New media and self-directed learning : enhancing pedagogical transformation in an open distance learning landscape

Modern technological innovations are constantly seen throughout every aspect of life, and higher education is no exception. To this end, this article sheds some light on the types of and pedagogical value of new media adopted by academics to promote self-directed learning at the University of South Africa. The study answers the following questions: Which new media approaches have been adopted by academics to enhance self-directed learning? What is the pedagogical value of new media in an ODL environment? A qualitative approach was employed and data was collected through face-to-face interviews with 30 purposively selected Unisa academics. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model was found relevant to this study. Thematic categorisation was employed for data analysis. The findings depict that a variety of new media have been adopted to promote self-directed learning at Unisa. The study also found that new media are playing a pivotal role in promoting self-directed learning in an ODL landscape. It is therefore important to note that new media have emerged as strong catalysts in fostering pedagogical transformation.College of EducationM. Ed (Open and Distance Learning

Digital Natives’ Appropriation of New Media Technologies: A Survey of Literature

This work unveils the research trajectory of how digital natives exploit the new media technologies in the context of the uses and gratifications, and technology appropriation theories. A total of 43 scholarly works published between 2010 and 2016 were examined, using the qualitative approach. Findings show a visible trace of creativity exhibited by the indigenes of a digital world, which helped in the gratification of their desire for communication and socialization. Not visible, however, is the relationship between the gratifications sought (GS) and gratifications obtained (GO) as well as the specific new media technologies and platforms or social media applications that helped them to achieve both. This unveiling shows the future directions in the area of digital natives’ disproportionate use of new media technologies and how that affects their academics, amongst other things

Problems hampering the collapse of distance in ODL

This article examines e-learning as a transformational educational tool in collapsing the transactional distance among communication science students at Unisa. The problem that was investigated pertains to students' inadequate engagement in the e-learning arena. The study targeted executive members of the Communication Science Association (COMSA), and Unisa Radio employees. The COMSA executives which consist of ten Communications Science students, and employees at Unisa Radio comprise 200 Communication Science Students. A survey research design was used, whereby questionnaires were administered to all COMSA executives and 50 per cent of Unisa Radio student employees, chosen using simple random sampling. The data gathered were analysed through thematic categorisation and tabulation and the findings were presented descriptively. An examination of the data indicates that students do not engage actively in e-learning. They use myUnisa for basic educational needs, but not for the purpose for which it is intended, namely to bridge the transactional distance in order to ensure increased engagement among all stakeholders. In light of the above, we recommend that an in-depth study be conducted to ascertain core issues in respect of why students do not engage actively in what is meant to promote a deep learning experience

The contribution of traditional healers to halting the spread of HIV and AIDS in South Africa: The case of Soshanguve township in the city of Tshwane

This article gives an overview of the importance of traditional healers in HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment  and care in Soshanguve Township, City of Tshwane, Gauteng, South Africa. Answers to the following questions were sought: What are the HIV and AIDS practices of traditional healers? Why do people consult traditional  healers in seeking a cure for health problems? What are traditional healers’ perceptions regarding their  collaboration with biomedical health care providers? What are the most significant problems faced by  traditional healers in their interaction with the South African health system? A qualitative approach was adopted, in which focus group interviews were held with traditional healers. The data was analysed using thematic categorisation. The findings demonstrate that healers considered themselves to play a significant role in helping the community to improve its health and quality of life. Their role would be further reinforced if they were to receive proper training and were to be fully accepted into the health system.Keywords: Traditional healers, HIV and AIDS, traditional medicine