The Role of the M.Ed Distance Education Program in Building the Capacity of the Ministry of Education

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to identify the major problems encountered in the Master’s of Education (M.Ed) distance education program in the process of accomplishing stated goals and objectives and to indicate feasible solutions to the prevailing situation. The study was conducted in the Ministry of Education (MoE) and its affiliated organizations, i.e., Education Media Agency (EMA), Institute for Curriculum Development and Research (ICDR) and National Organization for Examinations (NOE). A total of 90 respondents and program coordinators and instructors from the College of Education were the sources of data. The study focused on the roles played by the MoE and Addis Ababa University in launching and strengthening the M.Ed distance education program, and factors that affect the program. The results of the study revealed that the M.Ed distance education program was very effective and efficient, according to the graduates of the program, their immediate bosses and colleagues. On the contrary, without thoroughly evaluating the program, the top level officials of the MoE have concluded that the M.Ed distance education program is less effective and decided to close the program. This shows that the existing leadership and management practice of the MoE is either not interested in the M.Ed distance education programs or not aware of the use the programs can have in building the capacity of professionals working in the center and the regions. In addition, it was found that graduates were not placed in their field of studies which might have affected the performance level of employees. In the light of these findings, it is recommended that the MoE, higher education institutions and stakeholders should discuss the issue in depth and find ways and means to strengthen and expand distance education programs for building the capacity of various target groups.