Modern technological innovations are constantly seen throughout every aspect of life, and higher education is no exception. To this end, this article sheds some light on the types of and pedagogical value of new media adopted by academics to promote self-directed learning at the University of South Africa. The study answers the following questions: Which new media approaches have been adopted by academics to enhance self-directed learning? What is the pedagogical value of new media in an ODL environment? A qualitative approach was employed and data was collected through face-to-face interviews with 30 purposively selected Unisa academics. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model was found relevant to this study. Thematic categorisation was employed for data analysis. The findings depict that a variety of new media have been adopted to promote self-directed learning at Unisa. The study also found that new media are playing a pivotal role in promoting self-directed learning in an ODL landscape. It is therefore important to note that new media have emerged as strong catalysts in fostering pedagogical transformation. / College of Education / M. Ed (Open and Distance Learning)

<p>Open and flexible learning can offer the prospective student a smorgasbord of possible learning activities. This study will investigate if this form of education really suits all students through an examination of relevant factors such as learning process expectations, attendance motives, study approaches (Biggs SPQ), communication initiative, expectation-based study and, finally, background variables such as socioeconomic status. Are there any variables that correlate positive to academic performance? If so, what are these variables and which are most important? This case study is an analysis of academic success involving 174 students in a business administration course in higher education.</p><p>Open and flexible learning is an approach in which distance education and campus mode converge. The emphasis shift is to the individual student’s needs and preferences, which enables students to choose there own learning paths and thus stimulates active and independent learning. The goal is to enable more effective management of learning by the learner. Open and flexible learning is often mentioned as a way to access higher education for non-traditional students. There is a large body of research, with a wide variety of theoretical frameworks and models, that try to explain, describe or predict students’ success. The research points to the fact that there is no one simple explanation or solution to help students towards degree completion or fulfilment of their goals.</p><p>A statistical correlation analysis is conducted in this study and a binary logistic regression is used to construct three models of the most important variables. The first model is based on data about the students that is known before a course starts. The second model includes variables that could be collected at the course start. The third model includes variables that could be collected when the students have attended the course. The result shows that the most important variable for academic success in the course is an achievement-oriented approach to learning. The second most important variable is expectation of the learning process as an individual activity. Other variables such as socioeconomic status and other background variables have less impact. The possibility to predict the academic success is 81 % and the third model explains 46-64 % of the variance of the academic outcome. The conclusion in this study is that the non-traditional students in the Business Administration course receives equal to, if not better results as the other students.</p>

Open and flexible learning can offer the prospective student a smorgasbord of possible learning activities. This study will investigate if this form of education really suits all students through an examination of relevant factors such as learning process expectations, attendance motives, study approaches (Biggs SPQ), communication initiative, expectation-based study and, finally, background variables such as socioeconomic status. Are there any variables that correlate positive to academic performance? If so, what are these variables and which are most important? This case study is an analysis of academic success involving 174 students in a business administration course in higher education. Open and flexible learning is an approach in which distance education and campus mode converge. The emphasis shift is to the individual student’s needs and preferences, which enables students to choose there own learning paths and thus stimulates active and independent learning. The goal is to enable more effective management of learning by the learner. Open and flexible learning is often mentioned as a way to access higher education for non-traditional students. There is a large body of research, with a wide variety of theoretical frameworks and models, that try to explain, describe or predict students’ success. The research points to the fact that there is no one simple explanation or solution to help students towards degree completion or fulfilment of their goals. A statistical correlation analysis is conducted in this study and a binary logistic regression is used to construct three models of the most important variables. The first model is based on data about the students that is known before a course starts. The second model includes variables that could be collected at the course start. The third model includes variables that could be collected when the students have attended the course. The result shows that the most important variable for academic success in the course is an achievement-oriented approach to learning. The second most important variable is expectation of the learning process as an individual activity. Other variables such as socioeconomic status and other background variables have less impact. The possibility to predict the academic success is 81 % and the third model explains 46-64 % of the variance of the academic outcome. The conclusion in this study is that the non-traditional students in the Business Administration course receives equal to, if not better results as the other students.

Ce mémoire de maîtrise porte sur la contribution que pourrait apporter l’Enseignement à distance par radio (EADR) dans la réduction du taux d’échec aux examens du baccalauréat 1ère partie en Haïti. De manière spécifique, nous souhaitions élaborer un programme d’ « Enseignement à distance par radio » (EADR) afin d’aider l’ensemble des candidats bacheliers des classes de Rhéto à préparer les examens du bac 1ère partie. En Haïti, l’Enseignement à distance (EAD) est pratiquement absent. De nombreux pays ayant eu des situations similaires à Haïti ont mis en place des programmes de « Formations ouvertes et à distance » (FOAD) en complémentarité avec le mode d’enseignement classique ou en mode présentiel. La complexité de la situation exige d’envisager diverses pistes pour sortir le système éducatif haïtien de cette léthargie. Si l’on ne peut considérer l’EAD comme l’unique perspective, il est par contre pertinent et souhaitable de l’envisager comme une alternative non négligeable (Lubérisse, 2003). En nous appuyant sur les principales conditions d’efficacité des FOAD définies par Karsenti (2003), les principes théoriques de type R & D (Van der Maren, 2003?), le cadre théorique de la méthodologie de l’évaluation des besoins de Chagnon et Paquette (Institut universitaire des Centres Jeunesses de Montréal, 2005) et de Roegiers, Wouters & Gerard (1992), nous avons élaboré les grandes lignes générales de ce programme d’EADR et les avons soumises à douze (12) acteurs clés du système éducatif haïtien (4 élèves, 3 parents, 2 enseignants et 3 spécialistes de la radio ou de l’EADR). Cette ébauche de programme comportait principalement les objectifs du programme d’EADR, la méthode pédagogique, le contenu et les conditions de mise en œuvre. Des données recueillies par le biais d’entrevues individuelles il ressort que l’implantation d’un programme d’EADR peut être bénéfique au système éducatif haïtien, particulièrement sur les résultats d’examens officiels du baccalauréat 1ère partie. Les douze participants à notre recherche, croient que l’objectif poursuivi par le programme d’EADR est tout à fait réalisable et important pour le public cible. Tout en notant l’aspect positif du programme d’EADR proposé, les participants réclament certaines modifications quant à la méthode pédagogique, au contenu et aux conditions de mise en œuvre. Ainsi, les recommandations faites par les douze acteurs clés du système éducatif, jointes à notre recension nous ont permis d’élaborer un nouveau programme d’EADR revu et corrigé qui pourra servir de base à une évaluation plus large. / This Master’s thesis examines the contribution of Distance Learning through Broadcasting to the reduction of the failure rate at the first part of the High school diploma (Baccalauréat) examination in Haiti. Specifically, we wished to design this type of program with the objective to help all the candidates of the first part of the Baccalauréat (retho’s classes) to prepare for this exam. Several countries which have experienced similar situations as the one in Haiti have set up programs of Open Distance Learning (ODL) in order to complete the classic face-to-face mode of teaching and learning. In Haiti, Distance Learning is practically absent. The complexity of the situation requires the planning of diverse solutions to help the Haitian educational system out of its lethargy. If we cannot consider Distance learning as the only prospect, it is, on the other hand, relevant and desirable to envision it as an interesting alternative (Lubérisse, 2003). This study, centered on the qualitative approach allows us to collect data with twelve (12) key actors of the Haitian educational system (4 pupils, 3 parents, 2 professors and 3 specialists of the radio or Distance Learning by Broadcasting). Drawing on the main conditions of efficiency of Open Distance Learning (ODL) defined by Karsenti (2003), the theoretical principles of R and D (Van der Maren, 2003), the theoretical frame of Chagnon and Paquette’s needs assessment methodology (Centre Jeunesse de Montréal - Institut universitaire, 2005) and of Roegiers, Wouters and Gerard (1992), we outlined the proposed Distance Learning through Broadcasting program and submitted it twelve (12) key actors of Haiti’s educational system (4 students, 3 parents, 2 teachers, and 3 radio or DLBR experts). This sketch contained mainly, the objectives of the program, the pedagogical approach, the contents and the conditions of implementation. The analysis of data generated through individual interviews shows that implementing such a program can be advantageous for the Haitian educational system, particularly as regards the results of the official examinations of the first part of the High school diploma (first part of the Baccalauréat). The twelve (12) participants in our research believe that the objective pursued by the program of Distance learning is achievable and important for the targeted public. While noting the positive aspect of this project, the participants suggested some modifications of the pedagogical approach, the contents and the conditions of implementation. The recommendations made by these twelve key actors of the educational system and our literature review allowed us to produce a new draft of the program outline, revised and corrected. This draft can be used as the basis for a wider evaluation.

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 iii 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.

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 iii 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.

Facilitation of learning through the use of tutors is a worldwide approach that is supported by most Open and Distance Learning institutions. This approach was expanded by integrating face-to-face mode of delivery and online delivery with the purpose of increasing access and participation of students at Unisa. However, the practicality of this integration cannot be overlooked and this reality led to this study. Given the background, this dissertation presents a study on tutors’ perceptions of effective facilitation through the use of an integrated tutor model (ITM) in an Open Distance Learning (ODL) environment. This study sought to explore the views of Unisa tutors focusing on the success factors, challenges and the impact this model has on tutors’ behaviour in terms of tutorial delivery in the implementation of the integrated tutor model in tutorial classes. This was done with an aim of expanding access and participation. A qualitative research method was conducted with Unisa Gauteng Region tutors. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews. The findings of the study showed that the level of academic staff involvement in the tutorial program is very low and there was no involvement at all in other colleges. The training and development provided to ODL tutors is highly appreciated by tutors, however, it needs to be intensified to yield the desired outcomes. Findings further revealed that the institution needs to attend to the provision of access to students. Based on these findings, recommendations were made that academic staff members need to increase their level of involvement in the tutorial program in order to support tutors who provide support to students. Practical training of tutors on the use of technology is necessary and the institution must increase access to computers and the internet for students. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Open and Distance Learning)

The current increasingly changing world shows the influence and effects of technology in all aspects of learning. In developed Western countries, the Higher Education institutions believe that these developments offer valuable opportunities for improved learning as a result of technological advancements and innovations in the learning environment. This has in turn placed the responsibility on developing countries, in order to strive better competitively in international markets, even under tremendous pressure, to similarly embed suitable blends of technologies within their own learning and curriculum approaches, and consequently enhance and improve new learning opportunities. The positive increasing growth in access to and use of technology has caused more approaches to be developed in e-learning and is manifested in different forms. This has supplemented or replaced the traditional methods in learning, enabling engagement of learners with their learning through various web technologies alongside face-to-face delivery, and sometimes completely replacing direct face-to-face contact. However, the success of use of technology in learning depends, to a significant extent, on how the students actually use them for learning purposes. The purpose of this study isto examine the extent that technology is accepted, adopted and used to enhance learning and teaching in a distance education context.The study employed an extended version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in its investigation of the underlying factors that affect students’ use of technological systems in learning. It explored students’ perception and experiences of using technology for learning and teaching to guide theInstitute for Open Distance Learning (IODL) in Africa Nazarene University (ANU) to develop strategies for implementation of technology-enhanced learning.This study revealed that students’ attitudes and perceptions on the use of technology in learning and teaching were diverse and were both positive and negative. While positive attitudes and perceptions of users to adopt Technology in learning and teaching can simplify their understanding and use of the technology in learning and teaching, negative attitudes would instead complicate this making adoption difficult. A deeper focus on the factors that affect adoption and technology use in e-learning as well as their associations is a pre-cursor to a better knowledge and understanding of student acceptance of e-learning technological systems. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Didactics)

Distance education has by nature always depended on technology as a vehicle for various media used to facilitate learning. Today as technology has taken centre stage in our lives especially Internet-based technology, distance education continues to grow in its use of state-of-the-art tools and hence the need to effectively adopt these online tools for online education remains inevitable. This study presents an evaluation of the usability of social media blends in e-learning environments. Comprehensive guidelines for improving the usability of social media blends are proposed in order to facilitate learner networks where knowledge can be created that is based on the leaners’ experiences and their peer connections. In this meta-analysis study literature was searched to identify qualitative research articles that discuss social media blends most commonly used in e-learning. The search was done on South African and international academic databases which included SAe-Publications, EbscoHost, ProQuest and Google Scholar, among others. The metadata analysis was conducted following the online collaborative learning theory as a conceptual framework and the findings agreed with previous studies that the use of social media blends still lacks important empirical data. This study recommends a set of phases in designing curriculum for social media use in e-learning. The proposed guidelines should be useful to instructional designers interested in using modern learning theories in e-learning. Since African qualitative research could not be found, further work in this field could involve qualitative studies on the use of e-learning in African institutions. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / M. Ed. (Open and Distance Learning)

Following the postmodern discourses of spatial conceptualisation, this study examined the manner in which space in an Open Distance Learning (ODL) University enables or constrains academics’ work as they go about the process of constructing their academic identities. Focusing on academics’ engagement in one college of the University, the study was premised on the assumption that, in the current higher education (HE) dispensation, academic identity construction presumes and demands the existence of supportive space for academics to effect the academic practices. Lefebvre’s (1991) social production of space and Soja’s (1996) Thirdspace were used as lenses to examine the multiple dimensions of space in relation to spatial practices in the College, the spatial policies and the experiences of academics as the users of the Institutional space. Qualitative ethnographic research methods that were used to collect data included a review of the Institutional policies, intranet posts and emails; the observation and photographing of academics’ offices and administrative office space; observation of departmental meeting proceedings and the conducting of semi-structured interviews with academics of different academic ranks. Findings suggested that although some forms of space are supportive of spatial practices that contribute to academic identity construction, the imagined space of the ODL Institution can be unfairly inclusive and inconsiderate of academics’ unique spatial needs. Such inclusivity of space seemed to be inconsistent with the appropriate ODL space as imagined by some participants where academics may work comfortably and with limited restrictions. The study concluded by making recommendations on how the Institution and the academics may manage space for optimal academic identity construction in the College. / Educational Foundations / D. Ed. (Philosophy of Education)