Prof Gundani, Prof Moeketsi, Prof Barker, Prof Malala and Prof Milton
Technology has been described as one of the core functions to ensure that open distance learning (ODL) is a success. With Unisa positioned as the premier distance learning university on the African continent, bridging the gap between students and the institution through online tools is of paramount importance.
The College of Human Sciences (CHS) hosted its Africa Speaks lecture on 6 March 2013. Prof Malala was invited to discuss the topic Developments in Computer Support Collaborative Learning (CSCL) Environments for Improvement Learning Achievements in an ODL Context.
The lecture series was initiated by Prof Rosemary Moeketsi, Executive Dean in the College of Human Sciences, in 2008 to improve research capacity and enhance critical discourse. Prof Malala, who is a professor of new media technologies and radio television at the University of Central Florida (UCF), was keen to discuss the strides his institution had made in integrating technology into their curriculum. He discussed the merits of a learning management system (LMS) that is used as a virtual classroom for teaching, learning and assessment. “An LMS is important because it assists in ODL and is necessary to promote education; however, it is not the magic bullet to suddenly make students more intelligent,” he said.
Prof Malala pointed out that his university had created new avenues in ODL by using multiple approaches to ensure success in distance learning. UCF currently offers 30% of its courses online, with 85% of students enrolled in at least one of these. He says they have noticed an interesting trend with students. “The number one device students use to log into LMS programmes are their mobile devices and, because of this, we have ensured that access is a priority,” he said.
Apart from students, faculty members are offered incentives to take lessons in online teaching, which Prof Malala believes increases their capacity for discussion and knowledge. “Students have built a culture with social media and the internet and this has played a huge role in learning. Because courses and content are available online, students engage in discussions using Facebook, Twitter and other social media. Peer review between students is also an aspect that is encouraged,” Prof Malala said.
While LMS and technological innovations play a significant part in ODL implementation, Prof Malala laments the fact that a huge paradox currently exists within the learning process among students. “From a young age we teach children to compete against each other and to not share information or ideas. Learners are not allowed to collaborate in examinations, tests, puzzles and so on. Collaboration is not taught early in life,” said Prof Malala. He believes this pervasive attitude does not bode well for higher education in the future as more and more students seek to attend tertiary institutions. “When we no longer have brick-and-wall schools, we recommend integration, which is something foreign to them,” he said.
Prof Malala acknowledges that while LMS is a step in the right direction to remedy this problem, there is no specific formula to increase student participation and learning in an ODL and collaborative learning environment. However, he says that research and the right combination of elements can remove hurdles that impede student performance. “Universities need to be at the forefront of technology related to learning and I believe Unisa is at the right place at the right time to achieve this. But remember that great teachers educate great students, not technology,” he said.
By Rajiv Kamal
