scholarly journals Rural online learning in the context of COVID 19 in South Africa: Evoking an inclusive education approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bekithemba Dube
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
South African ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Left Behind ◽  
Learning Challenges ◽  
Mode Of Life ◽  
Learning Management

This paper discusses the challenges faced by rural learners in South Africa in the context of the world pandemic commonly known as COVID-19. Rural learners face unprecedented challenges in adjusting to a new mode of life and learning, the latter being characterised by the predominant use of online, learning management systems and low-tech applications. The paper is informed by critical emancipatory research, I used participatory action research. A total of 10 learners and five teachers participated via Whatsapp. The paper answers two questions: what are the learning challenges faced by rural learners in South Africa, and how can online learning be enhanced in the context of COVID-19? The findings suggest that, while the South African government is promoting online learning as the only alternative in the context of COVID-19, this mode excludes many rural learners from teaching and learning, due to a lack of resources to connect to the internet, the learning management system, and low-tech software. The paper argues that rural learners are critical stakeholders in education and in the fight against COVID-19, and they cannot be left behind in efforts to fight the pandemic. 

Book review: Jansen, J. 2017. As by Fire: The End of the South African University. Cape Town: Tafelberg.

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
Jared McDonald
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Cape Town ◽  
The South ◽  
Scholarship Of Teaching ◽  
Creative Commons ◽  
Vice Chancellor ◽  
The University

Dr Jared McDonald, of the Department of History at the University of the Free State (UFS) in South Africa, reviews As by fire: the end of the South African university, written by former UFS vice-chancellor Jonathan Jansen.    How to cite this book review: MCDONALD, Jared. Book review: Jansen, J. 2017. As by Fire: The End of the South African University. Cape Town: Tafelberg.. Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in the South, [S.l.], v. 1, n. 1, p. 117-119, Sep. 2017. Available at: <http://sotl-south-journal.net/?journal=sotls&page=article&op=view&path%5B%5D=18>. Date accessed: 12 Sep. 2017.   This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

scholarly journals Teaching Mathematics during the COVID-19 Lockdown in a Context of Historical Disadvantage

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 177
Author(s):  
Brantina Chirinda ◽  
Mdutshekelwa Ndlovu ◽  
Erica Spangenberg
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Mathematics Teachers ◽  
Education System ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Education Community ◽  
South African Education

The COVID-19 global pandemic widely affected education across the world and engendered unprecedented scenarios that required expeditious responses. In South Africa, the pandemic came on top of pre-existing inequalities in the education system. Using a qualitative research method of exploratory and descriptive nature, this study engaged a social justice framework to explore the teaching and learning of mathematics during the COVID-19 lockdown in a context of historical disadvantage. A sample of twenty-three Grade 12 mathematics teachers at various public secondary schools in Gauteng, South Africa was used in the study. The teachers were selected through purposive sampling. A Google-generated open-ended questionnaire and follow-up telephonic interviews were used to collect data. Data were analysed thematically in five steps. The findings revealed that the WhatsApp platform is a valuable tool that can support the teaching and learning of mathematics beyond the classroom in the contexts of historical disadvantage. The findings also provided insights into how mathematics teachers became learners themselves during emergency remote teaching (ERT) as they had to adapt to digital teaching, find solutions to unfamiliar problems and acquire knowledge from a larger mathematics education community around the globe. The article discusses these findings and teachers’ challenges of transitioning from traditional face-to-face classrooms to ERT and how they were addressed. At the time of publishing the article, most learners in South Africa had started going to school on a rotational basis. Nonetheless, the study reported in this article is of importance as ERT in the context of historical disadvantage has foregrounded issues of inequality in the South African education system that must be dealt with urgently.

scholarly journals Online Learning: Challenges and Solutions for Learners and Teachers

2022 ◽  
pp. 0258042X2110695
Author(s):  
Utpala Das
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experiences ◽  
Online Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Challenges ◽  
Augmented Learning ◽  
Jel Code ◽  
Enhanced Learning

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an expansion and increase in the demand for online teaching and learning across the globe. Online teaching and learning is attracting a large number of students for enhanced learning experiences. However, there are many challenges and hindrances that pose a problem in the smooth learning. The impediments in the learning process are suppressing the advantages that may aid the learners with augmented learning sessions. The article presents some challenges faced by teachers and learners, supplemented with the recommendations to remove them. JEL Code: A20

scholarly journals Learning Strategies at SMP Muhammadiyah 3 Pandaan During Covid-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhlasin Amrullah ◽  
Devi Wulandari
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Learning Challenges ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
History Of ◽  
Using Data

The purpose of this study is to examine several aspects, including: the history of the establishment of SMP Muhammadiyah 3 Pandaan, learning strategies carried out in the midst of the covid 19 pandemic, learning methods, learning challenges, and effectiveness in learning at SMP Muhammadiyah 3 Pandaan. The research process uses descriptive qualitative methods. in the research process using data collection techniques by means of observation, interviews, and photos when the research was conducted. This study aims to determine the learning strategy in SMP Muhammadiyah 3 Pandaan. The strategy used at SMP Muhammadiyah 3 Pandaan in the midst of a pandemic is to use online learning strategies. Learning is carried out using zoom, google meet, wa, and youtube media, this is as an intermediary for learning in the midst of a pandemic, using these strategies can facilitate teaching and learning activities carried out by teachers and students online. SMP Muhammadiyah 3 Pandaan also experienced several challenges in carrying out learning in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic, one of which was that many students did not have the tools to do online learning such as cellphones, laptops, or computers, and some had problems such as having cellphones but many did not. have a quota or it is difficult to reach a signal when online learning is done. Although there are many challenges in carrying out learning activities in the midst of a pandemic like this, it does not eliminate the enthusiasm to keep learning even though you have to be at home online

scholarly journals Accompanying Students in Online Learning: Challenges and Interventions

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-119
Author(s):  
Gilbert Santos Arrieta ◽  
Reuben C. Calabio ◽  
Elna M. Rogel
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Student Affairs ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Guidance Counselors ◽  
Virtual Learning Environment ◽  
Online Environment ◽  
Learning Challenges ◽  
Home And School

When children come to school, parents endorse them to the teachers and staff who have the duty to take care of their formation and growth while they are in school. Being in school does not only allow the students to learn formally but also to meet new people who become their classmates and friends. The home and school which are the primary places of children/students should be nurturing environments where they grow and assisted. In school, the systems are already in place in terms of teaching and learning including the emotional assistance to students. However, this remains to be seen in a virtual learning environment. The Covid-19 pandemic forced teaching and learning to be conducted in an online environment, a road less traveled in education. Though the learning continuity plan was developed and directives were issued, it was expected that there will be challenges and concerns that will emerge. Managing the challenges experienced by the students is another concern. This study aims to find out the difficulties and challenges encountered by the students as shared and observed by the teachers, and how the students were assisted by the teachers. Based on the findings, it was found out that overload of requirements, time management, isolation, and lack of privacy are the main challenges and concerns encountered by the teachers. According to the teachers and guidance counselors, these were managed by being available online to the students, coordination of the student affairs, teachers, and guidance counselors, listening, and counseling/giving of advice. From these findings, the challenges and concerns will be addressed appropriately and lesser concerns will emerge as the online learning progresses.

scholarly journals Online Learning in a South African Higher Education Institution: Determining the Right Connections for the Student

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorothy Ruth Queiros ◽  
Mary Ruth De Villiers
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
South African ◽  
Web Sites ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
The Right

<p class="3">Online learning is a means of reaching marginalised and disadvantaged students within South Africa. Nevertheless, these students encounter obstacles in online learning. This research investigates South African students’ opinions regarding online learning, culminating in a model of important connections (facets that connect students to their learning and the institution). Most participants had no prior experience with online learning. Their perceptions and barriers to learning may apply to other developing countries as well.</p><p class="3">A cross-sequential research design was employed using a survey among 58 fourth-year students who were studying a traditional paper-based module via open distance learning. The findings indicated certain essential connections:  first, a <em>strong s</em><em>ocial presence </em>(through timely feedback, interaction with facilitators, peer-to-peer contact, discussion forums, and collaborative activities); second, <em>technological aspects</em><strong> </strong>(technology access, online learning self-efficacy, and computer self-efficacy); and third, <em>tools</em><strong> </strong>(web sites, video clips). The study revealed low levels of computer/internet access at home, which is of concern in an ODL milieu heading online.   Institutions moving to online learning in developing countries should pay close attention to their students’ situations and perceptions, and develop a path that would accommodate both the disadvantaged and techno-savvy students without compromising quality of education and learning. The article culminates in practical recommendations that encompass the main findings to help guide institutions in developing countries as they move towards online teaching and learning.</p>

Rethinking gifted education in South Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-285
Author(s):  
Marietjie Oswald ◽  
Erika Rabie
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Education Policy ◽  
South African ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Gifted Students ◽  
Academic Experiences ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Collective Case Study ◽  
Social Challenges ◽  
Inclusive Education Policy

In this article, we report the findings of a qualitative, collective case study exploring the academic experiences of six grade 11 gifted students in two schools in diverse socio-economic communities in rural Western South Africa. Gifted students represent an important component of a nation’s intellectual capital. They possess the qualities needed to find innovative solutions for many scientific and social challenges. Despite inclusive education policy initiatives aimed at ensuring quality education for all, the extant research indicates that gifted students from all socio-economic levels and cultures are neglected in South African classrooms. In this study, the voices of the students themselves were analysed. Whilst they are on the receiving end of education policy and teaching initiatives, their contributions are seldom sought. Our data collection methods included multiple measures and six in-depth individual semi-structured interviews as well as a focus group interview with all the subjects. The informal findings showed that academically gifted students from both affluent and disadvantaged backgrounds face similar challenges. They often feel neglected and academically under-stimulated. Recommendations were made to address their needs more appropriately.

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