Open, Distance and Electronic Learning in Kenya: Essential learner support services for odel programmes in kenyan public universities

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been widely used to enable people access quality education. As such Open Distance and Electronic Learning (ODEL) mode of learning has been embraced by various universities in Kenya. However, the success of such programme is dependent on learner support services offered to individual students. Thus, a study was done to identify learner support services that students and the administrators felt were essential to be offered in ODEL programmes. It was noted that student’s and administrators were of the opinion that printed materials (modules), on line interaction, on line library, availability of e-learning materials and face to face interactions were essential learner support services. The study also noted that the administrators were aware of essential learner support services but were limited by other factors that were beyond their control. The study recommends that institutions offering ODEL programmes should strive to offer few but essential learner support services that are of high quality, adequate and satisfactory to the students.