Investigating factors affecting distance education administration: A study in higher education in Mauritius

This study investigates factors affecting higher education administration in Mauritius, with a focus on challenges faced by students at The Open University of Mauritius. The study aims to identify key barriers to effective learning and propose strategies to improve student support systems. A survey research design was adopted, utilizing an online questionnaire to collect data. The study targeted students who are or were enrolled at The Open University of Mauritius. A total of 200 responses were received, with 163 valid responses analyzed using SPSS 16.0. Frequency distributions and descriptive statistics were employed to validate data accuracy. The results indicate that major challenges for distance learners include a lack of time, limited interaction, and insufficient counseling support. These factors negatively impact student engagement and learning outcomes. The study underscores the need for enhanced student support mechanisms, particularly in terms of interaction and counseling services. Addressing these challenges can improve student retention and academic success. The study recommends refining admission criteria to ensure that students possess essential technical skills, particularly in computer usage. Additionally, higher education institutions should implement strategies to improve learner engagement and support systems in distance education.