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The Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) is the only Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institution set by government to cater for citizens who had been disadvantaged by different restrictions in the conventional university system. Journalism is a practice based course and this paper investigates how ZOU incorporates this teaching aspect. The key elements under investigation are students’ satisfaction and course impact. Recently scholars have highlighted that ODL has been greatly appreciated since it has opened up the learning opportunities for many people. However, ODL institutions have often been found wanting in terms of practical tools required for certain media courses. This paper argues that such tools are essential to achieve the desired impact and student satisfaction. The study used the qualitative methodology and the case study approach adopted. The main instruments of data collection were the questionnaire and discussions. A total of 20 students and four part-time tutors participated in this research. Findings from this research showed that media students at ZOU are happy with this flexible and convenient learning model but some students bemoaned the lack of practical sessions. The study recommends that despite being an ODL institution ZOU must provide media students with practical laboratories for hands on practice and other contemporary media tools in order to achieve the necessary impact and student satisfaction.

Teaching Journalism at a Distance: The Case of the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) (Harare Regional Centre)