31 |
Applied competence in a distance learning programme for the professional development of foundation phase teachers / Corné Gerda KrugerKruger, Corné Gerda January 2015 (has links)
The ongoing debate about the capacity of distance learning (DL) to assist in the development of teaching skills and to improve teaching practice is the focus of many inquiries in the field of teacher education. The practice-based nature of Foundation Phase teaching poses unique challenges for professional development of teachers through DL programmes. In order to address inadequacies identified in the literature and previous research, a practical component was designed and included in the revised version of the Advanced Certificate: Education - Foundation Phase, as part of a bursary project. In 2011 the Northern Cape Department of Education (NCDoE) enrolled 50 practising Foundation Phase teachers for this distance learning programme as the first of three cohorts in the bursary project.
A learning portfolio and audio-visual resources, designed according to principles derived from previous research and related literature, formed part of this practical component. The aim was to support teacher applied competence through developing pedagogical content knowledge, self-directedness, and a professional attitude, and through guiding the application of new knowledge and skills in practice. The completed portfolios further served as an instrument for the assessment of teacher performance with regard to applied competence.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of the practical component of the revised Foundation Phase ACE programme delivered by the NWU via distance learning with specific focus on the way this component facilitates the development of applied competence and the way the portfolio provides for the assessment of professional classroom competencies of practising Foundation Phase teachers. The study further aimed to put forward a model for the development of applied practice based on the findings of the study.
In order to attain the aims of the study, the literature was explored to firstly determine the elements which contribute to applied competence in effective teacher professional development programmes. The literature was further explored to determine what the body of scholarship indicates with respect to programme design features that support applied competence in DL programmes for teacher professional development.
An implementation evaluation study was then conducted on the programme by collecting data from 50 Foundation Phase teachers as the first of three cohorts enrolled for the bursary project. Data were primarily collected through multiple qualitative methods including a focus-group interview, individual interviews, written expectations as well as open ended questions of questionnaires. Descriptive data were also collected through semi-structured questionnaires. Qualitative data were analysed through content analysis to determine the theoretical and conceptual implications of the profile and teaching context of the Northern Cape Foundation Phase teacher enrolled for the DL Foundation Phase ACE programme, the expectations of these teachers regarding the way the practical component would support their applied competence in their contexts, and the teachers’ experiences of the way the programme component supported the development of their applied competence. The study further determined the extent to which the learning portfolios interrogate the elements of applied competence. Quantitative data collected through semi-structured questionnaires were statistically analysed and served to support the interpretation of qualitative data.
The investigation was approached from a constructivist paradigm; an approach that falls under an interpretivist philosophical orientation. Although quantitative methods were used to gather descriptive statistical data in support of the qualitative data, the study is grounded in qualitative research methodology where the concern is with the formative evaluation of the DL programme component
The findings strongly confirm the value of such a practical component as part of a DL programme to support the elements of applied competence. However, the way the programme accommodates teacher profiles and teaching contexts will greatly influence the sustainability of the programme outcomes in practice. The findings further show that the portfolio as instrument for the assessment of applied competence requires careful planning and should provide strong guidance in the reflective process to support sustained outcomes of the programme in practice. A suggested model for a DL programme for the professional development of Foundation Phase teachers is based on the findings of the study. / PhD (Curriculum Development Innovation and Evaluation), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015
|
32 |
Applied competence in a distance learning programme for the professional development of foundation phase teachers / Corné Gerda KrugerKruger, Corné Gerda January 2015 (has links)
The ongoing debate about the capacity of distance learning (DL) to assist in the development of teaching skills and to improve teaching practice is the focus of many inquiries in the field of teacher education. The practice-based nature of Foundation Phase teaching poses unique challenges for professional development of teachers through DL programmes. In order to address inadequacies identified in the literature and previous research, a practical component was designed and included in the revised version of the Advanced Certificate: Education - Foundation Phase, as part of a bursary project. In 2011 the Northern Cape Department of Education (NCDoE) enrolled 50 practising Foundation Phase teachers for this distance learning programme as the first of three cohorts in the bursary project.
A learning portfolio and audio-visual resources, designed according to principles derived from previous research and related literature, formed part of this practical component. The aim was to support teacher applied competence through developing pedagogical content knowledge, self-directedness, and a professional attitude, and through guiding the application of new knowledge and skills in practice. The completed portfolios further served as an instrument for the assessment of teacher performance with regard to applied competence.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of the practical component of the revised Foundation Phase ACE programme delivered by the NWU via distance learning with specific focus on the way this component facilitates the development of applied competence and the way the portfolio provides for the assessment of professional classroom competencies of practising Foundation Phase teachers. The study further aimed to put forward a model for the development of applied practice based on the findings of the study.
In order to attain the aims of the study, the literature was explored to firstly determine the elements which contribute to applied competence in effective teacher professional development programmes. The literature was further explored to determine what the body of scholarship indicates with respect to programme design features that support applied competence in DL programmes for teacher professional development.
An implementation evaluation study was then conducted on the programme by collecting data from 50 Foundation Phase teachers as the first of three cohorts enrolled for the bursary project. Data were primarily collected through multiple qualitative methods including a focus-group interview, individual interviews, written expectations as well as open ended questions of questionnaires. Descriptive data were also collected through semi-structured questionnaires. Qualitative data were analysed through content analysis to determine the theoretical and conceptual implications of the profile and teaching context of the Northern Cape Foundation Phase teacher enrolled for the DL Foundation Phase ACE programme, the expectations of these teachers regarding the way the practical component would support their applied competence in their contexts, and the teachers’ experiences of the way the programme component supported the development of their applied competence. The study further determined the extent to which the learning portfolios interrogate the elements of applied competence. Quantitative data collected through semi-structured questionnaires were statistically analysed and served to support the interpretation of qualitative data.
The investigation was approached from a constructivist paradigm; an approach that falls under an interpretivist philosophical orientation. Although quantitative methods were used to gather descriptive statistical data in support of the qualitative data, the study is grounded in qualitative research methodology where the concern is with the formative evaluation of the DL programme component
The findings strongly confirm the value of such a practical component as part of a DL programme to support the elements of applied competence. However, the way the programme accommodates teacher profiles and teaching contexts will greatly influence the sustainability of the programme outcomes in practice. The findings further show that the portfolio as instrument for the assessment of applied competence requires careful planning and should provide strong guidance in the reflective process to support sustained outcomes of the programme in practice. A suggested model for a DL programme for the professional development of Foundation Phase teachers is based on the findings of the study. / PhD (Curriculum Development Innovation and Evaluation), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015
|
33 |
Management of open and distance learning at UNISA : meeting student's needs and expectationsNtuli, Aggrineth Zodwa Sebenzile 04 1900 (has links)
No description available.
|
34 |
On-line learning among Health Studies’ students at an open distance learning institution: prospects and challenges for interactivityMaboe, Kefiloe Adolphina 08 September 2014 (has links)
The purpose of this research is to explore students’ on-line interactivity in an Open Distance Learning institution with other students, educators, study materials and Unisa as the sampled prototypical research subject. A mixed-method of research encompassing both explorative and descriptive aspects was used. Data was collected through myUnisa discussion forum, focus group interviews and an on-line questionnaire from second and third year Health Services Management students at the University of South Africa (Unisa).
Although the findings indicated that 84.9% of students owned computers, and 100% owned cellular phones, only 3.8% participated in the discussion forum. On-line discussion forum are critical in Open Distance Learning (ODL) because it allows people who cannot physically attend the educational institution to interact with each other. Almost 40% of these sampled students agreed that the discussion forum allowed them to study with their peers. However, only 53 of the 1,379 students registered for both second and third year studies during the first semester participated in the discussion forum. This indicates that very few students benefit from on-line interaction.
Most of the students who are enrolled in Health Services Management course are from 21 to above 50 years of age. This age factor can have an impact on computer literacy. Some of them indicated that they struggled with the utilisation of technology. The majority of these students do not utilise the prescribed on-line interactive tools effectively. Students’ need support cognitively, academically, administratively, institutionally and affectively. The findings suggest that although students are aware of the benefits of using online technologies, they do not have the support from the institution to enable them to better their skills in using these technologies. The other
challenge that they have raised is that educators also interact minimally on-line. Therefore, they do not receive the necessary feedback they require. The university systems are sometimes offline, which becomes worse during registration and submission of assignments.
The recommendations emanating from the study warrants various interventions of multiple stakeholders to resolve the students’ challenges. / Health Studies / D.Litt, et Phil. (Health Studies)
|
35 |
Experiences of student peer helpers in an open distance learning institutionMabizela, Sfiso Emmanuel 02 1900 (has links)
Text in English / The primary aim of this study is to explore and describe experiences of peer helpers at an Open Distance Learning institution since the start of their joining the Unisa Peer Help Volunteer Programme. This study was conducted with the intention of granting the peer helpers an opportunity to reflect on their individual experiences and in so doing in laying the foundation for future studies, intended to steer the Unisa peer help volunteer programme to new frontiers, while simultaneously highlighting the contribution that has been made by the Unisa Peer Help Voluntary Programme. An intrinsic case study design has been utilised in order to gain comprehensive insight into peer helpers’ experiences. A sample of seven peer helpers were interviewed using the semi-structured interview technique. The main findings from this study can be categorised into four distinctive themes namely: (a) the peer helpers’ goals for joining the Unisa Peer Help Volunteer Programme; (b) construction of roles as peer helpers at an open distance learning institution; (c) positive experiences of participating in the Unisa peer help volunteer programme; and (d) the negative experiences of participating in the Unisa Peer Help Volunteer Programme. The findings have painted a positive picture of how the Unisa peer help volunteer programme has contributed in shaping the lives of the peer helpers. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology (Research Consultation))
|
36 |
Didactic conversation and transactional distance : a case study of retention and throughput of accounting studentsVan Rooyen, Annelien Adriana 07 1900 (has links)
The study was necessitated by the fact that the throughput rates of accounting
students studying at distance learning institutions in South Africa are disturbingly low
when compared to students studying at residential universities. Bearing in mind the
magnitude of the University of South Africa’s (Unisa’s) market share of accounting
students in South Africa, it was pivotal to comprehend the unique challenges related
to retention and throughput of these students. This thesis reports on a case study of
the use of mobile phones in an Accounting module by applying the theories of
didactic conversation and transactional distance to understand the retention and
throughput rates of the Accounting students in an open distance learning (ODL)
environment. Considering the landscape of accounting education in South Africa, the
specific challenges faced by accounting students at Unisa and the recent scholarly
discourse on retention and throughput of distance education students, this study
contributes to the limited theoretical understanding of students’ retention and
throughput rates in an Accounting module at Unisa.
This theoretical understanding has been obtained through combining the
transactional distance theory of Moore (1973) and the didactic conversation of Holmberg (1982) in a single conceptual framework. By applying this framework, this
thesis makes an original contribution to the deepening understanding of the retention
and throughput rates of accounting students in an ODL environment. The study has
shown that retention and throughput rates can be improved through the lessening of
the transactional distance between facilitator and student and by improving the
quality and extent of the two-way didactic conversation in the learning process.
To this effect, the study provided empirical evidence of the successful use of various
complementing technology interventions, suitable for accounting students with time
constraints, to enhance the learning process. / Management Accounting / D. Com.
|
37 |
Learner support in open and distance learning context : a case study of ABET programmes at the University of South AfricaBaloyi, Gezani Phineas 11 1900 (has links)
The recent global growth and popularity of open and distance learning (ODL) has been attributed to its advantages, such as flexibility for students who wish to study while working. Moreover, ODL is an effective tool in extending participation to students from less privileged social groups who are unreachable due to geographic location or cannot access higher education due to diverse factors, such as financial constraints or domestic arrangements. In the light of this, this study investigated learner support in the Department of Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) at the University of South Africa (Unisa), the largest, dedicated ODL institution in South Africa. A review of literature identified the Community of Inquiry model proposed by Garrison, Anderson and Archer (2001) as useful in this context and I used it as a conceptual framework for the empirical inquiry that I undertook.
A mixed method approach comprising two consecutive phases was employed to investigate the research questions. A self-designed questionnaire was used to gather quantitative data from a random sample of 400 students registered for the ABET Diploma module (Phase One) followed by face to face interviews with selected lecturers and students (Phase Two). The scope of the study was limited to ABET lecturers, ABET diploma students and to selected Unisa learner support systems, such as myUnisa which includes a web-based discussion forum.
The findings of the inquiry were presented and discussed under three main headings: the findings of Phase One, the findings of Phase Two and a summary in which the findings of the two phases were integrated where appropriate. The themes that emerged from the questionnaire and the interviews demonstrate clearly that learner support in the ABET Department is crucial in ensuring learner success. Interlinking themes are as follows: the context of the students, levels of computer literacy, accessibility of Unisa learner support systems, student motivation and time management. Many ABET students live in remote areas of the country and have little or no access to internet facilities. However, the majority of students agreed that they would like to interact more with other students through myUnisa in future. Lecturers and students agreed that myUnisa was a vital tool in teaching the students online; yet both students and lecturers still regarded contact discussion classes as the most important form of learner support. The findings suggested that the distance between the university and the student still has to be reduced more to ensure that student support reaches all students equitably. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)
|
38 |
The feasibility of using audio podcast mobile technology to teach research writing in open distance learning : case of University of South AfricaMadiope, Maria 06 1900 (has links)
The research aimed to assess the feasibility of using podcasts in mobile devices to teach research proposal writing for masters’ students of University of South Africa. To aid in this, a general objective was developed which was supported by specific research objectives that guided the study. The research looked at the evolution of open distance learning (ODL) including the use of M-learning. I reviewed literature on the history of podcasts as an entertainment tool being highlighted as a revolution in the academic world especially in the area of distance learning.
To create a foundation to give strength to the use of podcasts, theories of education were evaluated and criticised to give reason and foundation for the use of podcasts as a technology to support teaching and learning in ODL. All major aspects of learning were traversed in the theoretical aspect. This is in a bid to assess the ability of the use of podcasts to meet the needs of the learners. A methodology for conducting the research that included the deployment of a pilot project for the research proposal writing module in year 2011-2012 class was developed and justified accordingly. The use of both qualitative and quantitative methods was necessitated by the objectives of the research. This was implemented at data collection and analysis stages of the research.
The analysis was fruitful and successful for that matter, giving reasonable backing to the proposal by the researcher of adopting the use of podcasts using mobile devices. The analysis deemed the pilot project successful for the period within which it was operated. Hurdles or challenges were present and the study gives them as majorly, the lack of sufficient skills to handle the content of the website, that is, generally, the use of the technology. Also, the study pinpoints that the availability of mobile devices is also a challenge that the students will face.
Recommendations were derived from the challenges and include a framework that should be used in creating a podcast support system that will be based on the findings to create a successful project. Regarding the objectives of the study, the conclusion that indeed it is feasible to use podcasts to teach research proposal writing in Unisa is valid. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Didactics)
|
39 |
Investigating effective teaching of an online module in an Open Distance learning environment: a case studyHlatshwayo, Vivienne 11 1900 (has links)
Text in English / In a quest to identify best practices in teaching courses in English for Specific Purposes (ESP), this study investigated effective teaching of an online English module in an Open Distance Learning (ODL) environment. Although ODL is attractive to both students and lecturers, there are significant problems regarding how learning, teaching, interaction and assessment should be conducted in this context. The problems are exacerbated by the limited knowledge of using the online systems and constraints linked to time spent on tasks. The study adopted the qualitative research approach, using a case study design and data collected from three research instruments, namely online questionnaires, an online observation schedule and a content analysis schedule. The research population in the current study comprised students, lecturers, and e-tutors based at one ODL university. In order to engender best practices of effective teaching in an ODL environment, the Community of Inquiry (Col) framework and Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) theory were applied to the research findings of the current study. The findings indicate that effective teaching of an online English module in an ODL context could take place when content is effectively structured; assessment reflects course content; there is teamwork and collaboration amongst lecturers; students effectively interact with the material, lecturers/e-tutors, and with each other. The findings of this study add to the volume of research on best practices for effective online ESP teaching in ODL higher learning institutions. / English Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (English)
|
40 |
The integration of learning technologies in open distance learning at the North-West University / Hendrik Daniel (Hennie) EsterhuizenEsterhuizen, Hendrik Daniel January 2012 (has links)
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
|
Page generated in 0.1305 seconds