Distance Education and Its Future: An Ethiopian Experience

Abstract

Distance Education plays an important role in the educational system. With the application of modern technology, its responsibility lies equivalent to the Conventional educational system. In this paper an attempt has been made to describe about Continuing and Distance Education at University of Gondar, Ethiopia. The main purpose of Continuing and Distance Education in University of Gondar is to increase access to education and to reach out the Public at large. The Office for Continuing and Distance Education has been established since providing this education. The Office for Continuing and Distance Education (CDEO) shall place excellence in the pursuit of the University's three-fold mission: education, Research and service to the public. It shall make use of credit and non-credit courses or alternative methods of knowledge transfer to enable students to become more competitive in employment and personal enrichment through the use of innovative technology and quality customer service. Continuing and Distance Education refers to all instructions offered outside the regular full-time program through formal and non-formal means such as evening programs, summer in-service programs, distance education, correspondence and radio programs as well as seminars and workshops to working adults and those who, for various reasons, are not enrolled in the regular programs. The main focus of this paper is to discuss about distance education in the context of International level. For this purpose detailed study has been taken with the verification of the University Legislation Act, consultation with the Deans of Faculties and Heads of Departments where these distance education programs are offering. We have concluded that how this University has participated in the process of Continuing and distance Education to working adults and those who, for various reasons, are not enrolled in the regular programs.