International Journal of Education and Development using ICT

International Journal of Education and Development using ICT > Vol. ()

The role of lecturers in promoting e-learning in a long distance education environment

Lancelord Siphamandla LS Ncube, University of South Africa

Abstract
Lecturers play a fundamental role of being an arbitrator in the adoption of new technologies, pedagogical methods and content for e-learning between students and the new advances. The need for arbiter role to enrich, support, motivate and influence students is necessitated by the fact that any new initiative is susceptible to low acceptance adoption and e-learning is no different. This study examined the role of lecturers in encouraging and supporting students likely to be predisposed to challenges related to incomprehension, incapacity and isolation embedded in the virtual learning environment. This qualitative study used a constructivist lens to gain through interviews an understanding into the intuition, thoughts, ideals, beliefs and inclination of lecturers about the nature and extent of their supportive role in the e-learning environment. The key findings revealed that the role of lecturers in promoting e-learning is varied. The discrepancy seems to be emanating from the lack of clear understanding of the meaning, the depth, the breadth and thrust of e-learning pedagogy at University of South Africa (UNISA). The UNISA Strategy 2015-2030 introduced incremental changes in the form of ODeL, which highlights the infusion of e-learning in the ODL context. Given its ODeL mandate, and the prescripts of the UNISA Strategy 2015-2030 and as part of the academic project the institution committed to introduce e-learning from 2015. Further the institutional resolve to adopt a hybrid model that incorporates traditional and electronic teaching modes has caused uncertainty in the teaching space with some lecturers leaning towards e-learning whilst others lean towards traditional methods. The study recommends that UNISA needs to clarify its standpoint by adopting definitions, demarcations, strategies and tools that will enhance the understanding, adoption and usability of e-learning platforms and systems.

Full Text: Not available

Research
Support Tool