Technology and globalisation has shaped the experiences and expectations of adult learners
in the 21st century. How adults learn and what they want to learn is highly influenced by the
world they live in at any given time. The need for customisation, extending traditional
learning experiences into new learning experiences will address the quality and value of
higher education learning in South Africa. Restructuring of current programmes to be more
flexible, accessible, interactive, that supports collaboration of learning activities and
accommodates different learning styles, will enrich the adult learners’ learning experience
and quality of learning. In suggesting the use of an alternative learning strategy, the use of a
hybrid study approach (HSA) has been suggested and investigated. Limited research has
been conducted in the use of a hybrid study approach (HSA) and more on what has been said
was conducted on pure online learning, therefore this study focused on managing the quality
of learning in higher education through a hybrid study approach (HSA).
Since the researcher’s interest was to gain insight and understanding of learners’, tutors’ and
institutional managements’ perceptions, understanding, concerns and experiences in their real
world conditions when using a hybrid study approach (HSA), the qualitative research method
was applied. The researcher focused on the micro-level of managing quality of learning by
assessing the ‘learning’ when learning with technology. The study adhered to ethical
principles and techniques to enhance the validity of the findings.
The study found that a need for redress and reform of training and education in South Africa, especially with the integration of technology in higher education, extending into a hybrid
study approach (HSA), which is in harmony with international standards of academic quality,
knowledge, expertise and skills is needed in a changing global economy. A one-for-all
learning approach was found not well suited for the needs of society today and does not foster
an all-inclusive learning approach. The move to a knowledge society where learners are
interconnected and where information circulate around the world faster than ever, it is evident
that much learning occurs in a social environment and does not happen in splendid isolation.
It was found evident that life demands and other different roles adult learners need to fulfill,
adults intentionally search for educational settings that support their way of learning. / Education Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)
Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/19028 |
Date | 02 1900 |
Creators | Van Tonder, Silna |
Contributors | Steyn, G. M. |
Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
Language | English |
Detected Language | English |
Type | Dissertation |
Format | 1 online resource (11 unnumbered leaves, 176 leaves) |
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