Studying at a distance has become an important part of education in the modern world. In a distance education (DE) environment, learning occurs where the lecturer and the student are usually removed from each other in space and time (Yates & Tilson 2000:7). A very large proportion of teaching and learning is conducted where the lecturer and the student are separated from each other either permanently or most of the time. This mode of delivery offers learning opportunities to all categories of students, for example able-bodied, disabled, part-time or full-time students.

In describing distance or open learning, Perraton (2000:13) points out that it is an organisational activity based on the use of teaching materials, in which the constraints on study are minimised, either in terms of access, or of time and place, pace, methods of study or any combination of these. The umbrella term ‘open and distance learning’ (ODL), is used to cover all educational approaches and practices where students are taught and provided with learning resources to enable them to learn to acquire skills, knowledge, values and qualifications without attending college or university in person. This system of education delivery opens various opportunities for individuals to earn income while learning to upgrade their knowledge and skills no matter when and where they find themselves.

An important aspect of print-based ODL delivery mode, which is often neglected by many educational institutions that offer DE programmes, is an effective student support system (SSS) that caters for the academic needs of the lonely student. Many ODL students, both postgraduate and undergraduate live, work and study under conditions which may not be conducive to distance learning. They may, for example, lack resources that enhance learning such as relevant books, libraries, electricity, computers, the Internet and modern communication networks. Among them may be those who lack the required study and communication skills, understanding of what they read and the necessary guidance or support to enable them to succeed in their studies. Many postgraduate students in ODL institutions graduated from the conventional face-to-face universities and are thus new to an independent study environment where much emphasis is on learning and not teaching per se.