ERIC Number: EJ1043561
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014-Sep
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0258-2236
EISSN: N/A
E-Readiness of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Facilitators: Implications for Effective Mediation
Nyoni, Jabulani
Perspectives in Education, v32 n3 p78-91 Sep 2014
This article is a narrative report of the findings from the analysis of multicultural facilitators' discourses on their e-readiness in the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) affordances in open and distance learning (ODL) mediation experiences. First, the findings revealed by qualitative deconstructive discourse analysis indicated that the majority of ODL facilitators lack those e-readiness skills that are critical in the effective manipulation of ICT affordances tools in ODL mediation environments. Secondly, some facilitators did not fully understand what undergirds ODL andragogy, principles and practices. Institutions' academic lecturers are periodically given e-training, but this seems to be inadequate. I, therefore, recommend that a comprehensive orientation tutorial package, covering e-readiness, e-training and ODL principles and practices, be organised for all inexperienced, as well as newly employed lecturers, to appropriately prepare them for the rigours of ODL pedagogies and methodologies.
Descriptors: Distance Education, Electronic Learning, Readiness, Information Technology, Open Education, Discourse Analysis, Multicultural Education, Facilitators (Individuals), Andragogy, Web Based Instruction, Tutorial Programs, Qualitative Research, Case Studies, Semi Structured Interviews, Foreign Countries
Perspectives in Education. Faculty of Education, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa. Fax: +27-51-401-7044; e-mail: pie@ufs.ac.za; Web site: http://search.sabinet.co.za/pie
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: South Africa
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A