Improving ICT for ODL in the UNISA Department of Public Administration

Abstract

The University of South Africa (UNISA) is a comprehensive open and distance learning
(ODL) institution that aims to be the premier online teaching and eLearning institution of
choice. This article presents a case study of the Department Public Administration in
UNISA with regard for the expansion of ODL practices to improve online teaching and
eLearning. The purpose of this article is firstly to recommend that the teaching and learning
methods presently used by the Department of Public Administration (UNISA) should be
combined with more interactive technology-enriched teaching and learning methodologies
so that the department can “be ahead of the game” when it comes to online teaching and
eLearning.. The significance of this study is to improve Public Administration teaching and
learning by the Department of Public Administration (UNISA) through creating a virtual
study environment and in ensuring the department becomes a fully fourth and fifth
generation ODL provider. This includes an explanation of the blended use of Information
and Communication Technology (ICT) tools such as interactive satellite-based platforms,
web-based management system and social networks, as mechanisms for improving online
teaching and eLearning methodologies in Public Administration.