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Title Introducing e-learning in a South African Higher Education Institution: challenges arising from an intervention and possible responses
Full text http://ahero.uwc.ac.za/index.php?module=cshe&action=viewtitle&id=cshe_985
Date 2013
Author(s) Bharuthram, Sharita; Kies, Carolynn
Abstract This article draws on research conducted at a tertiary institution in South Africa as part of the redesigning of an English for Educational Development (EED) course to include an e-learning online discussion component. The subject material used was based on HIV/ AIDS topics that students had to debate within an online discussion forum. Framed by the concept of Multiliteracies and the Social Constructivist view of teaching and learning, this study problematizes students' experiences of the online component in an attempt to explore the potential benefits of and challenges in using e-learning in teaching and learning and the extent to which e-learning should be adopted into the EED curriculum. The benefits derived and challenges faced by the students and the writers during the implementation of the intervention are presented with the aim of generating further discussions from researchers on national and international levels. This article briefly contextualizes the study by providing some background information, theory and the research process. It then draws on a number of evaluation tools ranging from course evaluations - classroom discussions and observations - reflective notes - as well as minutes of meetings to evaluate both students and writers participation and experiences.
Subject(s) E Learning, ICT (Information & Communication Technology), Technology, Technology Policy, South Africa
Coverage Teaching and Learning
Language English
Type of publication Journal Article (Peer Reviewed)
Format Pdf
Repository Cape Town - AHERO, University of Western Cape
Added to C-A: 2014-08-01;13:26:47