A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of Arts
University of Witwatersrand Johannesburg
For the Degree of Master of Arts
Johannesburg, 1995The aim of this thesis is to develop a new paradigm for the human resource development of
educational electronic media practitioners, including both users and producers of educational
electronic media materials.
The thesis begins by placing the problem in context. This it does .by considering bJ;iefly the
educational needs facing South Africa and the role which the electronic<fnedia have to play
in dealing with some of these needs. An opening rationale is also provided for why human
resource development is targeted as the focus of the thesis.
Following this, the thesis provides both a broader educational context and a theoretical basis
for the new paradigm by introducing the concepts of open learning and distance education.
The discussion of these concepts has two further functions; to strengthen the rationale for the
use of the electronic media in education and to provide principles and methods of practice
which lie at the heart of the new paradigm being developed. A further section on constraints
in education develops some of the themes emerging in greater detail.
The rest of the thesis focuses on providing details, both practically and theoretically
orientated, which complete the paradigm. Separar, sections are devoted to users and
producers of educational electronic media materials, in an effort to shift greater emphasis
the users of such materials. Finally, the notion of macro coordinating structures, as art
element essential for the successful implementation of the new paradigm, is discussed.MT201