Factors Affecting Students’ Performance in Open and Distance Learning: A Case Study of Kinondoni Regional Centre

This study critically examines the factors that affect students‟ performance in open and distance learning at the Open University of Tanzania- a case study of Kinondoni regional centre. The objectives of the study were; to establish the relationship between support service and academic performance of undergraduate students at OUT, to establish the relationship between social presence and academic performance of undergraduate students at OUT and to establish the relationship between gender and academic performance of undergraduate students at OUT. The study used questionnaires and interview guide to get the information from 80 students and 30 academic staff. Open University of Tanzania. The key findings were that most students had a lot of responsibilities and spent less time in studying, coupled with inadequate guidance in the distance mode of education. The study recommended that; educational institutions must communicate to course developers and program leaders what are acceptable rates of return on distance learning programs. While great instructors are often not focused on the bottom line of whether a course pays for itself, the reality is that courses should be self-sufficient and reap a return for the institution's investment unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise