Assessment of ICT Support Services for Rural Open University of Tanzania (OUT) Students.

This study was conducted in Rukwa region to assess ICT based support services for rural Open University of Tanzania students. The study specifically focused on exploring the Open University of Tanzania rural students perception on using ICT for their learning and to examine the costs of using ICT for teaching and learning at OUT and ensuring implication. 116 respondents from four districts of Rukwa region were involved in this study. Various data collection methods were employed in gathering both primary and secondary data including questionnaires, interviews and documentary review methods. Quantitative data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 and qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis technique. Findings revealed students’perceptions of using ICT based support services in rural areas particularly internet services which helped themdue to geographical location especially travelling costs for their distance learning. Based on the research findings, rural OUT students showed positive perceptions on their ability to use ICT based support services in accessing different materials including mobile phones and computers. The study also concluded that, rural OUT students were facing difficulties on accessing and using ICT based support services that reduced their possibility of taping full potentials of distance learning processes. The study recommended that, the OUT regional centers should extend to district wise to increase efficient to rural OUT students and should introduce induction for ICT course. Keywords: Information Communication Technologies, ICT Skills, Rural Location & Distance Education