Using "WhatsApp" to Enhance International Distance Education at the University of South Africa

Autor/inn/en	Venturino, Marielle; Hsu, Yu-Chang
Titel	Using "WhatsApp" to Enhance International Distance Education at the University of South Africa
Quelle	In: TechTrends: Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learning, 66 (2022) 3, S.401-404 (4 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	8756-3894
DOI	10.1007/s11528-022-00718-9
Schlagwörter	Computer Mediated Communication; Technology Uses in Education; Distance Education; Foreign Countries; Open Education; Electronic Learning; College Students; Rural Areas; Low Income Students; South Africa + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Computerkonferenz; Technology enhanced learning; Technology aided learning; Technologieunterstütztes Lernen; Distance study; Distance learning; Fernunterricht; Ausland; Offene Erziehung; Offener Unterricht; Collegestudent; Rural area; Ländlicher Raum; Südafrika; Süd-Afrika; Republik Südafrika; Südafrikanische Republik
Abstract	Open distance e-learning (ODeL) is an essential form of e-learning for students in South Africa. It allows expanded access to higher education for students from rural or socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. One of the key features of ODeL is that students can complete coursework modules virtually, without the need to step onto a physical university campus. Students from rural areas are able to participate in higher education, something they otherwise would not have had access to without ODeL. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), including messaging apps like "WhatsApp," provide students with informal and formal learning opportunities, increase access to academic and community resources, and mitigate some Internet connectivity issues. Students are able to use "WhatsApp" to build connections with students and share class materials, without access to an Internet-connected computer. Using ICTs to enhance access to higher education is one way to bridge the wide socioeconomic gap in South Africa. This paper argues for additional non-Western research on socio-technical marginalization and access to ICTs for students enrolled at higher education institutions in South Africa. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01