Abstract:

The purpose of this research was to find out the operational issues related with distance learners (DLs) in information and communication technology (ICT) based distance learning (DL) institutions working in Pakistan. It was a case study research comprising of 150 distance learners (DLs) of BS (Computer Science) admitted at Virtual University of Pakistan (VUP) in 2013; residing in Sindh Province. A five point Likert scale questionnaire was prepared as a research tool to collect data. Descriptive statistics in terms of percentages and mean score were used. The results revealed delayed confirmation of admission & receipt of study material, high centralization, material misplacement cases, non-provision of scheduled video conferencing classes, slow browsing, occasionally interrupted internet services, unequally equipped campuses, non-availability of VU television telecasting by cable operators, mismatches of examination and assignment pattern, missing study material at campuses, insufficiency of academic facilities at regional campuses and late certification as critical problems of DLs at VUP. The study recommends timely confirmation of admission and delivery of study material supported by SMS service, decentralized delivery of study material, establishment of resource rooms & bookshops at regional campuses, extended video conferencing, alternate internet system with Pakistan telecommunication company limited (PTCL),launching mobile application with LMS, equally equipment of VU campuses, incumbent showing Virtual University Television channels through Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), timely issuance of certificates and similar pattern of assignments with examination question papers.

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