EFFECTIVENESS OF SERVICE CENTRES FOR DISTANCE EDUCATION STUDENTS

Abstract

Open Distance Education (ODE) students are required to be independent learners. Students in the Early Childhood Education Teacher (ECET) programme are teachers who are trying to improve their academic qualifications to obtain a bachelor's degree that is linear with their work. Therefore, they study while working. In this process they need help in the learning process. One of them is the UT Service Centre. The satisfaction of students who are members of UT service centres in the region is described in this article. This research was conducted on students of the Early Childhood Education Teacher Programme at Universitas Terbuka. A total of 64 respondents are members of the UT Service Centre. The research used a survey method. A questionnaire was distributed through the G-form platform. The results showed that most of the respondents were dissatisfied with the UT service centre. This was especially the case in relation to teaching materials, online tutorial guidance and funding. However, in terms of individualised services and availability of internet facilities and networks, they expressed satisfaction. The recommendations where the organisation of the UT service centres must be improved and be geared towards the provision of services to students from entry to graduation.