D. Ed. (Didactics)

This twofold study is concerned with the status of library skills within the realm of undergraduate students' information handling skills. The main problem under investigation is whether students require library skills in order to be information literate. In the first phase of the study, a conceptual analysis is done of information literacy and information skills, and a typology of information skills is drawn up. The skills in the typology range from lower level locating skills to higher level cognitive skills such as synthesizing and evaluating. Library skills (as taught in user education programmes) are identified and placed within the information skills typology, resulting in a model of library and information skills. This model indicates that library skills can be subsumed under generic information skills but that they fall only within the lower level of information handling skills. It therefore cannot be concluded that library skills are integral to information literacy. However, it is proposed that library skills represent a prototype of information gathering strategies, and if taught as such they would be more relevant to the lifelong learning aspect of information literacy. The second phase of the project consists of three empirical studies, where the role of library skills at first year level in a distance learning institution is investigated, using the University of South Africa (Unisa) as an illustrative example. The grounded theory style of qualitative research is used to explore the attitudes of lecturers towards the need for library skills in students. Based on the findings, two grounded theories of library skills requirements are proposed: a theory of library skills nescience at Unisa, and a generalized theory of library skills requirements at a distance learning institution. It is suggested that if librarians intend to be involved in information literacy teaching, they need to convince lecturers of the importance of independent information seeking for students, should promote the prototype of information gathering strategies, and form a partnership between themselves and lecturers with the intention of teaching information gathering strategies across the subject curriculum. / Information Science / D. Bibl.

Most research on Cognitive Load Theory (Sweller, 1988) has uncovered many instructional design considerations for learning complex tasks. Additionally, the Community of Inquiry (Garrison, Anderson, & Archer, 2000) framework describes many of the learning experiences in online education. A gap existed in the literature for investigating cognitive load over the duration of a college algebra course and for investigating the relationship between cognitive load and cognitive presence. This research study has addressed this gap by investigating cognitive load and cognitive presence in an online and face-to-face college algebra course. The results of this study revealed that face-to-face students earned statistically significant higher final course grades and homework grades than the online students. The face-to-face math course was slightly more efficient because it produced learners who exerted similar cognitive load as learners in the online course but the learners in the face-to-face earned higher performance score. Online discussion prompts that ask student to apply their solution or defend their solution engaged students in cognitive presence differently. When students were prompted to apply their solution to a real world scenario, most students reached resolution in their initial posts, but they were often not cognitively present in their follow-up posts. When students were prompted to provide a defense of their solution, most of the posts demonstrated cognitive presence, but not as many individual students reached resolution. Additionally, students progressed through the stages of cognitive presence when an instructor asked them a specific question about their math problem or real life scenario in a timely manner. When instructors post questions to their students that directly ask for an application of their hypothesis or an explanation how they arrived at their hypothesis, students can reach the highest stage of cognitive presence. When instructors post messages that reach the highest stage of cognitive presence, students do not post messages that reach the highest stage of cognitive presence. Lastly, this study did not find a strong linear relationship between cognitive presence and cognitive load.

This ethnographic study has been undertaken to address a literature gap relating to rural students’ experiences of distance education in developing countries. It gives an account of teaching and learning practices at the Open University of Tanzania (OUT), describes the needs, challenges and coping strategies of students and makes recommendations for improving teaching and support practices in rural areas. An ethnographic approach was used to enable the generation of rich, contextual data from four OUT regional centres. Data generation methods included interviews, observation and document review, while themes were inductively generated through thematic analysis. Bourdieu’s concepts of field and habitus were used to guide the conduct of the study and interpretation of the findings. The study shows that the OUT does not significantly address the problem of the educational divide between the rural and urban populations of Tanzania. This is mainly due to the urban location of regional centres and to students’ inadequate access to relevant teaching and support services such as tutors, library resources and Internet services. The existence of poor infrastructure and the many technological challenges encountered in rural areas further exacerbate the situation. Such limitations may make it difficult for students to develop the intellectual inquiry and critical commentary skills necessary to make informed decisions, and to acquire the competencies expected of graduates of higher education programmes. This study presents rich data based on the immersion of the researcher in the everyday lives of students at the OUT, and proposes a series of recommendations addressing the development of future policy and planning for the university.

Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Self-directed learning is a teaching and learning strategy considered important in fostering lifelong learning. Students take responsibility for their own learning with or without the help of others. It is expected of higher education institutions to prepare students for the dynamic world of work so that graduates are multi-skilled individuals capable of working and the same time be lifelong learners. The aim of this study was to assess the readiness to engage in self-directed learning of radiography diploma students at the Technikon Witwatersrand. Assessing the students' readiness to engage in self-directed learning is the first step in the planning and implementation of self-directed learning. The Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale was the instrument used to assess the students' readiness to engage in self-directed learning. The instrument is widely used to assess students' perceived attitudes towards self-directed learning. The scale was administered to a total of 133 students registered for the National Diploma Radiography: Diagnostics at the Technikon Witwatersrand in the year 2003. Of the 133 students, 51, 36 and 46 were in first, second and third year respectively. Data analysis revealed that the first year students' mean score on self-directed learning readiness was relatively higher than those of second and third year students. Assessment practices and prior exposures to self-directed teaching principles were identified as factors that had an influence on how the students perceived themselves to be ready to be self-directed. Results obtained from this study provide valuable information for the Department of Radiography at the Technikon Witwatersrand and any other institution in the preparation, implementation and conceptualization of self-directed learning as a teaching and learning strategy. Recommendations were that lecturers should assume self-directed learning approaches to the first year students from the onset while gradually introducing self-directed learning strategies to the second and third year students. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Selfgerigte leer is noodsaaklik om 'n klimaat van lewenslange selfontwikkeling te bevorder. Hierdie leerstrategie verplig leerders om verantwoordelikheid vir hul eie vordering te aanvaar, met beperkte hulp van ander. Daar is 'n verwagting dat Hoër Onderwys studente sal voorberei om hul plek vol te staan in dinamiese werkstituasies. Daar word ook van gekwalifiseerde beroepslui verwag om op verskeie terreine 'n bydrae te maak tot hul gekose beroep en hulself lewenslank te ontwikkel. Die doel van hierdie studie was om die diplomastudente in Radiografie by Technikon Witwatersrand se gereedheid tot selfgerigte leer te evalueer. Hierdie evaluering word algemeen beskou as die eerste stap in die beplanning en implementering van so 'n leerstrategie. Die Gereedheidskaal vir Selfgerigte Leer (Self-directed Learning Readiness Scale) is gebruik om die studente se houding teenoor hierdie onderrigmetode te evalueer. Altesaam 133 geregistreerde Radiografie studente het aan die navorsing deelgeneem. Van die 133, was 51 eerstejaar-, 36 in hul tweedejaar- en 46 finalejaarstudente. Data analise het getoon dat die eerstejaars 'n hoër graad van gereedheid getoon het vir selfgerigte leer as die tweede- en derdejaars. Die toepassing van bepaalde beginsels van evaluerings en vorige blootstelling aan hierdie leermetode is geïndentifiseer as faktore wat tot hierdie resultaat gelei het. Die resultate van hierdie navorsmg het die Radiografiedepartement aan die Technikon Witwatersrand van waardevolle inligting voorsien in die beplanning, implementering en konseptualisering van selfgerigte leer. Daar word aanbeveel dat dosente 'n selfrigtinggewende benadering met eerstejaarstudente moet volg, terwyl die selfgerigte leerbenadering geleidelik in die tweede en derde studiejare ingefaseer word.

Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Distance education is increasingly being regarded as a possible solution for some of South Africa's educational problems. The Literature, however, illustrates no concrete research that has been conducted in terms of the creation of an environment conducive to adult distance learning institutions like Technikon Southern Africa. There are perhaps numerous reasons for this, however being a 'distance learning setting' is probably one the most prominent reasons for not seriously considering the learning environment as both an essential and vital determinant governing the learning process. In this research an interpretative study has been done of the programme group Police Practice of Technikon Southern Africa. The purpose of this study was to establish whether an environment conducive to adult learning does in fact exist in Police Practice and to develop a set of recommendations/criteria which could be used by this programme group of TSA. Various critical questions stimulated this study. These questions were in tum used to generate interview questions, which were used during the interview process. A qualitative approach was followed and data was obtained by means of interviews. The subjects of the study were educators of the programme group Police Practice of Technikon Southern Africa. There were a number .of conclusions drawn from this study. Some of the most prominent of them were as follows: • This is a lack of meaning given to the open / flexible approach. • Considering adult learning principles in distance learning IS of vital importance. • A more personalized approach to distance learning is necessary. • There is a crucial need for in-service training and staff development. • Technological advancements should be adopted with caution. • There exists a need to create a much more challenging environment for learners. Various recommendations were generated from both the conclusions and the literature study of this research. Some of the most important of them were as follows: • An open learning approach should be used. • The implications of adult learning principles should be carefully considered. • Personalising learning through the use of the text should be implemented. • Appropriate in-service training for educators should be made available. • A challenging environment should be created. In addition to this a possible checklist was proposed for the creation of an environment more conducive to adult learning (distance education). / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: DIE SKEP VAN 'N OMGEWING WAT BEVORDERLIK IS VIR LEER AAN TECHNIKON SUIDER-AFRIKA Afstandsleer word toenemend beskou as 'n moontlike oplossing vir sekere Suid-Afrikaan onderwysprobleme. Volgens die literatuur is daar egter geen bewys van konkrete navorsing oor die skep van 'n omgewing wat bevorderlik is vir volwassene onderwysinstansies soos Technikon Suider-Afrika nie. Een van die hoofredes waarom die onderwysomgewing in afstandsonderwys nie as 'n noodsaaklike bepalende faktor in die leerproses beskou word nie is juis dat dit binne 'n "afstandsleer-konteks" val. In hierdie navorsing is 'n interpretatiewe studie van die Programgroep: Polisiepraktyk van Technikon Suider-Afrika uitgevoer. Die doel van die navorsing was om vas te stelof daar wel 'n onderwysomgewing wat bevorderlik is vir afstandsleer by polisiepraktyk bestaan. Verder was die doelook om riglyne te ontwikkel wat deur die Programgroep van Technikon Suider-Afrika gebruik sou kon word. Verskeie kritieke vrae het hierdie navorsing gestimuleer. Hierdioe vrae is op hulle beurt gebruik om vrae wat in die onderhoudproses gebruik sou word, te genereer. 'n Kwalitatiwe benadering is gevolg en die data is deur middel van onderhoude ingesamel. Fasiliteerders/dosente van die Programgroep: Polisiepraktyk van Technikon Suider- Afrika vir die onderhoude gebruik. Verskeie gevolgtrekkings/afleidings het uit die navorsmg gespruit. Van die mees prominente gevolgtrekkings sluit in: • Daar is 'n gebrek aan sinvolheid met betrekking tot oop/plooibare leer. • Dit is duidelik dat volwassene leerbeginsels in afstandsleer belangrik is. • 'n Meer persoonlike benadering tot afstandsleer is noodsaaklik. • Daar is 'n deurslaggewende behoefte aan indiensopleiding en ontwikkeling. • Omsigtigheid in die benadering tot tegnologiese vooruitgang is noodsaaklik. • Daar bestaan 'n behoefte aan die skep van 'n veel meer uitdagende omgewing vir leerders. 'n Aantal aanbevelings is op grond van die gevolgtrekkings en die literatuurstudie van hierdie navorsing gegenereer. Voorts is 'n moontlike kontrolelys vir die totstandkoming van 'n omgewing wat bevorderlik is vir volwassene afstandsleer, voorgestel. Die belangrikste daarvan was die volgende: • Die gebruik van 'n oop-leer-benadering • Die inagneming van die implikasies van volwassene leer-beginsels • Die verpersoonliking van leer deur die gebruik van die teks • Toepaslike indiensopleiding vir opvoeders • Die sken van 'n omgewing wat uitdagings bied.

The advent of on-line Computer-Assisted Instruction and Computer Mediated Communication may improve instruction and communication in distance education in South African universities. On-line Computer-Assisted Instruction in distance education makes the reinforcement of knowledge both systematic and immediate. With instructional media such printed text, audio-cassettes, radio and television broadcasts the student at a distance is an isolated and passive recipient of knowledge. On-line Computer-Assisted Instruction supported by Computer Mediated Communication for interaction and feedback could close the gaps in time and distance between the teacher and the student in distance education. The current network capabilities of the computer makes it possible for such a student to interact with peers and lecturers before, during and after instructional episodes. Computer Mediated Communication can facilitate the use of electronic messaging such as Electronic Mail, Internet Relay Chat, List Servers, Multi-User Domains and Bulletin Board Services for interactions and feedback. This thesis investigates whether instruction and communication in South African universities with a distance education option can be improved using on-line Computer-Assisted Instruction and Computer Mediated Communication respectively. The thesis also makes proposals for their implementation in South Africa by analysing the applications of computer technology in degree awarding distance education institutions in some developed and developing countries that use on-line Computer-Assisted Instruction and Computer Mediated Communication. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, 1996.

A national survey was conducted to assess student perceptions of the helpfulness of specific instructional development factors in a distance education print-based program. Participants were all students who had successfully completed at least one distance education correspondence course with Global University or were currently enrolled in their first course. Instructional development factors studied included lesson openers, lesson outlines, lesson artwork, written objectives, amount of information presented before a study question is asked, typographical features, graphic art, study questions, answers to study questions, self tests, and unit progress evaluations. Basic demographic information was collected and survey respondents located their perceptions of instructional development factor helpfulness both on a Likert scale and on a rank-order scale. Respondents also were asked for comments on the instructional development factors studied. Differences among respondent groups were examined. Major findings include a tiered ranking by all groups showing formative evaluation factors to be the most helpful, content organization and presentation factors next most helpful, and visual enhancement features (graphic art, typographical design) the least helpful. Overall, perceptions of the facilitative nature of the instructional development factors were similar among most groups. Older students seem to focus more on organization while younger students exhibit a balance between their perceptions of the facilitative nature of content and testing. Students enrolled in their first course perceive several of the formative evaluation factors to be less helpful than do more experienced students while at the same time perceiving content pacing to be more helpful than do more experienced students.

Competency-based education is intended to benefit working non-traditional students who have knowledge and skills from prior work experiences, but it also enables self-motivated students to accelerate their time to degree, thereby increasing affordability and efficiency. Competency-based education clarifies what a credentialed student will be able to do and makes assessment more transparent and relevant to those outside of higher education. Competency-based education has arisen in response to the problem defined by the national reform discourses of accountability and affordability. In the first manuscript, History & Objections Repeated: Re-Innovating Competency-Based Education, I review the history of social efficiency reform efforts in American education in order to re-contextualize the “innovation” of competency-based education as a repackage of older ideas to fit the public’s current view of what needs to be fixed in higher education. I discuss the concept of “efficiency” and how it has been interpreted in the past and today with regard to competency-based education and its rejection of an earlier attempt at increasing efficiency in education: the Carnegie credit hour. For the second manuscript, Framing Competency-Based Education in the Discourse of Reform, I analyzed four years of news articles and white papers on competency-based education to reveal the national discourses around competency-based education. I used thematic discourse analysis to identify diagnostic and prognostic narrative frames (Snow & Benford, 1988) that argue for and against competency-based education. These frames were put in the context of the politicized conversation around the current main issues in higher education: access, attainment, accountability, and affordability. Each of these issues provided a foundation of coding the discourse which was then shaped by the context of competency-based education, particularly its positioning as a solution to the Iron Triangle dilemma of decreasing cost while increasing access and quality. The third manuscript, Idea and Implementation: A Case Study of KCTCS’s CBE Learn on Demand, involves an institutional case study of a competency-based education program, Learn on Demand (LOD), within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted with student success coaches, faculty, and staff who are directly involved with the program across seven different colleges, and documents such as marketing materials, presentations, and administrator-written articles were also analyzed as a representation of the official discourse of the program. As institutions start to explore and develop competency-based education programs, the faculty and administrators at those institutions are likely influenced by the intersection of pre-existing organizational and subgroup culture, societal beliefs about the definition and purpose of education, and how innovations may shape the experiences of individuals. Through interviewing individuals, I was able to parse out the impacts of both institutional politics and innovation-related concerns on the success of implementation.

Team-based learning (TBL) is one strategy for improving team-work and critical thinking skills. It has proven to be an engaging teaching pedagogy in face-to-face classes, however, to our knowledge, has never been implemented online in a 3-D virtual world. We implemented virtual TBLs in an online undergraduate anatomy course using Second LifeTM, and evaluated whether it engaged students. This study was conducted over 2 semesters with 39 total students. Surveys and content analysis of transcripts were used to evaluate student engagement. Our results indicate virtual TBLs were engaging for most students. The average engagement score was 7.8 out of 10 with 89.2% of students reporting a score of 6 or above. Students exhibited high levels of cognitive engagement during the clinical application portion of the TBL process. Males felt more emotionally engaged than females, however, most measures of engagement indicated no differences between groups of students (mode of communication, previous technology experience, gender, and performance); therefore, virtual TBLs may be engaging for a broad range of students. 95% of students agreed that this was a worthwhile experience. In light of this evidence, we feel that virtual TBL sessions are valuable, and could be implemented in other online courses.