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POTENTIAL FOR COMPUTER ASSISTED DISTANCE LEARNING IN ZAMBIA: WHAT Appen
ARE THE CONSTRAINTS AND THE WAY FORWARD
Volum
Paul Zambezi*
*Ministry of Science, Technology and Vocational Training
P.O. Box 50464, Lusaka, Zambia Achilli
Tel: 260-1-252092, Fax: 252951, E-mail: dstmstvt@zamnet.zm Aglx)
ISPRS Commission VI Working Group 3 AI ' Bay
Albery
Abstract Alberte
Aldalui
The Education System in Zambia is failing to provide education opportunity to the growing Aminti
population leaving many illiterate and school drop - outs. Efforts have been made by the Aston
Government to provide alternative education through distance learning both at general education
and higher education levels. Balletti
Since the introduction of distance learning in the mid 1960’s course material has been made on hard Barbare
copy and delivery by post to the intended target. The other method that has been used is Radio and Barisor
Television. However, since the early 1990’s course delivery has been hampered by several factors. Baron
For example, the Zambia National Broadcasting Cooperation has been charging high fees for Air
time, making it expensive to transmit course material. Another problem is that Government Public Barrile
transport, which used to deliver postal material to remote parts of the country, has been Barzagl
discontinued under the current economic era. This has resulted in erratic delivery of the post, Beck
affecting delivery of course material by distance learning. Bellone
With the establishment of ZAMNET Communication System, the University of Zambia has been
able to deliver course materials to students, who are following 1 st and 2 nd year undergraduate Bertran
courses by distance learning, through the e-mail and the Internet. In addition the Department of Bezoari
Technical Education and Vocational Training (DTEVT) has started Bachelors Degree programs at B j ag j
two of its training institutions. Course material is prepared by the Bolton Institute of Higher Bianco
Education, UK, and delivered through the e-mail and Internet to students.
The above examples clearly indicate that the technology is available in Zambia for computer Boccarc
assisted distance learning. In addition, the growing number of illiterate children as well as school Bolognj
drop-outs and the unemployed adults point to the potential there is in distance learning. Borghi
This method of computer assisted delivery of course material can be extended to General education.
However, this mode of delivery is currently being hindered by the following factors: orgs '
• The general lack of telecommunication infrastructure in the rural areas Bouju
• The lack of electricity in the rural areas Boursie:
• The inability to afford computer hardware and software by the target group Broglia
• Untrained providers of distance learning in Information Technology Brovelli
These factors need to be addressed in order to promote and enhance computer assisted distance Bmman
learning in Zambia. This paper discusses the potential for computer assisted learning in Zambia,
constraints and how these can be minimized as a way of promoting computer assisted learning. Camplii
Capra
Caprioli
Cannon
Carollo
Caroti
Casella
Chiaveri
