Comparative Analysis of Pedagogical Strategies Across Disciplines in Open Distance Learning at UnisaODL at Unisa

Authors

  • Kemlall Ramdass 1Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa
  • Fulufhelo James Masithulela 1Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v17i2.2402

Keywords:

pedagogical strategies open distance learning, engineering ODL, teaching and learning

Abstract

Re-engineering technological strategies in teaching and learning in an open distance learning (ODL) environment is paramount as the demand for access to quality higher education escalates drastically on a year to year basis. The organisational framework requires change in order to accommodate the increasing number of students. In view of the changing higher education landscape and the increase in the number of students qualifying for higher education acceptance, open distance education has been opened to residential institutions. Despite the fact that demands is greater than supply in the higher education sector, the University of South Africa (Unisa), in reaction to the “competitive threat,” has embarked on the re-evaluation of ODL as a component of its teaching and learning methodology. Unisa focussed on its pedagogical approaches as a primary means of maintaining its competitive edge.  The challenges in the higher education sector are also attributed to the basic education sector that does not prepare students sufficiently for higher education. ODL, if applied appropriately, could be a strategy to address the issues of access, equality, and equity in a democratic South Africa. Pedagogical strategies that are functional and appropriate need to be applied in the higher education sector. Hence the research question is to determine what ODL strategies can be implemented to ensure that students are on par with traditional universities. Therefore, this paper explores the pedagogical strategies that colleges may use with the intent to improve delivery of teaching and learning in an ODL environment.

Author Biographies

Kemlall Ramdass, 1Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa

Dr Ramdass is a Senior Lecturer at the University of South Africa

Fulufhelo James Masithulela, 1Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa

Fulufhelo Masithulela is a Senior Lecturer at the Universityy of South Africa, School of ENgineering, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

Published

2016-03-01

How to Cite

Ramdass, K., & Masithulela, F. J. (2016). Comparative Analysis of Pedagogical Strategies Across Disciplines in Open Distance Learning at UnisaODL at Unisa. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 17(2). https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v17i2.2402

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