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Baird, N., and Beer K. De. "Why podcasting in open higher distance learning?" Interim : Interdisciplinary Journal, Vol 8, Issue 2: Central University of Technology Free State Bloemfontein, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/11462/366.
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Published ArticleThroughout history children have been taught by means of stories told by their parents, and for many centuries this was the primary method of transferring knowledge and information. As time progressed, we spent less and less time listening to stories, although to this day storytelling is still being used as an education methodology. People of our modern century are accustomed to receiving information in an audio format. It is natural for us to absorb information through an auditory medium, and since such information transfer takes place on such a personal level, we tend to form a personal relationship with radio presenters. They become like family members who visit every time one turns on the radio. Podcasting has grown over the past year and is seen as a major leap forward in mobile learning, or as we like to call it, "learning-on-the-go". The learner is able to download lectures or information to his or her iPod or any other MP3 player, and no matter where he is or what he is doing, he will be able to gain knowledge. Whether the learner is working out at the gym or driving a car, the lecturer is always there with him, allowing the learner to constantly absorb information as it is presented in an amazingly personal way. When lectures are presented in this way, it of course remains the learner's responsibility to absorb the information made available to him. The whole idea of self-regulated learning comes to the fore and learners actually take responsibility for what they learn and the pace at which they learn. Lecturers are advised to record their lectures and make them available online as an essential tool in the education process. Language lecturers in particular should use pod casting as the main feature of their courses. Providing learners with a podcast of information on the next face-to-face lecture and having them prepare according to what they have been told in the podcast will truly enhance learning in the lecture room and stimulate discussion. The main aim of all lecturers should be to have their learners prepare to such a degree that all face-to-face sessions become discussion sessions. The iPod and podcasting have changed the face of open higher distance education as we know it. All we need to do is jump aboard and make the most of the amazing opportunities this paradigm shift is offering.
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Mackintosh, Wayne Grant. "Managing open distance learning (ODL) for changing futures." Thesis, University of Bath, 2006. https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.440879.
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Krull, Greig Emil. "Supporting seamless learning: Students' use of multiple devices in open and distance learning universities." Doctoral thesis, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/460834.
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El propòsit d'aquesta tesi doctoral és entendre els hàbits i comportaments d'aprenentatge dels estudiants que utilitzen diferents dispositius per a aprendre amb la finalitat de determinar com duen a terme les activitats d'aprenentatge utilitzant les diferents tecnologies de què disposen en els diferents llocs on es mouen, a més de diagnosticar els diferents tipus de suport que requereixen durant l'aprenentatge. La recerca utilitza com a mostra d'estudi dues universitats d'aprenentatge obert i a distància (AOD): una situada a Espanya i una altra situada a Sud-àfrica. Els resultats demostren que els estudiants són capaços de continuar l'aprenentatge en múltiples contextos i ubicacions fent servir múltiples dispositius (tecnologies mòbils i personals) i internet. En aquest sentit, l'aprenentatge és ininterromput. Així, doncs, les universitats d'AOD necessiten redefinir el seu disseny d'aprenentatge i els serveis de suport a l'estudiant durant l'aprenentatge.El propósito de esta tesis doctoral es entender los hábitos y comportamientos de aprendizaje de los estudiantes que utilizan diferentes dispositivos para aprender con el fin de determinar cómo llevan a cabo las actividades de aprendizaje utilizando las diferentes tecnologías de las que disponen en los distintos lugares donde se mueven, además de diagnosticar los diferentes tipos de apoyo que requieren durante el aprendizaje. La investigación utiliza como muestra de estudio dos universidades de aprendizaje abierto y a distancia (AAD): una situada en España y otra situada en Sudáfrica. Los resultados demuestran que los estudiantes son capaces de continuar el aprendizaje en múltiples contextos y ubicaciones usando para ello múltiples dispositivos (tecnologías móviles y personales) e internet. En este sentido, el aprendizaje es ininterrumpido. Así, pues, las universidades de AAD necesitan redefinir su diseño de aprendizaje y los servicios de apoyo al estudiante durante el aprendizaje.
The objective of this doctoral thesis is to understand the learning habits and behaviours of students using different devices in their learning in order to determine how they move between technologies, locations and learning activities, and the types of support they require. A mixed methods case study was conducted at two open and distance learning (ODL) universities, one in Spain and one in South Africa. Students are able to continue their learning experiences across different contexts and settings with the aid of mobile and personal technologies, together with internet services. This fulfils the aim of seamless learning. The results of the study will enable universities to design better learning experiences or offer improved support services to better meet the needs of students using multiple devices.
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Ivani-Chalian, Christine. "A critical analysis of disability through processes of open learning." Thesis, University of Southampton, 1997. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.241953.
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Morgan, Philip Arnold. "Pictures of change : distance learning as an innovation in health sciences." Thesis, University of Southampton, 2001. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.341607.
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Mazumdar, Nirmal Ranjan. "Information and Communication Technology and Its impact on Open and Distance Learning." SSDN, New Delhi, India, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/209316.
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The impact of ICT in open and distance learning is now become a common phenomenon. The rapid use of internet and other communication facilities have brought
the open and distance education closer to the student community. The paper highlights the application of ICT in open and distance learning system of Assam.
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Golan, Hanan Shay. "Vision erosion-toward a new model for understanding e-learning in higher education : the Israeli Open University 1992-2000 as a case study." Thesis, London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London), 2002. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.272330.
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Nizam, M. Asad. "Exploring a bottom up approach to networking for open learning in India." Thesis, University of Southampton, 1996. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.243115.
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Redelinghuys, Johan. "Management guidelines for the implementation of m-learning in an open distance learning model / Johan Redelinghuys." Thesis, North-West University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/9200.
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Various modern communication technologies are available to higher education institutions involved in distance education to explore and implement for the effective provision of distance education programmes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of m- learning as part of distance education and to develop guidelines for the management of m- learning in an open distance learning model. The aims of this study are thus to determine the role of m-learning in open distance education, identifying challenges to implement m- learning as part of an open distance learning model and finally to develop generic management guidelines to implement m-learning as part of open distance education.
Quantitative research was undertaken using a survey questionnaire to acquire data for this research. The study population included students enrolled for distance education programmes at the NWU and accredited facilitators/lecturers employed by the NWU at tuition centres throughout SA facilitating distance education programmes. A total of 350 questionnaires (100 facilitators/lecturers questionnaire and 250 questionnaires for students) was sent out to all tuition centres to collect data for this research. Two different questionnaires were developed to suit the needs of each group. A total of 80.5% of completed questionnaires was returned.
The literature study of this research included concept clarifications of distance education and m-learning. The need for effective management and organizational structures for the delivery of distance education programmes utilising m-learning were investigated to gain an understanding of the complexities associated with an open distance education modus. The information from the literature study and the empirical section of this research contributed to the development of generic guidelines to implement m-learning as part of an open distance education modus.
In addition, aspects having an influence on the effective delivery of distance education programmes, were part of the questionnaires sent to respondents. These aspects included accessibility to resources utilising mobile devices, flexibility of programme delivery, affordability of programmes, interactivity between all role players in distance education and aspects that could influence anywhere and anytime learning. Furthermore, the different modes of delivering distance education programmes were explained. Challenges and barriers possibly having an influence in the delivery of distance education programmes through m-learning were included in the questionnaires sent out to respondents. Advantages and disadvantages as well as the needs regarding the use of cell phones in the delivery of programmes were identified in order to understand the role of m-learning and identifying relevant management guidelines for the implementation of m-learning.
Evidently, a response from the questionnaires was that the quality of teaching and learning according to the perceptions of m-learning amongst both groups were of more importance to students than with facilitators/lecturers. Students expressed a need to receive more academic information on their mobile devices and the majority of students and facilitators/lecturers indicated that they prefer receiving information regarding their studies through m-learning. Accessibility, affordability, interactivity and flexibility in delivering distance education programmes were aspects of importance to both groups of respondents. Administrative and academic support and the need thereof in delivering programmes through m-learning were evident in the research. Affordability in accessing information via mobile technologies is a concern for both groups of respondents. The training of all role players regarding the skills of downloading information about teaching and learning on their cell phones is a need for both groups. Once this training need for the utilisation of m-learning is addressed, more students and facilitators/lecturers may use this user-friendly technology to communicate with one another and with institutions. M-learning could fulfil an invaluable role in the communication process of distance education and may be of great assistance to overcome needs, barriers and challenges.Thesis (MEd (Education Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.
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De, Beer K. J. "Enhancing the contribution of open and distance e-learning in higher education : implications for the central university of technology, Free State." Interim : Interdisciplinary Journal: Vol 9, Issue 2: Central University of Technology Free State Bloemfontein, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/11462/351.
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Published ArticleThe aims of this article are to describe the findings of the author over the last decade regarding traditional distance education which eventually became Open and Distance E-Learning (ODEL) at the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) and secondly, the integration of Open Education Resources (OER) within ODEL. Up for debate in Perspectives in Education is the question whether ODEL and OER have not already stimulated a new constellation for higher education? After attending several international conferences of the International Organization for Open and Distance Education (lODE), the National Association for Open Distance Education of South Africa (NADEOSA), Higher Education Learning and Teaching Association of Southern Africa (HELTASA) as well as the South African Association for Research Development in Higher Education (SMRDHE), it became evident to the author that global trends forced a number of changes onto the South African higher education system. Subsequently, the CUT also had to reconsider the role of distance education within the Free State and Northern Cape provinces where it operates. In 2004 for example, students enrolled for distance education countrywide already constituted between 4% and 32% at traditional face-to-face universities while for universities of technology the figure was only 4,74% (CHE, 2004:185-186). However, universities of technology since expanded tremendously in using ODEL.
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Mdakane, Marry. "Student satisfaction in open distance learning in a BEd Hons programme / Mdakane M." Thesis, North-West University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/7312.
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Many students in South Africa are unable to cope with the academic demands of tertiary
education as they are not fully prepared for Higher Education (HE). Various inefficiencies in
the South African HE system have been identified, including low throughput rates, student
dissatisfaction, unsatisfying graduation rates, learner dropouts, learner repetition, motivation,
self–efficacy, attitude, personality differences, maturation, the retention of failing learners and
unit costs. Student performance and satisfaction cause concern for the government and the
HE sector.
The purpose of this study is to understand student satisfaction amongst Open Distance
Learning BEd Hons students. It further aims to improve student satisfaction and quality in
the programme by recognising the context sensitive needs, expectations and experiences of
students from different cultural–language groups, as well as constructing guidelines to
improve satisfaction. The purposeful sampling consisted of Second year BEd Hons teacherstudents
enrolled for open distance learning at the School for continuing teacher education
(SCTE). A total of 34 students participated in the study. This number comprised of fifteen
students from the focus–group interviews and nineteen students who completed open–ended
questionnaires. Students were chosen according to three criteria dimensions: major
language groups, gender and number of years teaching experience. This study followed a
qualitative investigation of two semi–structured, open–ended focus–group interviews in the
format of conversations, as well as documentary analysis of the teaching and learning policy
of the North West University (NWU), and an open–ended questionnaire. The data were taperecorded
for accurate transcription and analysed by using Atlas.ti. Through the use of
Atlas.ti, I constructed categories of recurring patterns in the dataset, and explored the
relationships of these categories. Different strategies were used to enhance validity and
reliability respectively.
The findings indicated that students’ satisfaction with HE environment is influenced by the
quality of the programmes offered to them, communication between lecturers/facilitators and
students, environment at the learning centres and the support that students received from
HEI. The students in their capacity as clients with Higher education institutions (HEIs) are
influenced by the support they receive from their work environment, as well as the level of
appreciation they receive from HEI regarding their own culture and values. They also value
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the environment they experience during course facilitations at the HEIs. The various student
attributes also play a significant part in their satisfaction levels towards the HEIs.
Findings also highlighted that students were not satisfied with the support they received from
the Open distance learning (ODL) unit. It is clear that the students’ perception of the quality
of the programme influences their level of satisfaction. Students are mostly satisfied with the
quality of the programme but they feel the communication as well the support from HEI and
ODL is not adequate. The students indicated that HEI and ODL do not display sufficient
understanding and concern for students. They feel there should be a greater commitment
from HEI and ODL to understand and consider the profiles of the students. HEI and ODL
should actively consider the background, culture, values, attributes, and personal, as well as
domestic circumstances of their students. The BEd Hons programme is a valuable and
popular programme, but the responsibility rests with both HEI and ODL to ensure that both
the quality and delivery of this programme are enhanced and improved so as to guarantee
higher levels of satisfaction amongst students.Thesis (Ph.D. (Education))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.
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Rumble, Greville William Sumpter Vosper. "The costs and economics of open and distance learning : methodological and policy issues." Thesis, Open University, 1998. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.264403.
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Esterhuizen, Hendrik Daniel. "The integration of learning technologies in open distance learning at the North-West University / Hendrik Daniel (Hennie) Esterhuizen." Thesis, North-West University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/8736.
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North-West University in South Africa is committed to expanding use of learning technologies
for contact and distance education students by augmenting the existing NWU teaching and
learning policy with an e-learning policy. The School of Continuing Teacher Education at
North-West University is currently training about 24 000 in-service teacher students through
Open Distance Learning. Only a few students submit assignments in typed format and
seldom electronically. Students rarely use electronic technologies to augment their learning,
and the SCTE employs few to support students. This does not comply with the South African
Government’s policy on e-Education that demands information and communication
technology mastery in teacher training.
The aim of this research was integration of learning technologies in open distance learning at
SCTE NWU through recommendations compiled in a sociologically transformative emergent
implementation framework. The researcher followed a concurrent mixed-method
sociologically transformative approach, focussing on the use of technology for social
empowerment to cross the digital divide, through a theoretical lens of ICT for development.
The lived experience in the natural setting of distance education students, lecturers, and
involved stakeholders was used as initial data collection, informed by a continuous literature
study of emergent learning technology use.
Purposeful sampling was used during participant selection. The role of the researcher was
that of participant observer, interviewer, and human instrument, from a position of
methodological pragmatism as a method of inquiry. Using a design-based research
approach, the thesis addresses the main research question through five research papers;
each addressing one of the sub-questions as design-based research cycles, while
collectively addressing the research problem to address the main research question. Nonstandardised
measuring instruments were developed based on themes identified from
literature and the analysis of qualitative data. Significant barriers to population-wide ICT
adoption exist. Strong intentions of perseverance in attaining functional computer literacy
are evident. Support and enablement are required to promote trust to attempt using
computers, necessary to obtain self-confidence through accomplishment. In this way
perseverance to attain functional computer literacy may be cultivated.
The study presents a model for intention to use, confidence, trust and perseverance in
attaining computer literacy competence with statistically significant standardised regression weights. In terms of affective responses of students during computer literacy training, a twodimensional
model for computer literacy learning emotions is presented. Perceptions during
professional development produced a model for faculty development towards socially
transformative learning technology integration for open distance learning. The researcher
also presents a people-technology interaction in teaching and learning model in the fifth
paper. A distinction is made between reactionary interventions and pre-emptive unobtrusive
seamless support, based on requirements identified through bottom-up feedback listening to
latent requests of participants. Technology-enhanced learning integration should be
legitimised through visible commitment from the university as institution. Lecturer training,
innovative planning of time issues, acquisition of appropriate infrastructure, buying in from
the institution and IT support services, and support of teacher-students are all essential for
evolvement towards an e-mature organisation for the delivery of ODL to vast numbers of
newly industrialised context clients.Thesis (PhD (Curriculum Development Innovation and Evaluation))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013
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Olaniran, Sunday Olawale. "Pre-service teacher training in two Open and Distance Learning based universities in Africa." Thesis, University of Zululand, 2017. http://uzspace.unizulu.ac.za:8080/xmlui/handle/10530/1642.
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A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor Of Education (D.Ed.) in the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies at the University Of Zululand, 2018The study examined pre-service teacher training in Open and Distance Learning based Universities in South Africa and Nigeria. The specific focus of the study was on the initial teacher education programmes at Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE/PGDE) phases in the two ODL based universities. The theories of self determination, humanism, transformational learning, distributed learning, and transactional distance served as the frameworks for the study. Information for the study was gathered through survey. Anonymous web-based questionnaire was designed and used to obtain information from the pre-service teacher trainees in the two ODL based universities. Interviews were conducted for a selected number of academic and support staff members from the two universities. A combination of purposive and stratified random sampling was used to generate the sample frames of the participants for the study. The sample of the pre-service teacher trainees that participated in the study was drawn from the nine (9) Provinces of South Africa, and six (6) Geo-political zones of Nigeria. One thousand, two hundred and sixteen (1216) ODL based pre-service teacher trainees in their B.Ed. and PGCE/PGDE programmes responded to the web-based questionnaire from the two countries. In addition, a total of ten (10) academic and support staff members were interviewed from the two Universities. The overall results revealed that the majority of pre-service teacher trainees by distance are young people between 18 and 29 years of age, unemployed or engaged in voluntary works with no stable source of income. Furthermore, flexibility of the programme and desire to work full time while studying were found to be the major factors that motivated majority of the participants to enrol in pre-service teacher training by distance. Electronic mail (E-mail), postal services, Learning Management Systems (LMS), radio programmes, and social media were found to be the major platforms through which the selected ODL based universities reached their pre-service teacher trainees. Moreover, mobile phone and tablet were found to be the major devices that the sampled student teachers used to access learning materials.
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Franken, Engela Johanna. "The implementation of open learning in the South African TVET college sector." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/80438.
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This study aimed at determining the factors that significantly impact on the implementation rate of open learning in the South African TVET college sector. Despite government’s visionary papers and open learning policy framework, TVET colleges in South Africa have been slow in following international trends. Pre-COVID19, only a handful of the 50 public TVET colleges had even ventured into the idea of multi-modal, or any teaching mode, other than the traditional classroom.
The methodological and analytical lens of the study is two-fold. The Critical Theory in Education (CTE) and the Stakeholder Theory that depicts the interests of the different stakeholder groups within the Higher Education band and their expectations towards the activities of TVET colleges.
Case study, a qualitative research design, was utilized in the study. Semi-structured interviews with top key decision makers in the Department of Higher Education and Training, as well as open learning champions on institutional level, were used as data collection tools. The interview data was analysed using descriptive and content analysis, and themes were obtained. The findings are brought into terms with the theoretical framework and potential catalysts are suggested.Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria 2020.
pt2021
Science, Mathematics and Technology Education
MEd
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Caladine, Richard. "New theoretical frameworks of learning activities, learning technologies and a new method of technology selection." Access electronically, 2003. http://www.library.uow.edu.au./adt-NWU/public/adt-NWU20040921.114720.
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Ndoutoume, Mendene Jean-Louis. "Initiating ICT in the open distance learning of Gabonese teachers / Jean-Louis Ndoutoume Mendene." Thesis, North-West University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/9678.
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Gabon is a Sub-Saharan francophone country which has been independent since August 1960. Its Educational System is modelled on the French System. However, the Gabonese Education System currently does not have any guidelines or policies for the system-wide implementation, integration and use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the education system. The Gabonese Government committed itself to some ICT-related partnerships, but did not launch any programme or activity relating to those commitments. In addition, the Government provided funding to change the country’s Internet connectivity by satellite with the WASC/SAT3 sub-marine cable in order to make Internet access and connection ten times cheaper at the international level. Unfortunately, the benefit from this investment is not experienced in the country as the potential users, such as teachers, keep having challenges with Internet connection.
After fifty years of independence, the government also does not offer sufficient opportunity for teachers to enhance their pedagogical knowledge and skill through teacher professional development (TPD). As a result, no research, guidelines or policies exist for the implementation and use of Open Distance Learning (ODL) for TPD supported by ICT. The aim of this qualitative descriptive exploratory research study was to explore, describe and understand the enablers and challenges of initiating ICT in the ODL training of Gabonese in-service teachers.
Although the academic seat for this research was the School of Continuing Teacher Education on the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University in South Africa, the research project’s focus, conceptualisation, data-collection and data-interpretation were all based and conducted within the researcher’s heimat, i.e. the Gabonese Education System context. An interactive qualitative casestudy research design (Denzin & Lincoln, 2005; Merriam, 1998) was used in this investigation to obtain in-depth context sensitive data concerning the attitudes, fears, needs, expectations, infrastructure and readiness of the Gabonese Education teachers (at schools and training institutions) for the implementation and use of ICT for ODL training of Gabonese English (second language) teachers, collected through qualitative research methods, i.e. semi-structured open-ended individual and focusgroup interviews, as well as additional research artefacts in the form of photographs to visually record the unique contexts involved.
The researcher decided to involve Gabonese English (second language) teachers in the investigation, as he has worked in this discipline for at least twenty years. To ensure sufficient participants, the researcher made use of a snowball strategy where participants in the research referred others. Participants were also selected according to specific selection criteria. Two English (second language) teachers, one school principal, four ICT specialists, one advisor of English teachers, and one inspector of English teachers (ICT specialist) participated in eight individual interviews. Nine English teachers and two advisors of English teachers participated in four focus-group interviews. All interviews were conducted in French. At the North-West University in South Africa, the researcher transcribed the interview data and used ATLAS.ti™ (qualitative data-analysis software) to construct an integrated data-set for analysis. Qualitative data-analysis was performed under the guidance of an expert researcher in qualitative data-analysis. The relevant research findings were translated into English for the purpose of this report.
Qualitative data-analysis of the integrated data-set identified six categories of data related to three themes, i.e. (i) Gabonese Education, (ii) ICT in Gabon and (iii) ODL in Gabon. The six categories are: (i) Challenges of Gabonese Education, (ii) Enablers of Gabonese Education, (iii) Challenges to implementation and integration of ICT, (iv) Enablers of ICT; (v) Challenges of ODL, and (vi) Enablers of ODL. These categories supported by codes and quotations provide basic ideas on the research enablers and challenges of initiating ICT in ODL training of Gabonese in-service teachers. The discussion comprises thirty codes, and recommendations are made.
The findings of this rich qualitative exploration could benefit and support the Gabonese Education Department, policy makers and academic institutions in their quest to implement, integrate and use ICT in the TPD of in-service teachers via DE and ODL.Thesis (MEd (Curriculum Development))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.
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Armellini, Cesar Alejandro. "Educational technology in in-service language teacher education in open and distance learning settings." Thesis, University of Kent, 2000. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.322837.
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Mswazie, Jonathan L. P. "Innovation adaptation and institutionalization: a case study of an open and distance learning adaptation in Zimbabwe." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11184.
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This study set out to investigate a unique case of innovation adaptation and institutionalization in a depressed socio-economic environment. The main aim of the study was to understand and explain interventions and innovative strategies that underpin the survival and growth of the Open and Distance Learning Mode (ODLM) in Zimbabwe. Towards this end, the data to address the research questions was derived from the case study methodology which incorporated, among others, documentary analysis and interviews with persons involved in the initiation and management of the ODLM. The results of the study indicate that three broad categories of strategies, namely protectionism, innovative leadership and educational entrepreneurialism or commodification constitute the foundation of ODLM durability in Masvingo Province. Protectionism in the context of ODLM survival and growth are projected and articulated in the policy instruments such as mandates and legal frameworks which shielded the innovation from the usual hazards of the innovation process. Protectionism enabled the ODLM to gain traction in an elitist and conservative higher education landscape. Correspondingly, innovative leadership is manifested in a highly motivated team of management staff committed to the propagation of the ODLM to every part of Masvingo Province. The leadership at the Masvingo Regional Campus (MRC) utilizes the multiple stakeholder approach as strategy for establishing convergences and equilibrium in respect of the interests and concerns of the four main stakeholders, namely the government or the ruling party which initiated the implementation of the ODLM; the employers of ODL graduates who affirm the relevancy of ODL qualifications, the students who sustain ODLM by generating revenue for the ZOU, and finally, the MRC staff who are the implementers of the ODLM programmes. Likewise, educational entrepreneurialism constitute another key strategy in ODLM survival and growth. This strategy is articulated in the principle of continual adaptation and creation of market – driven programmes. The above results have several implications to various role players and actors involved in the educational reform and innovation. Firstly, the results of the study reveal the imperative for power elites or policy formulators to ensure that they initiate and adopt educational innovations that match the capacities of their implementers and the socio-economic realities of their respective countries or societies. In this regard, the ODLM appears to have been a prudent choice in light of the challenges that were being encountered in post-independence Zimbabwe. Secondly, from a management perspective, the selection of the innovation team to spearhead or steer the implementation was prioritized. Only competent and committed personnel positively disposed towards an innovation should spearhead the implementation. In addition adequate training and staff development should be instituted to keep the implementers abreast of new trends and standards in educational provision. Lastly, the results of this study constitute a clarion call to curriculum developers in African university departments to design and develop programmes which resonate with the needs of key stakeholders who constitute the support base for viable educational institutions.
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Tshivhase, Azwinndini Christopher. "The development and implementation of an institutional tuition policy for an open and distance learning institution a case study of the University of South Africa /." Thesis, Pretoria : [s.n.], 2008. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-10222008-103053/.
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Nacheva-Skopalik, Lilyana Velikova. "An examination of an intelligent cybernetic learning model for formative assessment and diagnostics in open and distance learning." Thesis, Teesside University, 2007. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.517461.
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FRESCHI, Sergio. "A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Reuse of Open Learning Resources." University of Sydney, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/3937.
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Master of Engineering (Research)Educational standards are having a significant impact on e-Learning. They allow for better exchange of information among different organizations and institutions. They simplify reusing and repurposing learning materials. They give teachers the possibility of personalizing them according to the student’s background and learning speed. Thanks to these standards, off-the-shelf content can be adapted to a particular student cohort’s context and learning needs. The same course content can be presented in different languages. Overall, all the parties involved in the learning-teaching process (students, teachers and institutions) can benefit from these standards and so online education can be improved. To materialize the benefits of standards, learning resources should be structured according to these standards. Unfortunately, there is the problem that a large number of existing e-Learning materials lack the intrinsic logical structure required, and further, when they have the structure, they are not encoded as required. These problems make it virtually impossible to share these materials. This thesis addresses the following research question: How to make the best use of existing open learning resources available on the Internet by taking advantage of educational standards and specifications and thus improving content reusability?In order to answer this question, I combine different technologies, techniques and standards that make the sharing of publicly available learning resources possible in innovative ways. I developed and implemented a three-stage tool to tackle the above problem. By applying information extraction techniques and open e-Learning standards to legacy learning resources the tool has proven to improve content reusability. In so doing, it contributes to the understanding of how these technologies can be used in real scenarios and shows how online education can benefit from them. In particular, three main components were created which enable the conversion process from unstructured educational content into a standard compliant form in a systematic and automatic way. An increasing number of repositories with educational resources are available, including Wikiversity and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology OpenCourseware. Wikivesity is an open repository containing over 6,000 learning resources in several disciplines and for all age groups [1]. I used the OpenCourseWare repository to evaluate the effectiveness of my software components and ideas. The results show that it is possible to create standard compliant learning objects from the publicly available web pages, improving their searchability, interoperability and reusability.
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Ebrahim, Ashraf. "Open and distance learning in higher education in Egypt : an evaluation of the degree programmes of the Centre of Open Learning in Cairo University (COLCU)." Thesis, University of Bath, 2001. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.392067.
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Rahman, Zillur, and zillur@deakin edu au. "STUDENT SUPPORT: BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN STUDENTS AND THE UNIVERSITY." Deakin University. Graduate School of Education, 2002. http://tux.lib.deakin.edu.au./adt-VDU/public/adt-VDU20030206.130122.
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Bangladesh introduced open and distance learning as a means of providing education for people in isolated and remote locations through the establishment of the Bangladesh Open University (BOU). The broad aim of the BOU is to provide flexible and needs-based education to those unable or not wishing to enter conventional educational institutions. The BOU is presently the only university in Bangladesh to provide mass education and also to provide continuing education and professional and technical education to support the existing educational system. The BOU has a mission that encompasses secondary and higher levels of education.
BOU operates its programs through a centralised academic and administrative staff, and regional and local offices throughout Bangladesh that organise local tutorials and distribute information and materials. BOU has adult students in all parts of the country, and most of the students live in rural areas. They need support that is appropriate to their local circumstances.
Using an interpretive approach, this research examines the support needs of students studying for the Secondary School Certificate and the Bachelor of Education, assesses the effectiveness of current support services and explores alternatives to the current system. The underlying assumption is that support needs to be appropriate to the countrys culture and circumstances, and useful and feasible from the perspectives of students, staff, administrators and senior university officials.
To investigate the appropriate support for distance education students, this research was conducted in four sample regions. Two were selected from areas of sparse population where the terrain makes transport difficult and two from areas that are more densely populated and where transport is easier. A questionnaire survey and focus groups were conducted with students, focus groups with local staff and interviews with Regional Directors within the four sample regions. Interviews were also undertaken with central University senior staff to get their perspectives on current and future policies for student support.
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Tsvigu, Chipo. "Students' experiences, learning styles and understanding of certain calculus concepts: A case of distance learning at the Zimbabwe open University." Thesis, University of the Western Cape, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/8480.
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Philosophiae Doctor - PhDThis study attempts to understand how distance education practices influence the learning of calculus. Understanding student learning in a distance education environment is an important factor to consider in improving the learning experiences of those students who for one reason or the other opt not to study in conventional institutions of higher education. On one hand, understanding student learning may illuminate the influences that the learning environment has on student learning and on the other hand, it may inform on how learning experiences can be improved. The aim of this study is to acquire a deeper understanding of the diverse manner in which distance students learn calculus. Specific focus is also placed on how the distance education context of the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) influences student learning. The study describes a group of students' experiences of learning calculus in the ZOU distance education environment. The study also describes the students' learning styles and relates these to their mathematical understanding of certain calculus concepts. The specific content topics of "limit of function" and "derivative of function" are used to view achievement and performance, thereby indicating the distance students' mathematical understanding. The information processing learning theory is used as the theoretical framework for this study. The constructs of learning styles and mathematical understanding are used to illuminate the student's learning processes. The study used the Felder-Silverman learning styles model and Hiebert and Carpenter's notion of mathematical understanding to expound these constructs. The distance education environment of the B.Sc. Mathematics and Statistics (BSMS) programme at the ZOU provided the context of the study and an interpretive case study approach was adopted. A group of students registered in a first year first semester calculus course were studied. Data were collected from students based in four ZOU regional centres; namely Harare, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West, and Masvingo. These regional centres were conveniently selected for the study on the basis of proximity and accessibility. A total sample of twenty six students was involved and data for the in-depth part of the study emanated from five students who were purposively selected to participate in interviews. The interviewees were selected on the basis of their performance in a written calculus test. Data for this study were collected through use of learning journals, learning styles preference questionnaires, calculus tests and interviews. The data on students' learning experiences were predominantly qualitative in nature though supported by some quantitative data. The data on learning styles and mathematical understanding were also qualitatively analysed and presented case by case for the five interviewees. The study established that in a distance education system, the type of learning environment has the potential to influence students' learning, both positively and negatively, of which the main contributing factor is the learning support system. The study found that the learning support system provided by the institution and distance educators can have an impact on student learning. With reference to the calculus course in the BSMS programme, the study identified specific aspects where the environment facilitated or deterred learning. The study also revealed that students have varied learning style preferences, and that the learning environment has the potential to impact on students' learning styles. Since learning styles occupy a central place when it comes to improving distance learning materials, the study further explored the relationship between the constructs of learning styles and mathematical understanding. The study revealed that students' learning styles can influence the students' mathematical understanding. Improving students' learning in a distance education environment rests mainly on improving the learning materials and the support systems. A carefully designed and well supported instructional distance learning package can facilitate learning. Implications of the findings point towards the improvement of the distance teaching processes through the improvement of learning materials and the learning support systems for the BSMS distance education programme.
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Möwes, Delvaline Lucia. "An evaluation of student support services in open and distance learning at the University of Namibia /." Link to the online version, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10019/1620.
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Mowes, Delvaline Lucia. "An Evaluation of student support services in open and distance learning at the University of Namibia." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/1263.
Full textAbstract:
Distance education and open and flexible learning policies have done much to
extend accessibility to higher education throughout the world. However, distance
education is not just a move away from learning in the classroom. It is a complete
paradigm shift and when delivering learning materials outside the classroom
across any distance, it is important that technologies and techniques support
students. Against this background, the case has been made that the provision of
student support services, according to the diverse needs and expectations of
adult distance education students, should be an integral part of the provision of
open and distance learning.
The focal point of this study was to evaluate student support services, provided
at the northern campus of the University of Namibia, from a student perspective.
A combination of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies was chosen
and data were collected by means of a literature review and a questionnaire,
supplemented with open-ended questions. The subjects of the study were
second- and third-year B.Ed. students from the northern campus of the University
of Namibia.
The results of this study have provided evidence that adult distance education
students indeed value the provision of student support services. Specifically,
students in this study placed the greatest importance on student support services
related to getting started with their studies, for example orientation sessions
about available student support services and contact and communication with
tutors and fellow students by means of vacation schools, face-to-face tutorials on
Saturdays at regional centres and support through study groups. One of the conclusions of the study was that the institutional policy and the role
of management are crucial in the establishment of an effective student support
model to facilitate distance learning.
The following recommendations were formulated:
The University’s Centre for External Studies (CES) should conduct periodic and
regular evaluation studies of its distance education students to design, develop
and provide student support services that will be tailored to students’ specific
needs and expectations.
CES should pay attention to support services that help reduce barriers if it is to
attain its mission of making quality higher education more accessible.
CES should provide adequate training to tutors to prepare them for the special
challenges presented by open and distance learning.
CES should design and implement an appropriate Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) course to empower distance education
students adequately for the use of modern ICT.
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Cisel, Matthieu. "Utilisations des MOOC : éléments de typologie." Thesis, Université Paris-Saclay (ComUE), 2016. http://www.theses.fr/2016SACLN024/document.
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Nous cherchons dans ce travail à qualifier et quantifier les différentes formes d’attrition prévalant dans les MOOC. En sus du retrait volontaire, dont nous détaillons les différentes formes, l’attrition est dominée avant tout par différentes formes de non-participation : la majorité des inscrits ne se connectent jamais à la formation, ou n’y réalisent qu’un nombre minimal d’actions, sans intention de s’y investir. La prépondérance de cette forme d’attrition s’explique en partie par l’existence sur les plates-formes d’hébergement d’une offre abondante, qui incite les utilisateurs à s’inscrire à plus de cours qu’ils n’ont la possibilité de suivre. Un certain nombre de participants s’investissent dans la formation jusqu’à son terme bien qu’ils n’obtiennent pas le certificat. Ils représentent néanmoins une forme d’attrition marginale. Il en va de même pour l’échec académique, compris comme l’incapacité à répondre au niveau d’exigence des activités évaluées. Les MOOC sont le plus souvent de niveau introductif, les participants peuvent le plus souvent recommencer des activités auxquelles ils auraient échoué. La plupart des utilisateurs suivent le cours avec l’intention d’en réinvestir le contenu dans leur vie personnelle ou professionnelle. L’incapacité des dispositifs à répondre à cette logique, qui correspond à certains égards à un projet d’apprentissage, explique vraisemblablement une partie significative du retrait volontaire. La plupart des répondants souhaitent obtenir le certificat de la formation, bien qu’il ne représente que rarement la principale motivation sous-tendant l’inscription. Cet intérêt ne relève pas systématiquement de buts de performanceWe aim at describing, quantifying and understanding the diversity of situations that explain the low completions observed in MOOCs, based on learning analytics, registration data from the French MOOC platform FUN, course structures, surveys and semi-structured interviews. Most of the attrition is explained by different types of non-starts, and to a lesser extent by voluntary withdrawal: most registrants do not show up in the cours, or do a minimal number of actions, with no intention to engage in the course whatsoever. The existence of an abundant catalog in most platforms drives users to register to more courses than they can follow. Some users view most of the videos of the course without engaging in the tasks required to obtain the certificate, but they represent a small part of the attrition. Academic dismissal is likely to be limited given the fact that most MOOCs are of introductory level, most evaluations are automated and multiple attemps are allowed. Most users follow the course with the intention to apply its content in their personal or professionnal life; a MOOC is most often the equivalent of a learning project. The inability to answer the needs of such learning projects may explain a significant proportion of the voluntary withdrawal. Few learners register in order to obtain a certificate, but most of them are interested in it
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Nair, M. Chandrasekharan. "Open distance learning aspects of adult basic education in the UK and their implications for Kerala (India)." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 1995. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.242577.
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Chikono, Albert Nhawo. "Knowledge sharing practices amongst academics at the Zimbabwe Open University." University of the Western Cape, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/6426.
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Magister Library and Information Studies - MLISThis study investigated knowledge sharing (KS) practices at the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) in Zimbabwe. The study assessed the knowledge sharing practices in the ZOU regional campus faculty departments and identified gaps, with the aim to find out how knowledge is being managed, shared in an Open and distance learning institution and if knowledge management (KM) is playing a role. The quantitative study was undertaken at the 10 regional campuses of the Zimbabwe Open University. A questionnaire survey was carried out to collect data from a sample of 100 academic staff in the 10 Regional Centres. The underlying question was whether the university academic members were aware of the knowledge that exists, how this knowledge is created and, shared and flows in the organization. The study also sought to establish the views of academic staff, on the benefits that can be reaped from KM practices. The study confirmed that there is willingness to engage in knowledge sharing activities. However, the lack of a clear knowledge policy negatively impacts on the university’s ability to competitively position itself in the knowledge economy as a knowledge driven university and this impacts research productivity and distance learning course delivery at the ZOU. One of the key recommendations emanating from this research is that the university should have a Knowledge policy aligned to its strategic plan which will act as a guideline on the sharing of knowledge internally and externally as well as make it mandatory for academic staff to publish internally as well as to store their publications in the university repository.
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Stevens, Mary Margaret Dickson. "The Effects of Previous Exposure to Independent Study Courses and Open Courseware on Withdrawal from Subsequent Independent Study Courses." BYU ScholarsArchive, 2012. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/3165.
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This study examined factors affecting withdrawal rates using a selection of high school and college-level courses from BYU Independent Study (BYU IS). Exposure to BYU Open Courseware (OCW) curriculum prior to registration had no significant effect on withdrawal rates. Prior enrollment in a BYU IS course had a statistically significant positive effect on withdrawal rates, a surprising result. Further HLM analysis of 83,707 students indicated that at least some of the variability in student withdrawal behavior at the high school level was influenced by prior enrollment, the online course format, and courses offered in the fine arts. For both high school and college courses, students enrolled in an online (rather than paper-based "correspondence") course were less likely to withdraw than their paper-based peers. Finally, for college courses, students enrolled in lower division courses were more likely to withdraw from their courses. Students enrolled in Career and Counseling, Engineering Technology, Life Sciences, Family Home and Social Sciences, College of Fine Arts and Communications, Marriott School of Business, or Religious Education courses were less likely to withdraw from their courses than students enrolling in courses from other colleges.
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Ferreira, Rallyson dos Santos. "Um esquema de sincronismo para ambientes virtuais de ensino e aprendizagem." Universidade Federal do Amazonas, 2013. http://tede.ufam.edu.br/handle/tede/2900.
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Made available in DSpace on 2015-04-11T14:02:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1
rallyson.pdf: 1971079 bytes, checksum: 1c3dd02a9f806a7c16eecd3d4f5e5863 (MD5)
Previous issue date: 2013-07-05Constraints on Internet access, resulting from intermittent and low quality connections, have become the main obstacle to the use of Virtual Environments for Teaching and Learning in locations outside large cities, especially in challenging geographical regions like the Amazon. In this context, we present a scheme to get around these limitations, based on use of local servers and a synchronization technique that enables mediation of access to central servers, keeping local resources even when Internet connection is interrupted, performing updates when the connection is reestablished again. The proposed scheme has been developed and tested in order to evaluate its behavior in different scenarios, as well as the corresponding user perception.
Limitações do acesso à Internet, decorrentes de conexões intermitentes e de baixa qualidade, tem se tornado o principal obstáculo para o uso de Ambientes Virtuais de Ensino e Aprendizagem em localidades fora das capitais e grandes cidades, especialmente em regiões geograficamente desafiadoras como é o caso da Amazônia. Nesse contexto, é apresentado um esquema para contornar tais limitações, baseado no uso de servidores locais e de uma técnica de sincronismo que possibilita a intermediação do acesso a servidores centrais, mantendo recursos locais ainda que a conexão a Internet seja interrompida, realizando as atualizações quando tal conexão for restabelecida. O esquema proposto foi desenvolvido e testado de modo a avaliar seu comportamento em diferentes cenários, bem como a correspondente percepção do usuário.
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Banks, Stephen David. "Distal and proximal attentional focus effects on the performance of closed and open continuous motor skills." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/15919.
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Attentional focus research has reliably demonstrated that an external (beyond the body) focus is superior in terms of skill performance, retention and transfer relative to an internal conscious focus on movement mechanics. This thesis extends current knowledge by evaluating the impact of external focus distance on the performance of continuous skills in an applied context. Specifically, two external focus points of different distances were compared to an undirected attention condition. Three separate studies were conducted using different kayak sprinting disciplines; two of these took place in benign environments using relatively closed skills whilst the third was carried out in an open skill context. In all cases a within-participants experimental design was employed with an independent variable of conscious focus and a dependent variable of performance time. In Study 1, using competent, experienced kayakers (n = 20) in a surf ski sprinting task, the distal external condition significantly outperformed both the undirected focus and proximal external conditions (p < .001 in both cases). The undirected focus condition was significantly faster than the proximal external focus condition (p = .003). The effect size was large (ηp2 = .55). Study 2 examined the same attentional points using youth racers in K1 sprint kayaks (n = 16). The undirected focus condition was significantly faster than the proximal external condition (p = .028); the effect size was large (ηp2 = .23). In Study 3 experienced kayakers (n = 27) were tested in a wild water racing task against the same experimental conditions. The distal external focus condition significantly surpassed both the proximal external condition and the undirected focus condition (p < .001 in both cases). The effect size was large (ηp2 = .53). The studies in this thesis show that the distance of a specified external focus is important and can have a significant influence on performance. In contrast to previous work the proximal external focus did not provide a performance advantage relative to an undirected focus condition; in studies 1 and 2 it was actually detrimental. A distal external focus was beneficial compared to both other conditions in two studies and insignificantly different to the undirected focus trial in Study 2. This thesis brings together work on focus distance and skill type in three applied and non-contrived sporting contexts. The main practical implication of this research is that distance of focus should be considered by learners and coaches with a view to optimising conscious attention. A distal external focus appears to be particularly useful in targeting attention on a pertinent point whilst simultaneously excluding cognitive competition, distractions and unnecessary attentional switching which could undermine skilled performance.
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Renner, William 1966. "The open learning initiative : a critical analysis of change in Australian higher education, 1990-1997." Monash University, School of Political and Social Inquiry, 2003. http://arrow.monash.edu.au/hdl/1959.1/9353.
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Tong, James Yiu Woon. "Quality and effectiveness issues in distance education - with reference to the Open Learning Institute of Hong Kong model." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 1998. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.243750.
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Sipuka, Olwethu. "Exploring a framework for decolonised disability-inclusive student walk support practices in an open and distance learning institution." Doctoral thesis, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/34003.
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This research examined underpinning aspects of decolonised support service needs and preferences of open distance learning students with disabilities. In order to fulfil this purpose, views and perceptions of students with disabilities on the importance, availability, and accessibility of student support services were investigated. The extensive literature review done confirms the extent to which decolonisation of higher education has received prominence however, that prominence is not given to the decolonisation of support services for students with disabilities. The Capabilities Approach is utilized as the theoretical framework for this study. It coupled with the Social Model of disability channels our focus on the person's abilities rather than the impairments. Positioned as a qualitative illustrative case study, it sought to examine the factors that positively and negatively affect increased decolonisation of the higher education experiences of students with disabilities in South African universities. As the foremost Open Distance Learning institution in South Africa; the University of South Africa is the primary site for the study. Interviews with students with disabilities, the student representative council and staff members responsible for student support revealed the current experiences and perceptions of both students and staff regarding the topic. The study findings revealed key aspects of a decolonised Student Walk as being internationally relevant, students playing a pivotal role as a stakeholder, controlling worldviews, replicating inequalities and curriculum and power plays and clear strategy as a cardinal aspect of the process. It also discovered that decolonisation was not well understood by both staff and students, hypothetically pointing to many barriers than opportunities. There was disjointed institutional support initiatives that needed to be decolonised, inclusive, teaching and student support aligned. The major implications are linked to institutional level strategic support, staff training and awareness, policy reflection and strategy, inclusive initiatives and student involvement. Above all, a decolonised Student Walk framework has been proposed.
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Murangi, Heroldt Vekaama. "Managing student transition from conventional to open schooling: a case study of Namibia." Thesis, University of Pretoria, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/62894.
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The provision of school equivalency programme through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) has gained momentum in the 21st century through the establishment of open schools. Open schools has now become a model of choice for many young people and adults who do not want to pursue their secondary education journey through the conventional delivery system. Additionally, shrinking financial resources have made it impossible for governments especially in the developing world to expand education through the conventional system. Pityana (2007) claims that ODL is key in advancing the development agenda of many nations through programmes that accommodate the less privileged members of the society such as women, the unemployed, repeaters, out-of-school youth, disadvantaged and the displaced. Although open schools have made progress in increasing access, low throughput rates and high dropout rates remain the key challenges. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore the experiences and perceptions of learners when migrating from the conventional school system to the open and distance learning in general, and to Namibian College of Open Learning (NAMCOL) in particular. This study was driven by the assumption that change in the learning environment might be the most influential factor on learners’ ability to integrate into the new distance learning environment. The study mainly focused on the senior secondary (Grade 12) learners who transferred from the formal schools to NAMCOL to upgrade their grades. Moore’s (1883) theory of transactional distance and Tinto’s (1997a) theory of academic and social integration were used as the reference theoretical framework. The applicability of the two theories was assessed and compared with the findings of the study. A multi method research design was applied in data collection. The results of the study identified a gap between the learners’ expectations and the high ODL expectations and its demands. The learners in the study displayed a marginal understanding of the ODL mode of delivery. The study established certain factors that impede or accelerate the integration process and also identified technology mediated services as well as capacity building for staff as measures to facilitate learner integration in the ODL mode of delivery. The study reaffirms that meeting learners’ academic, social and psychological needs are important for successful learner integration. The findings have implications for policy makers, ODL practitioners and learners on the development of the most effective measures of increasing learner integration into open schools.Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2017.
Education Management and Policy Studies
PhD
Unrestricted
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Lee, Yuen Fung-king Barbara. "A study of the development of tertiary level distance education in Hong Kong : the case of OLI /." [Hong Kong] : University of Hong Kong, 1993. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record.jsp?B13553161.
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Rodensky, Debra. "Distance Learning Campus Outreach: Bringing Scholarly Commons to Residential and Online Campuses Across the Globe." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2018. https://dc.etsu.edu/dcseug/2018/schedule/5.
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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is an institution with 2 residential campuses: 1 in Daytona Beach, Florida and one in Prescott, Arizona. ERAU also has a Worldwide presence through 125 campuses located on military bases and within the private business sector. The ERAU Worldwide Campus doesn’t stop with physical locations, however. It encompasses an online campus with virtual learning opportunities. The degrees offered through all of our campuses range from certificate programs through doctoral studies.
The Scholarly Communication Team is located on the Daytona Beach campus. One of our challenges is to bring the intellectual output of all of our talented faculty from around the world into the ERAU institutional repository, called Scholarly Commons. In order to do this, we need an outreach plan which will capture the attention of our faculty members on our distance learning campuses and explain the benefits of participating in Scholarly Commons.
To this end, we’ve begun to promote Scholarly Commons using a multi-format outreach strategy. We seek partners from within the distance learning faculty communities to help us show why faculty should participate in Scholarly Commons. This presentation will describe the processes we have tried and others we will be putting into place to educate our faculty on how they can use Scholarly Commons to organize and pursue research, tenure, and promotional activities.
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Kashora, Trust. "E-learning technologies for open distance learning knowledge acquisition in managerial accounting." Thesis, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/25140.
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This research seeks to establish how e-learning may contribute towards knowledge
construction for Management Accounting students at the University of South Africa.
More specifically, the research is designed to investigate how educational
technologies like e-learning may benefit and improve the teaching and learning of
Management Accounting at Unisa. Educators need to understand how students learn
so that they can establish suitable learning strategies. Studies have shown that
generally, e-learning applications are little used, sometimes because of inappropriate
content and technologies. Other prohibitive factors are costs, poor or inadequate
technology infrastructure and a shortage of human resources. On the strength of a
comprehensive literature survey, a framework to address and manage challenging
aspects of teaching and e-learning were developed. Problem areas and critical
success factors were considered.
The said framework ought to assist with organising complex issues and reveal parts
that need further work. The utility of the framework was evaluated through a staged
process. First, it was tested and evaluated through the model of a lecture. Secondly,
both qualitative and quantitative surveys among university lectures and students were
conducted to further confirm the applicability of the framework. Though the outcome
of the validations were satisfactory, more research needs to be carried out over a
longer period of time in order to determine the scalability of the framework and to
remove any inconsistencies. Aspects of the framework could be used to incorporate ICTs, e.g. the use of spreadsheets and the Learning Village into communities of
practice.Hierdie navorsing poog om vas te stel hoe e-leer kan bydra tot kenniskonstruksie vir Bestuursrekeningkunde-studente aan die Universiteit van Suid-Afrika. Die navorsing is meer spesifiek ontwerp om vas te stel hoe opvoedkundetegnologieë soos e-leer die onderrig en leer van Bestuursrekeningkunde by Unisa kan bevorder en verbeter. Opvoeders moet verstaan hoe studente leer sodat hulle geskikte leerstrategieë kan ontwikkel. Studies toon dat e-leertoepassings normaalweg min gebruik word, soms omdat die inhoud en tegnologieë nie toepaslik is nie. Ander faktore wat dit belemmer, sluit in onkoste, swak of onvoldoende tegnologie-infrastruktuur en ’n tekort aan mensehulpbronne. ’n Raamwerk om die uitdagings van onderrig en e-leer te bestuur, is op grond van ’n omvattende literatuurstudie ontwikkel. Probleemareas en kritiese suksesfaktore is in gedagte gehou. Die genoemde raamwerk behoort van nut te wees vir die organisering van ingewikkelde kwessies en toon watter dele verdere werk vereis. Die bruikbaarheid van die raamwerk is deur middel van ’n stapsgewyse proses geëvalueer. Eerstens is dit getoets en geëvalueer op grond van ’n lesingsmodel. Tweedens is kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe meningspeilings geloods; sowel universiteitsdosente as -studente is versoek om die toepaslikheid van die raamwerk te bevestig. Alhoewel die uitkoms van die validasies bevredigend was, moet verdere navorsing oor ’n langer tydperk gedoen word om die skaleerbaarheid van die raamwerk te bepaal en enige teenstrydighede uit die weg te ruim. Aspekte van die raamwerk kan gebruik word om IKT’s, bv die gebruik van sigblaaie en die Learning Village, by praktyksgemeenskappe te inkorporeer.
Ucwaningo lufuna ukuthola ukuthi ngabe ukufunda nge-e-learning noma ngendlela yeelektroniki kungafaka kanjani esivivaneni ekwakheni ulwazi kubafundi be- Management Accounting eYunivesithi yeNingizimu Afrika noma i-University of South Africa. Ngokuqonde ngqo, ucwaningo ludizayinwe ukuthi luphenyisise ngkouthi amatheknoloji emfundo afana ne-e-learning angaba nenzuzo kanjani kanye nokuthuthukisa ukufunda nokufundisa kwi-Management Accounting eUnisa. Abafundisi kudingeke baqondisise ukuthi izitshudeni zifunda kanjani ukuze bakwazi ukuthola amasu afanele okufunda. Izinhlaka eziningi zocwaningo ezenziwe zibonise ukuthi ngokunabile, ama-application amaningi e-e-learning asetshenziswa kancane, kodwa ngesinye isikhathi lokhu kubangelwa wukuthi kusuke kunengqikithi engahambisani kahle ngokufanele kanye namatheknoloji angafanele. Ezinye izinto eziyizihibe, zindleko, ingqalasizinda ye-theknoloji yezinga eliphansi noma engenele kahle kanye nokusweleka kwabantu abawusizo. Ngokulandela imibhalo efundwe ngokujulile, kwenziwe uhlaka lokubhekana nokuphatha izinselele maqondana nokufunda nokufundisa kwase kwenziwa nge-e-learning. Kubonelelwe nemikhakhe enezinkinga kanye nokubhekana nezindawo ezinomphumela obambekayo nobalulekile. Uhlaka okukhulunywa ngalo kumele lusize ekuhleleni izinto eziyisixakaxaka kanye nokuveza izingxenye ezisadinga ukuthi kubhekwane nazo ukuzixazulula. Ukusetshenziswa kohlaka kuye kwahlolwa ngezinqubo ezinezigaba. Esokuqala isigaba, siye sathestwa kanye nokuhlolwa ngokusebenzisa imodela yesifundo. Esesibili isigaba, besingesokwenza ama-qualitative nama-quantitative survey kubafundisi baseyunivesithi kanye nabafundi, ukuqinisekisa ukusebenza kahle kohlaka. Ngisho noma ukubheka imiphumela yokuqinisekisa uhlolo ibiyenelisa, kusadingeka ukuthi kwenziwe olunye ucwaningo, esikhathini eside ukuze ukusetshenziswa kohlaka kuye ngokungezeleka ukubandakanya iningi (scalability), kanye nokuqeda izinto ezenza ukuthi kube nokwehluka-hluka nokungahambelani kahle ekusetshenzisweni (inconsistencies). Izingxenye zohlaka zingasetshenziswa ukwengamela ama-ICTs, isib. ukusetshenziswa kwama-spreadsheets kanye ne- Learning Village kulawo maqembu asebenzisa uhlaka.
Management Accounting
Ph. D. (Accounting Science)
41
Ditlhale, Tumelo Warren Gobusamang. "Support for students with disabilities in open distance e-learning." Diss., 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/27272.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract in English, Tswana and AfrikaansPeople who graduated from higher education, whether they attended classes on campus or studied via a distance mode of learning, have not only been educated but are also able to participate in and contribute positively to the political, social and economic forums in their immediate environments and within their country. Progressing through the higher education system successfully is not easy since there are many challenges to overcome. Students With Disabilities (SWD) face even greater challenges in making their way through the system to emerge triumphantly as graduates. Institutions of higher learning, including Open Distance eLearning (ODeL) facilities, must provide support to SWD in order to facilitate their learning experience so that they are better equipped to succeed. Therefore, it is vital to promote access to higher education for people with disabilities and to provide support, such as making assistive technologies and human services available, for SWD within ODeL institutions. This qualitative study was exploratory in nature and used a multiple case study research design in the chosen area to investigate the provision of support for SWD in the ODeL institution. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews and a document analysis, and these two methods of data gathering assisted with triangulation. The research findings revealed differences between the findings that were obtained through the responses received from teacher and staff member participants. The research findings also revealed differences between the findings that were obtained through the responses received from the participants, in general, and those obtained through the document analysis. The findings obtained through responses received from teacher participants showed that support for SWD was more evident at the school level than at the ODeL institution, that is, at the tertiary level of education. The document analysis of the policies of the ODeL institution revealed that the policies were general and did not specifically relate to the needs of SWD. At the same time, the findings in this dissertation of limited scope showed that the use of technology and the availability of assistive devices were more prominent at the school level than at the ODeL institution.
Batho ba ba alogang go tswa mo ditheong tse kgolwane tsa Thuto, ba tswa ba ka bo ba rutilwe le go ithuta ka go tsenela dikamuso (attending lecturers) mo khemphaseng kgotsa ba rutilwe le go ithuta ka thutotlhaeletsano, ga ba rutega fela mme ba kgona gape le go nna le seabe le go abelana ka tshiamo mo diforamong tsa sepolotiki, tsa seloago le tsa seikonomi mo ditikologong tse ba iphitlhelang ba le mo go tsona naga ka bophara. Go tsweletsa dithuto mo setheong sa thuto e kgolwane ka katlego ga go bonolo ka gonne go na le dikgwetlho di le dintsi tse o tshwanelwang ke go di fenya. Baithuti ba ba tshelang-ka-bogole (Students with disabilities -SWD) ba lebagane le dikgwetlho tse dikgolo thata mo setheong sa thuto e kgolwane, go ka ipona kwa bofelelong e le dialogane tse di atlegileng. Ditheo tsa thuto e kgolwane, go akaretsa le tsa tlamelo ya thutotlhaeletsano ka mafarafatlha ntle le maparego (ODeL), di tshwanelwa ke go tshegetsa SWD mo dithutung tsa bone gore batle ba atlege. Ka jalo, go botlhokwa go rotlweetsa phitlhelelo ya thuto e kgolwane go batho ba ba tshelang ka bogole le go ba tshegetsa, jaaka go ka ba direla le go ba neela thekenoloji tsa thuso le ditirelo tsa thuso-ka-batho. Tshegetse fela jaaka e tshwanetse go SWD ba ba mo ODeL. Patlisiso e ya khwaletatifi, e tlhametswe go utulola mme ebile e dirisitse mefuta e le mentsi ya go batlisisa ka ga mokgwa wa go tshegetsa SWD mo ODeL. Tshedimosetso kgotsa dinewane di kokoantswe ka go dirisa seripa sa dipotsolotso le go sekaseka tokamana, mme mekgwa e mebedi e, e thusitse ka go netefatsa diphitlheleo tse di bonweng. Diphitlhelelo tsa patlisiso di bontshitse dipharologano magareng ga diphitlhelelo tse di bonweng go tswa go barutabana kwa sekolong le go tswa go badiri kwa ODeL. Diphitlhelelo tsa patlisiso, di tlhagisitse gape dipharologano magareng ga diphitlhelelo tse di bonweng go tswa go banna-le-seabe, ka kakaretso, le tse di bonweng go tswa mo go sekasekeng tokamana. Diphitlhelelo tse di bonweng go tswa go barutabana, di bontshitse gore tshegetso ya SWD e tlhomame kwa sekolong go na le kwa ODeL, e leng setheo sa thuto e e kgolwane. Tshekatsheko ya tokomana ya dipholisi tsa ODeL, e bontsitse fa dipholisi e le tsa kakaretso fela mme di sa tote ka tlhamalalo ditlhokego tsa SWD. Go ntse go le jalo, diphitlhelelo tsa tlhotlhomisi e e lekanyeditsweng mothamo, di bontshitse fa tiriso ya thekenoloji le go nna teng ga didiriswa-thuso, di tlhomame kwa sekolong go na le kwa ODeL.
Mense wat aan hoëronderwysinstellings gradueer, of hulle klasse op kampus bygewoon het of deur 'n afstandsmetode van leer studeer het, is nie slegs onderrig nie, maar hulle kan ook deelneem aan en positief bydra tot die politieke, sosiale en ekonomiese forums in hul onmiddellike omgewing en in hul land. Dit is nie maklik om suksesvol deur die hoëronderwysstelsel te vorder nie, omdat daar baie struikelblokke is om te oorkom. Studente met gestremdhede (SMG) het selfs meer uitdagings om hul weg deur die stelsel te baan en triomfantlik as graduandi te verrys. Hoëronderriginstellings, insluitende oop e-afstandsleer (ODeL) -fasiliteite, moet ondersteuning aan SMG bied om hul leerervarings te fasiliteer sodat hulle beter toegerus is om sukses te behaal. Dit is daarom noodsaaklik om toegang tot hoër onderwys en ondersteuning aan mense met gestremdhede te bied, soos om hulptegnologieë en menslike dienste aan SMG in ODeL-instellings beskikbaar te stel. Hierdie kwalitatiewe studie was verkennend van aard en het 'n veelvoudige gevallestudie-ontwerp in die gekose veld gebruik om die voorsiening van ondersteuning aan SMG in 'n ODeL-instelling te ondersoek. Data is versamel deur semigestruktureerde onderhoude en 'n dokumentonleding; hierdie twee metodes van dataversameling het met triangulasie gehelp. Navorsingsbevindings het verskille aangedui tussen die data wat verkry is van die onderwyser en die van deelnemende personeellede se reaksies. Navorsingsbevindings het ook verskille aangedui tussen die data wat verkry is van deelnemers se reaksies oor die algemeen en die wat deur dokumentontleding verkry is. Die bevindings wat deur die onderwyserdeelnemers verkry is, het aangedui dat ondersteuning aan SMG duideliker op skoolvlak was as by die ODeL-instelling; dit is op tersiêre vlak van onderwys. Die dokumentontleding van die ODeL-instelling se beleide het aangedui dat die beleide algemeen was nie spesifiek met SWD se behoeftes verband hou nie. Terselfdertyd het die bevindings van hierdie verhandeling van beperkte omvang getoon dat die gebruik van tegnologie en die beskikbaarheid van hulptoestelle meer prominent was op skoolvlak as by die ODeL-instelling.
Curriculum and Instructional Studies
M. Ed. (Open Distance Learning)
42
Mbati, Lydia Sophia. "Exploring media blends for constructivist learning in open and distance e-learning (ODeL) environments." Thesis, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/13724.
Full textAbstract:
There is a paramount need for online university education to effectively contribute in the development of students' ability to construct and create new knowledge. Online learning should thus go beyond the production of knowledge for knowledge's sake, but should result in relevant and meaningful learning on the part of the online learner. In addition, online learning ought to result in the application of knowledge to practice. While gains made by constructivism and observational learning are well documented, research addressing online media blends that best encourage constructivist and observational learning in open and distance and e-learning (ODeL) contexts is limited. In addition, guidelines that can be used by online learning facilitators and policy makers regarding media for constructivist and observational learning were lacking when this research was conducted. The research was deemed significant in contributing to the development of an online learning framework that could be used to guide policy formulation and practice in the area of online course implementation in ODeL institutions.
Using an explorative qualitative approach, this study explored online media blends for constructivist and observational learning. The study comprised three phases. The first phase was a meta-ethnography study whose objective was to synthesise previous research theses in order to gain an understanding of lecturers' and students' experiences of online media, constructivism and observational learning. The second phase consisted of a phenomenological study conducted at the University of South Africa, to explore lecturers' experiences of online media in the facilitation of constructivism and observational learning. The final phase of the research was the development of a framework based on constructivism and observational learning to guide online teaching and learning.
The findings of this research study revealed that lecturers did not use media blends to a large extent in their interaction with students. The study indicated that some cognitive processes need
to be exercised on the part of the facilitators when online learning is offered. It is concluded that during the curriculum planning phase, lecturers should decide on methods and media to arouse the students' attention during online courses. This also implies a more reasonable lecturer student ratio because large numbers of students per lecturer is not feasible in online learning.Curriculum and Instructional Studies
D. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)
43
Tafirenyika, Nancy. "Strategies to support sustained learning in open distance and e-learning in a South African context." Diss., 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/27214.
Full textAbstract:
Abstracts in English, Zulu and AfrikaansThe worldwide growth of open distance and e-Learning cannot be denied, nor can it remain unnoticed. In the South African setting, which is the focus of this study, the increasingly high demand for higher education has also led to the development of distance education. However, the throughput rate for this mode of education has been consistently unimpressive for over a decade and this has led to high dropout rates. There is cause for concern regarding how best to assist students and improve throughput. Therefore, this research has focused on identifying strategies that can be incorporated to support sustained learning in South African ODeL. It considers issues such as the social inequalities, previous disadvantages, and ICT affordances that characterise South African ODeL students. This research took a qualitative research approach, using a case study that was conducted as a dissertation of limited scope. The aim was to unveil the best approaches that could be incorporated in South African ODeL in order to support sustained learning. The study attempted to understand such strategies, based on students' perceptions and reflections on their experiences while studying first-level modules in distance education. The case for this research study was the University of South Africa (UNISA), where eight student participants were interviewed, using semi-structured interviews to collect data. The findings of this study revealed that there are some readily available resources that the institution and instructors can use to promote sustained learning and improve student throughput. This research recommends frequent student surveys to discover student needs and the challenges that they experience. It also recommends improved communication with students, provision of financial aid, development of open educational resources (OERs), ensuring rapid delivery of study material, and the use of different methods of delivering learning content. It is important to note that the findings of this dissertation are of limited scope and cannot be generalised to the issues affecting the majority of South African ODeL students – this because the study was carried out at one institution and involved just one module and eight participants. However, these findings have the potential to enlighten ODeL stakeholders as to matters affecting some of their students. The findings could also provide valuable information for future large-scale research.
Ukudlondlobala kohlelo kohlelo lwemfundo evulekile nokufunda kude kanye nohlelo lwe-inthanethi akunakuphikiswa, futhi angeke kwathathwa sengathi akunakiwe. Ngokwesizinda seNingizimu Afrika, esiyindikimba yalolu cwaningo, izinga elikhulayo lokufuneka kwemfundo ephakeme nakho sekuholele ekukhuleni kwemfundo yokufunda ukude.Yize-kunjalo, izinga legalelo lalolu hlelo lwemfundo kudala lubonakala lungeluhle esikhathini esingaphezu kweminyaka eyishumi kanti lokhu sekuholele ekutheni kwehle izinga labafundi abayeka ukufunda. Kunomnako mayelana nendlela nokuthi abafundi bangancedwa kangcono kangakanani ukuze bathuthukise izinga labo lokusebenza. Ngakho-ke, lolu cwaningo selugxile ekutholeni amasu lawo angasetshenziswa ukuxhasa imfundo esimelele ohlelweni lwe-ODeL lwaseNingizimu Afrika. Lokhu kufaka izindaba ezinjengokungalingani komphakathi, ukuncishwa kwamathuba esikhathini esedlule, kanye nokwazi ukukhokhela uhlelo lwe-ICT okuwuhlelo oluyinsika kubafundi bohlelo lwe-ODeL eNingizimu Afrika. Lolu cwaningo lulandele indlela yocwaningo eyencike kwizinga lengxoxo (qualitative), ngokusebenzisa ucwaningo lotho olwenziwa njengedezetheshini enobukhulu obunqunyiwe. Inhloso kwaye kuwukuveza izindlela ezingcono ebezingafakwa kwi-ODeL yaseNingizimu Afrika, ukuxhasa imfundo imfundo esimelele. Ucwaningo beluzama ukuzwisisa amasu anjalo, asuselwa phezu kwemiqondo yabafundi kanye nokubheka ulwazi lwabo kube ngakolunye uhlangothi bafunda omojuli besigaba sokuqala sohlelo lwemfundo yokufunda kude. Ucwaningo lotho lwalesi sifundo lwenziwa eNyuvesi yaseNingizimu Afrika (UNISA), lapho abafundi abayisishiyagalombili befakwa imibuzo yenhlolovo, ngokusebenzisa inhlolovo yesakhiwo sikanxambili ngenhloso yokuqoqa idatha. Ulwazi olutholwe yilolu cwaningo luye lwaveza ukuthi kunemithombo elungisiwe esesimeni esifanele engasetshenziswa yiziko kanye nabayaleli ukuthuthukisa uhlelo lokufunda olusimelele kanye nokuthuthukisa umsebenzi wabafundi. Lolu cwaningo luncoma amasaveyi enziwa njalo abafundi ukubona izidingo zabafundi kanye nezinselelo abafundi abahlangabezana nazo. Ucwaningo luphinda futhi luncoma uhlelo oluhle lokuxhumana nabafundi, ukuhlinzekwa ngosizo lwezimali, ukuthuthukiswa kwemithombo yemfundo evulekile (OER), ukuqinisekisa kohlelo olusheshayo lokuhlinzekwa. ngomatheriyeli wokufunda, kanye nokusebenzisa izindlela ezahlukene zokwethula indikimba yokufundwayo. Kubalulekile ukukhumbula ukuthi ulwazi olufunyenwe lwedizetheshini wulwazi oluncane olubekelwe imingcele kanti lolu lwazi angeke lwafaniswa nodaba oluthinta iningi labafundi base-ODeL yaseNingizimu Afrika – lokhu kungenxa yokuthi ucwaningo lwenziwa kwiziko elilodwa futhi lwaxuba umojuli owodwa kanye nabadlalindima abayisishiyagalombili. Yize-kunjalo, lolu lwazi olutholakele lunethuba lokukhanyisela abasebenzisani njengezinto ezithinta abanye babafundi. Ulwazi olutholakele belunganikeza ulwazi olusemqoka mayelana nocwaningo olubanzi olungenziwa esikhathini esizayo.
Wêreldwyd het oopafstand- en e-leer groei ervaar wat nie ontken kan word of ongesiens kan bly nie. In die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks, wat die fokus van hierdie studie is, het die toenemende vraag na hoër onderwys ook tot die ontwikkeling van afstandsonderrig gelei. Die slaagsyfer vir hierdie vorm van onderrig is egter al vir langer as ʼn dekade deurlopend onindrukwekkend, en dit het tot hoë uitsaksyfers gelei. Daar is rede tot kommer rakende die beste maniere om studente by te staan en die slaagsyfer te verbeter. Die fokus van hierdie navorsing was daarom op die identifisering van strategieë wat geïnkorporeer kan word om volgehoue leer in Suid-Afrikaanse oopafstand- en e-leer te ondersteun. Die volgende kwessies is ondersoek: die sosiale ongelykhede, benadeling in die verlede, en IKT-status wat met Suid-Afrikaanse oopafstand- en e-leer-studente geassosieer word. ʼn Kwalitatiewe navorsingsbenadering is gevolg; ʼn gevallestudie wat uitgevoer is, is in die verhandeling van beperkte omvang gebruik. Die doel was om die beste benaderings te bepaal wat in Suid-Afrikaanse oopafstand- en e-leer geïnkorporeer kan word om volgehoue leer te ondersteun. Tydens die studie is daar gepoog om sodanige strategieë te verstaan op grond van studente se persepsies en hul refleksie op hul ervarings terwyl hulle eerstejaarmodules deur afstandonderrig studeer het. Die geval wat in hierdie navorsing bestudeer is, is dié van die Universiteit van Suid-Afrika (Unisa), waar daar semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude met agt studentedeelnemers gevoer is om data in te samel. Die bevindinge van hierdie studie het getoon dat daar geredelik beskikbare hulpbronne is wat deur die instelling en die onderriggewers ingespan kan word om volgehoue leer te bevorder en die studente se slaagsyfers te verbeter. Op grond van hierdie navorsing word aanbeveel dat opnames gereeld onder studente gemaak word om hulle behoeftes en uitdagings te bepaal. Verdere aanbevelings sluit in verbeterde kommunikasie met studente, voorsiening van finansiële steun, ontwikkeling van oop opvoedkundige hulpbronne, versekering van spoedige lewering van studiemateriaal, en die gebruik van verskillende metodes om leerinhoud te lewer. Dit is belangrik om te besef dat die bevindinge van hierdie verhandeling beperk in omvang is en nie veralgemeen kan word om die kwessies in te sluit wat die meerderheid van Suid-Afrikaanse oopafstand- en e-leer-studente raak nie – aangesien die studie by een instelling uitgevoer is en slegs een module en agt deelnemers behels het. Hierdie bevindinge het egter die potensiaal om vir oopafstand- en e-leer-belanghebbers lig te werp op kwessies wat sommige van hul studente raak. Die bevindinge kan ook waardevolle inligting vir toekomstige grootskaalse navorsing oplewer.
Educational Studies
M. Ed. (Open Distance Learning)
44
Oliver, Erna. "Alternative assessment for effective open distance education." Diss., 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/20010.
Full textAbstract:
The knowledge-driven, network society is founded upon technology. Educators need to implement technology effectively into the three main pillars of education, namely teaching, learning and assessment. This would assist students to become independent, confident and motivated life-long, self-directed learners that can use technology effectively in an educational environment. It would also ensure that graduates are able to become change agents, transferring their knowledge, skills and values to others in their communities. Alternative assessment methods that are technology driven could enable both educators and students to become more effective in a network society. This study advocates the use of alternative assessment methods by using technology driven assessment tools for possible replacement of traditional, paper based and "one size fits all" assessment methods within the subject field of Theology. Document analysis was used in a broad sense to evaluate technology-based multimedia documents. Ten documents were identified and evaluated as possible alternatives for traditional assessment methods. Inter-rater reliability ensured that the investigation provided constant estimates and results. The SECTIONS model used for this evaluation provided opportunities to include criteria important for higher education, the use of technology and subject relevant information to ensure that the evaluation was done with a specific purpose and scope in mind; to find technology-based tools that can substitute traditional assessment tools in order to enhance effective education to students.Educational Studies
M. Ed. (Open and Distance Learning)
45
Nkalane, Patience Kelebogile. "E-portfolio as an alternative assessment approach enhancing self-directed learning in an Open Distance Learning environment." Thesis, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/26473.
Full textAbstract:
Assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning in higher education. The use
of technology in higher education, particularly in the ODL environment, has brought
some changes on how we teach and assess students. The traditional assessment
practices needed to be reviewed and reconfigured to meet the requirements of the 21st
century assessment practices. The purpose of this doctoral study was to design a
framework to guide the assessment of an E-portfolio as an alternative assessment
approach in an ODL context. The integrated theoretical framework of the learning
theories (behaviourism, cognitive and constructivist) and the ODL theories
(connectivist, online collaborative and self-directed) underpinned the study. This
integrated framework explored lecturer and student experiences in the use of Eportfolio, as an alternative assessment to enhance self-directed learning. In striving to
get in-depth insight into this study, the pragmatism paradigm, which calls for the mixed
methods research design, was employed for the collection and analysis of data. The
sample was drawn from a cohort of six participants and fifty-six respondents in the
three colleges of the university. This sequential exploratory mixed methods design
employed semi-structured interviews, document analysis for qualitative data collection
while a Likert scale of an online questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data.
The findings of this research indicated that the E-portfolio can be of greater use as an
alternative assessment approach and was able to empower students with higher order
thinking skills, critical thinking skills and self-directed learning equipping them with the
21st century skills. Several challenges were experienced during the implementation of
the E-portfolio, which included lack of digital literacies and technical assistance, nonsynchronisation of the learning management system for hosting E-portfolio (myUnisa),
UNISA’s policies which do not include E-portfolio assessment processes and
procedures. In conclusion, the literature study, the findings of the empirical research
and the recommendation of this study formed the basis for designing the framework
to guide the assessment of an E-portfolio as an alternative assessment strategy for an
ODL context.Curriculum and Instructional Studies
Ph. D. (Curriculum Studies)
46
Ogunsina, SimonPeter Oluniyi. "The role of information and communication technology in open distance and e-learning environment." Diss., 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/27199.
Full textAbstract:
Technological advancement has changed the way things are done in this era. Instructing and erudition process in conventional and Open Distanced and e-Learning (ODeL) is no exception, thus, creating a stint in the manner in which educators educate and the manner wherein students learn. This dissertation focusses on the role of ICT in ODeL environment. Guided by the transactional distance theory and the rhizomatic learning, this study tried to investigate the role of ICT in ODeL environment. The design was to investigate: (a) The effectiveness of ICT tools for instructing and learning; (b) whether ICT boost learning interaction; (c) foster flexibility; (d) supports the students to make decisions; and (e) allows students to connect learning in ODeL.
The study utilized a blended techniques approach, and data was congregated through a questionnaire and interviews. A sample of 52 registered postgraduate students in the master of education (M.Ed programme) and seven lecturers within the College of Education were purposively and conveniently selected in the study. The survey questionnaire comprised of 53 question items for students, and 48 question items questions for lecturers. The questionnaire for both students and lecturers also had open-ended questions. Considering distance learning, it was difficult for the researcher to administer a questionnaire using any other method except the online tools. The congregated data was analysed utilizing descriptive and inferential statistics.
The outcomes revealed that the integration of ICT in ODeL environment was effective and enhanced the educational process, promote interaction, foster the flexibility of the education programmes, support student autonomy and allow students to connect with different learning nodes. It was established in the study that ICT in ODeL has helped in transforming the education process. The study recommends that the institution should avail ICT facilities and provide users with high speed Internet. The institution should also make provision for technical support to users. Furthermore, both students and lectures should be armed with relevant technological know-how and dexterities.Science and Technology Education
M. Ed. (Technology Education)
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Dearnley, Christine A. "Student Support in Open and Distance Learning - Sustaining the process." 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10454/3127.
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NoThis paper discusses the aspect of student support that emerged as a key component of a longitudinal study into the experiences of nurses studying through open learning in the UK. Students engaged in this study were mature learners who were practicing nurses and predominantly, but not exclusively, women. Participants perceived entering higher education as a considerable challenge.
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Schoeman, Martha Anna. "Enhancing comprehension in open distance learning computer programming education with visualization." Thesis, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/20715.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis describes a research project aimed at improving the tracing skills of first-year programming students enrolled for an introductory C++ course at an open distance learning institution by means of a tutorial in the form of a program visualization tool to teach the students to draw variable diagrams. The research was based on the findings from the BRACElet project (Clear, Whalley, Robbins, Philpott, Eckerdal, Laakso & Lister, 2011). A design-based research methodology was followed.
To guide the process of developing the tutorial, a framework of 26 guidelines for developing and using visualization tools to teach programming was synthesized from the literature on computing education research CER, educational psychology and computer graphics. Guidelines were supplemented with reasons or explanations for their recommendation and considerations to be taken into account when using a guideline. The framework was enhanced by lessons learnt during the development and testing of the tutorial.
The tutorial was tested and refined during two implementation cycles. Both cycles included quantitative and qualitative investigations. All students registered for the introductory module received the tool with their study material. For the quantitative investigations, students completed a questionnaire after using the tutorial. Through the questionnaire biographical data was acquired, the manner in which students used the tutorial and how they experienced using it. The responses to the questionnaires were statistically analysed in combination with respondents’ final marks. The statistical modelling indicated that the students’ biographical properties (a combination of level of programming experience, marks obtained for Mathematics and English in matric and first-time registration for COS1511 or not), had the biggest impact on their final marks by far.
During the qualitative investigations students were eye tracked in a Human-Computer Interaction laboratory. The gaze replays in both cycles revealed that students’ reading skills impacted largely on their success, connecting with the findings from the quantitative investigations.
Reflections on why the tutorial did not achieve its purpose; and why poor reading skills may have such a strong effect on learning to program, contribute some theoretical understanding as to how novices learn to program.Computer Science
D. Phil. (Computer Science)
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Ferreira, Laurene. "Nurturing auditing students' professional attributes at an open distance learning institution." Diss., 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/14361.
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The research set out to describe how professional attributes (PAs) can be nurtured during the teaching and learning of auditing technical content in an open distance learning (ODL) environment. First the research described the necessity to include PAs in the academic programme. This was followed by describing the relevance of PAs during the performance of an audit and identifying and describing the PAs that an entry-level registered auditor are expected to demonstrate. The main categories of PAs identified were: professional demeanour, critical reasoning and communication. The University of South Africa was selected as the ODL institution and data were collected through individual interviews with auditing lecturers and a focus group discussion with auditing students. Tesch’s open method of descriptive coding was used for data analysis. Generic recommendations to nurture PAs and specific recommendations to nurture professional demeanour, critical reasoning and communication while teaching and learning auditing technical content in an ODL environment were proposed.Auditing
M. Com. (Auditing)
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Mabizela, Sfiso Emmanuel. "Experiences of student peer helpers in an open distance learning institution." Diss., 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/18752.
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Text in EnglishThe primary aim of this study is to explore and describe experiences of peer helpers at an Open Distance Learning institution since the start of their joining the Unisa Peer Help Volunteer Programme. This study was conducted with the intention of granting the peer helpers an opportunity to reflect on their individual experiences and in so doing in laying the foundation for future studies, intended to steer the Unisa peer help volunteer programme to new frontiers, while simultaneously highlighting the contribution that has been made by the Unisa Peer Help Voluntary Programme. An intrinsic case study design has been utilised in order to gain comprehensive insight into peer helpers’ experiences. A sample of seven peer helpers were interviewed using the semi-structured interview technique. The main findings from this study can be categorised into four distinctive themes namely: (a) the peer helpers’ goals for joining the Unisa Peer Help Volunteer Programme; (b) construction of roles as peer helpers at an open distance learning institution; (c) positive experiences of participating in the Unisa peer help volunteer programme; and (d) the negative experiences of participating in the Unisa Peer Help Volunteer Programme. The findings have painted a positive picture of how the Unisa peer help volunteer programme has contributed in shaping the lives of the peer helpers.
Psychology
M.A. (Psychology (Research Consultation))