Abstract:
This study was carried out to explore the perception of the faculty on the trainings in open, distance and e-learning instructional materials development which have been going on at the University of Nairobi. The objectives of the study were to assess the faculty opinion on the trainings and how trainings improve their skills .The population of this study consisted of 310 faculty drawn from science based departments that have embraced open, distance and e-learning as a mode of delivery. A sample size of 100 was then determined by picking from each department the faculty with high level of experience in open, distance and e-learning delivery methodology. The study used questionnaires, interview schedules and observational forms. Results indicate that the trainings on material development for open, distance and e-learning organized by the University of Nairobi had a positive effect on the faculty in science oriented disciplines. Furthermore, assigning sufficient time for demonstrations and hands on; clarity and presentation of the training content; occasions to discuss and actively participate in the training; meeting the expectations of the trainings and the pace of the training were some of the aspects that were perceived positive by faculty. The paper also concludes that trainings on material development not only help the faculty to develop quality distance learning materials but also enable them to use the skills and knowledge gained through the trainings to publish papers and books and gain good academic writing skills. |
