حوليات الآداب واللغات
Volume 4, Numéro 2, Pages 145-155
2016-12-15

Experiences In Distance Education: Case -study Mustapha Stambouli University Of Mascara

Authors : Benchennane Ms Djamila .

Abstract

Algerian universities are adapting distant learning to give a helping hand to people who live far from towns and to the disabled. This paper is going to deal with the experiences of Algerian institutions in distance education. It will take the University Mustapha Stambouli, Mascara as a case-study. The National Open University of Mascara is a full fledged university that operates in an exclusively open and distance learning (ODL) mode of education. It focuses mainly on open and distance teaching and learning system, and delivers its courses materials via print in conjunction with information and communication technology (ICT). This ‘single mode’ of open education is different from the integration of distance learning system into the face- to- face teaching and learning system. Thus, UFC reflects a development of higher education in Mascara. This study assesses the attitudes and perceptions of distance teaching and learning by students enrolled in the UFC and of the National Teachers compared to their experiences at conventional universities. One hundred (n = 100) randomly selected UFC students were the subjects of the study. The Students’ Attitude and Perception Rating of Open and Distance Learning Institutions, developed by the researchers, was administered to the subjects to measure their attitudes and experiences. Finally, we will discuss the results of the study which showed that students generally hold a positive perception and attitude towards UFC, compared to traditional forms of higher education. At last, some recommendations will be provided so as to strengthen UFC’s teaching.

Keywords

perception; attitude; flexibility; self-directed learning; conventional institution; learners