POST-MORTEM AND EFFECTIVE MEASURE OF SCIENCE PROGRAMS: A Study of Bangladesh Open University

Distance education can be more learners centered if distance educators are aware of the problems, needs, attitudes and characteristics of their learners. The aim of this study was to compare the learners’ profile in terms of their attitude and demography between the learners of computer science and health science. A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data using a structured pre-tested self-administrated questionnaire. A total of 612 learners were responded, among them 71.1% were female. The mean age of the learners were 33.2 years and ranged from 21 to 52 years. The mean age of the learners of BSN was significantly higher than the learners of DCSA. The results significantly stated that the learners of DCSA program were resided far away than the learners of BSN program (p=0.012) whereas a total of 65.2% of the learners were resided on average 10 kilometer distance from the study centers. The monthly family income of the learners of DCSA program was significantly higher than the learners of BSN program. Significantly the highest number of learners (57.9%) of DCSA program were detached from their study than the learners (49.3%) of BSN program (p=0.012). Regarding the media programs, 62.7% of the learners gave their opinion that TV programs were at the level best but they wanted to watch TV program at the evening or night schedule. Based on opinions from the learners, revision of curricula and syllabuses, interactive printed materials, effective coordination between academics and administrative staffs and rescheduling of on-air TV programs are suggested. Results of this study might provide valuable information for the policy makers and future researchers to develop more appropriate learning materials and effective delivery mechanisms for the enhancement of open and distance learning.