A Study on Extent of Knowledge Level among Distant Learners of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University

Abstract

The study on Extent of Knowledge level among distant learners of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) was undertaken with objective to document the extent of knowledge level among the distant learners. The research design used was ex post facto. The Coconut Cultivation Technology course was purposefully selected out of the 21 certificate programmes, since it had the greatest enrollment. Students who successfully completed the Coconut Cultivation Technology certificate course from batches 2019-2021 made up the study's sample. Out of the 234 students, 130 were chosen using the proportionate random sample method. The data was gathered from the chosen students through both in-person and telephone interviews using a well-structured questionnaire. The study's findings showed that after attending the certificate course, more over half of the learners (53.85%) had medium level of knowledge on cultivation technologies. Also, it was inferred that variables including educational status, farm size, farming experience, information seeking behaviour, determinant factors, progressiveness, job aspiration, attitude towards ODL course and attitude towards entrepreneurship had positive significant relationship with the knowledge level of the learners. It is concluded that learners see distant learning as an efficient medium for education in order to increase their knowledge of agriculture technologies, which would help them improve the conditions on their farms and possible way to start a business.