Abstract:

Open Distance Learning (ODL) tuition is viewed as one of the most accessible, affordable and convenient mode of tertiary education available to students wishing to pursue their studies in higher education. In the continent of Africa, the University of South Africa (UNISA) is currently the forerunner in the implementation of ODL practices and prides itself in portraying the best student-centred, decentralised, flexible, technologically advanced and alternative-option focused ODL tuition.

In this regard, it is generally expected that all students who are recipients of ODL tuition have the necessary means, access and learning style environments and personal circumstances to function optimally and excel and succeed in an ODL environment. In this research it has been established that there is a sizeable portion of UNISA students who are incarcerated and face unique challenges with ODL tuition. Incidentally, UNISA is in line with global ODL practices where technology is replacing the traditional and often cumbersome 'paper-post' communication and student support and functions. Hence, UNISA is geared to progress ODL tuition in all spheres on-line (provision of electronic tutoring, availability of learning material and provision of additional study information) that will facilitate the student's entire learning experience.

In this paper the authors will examine and address some of UNISA's incarcerated students' views, experiences, challenges and difficulties regarding ODL tuition. It will further elucidate through an explorative and qualitative analysis the voice of the 'forgotten' incarcerated student population's challenges regarding ODL.

Keywords:

Open Distance Learning, ODL Tuition, Student Support, electronic tutoring, incarcerated students, learning material.