scholarly journals Student access to and skills in using technology in an open and distance learning context

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanlie Liebenberg ◽  
Yuraisha Chetty ◽  
Paul Prinsloo
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
South African ◽  
Learning Context ◽  
Access To Technology ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
South African Higher Education

<p>Amidst the different challenges facing higher education, and particularly distance education (DE) and open distance learning (ODL), access to information and communication technology (ICT) and students’ abilities to use ICTs are highly contested issues in the South African higher education landscape. While there are various opinions about the scope and definition of the digital divide, increasing empirical evidence questions the uncritical use of the notion of the digital divide in South African and international higher education discourses.</p><p>In the context of the University of South Africa (Unisa) as a mega ODL institution, students’ access to technology and their functional competence are some of the critical issues to consider as Unisa prepares our graduates for an increasingly digital and networked world.</p><p>This paper discusses a descriptive study that investigated students’ access to technology and their capabilities in using technology, within the broader discourse of the “digital divide.” Results support literature that challenges a simplistic understanding of the notion of the “digital divide” and reveal that the nature of access is varied.</p>

Gender Inequality and Intersectional Disadvantage among Students in South African Universities

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 147-172
Author(s):  
Oliver Tafadzwa Gore ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South African ◽  
Higher Education Policy ◽  
Capabilities Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Education Policies ◽  
Higher Education Policies ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
South African Higher Education

Although policies to widen participation have been implemented in South African higher education since 1994, inequality of achievements persists in universities. The failure of the higher education policy to clearly define ‘disadvantage’ in various interventions seems to have contributed to the continuing inequalities. This study theorises disadvantage using the capabilities approach pioneered by Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum and argues for a more nuanced definition of disadvantage by exploring the opportunities, agency and achievements available to students in universities. The theorisation is based on findings from a qualitative case study of 26 semi-structured interviews conducted with students from one South African university. Using empirical findings, the theorisation in this study shows how the conversion factors intersect, resulting in some students achieving fewer functionings, which put them at a disadvantage. While gender equality seemingly has been achieved through enrolment figures that show parity levels, some female students are still disadvantaged through subtle forms of discrimination and sexual harassment in universities. This study therefore recommends that higher education policies should consider an expansive definition of disadvantage that encompasses the various dimensions of student wellbeing for all students to have flourishing lives.

scholarly journals Readiness of Students for Multi-Modal Emergency Remote Teaching at A Selected South African Higher Education Institution

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 135
Author(s):  
Obert Matarirano ◽  
Abor Yeboah ◽  
Onke Gqokonqana
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South African ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Technology Readiness ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
E Learning ◽  
South African Higher Education

The closures of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) due to the Covid-19 pandemic meant that face to face classes had to be put on hold. However, the growth in information and communication technologies (ICT) made it possible for HEIs to continue with their core activities remotely, primarily using learning management systems (LMSs). The overuse of LMS at the selected HEI resulted in the former’s collapse. The consequence was that management of the institution advised lecturers to use multi-modal emergency remote teaching (ERT) to save the academic year. Lecturers adopted a variety of platforms and approaches, largely depending on their preferences. This study identified the ICT platforms and approaches used by lecturers during remote teaching as well as estimating the readiness of students for emergency remote learning. Readiness was established with the use of the Technology Readiness Index 2.0 (TRI2.0) of the Technology Readiness Model. In addition, the effects of age, gender and level of study on technology readiness were estimated. A self-administered questionnaire was shared with senior students within the accounting department of the selected HEI. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data collected from 243 respondents. The study found that Microsoft teams was the commonly used platform whilst pre-recorded lectures and live classes were the popular approaches used. In terms of technology readiness, the study found that students were not ready as indicated by a low TRI 2.0 of 2.8. Age and study level had a positive effect on technology readiness. To provide the best possible learning experiences to students, lecturers need to understand what worked, what did not and why. The results of this study provide invaluable information and lay a foundation for successful future e-learning projects.

scholarly journals Towards Matching Access with Success: Using Technology to Create an Effective Learning Environment for Postgraduate Distance Learning Students

2019 ◽  
pp. 191-202
Author(s):  
Karin (Catharina) Muller ◽  
Marilize Putter
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
South African ◽  
Access To Education ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
Effective Learning ◽  
Education Environment ◽  
Postgraduate Level ◽  
African Higher Education ◽  
South African Higher Education

Distance learning has been identified as a key enabler in providing greater access to education. Yet, in order to provide meaningful access and constitute a productive application of both the student and country’s resources, such access must include a reasonable chance of success (Department of Higher Education and Training – DHET, 2014). In the South African higher education environment, success – if measured by dropout and throughput rates– has been considerably lower on undergraduate distance learning programmes than on contact learning programmes (DHET, 2018b). On a postgraduate level, the graduation benchmark rate set by government similarly shows a significant disparity between contact and distance learning. For postgraduate qualifications (up to honours level), it is earmarked at 60% for contact learning; but for distance learning, the target is halved, and set at only 30% (Ministry of Education – MOE, 2001). These low rates indicate that for many distance learning students, they may have gained access to education, but have a small chance of converting such access into success.

A CUSTOMISED FRAMEWORK FOR EFFECTIVE PODCAST INTEGRATION IN A SOUTH AFRICAN HIGHER EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-32
Author(s):  
Shane Pachagadu ◽  
Liezel Nel
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
South African ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning Environment ◽  
Education Environment ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
African Higher Education ◽  
South African Higher Education ◽  
Effective Integration

Numerous studies have explored the potential of podcast integration in teaching and learning environments. This paper first presents and organises perspectives from literature in a conceptual framework for the effective integration of podcasting in higher education. An empirical study is then discussed in which the guidelines presented in the framework were evaluated for applicability in a selected course at a South African University of Technology. Since the results of the study revealed a number of aspects not accounted for in the conceptual framework, the framework was customised to make it more applicable for the particular higher education environment. The customised framework identifies four principles and a series of related guidelines for the effective integration of podcasts in a South African higher education teaching and learning environment. This framework can become a valuable resource for effective podcast integration in similar environments.

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