Introduction

In the developed world, those with access to the internet can learn any number of things via video sites like YouTube. Opportunities exist for post-secondary formal learning in open-source formats known as MOOCS. @Coursera is an example of this and its courses include web-based resources, including video and assignments as part of the process. The final type of online learning is formal fee-paying where students work towards formal qualifications. It is this third category that this project is concerned with. =**However, **=
 * The number of students who enroll in at least one online course has increased 250% from 1.6 million in 2002 to over 5.6 million in 2009 (Allen & Seaman, 2010 as cited in Gravel, 2012).
 * Those enrolled in entire degree programmes online increased 335%, from .48 million in 2002 to more than 2.1 million in 2009 (Garrett, 2009 as cited in Gravel, 2012).
 * ====The dropout rate for online students reaches as high as 50%, estimated at 10 to 20% higher than for those in traditional on-campus programs (Rovai, 2003; Tyler-Smith, 2006 as cited in Gravel, 2012). ====


 * Online learning is growing in Africa **

The use of technology in post-secondary education is developing exponentially in Africa.  The challenges involved for learners and institutions are substantially greater in Africa than for the developed world.

This assignment aims to determine whether strategies to reduce attrition rates in post-secondary online courses in the developed world would be relevant in Africa. Given the complexities of providing online education in Africa, no conclusive answer is reached. Instead, three hypotheses are provided in order for you to decide.

//Isaacs S, Hollow D, Akoh B, and Harper-Merrett T., 2013 Findings from the eLearning Africa Survey 2013., in Isaacs S (ed) 2013. The eLearning Africa Report, ICWE: Germany. Creative Commons License (Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs)//

Why do students drop out?