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

Extant literature indicates that web-based blended learning will become the most accepted mode of delivery in the near future as an alternative to traditional face-to-face instruction particularly in the higher education landscape due to its potential to provide increased access to education for more people, increased student engagement with the tutor, rich learning resources, peers, and external experts, and flexibility beyond the limits of classrooms without compromising quality. The study focused on developing a web-based blended learning model that could help reap the benefits of blended learning at the University of Botswana (UB). With this in mind, the research question, "How can a web-based blended learning environment be designed, developed and implemented at the University of Botswana?" was formulated. In order to address the research question, a six-dimensional model called LAPTEL was developed. The six dimentions are: Digital Leadership, Equitable Access, Active Participation, Authentic Tasks, Intellectual Engagement and Learning (LAPTEL); the first five dimentions are requisites to enable studnets to progress towards successful learning which is the sixth dimension. The LAPTEL model depicts guidelines on how to ensure equitable access for students to learning contexts, motivate and enable them to participate in meaningful educational processes, design and develop effective online as well as classroom learning materials (tasks), and engage students in active 'communityes of practice' in order to help them construct their own knowledge (learning) collaboratively under proper leadership. The Researcher considers it essential to have a complex interplay between the three components - active participation, authentic tasks and intellectual engagement to facilitate active, non-linear learning, and it will be catered for in the design, development and delivery of courses based on the LAPTEL model. The fact that these three dimensions have got features of both face-to-face and onlilne learning, integrated seamlessly, makes the LAPTEL a Web-based learning model. The overall aim was to develop a model of curriculum (re)design based on the student-centred pedagogical approaches that combine synergistically the effectiveness of traditional classroomwith technologically enhanced socialization and active learning oppotunities of the online environment in order to support student learning more effectively than what is possible in a typical lecture room. In a case study to evaluate the effectiveness of the LAPTEL model in the context of UB, the Researcher found that it could provide students with opportunity for increased interactive engagement (more than that is normally possible in 'face-to-face-only' or 'online-only' environments), flexibility and cognitive scaffolding that enhanced their learning experience. The Researcher concludes that the LAPTEL model fits well in the UB context, and it may be adopted by other institutions working under similar contexts. / Teacher Education / D. Ed. (Didactics)

Studies have shown elementary teachers may not be well prepared to use technology in their classrooms. This study examines one elementary teacher’s feelings of technology self-efficacy (TSE), needs and pedagogical strategies when using the interactive whiteboard (IWB) to teach elementary science. It employed a single case study design, where the researcher and participant worked together during supportive professional development (PD) sessions. Data sources are twelve PD sessions, the Computer Technology Integration Survey (adapted for IWB use in the classroom), and two interviews, three in-class observations of IWB science lessons, and three lesson debriefs. Descriptive and thematic analysis show the participant’s TSE was positively influenced by the PD. Five factors were determined to influence TSE: the participant’s level of interest, attitude, experience with technology, student assistance, and familiarity with the setting. Teacher, contextual and IWB- level needs were explained. Pedagogical strategies for technology use based on interactive IWB features are also discussed. Findings could contribute to current trends in teacher PD, continuing education, and preservice teaching programs related to science teaching. / Plusieurs enseignants ne sont pas bien préparés pour utiliser la technologie en classe. En particulier, le tableau blanc interactif (TBI) n’est pas utilisé de façon optimale par les enseignants lorsqu’ils enseignent les sciences et la technologie à l’élémentaire. Cette thèse présente l’étude de cas unique d’une enseignante de l’élémentaire ayant cheminé dans un processus de développement professionnel (DP) pour l’aider à intégrer le TBI en sciences et technologie. Douze sessions de DP, un questionnaire sur l’efficacité avec le TBI (CTIS adapté), deux entrevues, trois sessions d’observation en classe et trois discussions sur les leçons constituent les sources de données. La participante est devenue plus confiante pour utiliser le TBI suite au DP. Elle a rehaussé son sentiment d’autoefficacité et accru son intérêt et sa connaissance du TBI. Elle a acquis des compétences techniques et une connaissance des contenus d’enseignement adaptés au TBI, bien que plusieurs besoins perdurent. Certaines stratégies pédagogiques avec le TBI expérimentées en classe par l’enseignante sont discutées. Cette thèse peut contribuer à fournir des pistes pour aider les enseignants au primaire à mieux intégrer le TBI en sciences et technologie, que ce soit lors de leur formation initiale à l’enseignement ou en cours d’emploi.

Abstracts in English, Afrikaans and Zulu / The purpose of this study was to explore the learners’ understanding of trigonometric functions using GeoGebra software. A qualitative case study approach was used with six Grade 11 learners at a school in Tshwane South District. The data were collected during a seven-day period using multiple methods: a diagnostic test, worksheets, a smart recorder, a trigonometric functions test, one-on-one interviews and focus-group discussions. The findings showed clearly that the use of GeoGebra enhanced Grade 11 learners’ understanding of trigonometric functions. The findings also showed that the use of GeoGebra helped the learners to understand the basic trigonometric functions graphs. This enabled them to sketch freely without using the point-by-point method. Based on this study, it is recommended that GeoGebra should be made available to all Grade 11 learners. This will encourage them use the software out of regular school hours. / Die doel van hierdie studiegids was om die leerder se kennis van die gebruik van GeoGebra sagteware, ten opsigte van trigonometriese funksies te ondersoek. ‘n Kwalitatiewe benadering is gevolg met ses Graad 11 leerders by ‘n skool in die Tshwane Suid Distrik. Die data is ingewin oor ‘n periode van sewe dae, deur gebruik te maak van verskeie metodes: ‘n diagnostiese toets, werkkaarte, ‘n “smart” opname, ‘n trigonometriese funksies toets, een-tot-een onderhoude en fokusgroepe waar besprekings plaasgevind het. Die data-analise wys duidelik dat die gebruik van GeoGebra, die Graad 11 leerders gehelp het om trigonometriese funksies beter te verstaan. Die uitkomste wys ook duidelik dat GeoGebra die leerders gehelp het met ‘n beter begrip van die basiese trigonometriese funksies. Dit het hulle gehelp om vryhand sketse te doen en nie noodwendig die punt-tot-punt metode nie. Gebaseer op hierdie studie beveel ons aan dat GeoGebra beskikbaar gemaak moet word aan aale Graad 11 leerders. Dit sal leerders motiveer om ook die sagteware op hulle eie buite skoolure te gebruik. / Injongo yocwaningo lolu bekuyikuhlola ukuzwisisa kwabantwana amagrafu e-trigonometry ma bewafunda nge softhiwe ye GeoGebra. Abantwana abayisithupha abakubanga letshumi lanye abaphuma kusigodi se Tshwane South babambiqhaza kulolucwaningo lwendlela ye ‘qualitative case study’. Imininingo iqoqwe kumalanga ayisikhombisa kusetshenziswa indlela ezilandelayo: ukuhlolwa kwe-diagnostic, amaphepha okusebenzela, isingxoxo zamunye ngamunye lezingxoxo leqembu. Iziphumo ezinkulu zikhombe ngokucacile ukuthi ukusetshenziswa kwesofthiwe yeGeoGebra kukhulise ukuzwisisa kwamagrafu e-trigonometry ngabafundi bebanga letshumi lanye.Iziphumo njalo zibonise ukuthi abafundi bazwisisa izinto eziyisiseko ngala magrafu ma bewafunda ngesofthiwe ye GeoGebra. Lokhu kunike abafundi amandla okudwebadweba lamagrafu ngokushesha ngokukhululeka. Kusekelwa ngalezi ziphumo, kunconyiwe ukuthi abafundi bafumane isofthiwe yeGeoGebra ngaso sonke isikhathi. Lokhu kuzabakhuthaza ukuthi basebenzise lesofthiwe noma bengaphandle kwesikolo. / Mathematics Education / M. Ed. (Mathematics Education)

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With the aim of designing tools, processes and means to support secondary school teachers in maintaining a sense of presence, closeness and immediacy when interacting with their pupils remotely in rapidly appropriated digital learning environments due to Covid-19, this thesis examined the meaning, importance and possibilities of creating a sense of presence, closeness and immediacy in remote digital teaching.The process was based on research for design, encompassing literature study, field research and methods of interaction design to reach conclusions on meaningful tools, processes and means of supporting secondary-school teachers in remote digital teaching.Main findings unveiled a sense of presence as a prerequisite for closeness and immediacy and real-time video lessons as the main approach to remote digital teaching, potentially creating an illusion of presence, closeness and immediacy due to pupils’ choice of black screens and muted microphones.Potentially meaningful approaches to achieving a sense of presence, closeness and immediacy identified in this thesis include the use of digital representations, representational correspondence and the concept of testimony in designing for a sense of presence, closeness and immediacy in remote digital environments.

The study investigated the pedagogical impact of the use of smart classrooms by Grade 11 secondary teachers to facilitate the teaching and learning in the Tshwane South District. The lens used to understand this study’s problem was Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge. The researcher used the interpretivist paradigm and a qualitative approach was applied. A multiple case study research design was also employed. Five secondary schools were used from which to collect data. The instruments used to collect data were semi-structured interviews, non-participant observation and document analysis. The population comprised Grade 11 secondary teachers. The ten participants were purposively sampled on basis that they taught Grade 11 classes using smart classrooms on daily basis. Ethical considerations were maintained by ensuring anonymity, voluntary participation, informed consent and confidentiality. Data collected were analysed using thematic analysis. The data were coded and organised into descriptive themes. Trustworthiness in the study was maintained through credibility and transferability. The results revealed that the introduction of smart classroom have a predominantly positive impact on the pedagogy in education and teachers are enjoying the new era in education. The findings of the individual semi-structured interviews reflect that the participants of this study used smart technology in their daily teaching. The findings also revealed that smart technology is useful, important and effective in the teaching and learning process. The findings of the non-participant observation revealed that participants showed varied degrees of mastery of Technological knowledge, Technological Content Knowledge and Technological Pedagogical Knowledge. Some participants were well conversant with navigation of the smart board. They could use the tools and icons on the smart board throughout the lessons. The findings of the document analysis revealed that the five schools had an ICT file and the table of contents of these files were spelt out clearly. Every school had a policy on ICT integration and implementation. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / M. Ed. (Curriculum studies)

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