Question

Recommend four ways in which South African higher education institutions can do to improve online registrations

Answer 1

Answer:

With over 300,000 students, the University of South Africa (Unisa) is Africa’s largest open distance

learning (ODL) institution. This article reviews research at Unisa that investigated students’ opinions

Online Learning in a South African Higher Education Institution: Determining the Right Connections for the Student

Queiros and de Villiers

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perceptions in online learning, and culminated in the determination of the most essential connections

identified to support their learning. The participants were students who had not yet experienced online

learning, but were taking a course scheduled to go online. In this context, connections are facets that link

students to their learning and to the institution. The perceptions and apprehensions of the participants

may be relevant to others, and should be proactively addressed.

Most current university students were born between 1980 and 1994, and are thus “netgeners” or

“millennials” (Glenn, 2000). Many are techno-savvy and are competent social networkers (Mbati, 2012),

but many South African students are from disadvantaged backgrounds with poor socio-economic

conditions and inferior schooling. This creates a problem as the associated low literacy levels and

restricted access to computers—apart from smart phones—hinder the effectiveness of online learning as a

teaching medium (Bharuthram & Kies, 2012). Conversely, online learning is viewed as a means of

reaching such students! In addition, Bharuthram and Kies found that it is the academically strong

students from privileged backgrounds who enjoy online learning and its benefits. As an ODL institution,

Unisa serves both types of students. A path must therefore be negotiated that accommodates the

disadvantaged student, as well as the techno-savvy, without compromising quality in teaching and

learning.

The growth in online learning and its advantages and disadvantages are now discussed.

Answer 2

• Online learning in a South African higher education institution,Determining the right connections for the students.
• The article learning ODL institution has researched the opinions of the students in unisa, so that it can be useful to our study.
• The university of the South Africa is the largest open distance
• perception in online learning,and culminated in determining the most essential connection to support e learning.
• Here, the students are the candidates those who doesn't well versed about online learning.
• The institution helps them to understand how to use them and to gain knowledge.
• The perceptions and apprehensions of the participants may be relevant to others.

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