Presentation
Videoconferencing for student support at UNISA
Hentie Wilson, UNISA
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Learner support requires people and technology - an expensive and difficult endeavour for any institution. This paper summarizes a number of action research projects that investigated the practice of discussions with students through videoconferencing (using telephone lines) at a mega-distance education university, the University of South Africa (UNISA).
An historical review shows the development and need of this unique personal communication method internationally and locally. The methodology of this action research project refers to interviews and written reflections as qualitative data that allows the authentic voices of the lecturers and students. From the UNISA case studies and the literature analysis, we analyze similarities and differences and suggest recommendations to improve the current student support via visual conferencing technologies.
The results suggest that the effective use of modern visual conferencing strategies is dependent on 10 key factors. The author proposes how UNISA could use appropriate technology to reduce costs; support collaborative learning; and increase quality learning, a personal relationship with the learner, and access.
Personal attention to students is possible in fast-changing distance education where the African learner finds him/her in a society driven by technology change, societal and financial pressures, and political changes. Visual conferencing can be the vehicle to enable a personal touch in an ICT-driven African educational and training scenario.