approaches.