Momentum to Distance Education Initiative at Africa University Zimbabwe

Abstract

To spearhead the Distance Education (DE) initiative at AU, the DE and ICT units under the instigation of the Deputy Vice Chancellor held a Distance Education and E-learning Symposium from the 30^th to the 31^st of January 2014. The symposium was meant to bring momentum to the distance education initiative and ensure that we are all geared and ready for online distance education. The research designs used were Ex post Facto and correlational research designs.  Data was analysed using qualitative technique such as coding and quantitative technique, including descriptive and inferential statistics.  The major draw backs to the momentum to distance education initiative included; technical problems in accessing the virtual classroom, lack of theoretical and pedagogical knowledge of teaching and learning to effectively engage with students in on line learning.  From the inferential statistics, the most important factor that can lead to adoption of technology is to change the views of academic staff about the relevance and importance of distance education and e-learning.