Bridging the transactional gap in Open Distance Learning (ODL): The case of the University of South Africa (Unisa)

Abstract

in order to ensure that they provide a seamless learning experience to bridge the transactional distance in its Open Distance Learning (ODL) context. The Communication Science students targeted were COMSA executives and Unisa Radio employees. To serve the goal of the paper the following specific objectives were formulated: to establish types of e-learning resources available at Unisa, and to identify the benefits of elearning at Unisa. This study is informed by Michael Moore's Transactional Distance theory. This theory, which focuses on dialogue, transactional distance and telecommunication systems, has been widely applied in many similar studies. A survey research design was used whereby questionnaires were administered to all COMSA executives and 50% of Unisa Radio student employees who were chosen using simple random sampling. The data gathered was analysed using thematic categorisation and tabulation and the findings were presented descriptively. The findings indicate that Unisa provides a variety of e-learning resources for its students. In addition, computers and the internet are most useful to students' studies. It should be mentioned that e-learning facilitates and opens avenues for effective teaching. This study focused only on the availability and use of e-learning by Communication Science students at Unisa. Therefore, it will be necessary for a broader study to be undertaken which will focus on academic and ICT staff as well as students chosen across the Unisa community.

Increasing Access to Higher Education Through Open and Distance Learning: Empirical Findings From Mzuzu University, Malawi

“…Methodologically, our study was informed by similar prior studies. For example, our decision to use a questionnaire as a data collection instrument was arrived because similar studies by Mbatha and Naidoo (2010), Goel, Zhang, and Templeton (2012), Al-Arimi (2014), Kudryavtseva (2014), Ekwunife-Orakwue and Teng (2014), Kritpracha, Kaosaiyaporn, and Atisabda (2015) and Réka et al (2015) successfully used a similar data collection instrument. Since the researchers targeted quite a large number of students, a questionnaire was seen as an effective way of collecting data from this large population.…”

“…While distance learners exhibit a higher level of intrinsic motivation, full-time learners are more extrinsically motivated (Réka, et al, 2015). In the same vein, using Michael Moore's transactional distance theory, Mbatha and Naidoo (2010) investigated the availability and use of e-learning resources by Communication Science Students at the University of South Africa (UNISA). The authors found that one of the advantages of ODL is that "the students control the learning environment because they can decide when and where to learn and how long to take over a course" (p.66).…”

“…The TDT is perceived as most relevant for this study because it has previously been successfully used in similar studies (Bitegeko, 2010;Mbatha & Naidoo, 2010;Goel, Zhang, & Templeton, 2012) with credible results being realised. Specifically for this study, the Theory makes concrete reference in bridging the transactional gap in an ODL environment.…”

“…The satellite centres should be based on recommendation made by some researchers such as Mbatha and Naidoo (2010) who argue that such "centres should be equipped with technological resources such computers and Internet" (p.66).…”

Global transition in higher education: From the traditional model of learning to a new socially mediated model

“…These geographical differences impact on the university's service delivery, which has a mandate to enrol a large and diverse student body. Mbatha, Naidoo, and Ngwenya (2010) point out that "not only is the infrastructure in these areas vastly different, but so is the level of exposure to and availability of modern technology". This, in turn, influences the level of technical support that can be provided through a learner support system.…”