Understanding the infusion of technology

In my opinion, a paper written by Douglas Kellner (2004) summarises computer literacy strikingly.  To be able to study having technology at your fingertips provides a heightening in terms of experiencing teaching and learning not only through text but also through sound and images.  Looking at this, it is clear to see why the use of emerging technologies in Teaching and Learning is such an emphasised topic these days and in the context of the pandemic.  I found the characterisation of emerging technologies provided by Ng'ambi and Bozalek (2015) very insightful. Technologies do not necessarily need to be brand new and cutting-edge, it might also be older technologies or methods that is re-applied to aid in current teaching and learning practices.  This was also emphasised by the manuscript of Herrington and Kervin (2007) in which they discussed ten examples how technology might be used to facilitate authentic learning.

Face-to face vs Online Learning Environment 

Before the pandemic, the norm was face to face lectures and the use of Power-point presentations. You only took your flash to the lecture hall and proceed with the lecture. venue. The Power-point presentations were placed on Ikamva. The assessments were sit-down on campus under the invigilation of the invigilators. The lecture would go to venue to venue, to inquire if any assistance was required.  Consultation were either in-person or by way of an appointment conducted in--person, on campus.

March 2020 things as we knew it came to a total and unexpected halt. Our positions and conduct had change we had top adapt our teaching methods and we had to place our entire module online via Ikamva. Ikamva became the new virtual class room and it became the new assessment hall as well. Consultations were conducted via google meet sessions. Data and updated suddenly became the latest sexy and a commodity and in high demand.

Personally, I had to upgraded Wi-Fi at home, purchasing a printer, update my laptop and my home became my new office. UWC initiated the 'no student should be left behind' drive which included a project which enabled students to buy laptops from the university and having their university accounts debited with the laptop amount. This included providing data and involving various partners in an effort to assist all students. This was really amazing as mobile providers really cam forward when needed the most. The result was the way we teach has been completely transformed and infused with technologies. 

The Inner workings of Online Learning & Teaching 

Here are some inner thoughts relating to online learning:

1. Online classes are more personalised 

Whether online classes are synchronous or asynchronous (taught in real-time or not), they typically allow students to work more at their own pace than a traditional, in-person classroom setting does. In turn, this allows students to personalize or help co-create their learning experience. When will they log-in to view pre-recorded lectures? Which homework readings will they re-read for extra clarity? How will they organize their time to best account for upcoming due dates? The teacher is there for help, of course. Ultimately, though, these choices are up to them, which makes online learning perfect for especially self-motivated students—or students working on developing their self-motivation. 

2. Online classes are more flexible 

Simply put, there are more options when it comes to the world of online learning—including the type, timing, and location of classes that students can take. And they make for greater ease of use, too. Students can now take classes from the comfort of their home, a coffee shop, or literally on the go—wherever works best for them.

This means that online classes are also more flexible for a variety of learning styles. Since no two students learn exactly the same way, students in online classes can create environments that are more conducive to their individual learning styles. Do you retain information best when listening to music? 

3. Online classes are more accessible 

Whereas students may have been previously limited—such as geographically, financially, or physically—to the education they could receive, online classes drastically alter the face of such access. With the accessibility afforded by online learning, more and more individuals are benefiting from these opportunities. 

4. Online classes allows for more easier communication

For some students, online classes are a real game changer because they reduce all of the distractions that come with the traditional, in-person classroom, making it easier to focus and learn. Along with this reduction in distractions come more simplified modes of communication. For instance, a teacher can ask if students understand an equation that was just explained, and students can reply with a simple “thumbs up” or “thumbs down.” Again, for students who have difficulties focusing on discussion during class, the Zoom or Google Meet chat box can be a useful tool for teachers to log contributions to conversation in real time to then be returned to later for study. And, of course, Zoom and Google Meet sessions can be recorded to either be viewed or listened to again (and again). These are just a few ways that the online classroom can allow for easier, more adaptable communications between teacher and student for optimal learning. 

5. Online classes allows for deeper connections 

Student-teacher access can be more streamlined via online learning outside of virtual lessons, as well—in particular, when it comes to email and chat communications. Often when a student asks a teacher a question in person either before or after class, the response is somewhat compromised. This is because the teacher is either getting ready for the lesson to come or “decompressing” from the class that has just occurred while (likely) fielding a stream of questions from a line of students. However, if a teacher receives a question by email or chat, they have the luxury of a little extra time and space to mull it over, eventually replying with a more well-thought out answer. 

6. Online classes allows you to focus on the bigger picture

Additionally, since taking classes from home eliminates time spent traveling to and from school, taking online classes can also make it easier for students to remain fruitfully invested in other walks of life, such as their work, extracurricular activities, and even social life. In this way, online classes keep school from necessarily being one’s singular focus, and instead allow students to help focus on the bigger picture of their lives if they prefer. 

My iKamva Learning Environment

As previously indicated and illustrated, iKamva was not fully utilised as a learning platform pre-Covid. As evidence reflects below, I have developed my learning and teaching approach to utilise the iKamva platform to create an effective learning environment for students. 

Communication via Announcements

I placed weekly reminders on Ikamva at least two days before the start of each week. These reminders would include a detailed layout of the week's activities, another aspect of the course which some of the students praised in the module evaluation. The aim of the reminder is to prepare the students for the work ahead. 

Alternative and additional communication

I ensured that students are informed at all times by using alternative methods of communication such as Telegram and WhatsApp. Student involvement was imperative in ensuring its effectiveness.

Online Assessments

Online lectures were in the form of Google Meetings or the Big Blue Button on iKamva.

Recognition by CIECT 

eLearning has recognised my infusion of technology in my learning and teaching approaches. Recognition was also given to the GLAs.