Introduction and background

1. The 3RD INTERNATIONAL E-LEARNING CONFERENCE at the WALTER SISULU UNIVERSITYTheme: Technology, Pedagogy and Education in the 21st Century The Use of ICT by Students and Academics in Teaching and Learning: The case of the University of Fort Hare by Alfred H. Makura 01 November 2011

2. Introduction and background • ICT are a diverse set of technological tools and resources used for creating, storing, managing and communicating information, and to support teaching and learning and research activities (Vajargah, Jahani & Azadmanesh, 2010) • The use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICTs) in higher education in South Africa has been growing rapidly for more than a decade (UFH ICT policy document).

3. Introduction and background • The UFH Institutional Strategic Plan (SP2009) advocates the promotion of Technology-enhanced Learning (TeL) as one of the key objectives within the strategic goal of teaching and learning, research and community engagement excellence (UFH Strategic Plan 2009).

4. Introduction and background • ICT use of in education help improve memory retention, increase motivation and understanding (Dede, 998),promote collaborative learning, and problem solving activities(Forcheriand Molfino, 2000)

5. STATEMENT OF PROBLEM • The UFH has responded slowly to ICT/TeL awareness and usage. A few academics have attempted to use a few ICTs such as WebCT and Blackboard for teaching and learning purposes (UFH ICT policy document).

6. PURPOSE OF STUDY • to investigate the use of ICT by students and staff at the University of Fort Hare (as perceived by students)

7. RESEARCH QUESTION • What is the nature and extent of ICT use by academics at UFH as perceived by students?

8. METHODOLOGY • Design • Interpretive methodology • Case study • Instrument: Questaview Sample 44 randomly selected student users of PASS (24;14;5;3 year 1,2,3,4 respectively)

9. RESULTS • Technology used for learning by students [nature of ICT used by students] • computer • Internet • Cellphone • Projector • Photocopying machine • Library/textbook/great hall/journals/ studying alone or in group/consultations

10. RESULTS cont…. • Technology used by UFH Academics/lecturers • Projector/overhead projector • Computer/computer databank • PowerPoint presentation • Laptop • Slides • Emails • Blackboard • microscope

11. RESULTS cont…. • Technologies available at the University • Computer • Projector/overhead projector • Internet • Microscope • Photocopying machines • Library/opac/textbooks

12. RESULTS cont…. • Technologies ‘I learnt since arriving at UFH’ • Computer • Photocopying machine • Internet • Overhead projector • Microscope • Textbooks/opac/catalogue referencing • None

13. RESULTS cont…. • How ICT should be used by lecturers at UFH • More computers for research • Projector to help • Use of SI leaders because they are active/motivate • Maintain status quo “my degree does not require much use of technology…” • More computer labs • Emailing lecture notes/exploit internet • ‘More working computers and photocopying machines’

14. RECOMMENDATIONS • Expose students to more technology for learning on entry into university • Capacitate academics technologically to use technology in learning and teaching • Utilise the teaching grant from DHET to equip lecture halls with technology • Centres of Teaching and Learning/ Academic Development Centres should spearhead ICT usage by academics + ICT training for TeL.

15. THE END THANK YOU FOR LISTENING AND LOOKING QUESTIONS?? COMMENTS??