Browsing by Author "Siebrits, Andre"

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    ‘Digital Natives’ Require Basic Digital Literacy Skills
    (University of the Western Cape, 2016) Leonard, Liesel; Mokwele, Tebogo; Siebrits, Andre; Stoltenkamp, Juliet
    This paper discusses a Digital Academic Literacy (DAL) Programme at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). It highlights the programme's response to and alignment with emerging South African Higher Education (HE) national policy imperatives and discourses which include, the effective integration of ICTs for teaching-and-learning; and the need to increase and continue large-scale targeted work. This specific student development programme is deliberated within a paradoxical context, where on the one hand there are claims by Marc Prensky that the Digital Natives use of ICTs are significantly increased from their predecessors; and on the other hand, many of these Digital Natives still require basic digital literacy training and support. The study highlights how gaining the necessary ICT support, better equips students to cope academically while, attaining skills which enhance employability. The researchers discuss the exponential growth of the DAL Programme, catering to first year students across departments, as well as the need for further expansion to accommodate all students who lack the necessary digital literacy skills to succeed at university. A mixed-method approach is adopted, using both quantitative and qualitative evidence. Data was retrieved from the intranet of the Centre for Innovative Education and Communication Technologies (CIECT) as well as, via an internet-based online survey. Other data includes student assessment results after engagement in the DAL Programme as well as, contributions by field experts. Moreover, the researchers highlight the importance of critical change management processes to ensure the sustainability and quality of the programme.
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    The infusion of emerging technologies in complex higher education settings
    (Academic Conferences and Publishing International Limited, 2015) Stoltenkamp, Juliet; Siebrits, Andre
    In the context of an increasing reliance on, and integration of, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) into the Higher Education (HE) sector, innovative approaches are being sought in response to infrastructural and resource limits, and mounting pressures to increase participation and throughput rates. This is particularly evident in South Africa, given its history of exclusion and marginalisation. Here, the potential of eLearning has been recognised in expanding access to educational opportunities and in equipping university staff and students with the eSkills and ePedagogy needed to make full use of emerging technologies. At the University of the Western Cape, the Centre for Innovative Education and Communication Technologies (CIECT) was established in 2005 to champion the adoption of emerging technologies at that institution in support of teaching-and-learning practices, and to provide support and training to staff and students in their use. After nearly a decade of experience and refinement, the Centre’s activities are structured according to a systemic framework that drives the infusion of emerging technologies into its particular complex higher education setting. The framework encompasses the areas of Teaching-and-Learning, Research, Community Engagement, and Collaboration, and aligns all eLearning activities with institutional and national policy. The goal of this case study is to share these activities in a complex HE setting, since in order to successfully drive the adoption of emerging eLearning technologies, a systemic framework aligned to institutional and national policy goals is required.