Student Support for Information and Communication Technology Modules in Open Distance Environments

Abstract

The purpose of the chapter relates to providing perspectives on students' uptake of virtual learning environment (VLE) technologies in an information and communication technology (ICT) module taught in an open and distance e-learning (ODeL) environment. With the aim of helping students to access the assessment and support provided via the VLE, possibly improving the pass rate of the module, it provides readers with an overview and summary of the content of this chapter. Examples of how concepts are formulated within the theoretical and conceptual framework are provided. The chapter also includes a literature review on research into students' uptake of VLE technologies, to increase pass rates, in some cases in ODeL environments. The methodology adopted a non-experimental quantitative research design. The data collection instrument was a survey. Before concluding, solutions and results are presented, together with recommendations regarding improving implementing VLE technologies for an ICT module in an ODeL environment.

Reading Comprehension and Behavior in Children Using E-books vs. Printed Books

“…Since the majority of children were of low reading proficiency and limited variability, it was difficult to evaluate the potential benefits that may be gained from a gamified environment in terms of the results (floor effect). As a corollary, it is fair to anticipate that students, both within and outside of the classroom, might benefit from being encouraged to read at their own speed and in a manner in which they find enjoyable (Goosen & van Heerden, 2019).…”