Study of the Issues Pertaining to Learners Perception on Improving the Completion Rates of the Computer Literacy Course in The Open University of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Distance Education (DE) becomes popular method of imparting knowledge to the leaners which has been practiced for nearly 150 years. Through this period, it has been subjected to many changes with an advancement of the technological innovations. The distance education provides equal opportunities to learner and reduces the gaps among communicators for global, competitive learning environments among the countries. Recently, the distance education has been emerged as an alternative mode for higher education globally. Distance Learning methodologies have been subjected to a rapid growth during the last decades with the advancement of the technology specially communication technology. There are several components in DE which broadly include student support services, management of the institution, financial services and examination etc. Student Support Services is one of the major components of a distance education institution which plays an imminent role in DE (Robertshaw, 2000; Cain & Lockee, 2002). The proper function of distance education system is therefore depending on these components and need to be coordinated carefully. The strong student support led to cope the feeling of isolation, increase student retention, solve personal problems or barriers, and help in skill development such as learning skills (Gunawardana, 1988). Therefore, distance education system and students are closely related to each other through network of support services. The proposed study included the following objectives: 1) Identification of personal characteristics of the participants, 2) Student’s perception on facilities available in the Elementary Computer Laboratories, 3) Student’s perception on of the quality of Teaching, 4) Student’s perception on Evaluation procedures of the Computer Literacy Programme. The survey method was used by issuing a questionnaire which includes the following aspect of the student population in the Computer Literacy programme. Demographic characterises of the respondents. The Quality of the Infrastructure facilities provided in the Elementary Computer laboratories. Therefore, a draft copy of a questionnaire was distributed to a pilot sample of 200 students selected at random from the Computer Literacy programmes of 2020 /2021 academic year. Total of 79 completed Questionnaires returned. The responses of the student sample obtained and served as a data source for the pilot study. The data set obtained from the pilot study were subjected to the Reliability analysis (Cronbach, 1951). The reliability coefficient i. e., Cronbach’s alpha (α) which indicates the suitability of the questionnaire for the purpose and the higher values, (α ≥ 0.50) often considered as an acceptability of the questionnaire. The value obtained for the draft questionnaire was subjected to the Reliability Analysis and Cronbach’s alpha (α) value was 97% (0.9692) and it is decided to use the draft copy of the questionnaire as the final version. The population and sample size of the study were 207 students of the OUSL. The data gathered from the study were subjected to descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, cross tabulation, and graphical presentation. The analysis carried out using SPSS/PC 20 package. Findings where Female students exceed male students in the programme. Female students 72% and male students 28% Total population stated that Introduction session was useful. presentation of facts and explanations about the concepts were also rated as satisfactory (46%). To improve the accessibility of the tutors, and the time for preparation for the test. Were rated as unsatisfactory Student’s satisfaction about the support /assistance from the staff members of the computer laboratories were very low. Most of the students were not satisfied about the assistance and support given by the staff members of the Elementary computer laboratories in the OUSL results showed that student’s overall satisfaction level is 63% It can be considered as higher satisfaction level. Students of the computer literacy programme recommended the OUSL as a good place to study for the friends and the family members. At the same time, they have recommended the same programme to the friends and family members. Regarding student perception on issues pertaining to improve the computer literacy programme was to improve the accessibility of the tutors. Another finding was to increase the time for preparation for the test. Sample population rated about the helpfulness of the centre staff unsatisfactory. The findings of this study (a) provided vital information to course designers and administrators in the Open University of Sri Lanka, (b) use to build up a student profile which could be used for comparison of Regional, national, and international scales, (c) provide key information for policy makers in distance education for implementation of the recommendations made by policy makers to improve the completion rates of the Computer Literacy programme of the Open University of Sri Lanka.