Beyond Distance and Time Constrictions: Web 2.0 Approaches in Open Distance Learning, the Case of the University of South Africa (UNISA)

Abstract

Higher education is moving from the traditional model of learning to a completely new socially mediated model. This article reports on the pedagogical value of Web 2.0 tools at Unisa. A quantitative approach was used to conduct this study with a questionnaire as a data collection instrument. The sample size is 301 lecturers drawn by stratified sampling with proportional allocation drawn across all the Unisa colleges. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyse and interpret the data. The results show that Web 2.0 tools are playing a pivotal role when it comes to opening avenues and collapsing the transactional distance in an ODL institution. Combining the developments in web technology and the trend of constructivism can transform the learning process. This article therefore recommends that Unisa should sensitise its lecturers about the adoption of Web 2.0 tools as a new innovative way for enhancing teaching and learning.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p543