Get online with a little help from your friends Academics using myUnisa Leonie Steyn Sakai Conference December 2006
The helping friends Introduction The way Unisa blends Blended learning as a means to enhance open distance learning Examples Accommodate those without access Conclusion
Introduction Distance learning Distance learning preferred mode of learning Unisa students Majority of Unisa teaching via printed medium Face-to-face learner support myUnisa birth 2005
Unisa students worldwide Americas EuropeAsia Africa Oceania
Features required
Desired features
Learning support Very diverse student group Create learning site that provides Easily accessible content Active learning environments vs passive distance learning Global skills & information Resources Support Sense of community
The Way Unisa Blends Not Face-to-face learning vs e-learning Paper based learning supported by e-learning/online learning Video Satellite Face to face
Increases Interaction Interaction with content Interaction with lecturer and fellow learners Interaction with self Activities, resources, multi-media, online assessment Discussion forums & s Online portfolios & self assessment activities
Continuum of tools used Announcements Schedule Resources Discussion Forums Welcome page Minimum presenceEven more…Additional features FAQs Online assessment Web pages In addition to print-based learning materials such as study guides, tutorial letters, etc, online support in the form of Usage depends upon: o Class size o Course demands o Student needs
Teaching and learning with myUnisa The following are examples of how lecturers use myUnisa for teaching and learning
myUnisa Home page
Message of the day
Welcome message: Generic
Welcome message
Resources page: Generic
Official Resources
Resources page
Resource page: Articles
Resources: Direct links
Announcement page
Announcements
Example: Announcement
Announcement: Teaching and learning
Resources
Resources with attachments
Discussion forum
Posted message
Teaching and learning: Feedback
Teaching and learning: Discussion forum
Student learning
Message of the day
FAQs
FAQ
Accommodate those without access Online components optional: “Compelling, not compulsory” Summaries of discussion forums Print lists of additional resources Immediate feedback into print materials QA Motivate for more student access