International Journal on Managerial Studies and Research (IJMSR) Volume 2, Issue 4, May 2014, PP 38-47 ISSN 2349-0330 (Print) & ISSN 2349-0349 (Online) www.arcjournals.org ©ARC Page 38 Tutoring in Open and Distance Learning: Challenges in the Use of Internet Based Platforms in Two Selected Regional Centers of the Zimbabwe Open University Richard Bukaliya Zimbabwe Open University, Mashonaland East Region, Marondera, Zimbabwe bukaliar@gmail.com Gift Rupande Zimbabwe Open University, Mashonaland East Region, Marondera, Zimbabwe grupande@yahoo.com Abstract: This survey was carried out at the Zimbabwe Open University`s Mashonaland East and West region and sought to establish the challenges affecting the full implementation of internet based tutoring in ODL. The population for the study was 28 tutors and 700 students. A stratified simple random sample by faculty of 50 respondents was used for this study. Data were solicited from the respondents through telephone interviews and questionnaires. Results from the study show that a number of factors have affected the full utilisation of internet based technologies in tutoring. Socio-economic factors such as salary levels of respondents and cost of the gadgets affect adoption and use of the internet based platforms. Most learners did not possess the basic ICT gadgets such as computers. The younger respondents, however, have embraced the electronic gadgets more than the older generation which is fearful of the new technology. The study, therefore, recommended that there be training in the basic computer usage. The institution should provide gadgets at district centres to reduce on the distances travelled by students. Students need assistance to facilitate acquisition of ICT gadgets from the providers at concessionary rates as has been the case for tutors. Keywords: Tutoring, Open and Distance Learning, Internet based platforms 1. BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is characterised by the separation of the learner from the tutor. These are separated both in terms of distance and space. In order to bridge the distance between the two, ODL has thus to adopt and rely heavily on the use of internet based technologies for communication and provision of instruction. The use of internet based systems has been effectively utilised in the developed countries unlike in the developing world where the traditional face to face mode of instruction remains the major method of lesson delivery. This has been despite the opportunities that have been brought about by these internet platforms. At the Zimbabwe Open University, attempts have been made to avail new technology so as to bridge the geographical distance between the tutor and the student. Computer laboratories have been established in all the regional centres, but uptake in terms of use of these has not been satisfactory. This study was therefore undertaken to establish those factors that have given rise to non-usage and adoption of the internet based tutoring platforms when conditions have necessary for use have been put in place. 2. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM The advent of new technology has and a far reaching impact on the lives of people in all sectors of the economy, as they jostle to garb the latest offering of these gadgets available on the market. However, their use and adoption have been far from satisfactory more so in the distance education, where their use should take centre stage. This study, therefore, aimed at answering the question: What could be the challenges affecting the use and adoption of internet based tutoring platforms in Open and Distance learning?