The coronavirus has highlighted the socio-economic plights of many of our students who are not able to continue learning due to the lack of internet access and the high cost of data. As a result, a large majority of students may be excluded when our learning management systems are not zero-rated. On 15 April 2020, not all Network Providers had zero-rated the University of the Western Cape's iKamva e-learning management system. This has resulted in the need to implement innovative options. 

Interdisciplinary collaboration with the Accounting department tested the use of the Moya application for online tutoring. A case study piloted using the #datafree Moya application during remote teaching and learning. The Moya should allow 500 people access to instant messages. The pilot performed ten tests to test the usability and accessibility of the application. Nine of the ten tests were achieved. Findings indicated challenges in the initial implementation of the application to the class and the need to have mobile data or WiFi turned on for use. Despite the intention to keep all students connected, the application was not available to iPhone users, so it was not entirely inclusionary. However, it may still be a more inclusive option than using e-learning systems that are not zero-rated.

I have converted my research into an article in the Conversation to reach a broader audience. 

My article can be viewed on the left.

This publication also led to an interview on SAFM on 23 November 2023.

The podcast is available below. 

Journal articles

Petersen, F. (2025). Potential for using the data-free application Moya during civil unrest and displacement situations for continuity of education. Perspectives in Education, 43(2), 195–211. https://doi.org/10.38140/pie.v43i2.7583

 Vermeire, L., Van den Broeck, W., Petersen, F., Van Audenhove L. (2025). Beyond Numeracy, a Data Literacy Topical Scoping Review (2011–2023). Media and Communication 13, 1-24. https://doi.org/10.17645/mac.9237

Petersen, F. & Arendse, R. (2024). Tutors’ Experiences of Using a Data-Free Mobile Instant Messenger for Electronic Tutoring: A Case Study in Accounting and Information Systems Courses. The African Journal of Information Systems, 16(2), 131-149. https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/ajis/vol16/iss2/3/

Petersen, F. (2023). Factors affecting students’ use of a data-free instant messenger for online peer tutoring: a large, undergraduate class at a historically disadvantaged university. Perspectives in Education (PiE), 41(1), 18-37.  https://journals.ufs.ac.za/index.php/pie/article/view/6318

Vermeire, L., Van den Broeck, W., Petersen, F., Van Audenhove, L. & Mariën, I (2023) Practice makes Perfect? Digital Youth Work in Flanders-Belgium. Youth & Policy. https://www.youthandpolicy.org/articles/practice-makes-perfect/ 

Petersen, F. (2020). Towards student inclusivity during COVID-19: Testing the #datafree Moya Messenger. Humanities Curriculum in the Time of COVID-19. Alternation Special Edition 32 Public Policy Responses in a Time of Pandemic. https://doi.org/10.29086/2519-5476/2020/sp32a12

Conference proceedings

Petersen, F. (2025). Improving data literacy through a free MOOC: A case study at a historically disadvantaged institution. International Conference on Information Communications Technology and Society (ICTAS). 23-25 July 2025. Durban University of Technology, Durban.

Petersen, F. (2024). Improving Digital Equality: The Potential of Data-Free Super Applications. IST Africa Conference. 20 - 24 May 2024. DOI: 10.1109/ICTAS59620.2024.10507131 https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10569219

Petersen, F. & Behardien, M.Z. (2023). Challenges for implementing design thinking for social innovation: Case study during online learning. European Conference on e-Learning (ECEL). 26 – 27 October 2023.  https://doi.org/10.34190/ecel.22.1.1610 

Petersen, F. (2023). Impact of anxiety on students’ behavioural intention to use business simulation games. International Conference on Information Communications Technology and Society (ICTAS). 8-9 March 2023. Durban University of Technology, Durban. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10082738

Petersen, F.  & Philander, M. (2022). Using design thinking for social innovation: Undergraduate students’ experiences when developing mobile application prototypes. Zimbabwe Conference of Information and Communication Technology (ZCICT). 9-10 November 2022, University of Zimbabwe,  Harare, Zimbabwe.  https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10045961

Petersen. F. & Arendse, R. (2022). Towards inclusive online tutoring: Using a data-free mobile instant messenger.  African Conference on Information Systems and Technology (ACIST). https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/acist/2022/presentations/10 

Petersen. F. & Killian, M.L. (2022). University students’ perceptions of designing mobile application prototypes for social innovation: Case study during a global pandemic.  African Conference on Information Systems and Technology (ACIST).  25 – 26 August 2022. Malawi University of Science & Technology, Malawi.  https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/acist/2022/presentations/14/ 

Petersen. F. & Davids, N.A. (2022). Students’ Acceptance and Use of a Mobile Instant Messenger for Remote Learning during Covid-19: Large Information Systems class in South Africa. African Conference on Information Systems and Technology (ACIST).  25 – 26 August 2022. Malawi University of Science & Technology, Malawi.  https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/acist/2022/presentations/6 

Petersen, F. & Groenewald, B. (2021). Students engagement in an anonymous peer review: Using the open-source Sakai Platform. IFIP 9.4 Virtual Conference. 26 – 28 May 2021. https://arxiv.org/abs/2108.09955

Petersen, F. (2020). Students’ attitude towards using a mobile learning management system. The 2020 International Conference on Information Communications Technology and Society (ICTAS) https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/search/searchresult.jsp?newsearch=true&queryText=fazlyn%20petersen.

Book chapters

Petersen, F. (2023), "Business Simulation Games and Entrepreneurial Education", Iwu, C.G. and Shambare, R. (Ed.) Delivering Entrepreneurship Education in Africa, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 177-198. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83753-326-820231007

Petersen, F. and Arendse, R. (2022). ‘The Data-Free Moya Messenger Application: Online Accounting Tutoring in a Large Class’ in Remenyi, D. (ed.) 8th e-Learning Excellence Awards 2022 An Anthology of Case Histories. Academic Conferences International Limited, Reading, United Kingdom, pp. 113-123. https://www.academic-bookshop.com/ourshop/prod_7877109-8th-eLearning-Excellence-Awards-2022-An-Anthology-of-Case-Histories.html

Workshops

Petersen, F. (2021). Lunch Time Workshop on Online Teaching - essential tools to get started. University of the Western Cape

Conference abstracts and presentations

Petersen, F.  and Arendse, A. (2022). Using a data-free mobile instant messenger for electronic tutoring: Large, first-year accounting class.  The International Higher Education Teaching & Learning Association (HETL) conference. 

Petersen, F. and Killian, M.L. (2022). Challenges for implementing Design Thinking for Social Innovation: Case study during remote learning at a historically disadvantaged institution.  International Higher Education Teaching & Learning Association (HETL) conference. 

Mdutyana, L. and Petersen, F.  (2021). The factors that affect the adoption of online learning in South Africa.  Higher Education Learning and Teaching Association of Southern Africa (HELTASA) Conference.

Petersen, F.  (2021). Limited data-free instant messenger usage for online tutoring: Large, undergraduate class at a historically disadvantaged university.  Higher Education Learning and Teaching Association of Southern Africa (HELTASA) Conference.

Petersen, F. (2020). Students’ engagement in an anonymous peer review: Applying self-determination theory. Higher Education Learning and Teaching Association of Southern Africa (HELTASA) Conference.

Petersen, F. (2020). Teaching during turbulent times: Including the Covid-19 pandemic into project-based learning. Higher Education Learning and Teaching Association of Southern Africa (HELTASA) Conference.

Petersen, F. (2020). Scaffolding learning for large classes online: Applying Vygotsky's sociocultural theory. Higher Education Learning and Teaching Association of Southern Africa (HELTASA) Conference.

Petersen, F. (2020). Lessons learnt from piloting the #datafree Moya Messenger application. Higher Education Learning and Teaching Association of Southern Africa (HELTASA) Conference.

Petersen, F. (2017). Promoting entrepreneurial education for digital natives: A case for implementing digital game-based learning in large undergraduate classes. SBF 5th Entrepreneurship International Conference. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321212214_Promoting_entrepreneurial_education_for_digital_natives_A_case_for_implementing_digital_game_based_learning_in_large_undergraduate_classes

Petersen, F. (2017). Students’ perceptions of service learning: A case for achieving graduate attributes in large undergraduate classes. Higher Education Learning and Teaching Association of Southern Africa (HELTASA) Conference. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321212126_Students'_perceptions_of_service_learning_A_case_for_achieving_graduate_attributes_in_large_undergraduate_classes

Petersen, F. and van den Berg, C. (2016). Improving the design and delivery of Information Systems undergraduate course design: A case for large classes in the Western Cape, South Africa. The 10th Annual Teaching & Learning in Higher Education Conference.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309808091_Improving_the_design_and_delivery_of_Information_Systems_undergraduate_course_design_A_case_for_large_classes_in_the_Western_Cape_South_Africa

Petersen, F. and Joyi, T. (2016). Incorporating social media into Higher Education to enhance learning: A case to include the use of Facebook into course design. The 10th Annual Teaching & Learning in Higher Education Conference. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309808440_Incorporating_social_networking_into_Higher_Education_to_enhance_learning_A_case_to_include_the_use_of_Facebook_into_courses_design

Petersen, F. (2016). Infusing existing technology into teaching and learning and promoting the use of e-pedagogy: A case for a large undergraduate Information Systems course. Education Students' Regional Research Conference

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309808669_Infusing_existing_technology_into_teaching_and_learning_and_promoting_the_use_of_e-pedagogy_A_case_for_a_large_undergraduate_Information_Systems_course

Symposia

Petersen, F. (2019). Students’ perceptions of service learning: a case for achieving employability skills in large undergraduate classes. South Africa Sweden University Forum (SASUF). 

The following feedback was received for our presentation at the The International Higher Education Teaching & Learning Association (HETL)  conference:

Hi Fazlyn,

Lovely to meet you and Ronald yesterday.  Thank you so much for taking the time to share with me the incredible work you have done over the past couple of years to provide continuous access and opportunity to your learners.  I look forward to seeing a paper published on your findings soon.

Best wishes,

Anne Trethewey

Teaching and Learning Enhancement Coordinator

Office of Learning and Teaching