Theoretical framework for Open Distance Learning: a South African case study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17159/24ew9v66Keywords:
connectivism, e-learning, open distance learning (ODL), teaching and learning framework, transactional distance, UnisaAbstract
This paper outlines the elements of a theoretical framework for open distance learning (ODL) in a developing country through the application of the case study method. The theoretical tenets of transactional distance and connectivism have been applied to investigate the feelings, perceptions and expectations of Honours students in Development Studies at the University of South Africa (Unisa). With a special focus on students’ access to and usage of the internet and web-based learning, the study contributes to developing a framework for distance education in a developing context. In addition to a literature study and theoretical framework, a quantitative research approach was followed and entailed an exploratory study based on survey research. The results show that the vast majority of students are willing to engage fully with e-learning and are active internet users considering it as an important source of learning and information. However, it is important to note that access and usage of the internet depend on the individual profile of a student. In conclusion, elements to inform the design of an ODL theoretical framework are outlined.
References
Anderson, T. & Don, J. (2011) Three generations of distance education pedagogy. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, March. http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/890/1663 (Accessed 16 May 2019).
Aydemir, M., Özkeskin, E.E. & Akkurt, A.A. (2015) A Theoretical framework on open and distance learning. Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences 174 pp.1750-1757.
Aydin, C.C. & Tirkes, G. (2010) Open source learning management systems in distance learning. Journal of Educational Technology 9(2) pp.175-184.Babbie, E. (2011) The basics of social research. Wadsworth: Cengage Learning.
Bates, T. (2015) Teaching in a digital age: guidelines for designing teaching and learning. Updated 2019. Minneapolis: BCcampus, Centre for Open Education.
Baynton, M. (1992) Dimensions of “control” in distance education: A factor analysis. The American Journal of Distance Education 6(2) pp.17-31.
Berge, Z.L. (1995) Facilitating computer conferencing: recommendations from the field. Educational Technology 35(1) pp.22-30.
Garrison, D.R. (1985) Three generations of technological innovations in distance education. Distance Education 6(2) pp.235-241.
Garrison, D.R. (1989) Understanding Distance Education. A framework for the future. New York: Routledge.
Garrison, D.R. (2000) Theoretical Challenges for Distance Education in the 21st Century: A Shift from Structural to Transactional Issues. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning 1(1) pp.1-17.
Garrison, D.R. & Baynton, M. (1987) Beyond independence in distance education: the concept of control. The American Journal of Distance Education 1(3) pp.3-15.
Gulati, S. (2008) Technology-Enhanced Learning in Developing Nations: A review. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning 9(1) pp.1-16.Holmberg, B. (1986) Growth and Structure of Distance Education. London: Routledge.
Holmberg, B. (2005) The Evolution, Principles and Practices of Distance Education. Postfach: BIS-Verlag der Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg.
Joubert, Y.T. & Snyman, A.M. (2018) Challenges experienced with online tutoring in an ODL institution. Progressio 39(1) pp.126-145. https://doi.org/10.25159/0256-8853/2139 (Accessed 15 June 2019).
Kaur, A. (2018) Tools of ICT in open and distance learning for inclusive education in developing world. Anjana (Indira Gandhi National Open University Regional Centre, Noida, India (Ed.), Technology for efficient learner support services in distance education. Experiences from developing countries. Singapore: Springer, pp.23-41.
Keegan, D. (1988) Theory of distance education. https://www.aect.org/edtech/ed1/13/13-03.html (Accessed 12 May 2018).
Keegan, D. (2013) Foundations of distance education. New York: Routledge.
Knowles, M. (1984) The adult learner: a neglected species. 3rd ed. Houston, Texas: Gulf Publishing.
Lephalala, M.M.K. & Makoe, M. (2012) The impact of socio-cultural issues for African students in the South African distance education context. African Higher Education Research online (AHERO) 26 (1). http://www.ijede.ca/index.php/jde/article/download/759/1320?inline=1 (Accessed 10 September 2019).McIsaac, M.S. & Gunawardena, C.N. (1996) Distance Education. In D.H. Jonassen (Ed.) Handbook of research for educational communications and technology: a project of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology. New York: Simon & Schuster Macmillan.
Moore, M.G. (1973) Toward a theory of independent learning and teaching. Journal of Higher Education (44) pp.661-679.
Moore, M.G. (1997) Theory of transactional distance. In D. Keegan (Ed.) Theoretical Principles of Distance Education. New York: Routledge, pp.22-38. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/002215 46.1973.11776906 (Accessed 13 July 2019).
Muhirwa, J. (2009) Teaching and Learning Against all Odds: A Video-Based Study of Learner-to-Instructor Interaction in International Distance Education. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning 10(4) pp. 537-544. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26850591_Teaching_and_ Learning_Against_all_Odds_A_Video-Based_Study_of_Learner-to-Instructor_Interaction_in_International_ Distance_Education (Accessed on 15 July 2019).
Onwe, O.J. (2013) Policies and Practice of Open and Distance Learning Models in the Sub-Saharan African Countries: A Literature Survey. American International Journal of Contemporary Research 3 (8) pp.122-135. http://www.aijcrnet.com/journals/Vol_3_No_8_August_2013/15.pdf (Accessed 15 September 2019).
Özgür, A.Z. & Koçak, N.G. (2016) Global Tendencies in Open and Distance Learning. Journal of Education and Human Development 5(4) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315878656_ Global_Tendencies_in_Open_and_Distance_Learning (Accessed 22 May 2020).Pallitt, N., Carr, T., Pedersen, J., Gunness, S. & Dooga, J. (2018) Perspectives on Learning Design in African Higher Education. Proceedings of the International Conference on e-Learning (ICEL). 5-6th
July. Cape Town: South Africa.
Pappas, C. (2013) The adult learning theory – andragogy – of Malcolm Knowles. https://elearningindustry. com/the-adult-learning-theory-andragogy-of-malcolm-knowles (Accessed 19 July 2017).
Peters, O. (2006) The iceberg has not melted: further reflections on the concept of industrialisation and distance teaching. https://doi.org/10.1080/0268051890040302 (Accessed 11 June 2018).
Picciano, A.G. (2017). Theories and frameworks for online education: seeking an integrated model. Online Learning 21(3) pp.166-190. doi: 10.24059/ojl.v2li3.1225
Sher, A. (2009) Assessing the relationship of student-instructor and student-student interaction to student learning and satisfaction in web-based online learning environment. Journal of Interactive Online Learning 8(2) pp.102-120.
Siemens, G. (2005) Connectivism: a learning theory for the digital age. International Journal of Instructional Technology & Distance Learning 2(1) pp.3-10. http://er.dut.ac.za/bitstream/handle/123456789/69/Siemens_2005_Connectivism_A_learning_theory_for_the_digital_age.pdf (Accessed 22 March 2018).
Stirling, D.L. (1997) Toward a theory of distance education: transactional distance. http://www.stirlinglaw. com/deborah/stir4.htm (Accessed 10 May 2018).Tait, A. (2017) European Leaders in Distance and e-Learning. Journal of Learning for Development 4(1) pp.5-11. https://jl4d.org/index.php/ejl4d/article/view/197/194 (Accessed 19 May 2020).
Trines, S. (2018) Educating the Masses: The Rise of Online Education in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. WENR (World Education News & Reviews). August. https://wenr.wes.org/2018/08/educating-the-masses-the-rise-of-online-education (Accessed 16 May 2020).
Unisa. (2015) Open distance learning policy. https://staff.unisa.ac.za/strategic_documents/publications (Accessed 15 May 2019).
Universities of SA. (2018) Understanding students: putting students at the centre of institutional design. Centre for Teaching and Learning, UFS, Issue 2. https://www.ufs.ac.za/docs/librariesprovider42/sasse-documents/publications-documents/understanding-student-putting-students-at-the-centre-of-institutional-design_-web.pdf?sfvrsn=f048b121_2 (Accessed 15 May 2020).
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2021 The Independent Journal of Teaching and Learning
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
.png){kind=spacer}