Technology is highly valued in modern day teaching and learning especially when it comes to imparting knowledge to students with disabilities. This paper presents the findings of a study that sought to establish the emerging and digital technologies being used to enhance the teaching and learning of ODL students with disabilities at Nkhruma University. The study used a case study design. The population comprised all students with visual and hearing impairment under ODL and their lecturers. A total sample of fifty-five (55) participants was employed and snowball sampling technique was utilized. The instruments used for data collection were interview guides and observation schedules. Data was analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that emerging technologies such as the use of information and communication technology were used by both students with visual and hearing impairment to learn effectively and lecturers to teach effectively. It was also revealed that digital technologies such as computers, cell phones, and Ipads were used during the lectures for effective teaching, easy access to materials and information. It was further revealed that some students with disabilities and lecturers were not well oriented on the use of modern ICT tools. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the institution conducts technology-biased capacity building workshops for all ODL lecturers.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0975/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

The study was undertaken to analyze student's perspectives on enhancing research in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in Lusaka. A descriptive survey design was used. The sample comprised 25 students in five institutions of learning in Lusaka who were purposively and randomly selected. Data was collected using questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides, while analysis of data was done using SPSS and themes. The study revealed that there are different student perspectives on enhancing research in ODL during COVID-19. There is a dire need to enhance research in ODL among students, and that students are positive about enhancing research in ODL. The study established that enhancing research in ODL can in turn improve the quality of ODL programmes and increase the student's research skills. The study also revealed that using different approaches or strategies and/or methods in research can enhance research in ODL during COVID-19. The study suggests that students should engage in many research endeavors in ODL, carryout research studies with experienced lecturers so that they can learn better, collaborate with other students pursing programmes via ODL platforms. This study concludes research in ODL is very vital in making ODL a worthwhile alternative to other forms of learning.

This study was undertaken to establish the challenges faced by distance education students and what institutions of higher learning have put in place to ameliorate the challenges. It was undertaken in Kabwe urban District, covering three institutions: Nkrumah University, Zambian Open University and Mulungushi University simple random sampling technique was used to select the three institutions and respondents. This study used a descriptive research method, employing the use of a questionnaire and interview guide to collect data. Thematic data analysis was the predominant method employed in the study. Findings indicate that many factors in the home, school and circumstantial environments impede participation and performance of distance education students in accessing and being retained in their much-desired formal education at university and college levels. Furthermore, findings revealed that distance education students are more disadvantaged in accessing education at tertiary level due to the burden of family problems, financial problems, psychological problems, institution-related problems and pressure from work as most of them are working. Terminal illnesses and chronic illness, accidents, poverty, loss of employment (retrenchments) of guardians, parents and significant others led some to drop out of university and college, as support was not guaranteed. Others, especially with special education needs, were hindered by the policies in the institutions of learning and it was difficult to continue or complete their courses on time. The study recommended that the Government should start offering bursaries to students under distance education as such services are only provided to public government institutions only; and that higher education institutions (HEIs) should establish counseling centers in all the regional centers and employ professional counselors to attend to the needs of the students.