Title:
OFF-CAMPUS ACCESS CHALLENGES AMONG DISTANCE LEARNERS: INSIGHTS FROM GHANA

Authors:
Derrick Acheampong, Maxwell Akussah, Rosemary Adu-Sarkodee and Edward Asante (PhD)

Abstract:
The study is an assessment of off campus assesses of distance learners in Ghana focusing on the Eastern Region of Ghana. The necessity for dependable off-campus access to educational resources has been brought to light by the growing popularity of digital learning, especially for distance learners. In order to improve off-campus access for distance learners in Ghana, this study looks at the availability of digital materials and the internet, identifies major problems, and considers possible remedies. Data was gathered from a sample of 171 respondents using a questionnaire. The results show that although while the majority of students own personal learning devices and have a moderate amount of access to digital resources, there are still a number of major obstacles, such as expensive internet, platform usability problems, and physical obstacles like frequent power outages. Furthermore, there were clear differences in digital access between urban and rural areas, with rural pupils having more challenges. The report emphasises the necessity of focused measures, such as better digital infrastructure, increased IT support services, and institutional backing for reasonably priced internet access. Promoting fair and successful remote learning opportunities in Ghana will require removing these obstacles.

Keywords:
Distance learning, digital access, internet availability, off-campus learning, Ghana

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37500/IJESSR.2025.8219

Date of Publication: 04-04-2025