Distance education as delivery mode is currently attracting more and more learners globally who want to improve their skills and qualifications. This is necessitated by especially the limited components of existing contact universities, financial expenditure and working learners. The presenting of open distance learning by existing contact universities in South Africa is relatively unknown. Consequently the aim of this study is also to investigate a model for Open Distance Learning used at the NWU, an existing contact university. In order to achieve this aim, several other aims were set as well. The most important findings of these aims are subsequently summarized. Aim one was to determine how distance education, open distance learning and e-learning have been conceptualized in the literature. It emerges clearly from the literature that various barriers and challenges accompany the implementation and delivery of distance and open distance learning program. These barriers particularly concern matters such as academic, cultural and technical aspects like the student’s experience, the position of the lecturer regarding the program, the design of the program, the fact that development in technology is constantly kept in mind and kept up with, as well as problems with financial aspects. The second aim intended to compare open distance learning in developed and developing countries as far as contact classes and e-learning are concerned, in order to establish the best practices for a suitable management model. The open distance learning models of twelve universities were examined separately and compared to one another. From these comparisons the following components of open distance learning were indentified which would be applicable to both developing and developed countries: (i) the use of traditional paper-based study material; (ii) the use of various forms of technology; (iii) the use of e-learning, and (iv) voluntary supporting contact classes. From the literature it has been shown that, despite limited infrastructure, poverty, illiteracy and geographical isolation, e-learning and m-learning are increasingly implemented as delivery modes in open distance learning programmes in developing as well as developed countries. Aim three was to establish, from within the literature, the nature of management models with specific reference to the innovations within managing business models in the context of open distance learning. Firstly variables which play a role in new business models were considered. Secondly the levels according to which the innovation of new models should take place were investigated, and also how these could possibly be implemented within the NWU, as well as the principles applicable to the innovation and implementing of a new model from an existing mother company. Factors which could play a part in the plans to present distance learning programs were also considered, whether these would imply a new distance education unit or the continued presentation of such programs. The most important aspects to consider for such a management model are addressed in aim seven. Aim four investigated the effect of attendance or non-attendance of contact classes on the academic achievement of open distance learning students within selected Advanced \certificate in Education (ACE) programs. This aim referred to an empirical investigation which comprised five phases. A consecutively progressing research design was used, consisting of both quantitative and qualitative methods, known as the multi-mode design. Phases one to three address aim four. Spearman’s rank order correlations, one-way ANOVAs (t-tests) and two-way tables (Cramer’s effect sizes) were calculated in order to identify significant correlation (effect sizes) between variables. It was found that students who attended contact classes did not achieve significantly better during examinations than students who did not attend. The average module mark in the examination of students who did not attend contact classes was 49.5%. The average mark of students who attended three or more contact classes was 52.6%. Considering the examination results, the passing rate of students who attended contact classes was 89% as opposed to 82% for those who did not attend any contact classes. Upon comparing data of students attending vacation school and those who did not, it emerged that students who attended vacation school achieved an average module mark (for all modules) of 42.4% as opposed to 52.7% of those who did not attend any vacation school. Aim five considered the open distance learning student’s opinions on and experience of attending contact classes and not attending, within selected ACE programs. Questionnaires were distributed to a number of students who attended contact classes, and to some who did not attend. The following findings emerged: reasons why students do not attend contact classes are (i) distance from tuition centre; (ii) personal reasons such as family responsibilities or funerals; (iii) because classes are not presented by full-time NWU lecturers; (iv) medium of instruction, limited time and class sizes also seemed to pose problems. Aim six investigated the readiness of the open distance learning student for e-learning within selected ACE programs. Focus group interviews regarding this aim were conducted with three groups of students. The following was found: (i) the vast majority of students (62.1%) do not have computers at home; (ii) 80.4% indicated that that they could not access the Internet, and that (iii) cell phone communication seemed to be the solution, since 93.1% of students own cell phones. Aim seven investigated the opinions of management experts at the NWU concerning the components and practice of an ODL model at the NWU. In order to comply with this aim, an intensive literature study was done on open distance learning models internationally. In the second place an empirical investigation was conducted regarding attendance of contact classes and e-learning as teaching method for the teaching and learning component of an open distance learning model. Thirdly focus group interviews were conducted with senior management of the NWU regarding challenges, risks and components of an open distance learning model. According to the data obtained from these interviews, various matrix analyses were done, which could serve as basis for a management model in open distance learning. The matrix analyses identified the following eleven components as important for a management and practice model for open distance learning: (i) Teaching and learning pertaining to development and quality of study material, effective assessment, the required program designers, training of lecturers and facilitators for presenting open distance learning programs, and efficient quality evaluation. (ii) ITC for open distance learning refers to technological support for processes such as assessment, interactive presentation of lessons, using Internet, cell phone technology and the use of the web page. (iii) Support practice for management which involves matters such as the policy of administrative processes regarding registration, cooperation with consortiums, assessment of assignments and examinations, and dealing with administrative processes different from on-campus. (iv) Finances which refer to compiling annual budgets, remuneration of facilitators, determining the profitability of programs presented, as well as financing technological development. (v) Tuition centres: coordination between the university and tuition centres is crucial as far as contact classes, interactive presentations, group discussions as well as examinations are concerned. (vi) Short courses and projects, especially as far as continuing professional development is concerned, as well as the development of a preparatory college for prospective students and cooperation with private institutions. (vii) Quality processes which include compulsory evaluation of program content and of the effect of programs as evaluated by the private sector, identifying new programs and cooperation with other faculties. (viii) Marketing which can be done by the university itself or by a consortium of collaborators. (ix) A structure for open distance learning with its own, unique and particular structure according to need. Factors which may be significant are the number of students studying through open distance learning, the nature of the programs presented and cooperation between consortiums. (x) Hierarchical structure which in the first place requires effective management of an open distance unit, and secondly also that such unit functions in cooperation with and within existing structures. Especially executive authority and lines for reporting should be outlined clearly. (xi) Research must be done in collaboration with other faculties in order to acquire a particular distance education entity. Research regarding the management of, e.g. the effect of programs, contact class attendance, readiness for e-learning and technology at tuition centres, can also be conducted. The exigency for development of an o pen distance learning unit within the NWU, together with a management model for effective management and practice of distance programs, was the main theme of this study. This study has succeeded in suggesting a management model which could be utilized profitably in endeavoring to attain the strategic aim of presenting programs by means of distance education. It also addresses the national need in South Africa of access to tertiary education for more learners. / PhD (Education Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-07T15:09:41Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 3597918 bytes, checksum: e6d88872addab1adeb1b5c0a122ffa4c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-12-16 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / This paper presents the organization and analysis of a mathematics teaching proposal, related to the content of Triangles, applied to the Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics Distance from Federal University of Paraíba - UFPB, in the distance. For this, we take as theoretical basis Activity Theory elements, considering the specifics of distance education. We have adopted in our benchmark Aretio (2004; 2006);Van de Walle (2009), Veloso (2000), Vigotsky (2007), Galperin (2009) and Talizina (2000), among others, along with official documents such as Referenciais da Paraíba (PARAIBA, 2010) and the Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais (BRASIL, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2006). Participated in the study 67 students of the 97 registered in 5th period of the Mathematics Degree in distance learning of the Universidade Federal da Paraíba, from 18 counties in the state. We adopted as the methodology of the study the descriptive and exploratory research, according to the study objectives. Regarding the acquisition and analysis of data, this study was characterized by being a case study which the main instruments were a semi-structured questionnaire, tasks designed by the researchers, educational workshops and a field diary. Throughout the process the students performed 23 tasks, containing a total of 73 questions, for seven months of planning, preparation, execution and evaluation of five steps that characterized the study: creation, material or materialized, external language, internal and mental language. Upon completion of the data analysis, we confirm our thesis that through oriented assimilation, based on an approximation of the Activity Theory, combined with a planned system we can enhance the teaching and learning of mathematics content for the students who participated in all stages of the study, being checked at the end of the study and after a certain time a greater retention of assimilation of action and the triangle concept, featuring a breakthrough in learning quality of the participants. / Este trabalho apresenta a organização e análise de uma proposta de ensino de Matemática, relacionada ao conteúdo de Triângulos, aplicada ao curso de Licenciatura em Matemática a Distância da Universidade Federal da Paraíba UFPB, na modalidade a distância. Para isso, tomamos como base teórica elementos da Teoria da Atividade, considerando as especificidades do ensino a distância. Adotamos em nosso referencial autores tais como: Aretio (2004; 2006); Van de Walle (2009); Veloso (2000); Vigotsky (2007); Galperin (2009) e Talizina (2000), dentre outros, juntamente com documentos oficiais como os Referenciais Curriculares da Paraíba (PARAIBA, 2010) e os Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais de Matemática (BRASIL, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2006). Participaram do estudo 67 estudantes do 5º período do Curso de Licenciatura em Matemática a Distância da instituição de ensino investigada, distribuídos em 18 municípios do estado da Paraíba. Adotamos como metodologia, uma pesquisa do tipo descritiva e exploratória, segundo os objetivos de nosso estudo e, quanto ao levantamento e análise de dados, este se caracterizou como um estudo de caso, tendo como instrumentos centrais um questionário semiestruturado, tarefas elaboradas pelos pesquisadores, oficinas didáticas e um diário de campo. Ao longo do processo os estudantes realizaram 23 tarefas, distribuídas em um total de 73 questões, durante sete meses de planejamento, elaboração, execução e avaliação das cinco etapas que caracterizaram o estudo: criação; material ou materializada; linguagem externa; linguagem interna; e mental. Após a realização da análise dos dados, confirmamos a nossa tese de que através da assimilação orientada, tendo como base elementos da Teoria da Atividade, aliada a um sistema planejado tendo em conta as particularidades do ensino a distância, podemos potencializar o ensino e a aprendizagem de conteúdos matemáticos para os estudantes que participaram de todas as etapas do processo. Verificamos ao final da pesquisa e após certo tempo, uma maior retenção e assimilação de elementos relacionados ao conceito de triângulo, caracterizando uma aprendizagem de qualidade pelos participantes.

The diploma thesis deals with the topic of communication with parents during distance learning. It views this issue from the perspective of teachers and families. It summarizes the specifics of this unusual situation and provides recommendations on how to better manage it. The theoretical part is based on literature and it explains the importance of communication between teachers and parents. The main actors are characterized in this part. It summarizes the rules of respect and also talks about cooperation between both sides. It brings tips on how to involve parents in the education of their children. It deals with distance learning and its obstacles from the perspective of teachers and parents. The practical part focuses on the experience of first-level teachers. The aim is to map the ways of communication and involvement of parents in distance learning. The open coding technique allows in-depth analysis of interviews with teachers. It provides recommendations for communication during distance learning. It describes the specific experience of teachers and the solutions of potential problems.

This study is a qualitative examination of community college students' experiences taking on-line courses. The study addresses the research question, "How do community college students construct their on-line experiences?" In order to answer this question, the following foci were examined: What are the characteristics of students taking online courses?, Why are they taking on-line courses?, What are facilitative or debilitative dimensions or features that promote or inhibit success in on-line courses?, and, How does the community college infrastructure support students taking web-based courses? The results of the study were grouped into 4 categories: Interpersonal Support, Student Characteristics, Course Issues, and Infrastructure Support. All but 2 of the findings of the PRCC Study are supported by research. The first factor not mentioned in the literature is that some students choose to take a course on-line if they are not interested in the content of the class. The second finding not implicated in the research is that electronic distractions of Instant Messaging™ and the lure of surfing the Web seem to be more debilitating than interruptions from other sources such as family and work. Other implications of this study involve concerns that are common to both on-line and on-site instruction, as well as the connection between constructivism and on-line learning. Facilitative and debilitative dimensions or features that promote or inhibit success in on-line courses imply that faculty and institutions need to be adapting to the demands of teaching and learning on the Web. Implications of the Study examine improvements to the study and ideas for future research. / Ph. D.

Höjd pensionsålder och ökad livslängd har medfört att fler personer arbetar allt högre upp i åldrarna. Detta faktum tillsammans med snabbare samhälls- och teknikutveckling, samt en ständig efterfråga på ny kunskap och personlig utveckling, förstärker behovet av ett livslångt lärande. Denna bakgrund ramar in studien vars syfte varit att undersöka den seniora studentens upplevelser och erfarenheter av att vara äldre i en lärsituation där normen och lärandet är utformat efter yngre studerandes situation, behov och inlärning. Metod som använts för insamlandet av data har utgjorts av semistrukturerade intervjuer med sju individer som har erfarenhet av att vara seniora studenter. Ur intervjuerna utkristalliserades teman som sedan analyserats genom Interpretativ Fenomenologisk Analys i relation till tidigare forskning och teorier. Resultat som motivationens betydelse, utbildningsmöjligheter och omgivningens påverkan visade på olika faktorer som fått individen att ta steget in i ett seniort lärande. Gemensamt är att detta steg är stort och visar på en bredd av individuella faktorer som styr, med den gemensamma nämnaren av att ha genomgått ett inre och yttre förändringsarbete. Baserat på tidigare forskning visas att det finns en växande grupp av seniora studenter. För att möta det kommande behovet bör det tas ett helhetsgrepp på hur utbildningsväsendet ska uppnå Europeiska unionens direktiv på det livslånga lärandet i praktiken vilket även gäller äldre studerande med en tidigare högre utbildning.

patients and their families. The purpose of the study was firstly, to explore and interpret the meaning of the experiences of critical care nursing students about clinical accompaniment in open distance learning (ODL). This aspect has not been researched before and as such, there is no empirical data about the clinical accompaniment of the critical care-nursing students in ODL. Secondly, to develop guidelines for facilitation of clinical accompaniment in critical care nursing in ODL. A qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study was conducted. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select participants to provide information about clinical accompaniment in ODL. Data was obtained through in-depth interviews supplemented by field notes compiled during fieldwork. The study findings revealed that participants regard relationships and communication as important for clinical accompaniment. The distance factor inherent in distance learning was problematic for student’s motivation and support. The presence and visibility of the lecturer was pivotal for the students. Of importance also were the relationships with the managers and colleagues. The perception of participants was that managers of clinical facilities were not as readily accessible as would have been the lecturer. Although negative experiences were described, paradoxically these experiences seemed to have empowered the student to develop survival skills, patience and assertiveness to take action on how to deal with the situation. From the findings the researcher was able to develop guidelines the implementation of which, is hoped to ensure effective clinical accompaniment of critical care nursing students in ODL. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

Notwithstanding challenges facing systems of higher education world-wide, higher education in South Africa has been fundamentally re-engineered since the achievement of democracy in 1994. The University of South Africa (Unisa) emerged as the only dedicated distance education institution and the biggest provider of higher education. Against the background of transformation in higher education policy and practice in South Africa, this study aimed to address the implementation of higher education policy in relation to the provision of distance education in South Africa, with special reference to Unisa. To address the research problem, a literature study investigated theoretical perspectives, recent policy trends in higher education globally and their influence on distance education and the impact of higher education policy development and implementation in South Africa on Open Distance Learning (ODL) provision. A mixed method empirical research design was used to explore how the academic and administrative cohort of top and middle and extended management at Unisa perceive the implementation of higher education policy at their institution in relation to distance education provision. The inquiry comprised two phases: Phase 1, a quantitative component entailed a survey using a self-designed questionnaire. A non-probability purposive sampling strategy was used to select respondents for the survey, and the entire target population (Unisa employees at middle to executive management level) participated. Phase 2, a qualitative component, entailed semi-structured interviews with a purposeful sample: members of top management and two council members. The survey results indicated strong agreement on the need for strategy and planning, more funding and improved levels of service. There was disagreement or ambivalence around sufficient human and infrastructural capacity, the cost of ODL, quality and the efficiency of ICT systems and processes. Four major areas of concern emerged from the interviews: Transformation (the national transformation agenda and mindset change); funding (enrolment planning and capping, the unfunded student issue and salaries); institutional efficiency (strategy, planning, capacity and quality); and the cost of ODL and the need for a dedicated ODL Policy. The study concluded with recommendations to facilitate the enhanced practice and delivery of ODL in South Africa. / Educational Studies

The evolution of computer networks and the Internet has transformed the world. Digital communication technologies offer exciting options and new challenges for Open and Distance Learning (ODL). This dissertation presents a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) training pilot* in order to investigate and critique the use of Learning Management Systems distance-driven teacher development programmes. Globally, English language learning is in high demand. Conventional contact training is unable to reach sufficient numbers of aspirant teachers to ensure quality and to promote access. The study uses design-based research as a means of unravelling the complex relationships between theory, best practice, and implementation in both ODL and TEFL. It concludes by recommending foundational institutional changes as the most appropriate means to effective distance and computer-assisted education. / English Studies / (M.A. (English))

There is a large demand for the use of e-learning tools to support student learning, in the form of distance or blended learning. The need for e-learning environment that encourages learners to learn independently or in groups in virtual settings is crucial. Some e-learning environments provide repositories of 'resources'. They neither facilitate a strategy for learning or teaching, nor they guide students through the resources, and tutors in constructing their courses. E-learning environments need to incorporate pedagogical practices which support and allow students to learn by removing any barriers that might inhibit their learning. Therefore, one of the most important aspects in developing e-learning environments is defining appropriate models where technology and pedagogy are integrated. This thesis provides such a framework for developing e-learning applications; it aims to make it easier for tutors to implement their lesson content and engage learners to achieve the course objectives. The proposed model incorporates constructive alignment, assessment and feedback and unlike other e-learning environments guides the tutor to construct lessons and help learners to use effective learning environment. Furthermore, the thesis investigates on how supported learning can help students adapt to the different approaches to learning. The empirical work undertaken investigates the role of constructing a well designed self-assessment and feedback unit within a learning environment.

We are at a point in the history of higher education in South Africa when radical changes are occurring in instructional delivery system models. Of increasing significance is a mixed mode of traditional and distance delivery (i.e. Telematic Learning Systems at the PU for CHE). In this changing environment, language lecturers, the persons responsible for developing language modules within various Telematic programmes, remain a key element in the teaching and learning process. However, these lecturers are suddenly expected to make appropriate decisions in terms of distance education technology classification, evaluation, and consequent selection without the necessary knowledge and/or capacity to make effective technological decisions. The purpose of this article is to assist "Lone Ranger" language lecturers, in making pedagogically sound decisions when classifying, evaluating and selecting distance education technologies by: (a) considering technology selection as part of the instructional design process, (b) referring to some reasons for using technology for language learning, (c) focusing on criteria for classifying and evaluating distance education technologies, and by (d) reviewing selected studies in order to indicate the application possibilities of technologies for language teaching and learning. / Thesis (M.A. (English))--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2002