Abstract:
ABSTRACT
This study examined the distance learners’ use of electronic resources at College of
Education, University of Rwanda. Specifically, the study determines the types of
electronic resources used by distance learners; the purpose of using of electronic
resources among distance learners; and challenges faced by distance learners in the
usage of electronic resources. The study used descriptive research design. The study
employed both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Primary data was
collected from questionnaires, face-to-face interviews and field observations while
secondary data was collected through documentary review. The analysis of
quantitative data was done using Statistical Product and Services Solutions (SPSS)
version 21 and Microsoft Office Excel 2010, while, qualitative data was analyzed by
using thematic analysis technique. The study findings show underutilisation of the
electronic resources by distance learners as few of them indicated using e-journals,
scholarly online databases and institutional repositories, with reliance in the use of
search engines. Findings show that the major purposes of using e-resources among
respondents are to support assignments and recreational purposes, with the least use
being supporting literature review, and preparation of workshop/seminars. These
findings show that distance learners do not make effective use of e-resources to support
learning and research although majority of them indicated to be satisfiedwith the
e-resources. Additionally, lack of access to the internet, expensive internet, financial
constraints, slow internet access speed, poor network infrastructure and limited
number of computers are among the major factors that hinder distance learners from
proper and effective usage of the electronic resources for academic purposes. Based
on the findings, the study recommends provision of training on effective use of the
internet to distance learners, awareness creation on variousscholarly online resources
to support learning, and provision of sufficient, faster, reliable and free internet access
to distance learners.
