Heutagogy, Africanisation and Learning: Experiences from an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Program at the University of South Africa

Abstract

Currently the aspirant African university constantly seeks to foster relevance as it develops into the 21st century. Many African universities have begun debating about the possibilities of Africanising the curricula as they face the tide of globalization. To African intellectuals, it has become important to perceive the relevance of the African experience. However, it is not always easy to harmonize the Western experience and the African experience. This qualitative study looked at a new open and distance learning (ODL) module just introduced at the University of South Africa’s (UNISA’s) College of Education. The module applies the modes of heutagogy which emphasize self-determined learning. A sample of 15 students was interviewed using semi-structured interviews.The students highlighted nearness between African models and the signature module’s (under study) mode of delivery. Sharing of experiences, democratic education and being conscious of the local experiences were among the factors perceived by the participants as akin to African models.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n14p214