Sharing a positive side of 'distance' in ODeL: ZOU and Unisa join forces

Unisa recently hosted a Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) delegation to implement the objectives of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two institutions. The aim is for the two universities to share and learn from each other on issues related to, among others, the pedagogical and scientific exchange of lecturers, researchers and students (undergraduate and postgraduate), sharing teaching and training programmes, and collaboration in many other areas. 

Reflecting on the MOU, Prof Motsa Madikane, Vice-Principal: Teaching, Learning, Community Engagement and Student Support, noted, “While we embrace Africanisation, decolonisation, and the digital transformation, we understand that our students need to respond to the local challenges while ensuring that they maintain a competitive global focus as well.” She hoped the two universities could overcome some common challenges: an ageing cohort of academics, student connectivity, load shedding and student funding.
 

From left: Dr MJ Hadji (RPL: DISS), Dr PM Makgato-Khunou (Acting Director: DISS), Mr GT Marebane (Deputy Director Tuition Support: DISS), Prof G Naidoo (TLCESS), Dr PM Kotze (DCDT), Prof MD Magano (Acting Executive Director: DTSFL), Prof C Chiome (Zimbabwe Open University), Prof ZT Motsa Madikane (Vice-Principal: Teaching, Learning, Community Engagement and Student Support), Mr A Dzoboa (Zimbabwe Open University), Ms MM Sibanda (ARCSWiD), Mr GM Masemola (DACs: DISS), Mr JL Rachidi (Student Retention Unit) and Dr C Chetty (ADOVH)

Emphasising that education began in Africa and observing that universities tend to compete instead of being competitive, Prof Chiome, Director of the Teaching and Learning Centre at ZOU, said in Shona: “Kana uchida kuchimbidza, enda woga. Kana Uchida kuenda kure, enda navanwe” (emphasising that universities will achieve more if they work together). 

Dominating the discussion was the facilitation of learning and student support that Unisa offers to its students, including but not limited to the use of digital access centres to bring internet and computers to students in rural and remote areas. The use of recognition of prior learning (RPL), also called accreditation of prior learning, in ZOU came into focus as it is a social justice and redress imperative to accessing higher education. The Student Retention Unit presented staggering statistics about students who fail to submit their first assignments, which, in most instances, leads to dropout, and how strategies are being implemented through MOOCs to assist students in coping with the demands of ODeL. 

Both universities appreciated a move from face-to-face to online tutoring and that Unisa has moved to integrate e-tutoring as part of curriculum development. The Directorate of Curriculum Development and Transformation (DCDT) at Unisa is currently writing or revising over 300 modules. The centre further trains e-tutors for Professional Development (CPD) to ensure they are ready for the ODeL pedagogy. 

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) was a buzzword as there seemed to be a disjuncture between what universities offer and the demands of the job market. The discussion focused on how to monitor and evaluate students placed in companies using new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). In addition, concerns were raised about how the transition to online exams had severely affected students with disabilities. However, it was noted that the transition propelled the university to consider equipping needy students for the current online revolution.

* Submitted by Dr Mutambuli James Hadji, Recognition of Prior Learning Specialist