An Assessment of Accessibility and Utilization of Online Information Resources by Distance Learners in Tanzania: A Comparative Study of the Open University of Tanzania and Institute of Adult Education in Morogoro Centres.

Stephano, Dotto (2025) An Assessment of Accessibility and Utilization of Online Information Resources by Distance Learners in Tanzania: A Comparative Study of the Open University of Tanzania and Institute of Adult Education in Morogoro Centres. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the accessibility and utilization of online information resources by distance learners in Tanzania. It evaluated the level of the accessibility and utilization, explored the level of satisfaction of the accessibility and utilization and identified the challenges facing distance learners in accessing and utilization of online information resources. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collected data from 312 respondents. Quantitative data were coded and analyzed by using frequencies and percentages and qualitative data from interviews were analyzed by using content analysis. Both simple random sampling and purposive sampling was applied in the selection of sample. The results indicated that, the level of accessibility and utilization of online information resources by the distance learners is high (83.4%). 47.6% of distance learners find it easy to navigate and locate online information resources provided by the institution. The findings revealed that 53.1% of users are satisfied with the credibility of online sources, which influence their decision to use them for their academic purposes. Also 57.6% of Distance learners are faced with challenges of limited broadband connectivity. Based on the findings this study concludes that the level of accessibility and utilization of online information resources by the distance learners was high as a way forward, the study recommends the development of user-friendly online platforms. Keywords: Accessibility, utilization, information, online information resources, distance learners. OUT-IAE-Morogoro centers.

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