As the learning environment in distance education is intended to be highly supportive and learner-centred, regular tutor-led contact sessions are an important learner support strategy that may be an incentive for student enrolment in a programme. In general, institutions use the tutoring services of qualified professional or support staff employed on a part-time contract basis, rather than full-time academic staff. This approach ensures that lecturers have a manageable workload, and that learner support services are cost-effective. Tutoring in open and distance learning (ODL) is designed to: • Bring an interpersonal element to the learning process. • Foster collaborative learning and support in small groups. • Enrich print-based learning through a variety of practical and interactive exercises.