Saide Current Awareness
22 October 2024
Distance Education
- Distance Learning: New Tech, Old Problems Source: Georgetown Journal of Poverty Law & Policy (forthcoming 2025 ) This Article explores the historical roots of distance education, specifically learning by mail (also known as correspondence education), to draw parallels between the past and present. It examines key figures and events that shaped correspondence education, revealing valuable lessons for developing online legal education. The Article posits that online legal education, like correspondence education, can 1) provide greater access to legal education to a wider range of people, 2) place the individual student at the heart of the learning process, and 3) help legal educators leverage technology to advance their teaching and enhance student learning. The Article argues that understanding the origins of distance education can help build robust conceptual frameworks for effective online legal teaching, ultimately fostering a legal profession that is not only modernized but also capable of delivering broader access to justice. Applying insights from correspondence schools to law schools offers the potential to create a more inclusive student body and profession by providing greater access to legal education, embracing technological advances, and maintaining a learner-centered approach.
- Distance Learning: Transforming Education and Its Global Impact Source:The Frontline Digest In recent years, distance learning has emerged as a powerful force in the educational landscape, revolutionizing how knowledge is delivered and accessed. With advancements in technology and the increasing demand for flexible learning options, distance education has transitioned from a niche alternative to a mainstream mode of learning. This shift has profound implications for individuals, institutions, and societies worldwide. This article explores distance learning and its global impact, the evolution of distance learning, its benefits and challenges, and its transformative effects on education and the global community.
- The Absurdity of Asynchrony Source: Inside Higher Education An opinion piece by Robert Zaretsky who worries that the expansion of asynchronous courses is not serving students well.
Education: South Africa
- Food security and education in South Africa: prioritising school nutrition amid budget cuts Source: IOL With the Gauteng Department of Education’s R4.5 billion budget reduction, schools across the province are seeing the effects in their projected nutrition and transport programmes. Albeit to save more than 3 000 teaching jobs, schools in the lower quantiles are in particular heavily affected, relying on the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) for daily nutritional needs.
- STEM Education | Building capacity of STEM educators Source: ENCA Youtube Tangible Africa is launching its 2025 programme to support teachers. Educators must prepare for the looming Coding and Robotics Curriculum for primary schools. Head of Computing Sciences(NMU), Professor Jean Greyling unpacked all of this in this interview
- Two South African schools included in top global private schools list Source: BusinessTech Two South African schools, Michaelhouse and Bishops Diocesan College, have been included in Carfax Education’s fifth annual edition of The Schools Index. Carfax Education’s The Schools Index is a leading international listing of top private schools from across the globe.
- AI “critical” for South African learners, says Centennial Schools Source: Hypertext Traditional education in South Africa has deteriorated in its hesitance to transform for far too long and this has created a schooling system that churns out “largely unemployable matriculants who lack the essential skills needed for today’s economy,” says founder of Sandton-based Centennial Schools, entrepreneur Shaun Fuchs. Despite schools across the country benefitting from “fourth industrial revolution” ready centers and technologies like personal computers and the internet and being exposed to topics like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and coding, among others, seldom are they taught how to use these technologies or how they can create solutions.
- EasyPay Everywhere launches Tech Skills Bursary with R100k for tuition Source: Hypertext Financial services facilitator, EasyPay Everywhere, has announced the launch of a new initiative that will be of interest to the children of its customers who wish to pursue studies in STEM-related subjects or fields. This Bursary is exclusive to the children or dependents of active EasyPay Everywhere customers, the company confirmed. Bursaries are available to students currently studying in fields related to Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Data Science, Mechatronics, Software Development, Computer Engineering, Cloud Engineering, Business Analysis, Econometrics, Mathematics, and Statistics, it added.
- Pretoria hosts inter-school coding and robotics challenge Source: Hypertext Over 600 school learners from 70 schools around the world will descend on Pretoria for the Resolute Roboticon, a coding and robotics competition. Schools from as far as the United Arab Emirates will be heading to the capital city to compete in the competition. This year the theme is “City of the Future” and learners will cook up modern solutions for real world problems. The goal is to highlight how edtech can assist learners, many of whom will enter the workforce doing jobs that don’t even exist yet.
- AU recognises female innovators using technology to transform the education sector in Africa Source: AU The AU Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) recognises information, communication and technology (ICT) as a major tool for empowering graduates and ensuring they contribute to social economic development by ensuring they not only have universal access but also ensuring they enhance the quality of provision and delivery, of services. ICT opens up possibilities for innovation, entrepreneurship and employability; flexibility in pedagogies; beating the limitation of time and space for varied learner needs; and enhancing confidence and dignity of graduates at all levels. ....Susannah Farr, CEO of the Gold Youth Development Agency (GYDA) in South Africa, was the top innovator at the Expo. Her organisation is committed to serving young people at grassroots through a replicable scalable peer-education model that considers every young person on the continent as a future nation builder. The GYDA is harnessing the positive influence young people have over their peers to drive sustainable outcomes in the area of education and behavioural change. The organisation is addressing education outcomes in challenging circumstances and looking at solutions to create jobs in areas where there are no jobs. Their evidence-based youth peer education model has been used to reach over 55 000 young people in 123 communities across 4 countries.
Language, Literacies, Research Writing and Publishing
- How we can address low-literacy levels among children Source:IOL In South Africa, the ability to read for meaning is a critical skill that eludes many children. According to the Reading Panel 2030 report a staggering 78% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in any language. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to foster a love of reading among learners to ensure their academic success and personal development. “Reading is foundational to learning and personal growth. It enhances vocabulary, improves comprehension and stimulates imagination,” said Kassandra Strydom, foundation-phase academic advisor at ADvTECH.
- What Are the Most Difficult Languages to Learn? Source: The Collector According to SIL International, there are over 7000 languages throughout the world. The vast majority of people speak only one of them as a first language, and learn several as second languages throughout their lifetime. Each language is unique in its own way, with lexical and grammatical differences that distinguish them from their linguistic peers. Some of them are closely related while others bear no resemblance whatsoever to any other language.
- From pages to possibilities: How to inspire a love of reading in your child Source: Rising Sun In South Africa, the ability to read for meaning is a critical skill that remains elusive for many children. According to the Reading Panel 2030 report, a staggering 78 percent of grade four pupils cannot read for meaning in any language. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to foster a love of reading among pupils to ensure their academic success and personal development. “Reading is foundational to learning and personal growth. It enhances vocabulary, improves comprehension, and stimulates imagination. Moreover, reading is linked to better academic performance across all subjects. For South Africa, where educational disparities are significant, promoting reading can be a powerful tool to bridge the gap and empower future generations,” said Kassandra Strydom, academic advisor: foundation phase at ADvTECH.
Open Access, Open Education and Open Educational Resources
- Research in Open Distance Learning in Complex, Changing Times Source: opendistanceteachingandlearning The latest from Paul Prinsloo's on his "Reflections prompted by attending the 37th Conference of the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU)", the theme of which was "Expanding horizons: Innovations in Open and Distance Learning” and hosted by Allama Iqbal Open University in Islamabad, Pakistan, 15-17 October 2024.
- Sharpen your skills with UN e-learning courses Source: UNRIC An updated list of more than 100 courses offered by the United Nations System
- Open Access Week: three Research Topics fueling solutions for complex global challenges Source: Frontiers The challenges we face, from climate change to global health crises, demand collaborative, interdisciplinary solutions. Open science, research collaboration, and societal innovation are essential to addressing these complex issues. During Open Access Week, we highlight the work of researchers who break down silos, share knowledge openly, and foster partnerships between academics, policymakers, and communities to accelerate solutions for society's most pressing hurdles. Here are three Research Topics that explore the application of open science principles across various fields, including innovation, fisheries science, and education.
Post Schooling
- IAU to challenge the rising tide of scepticism towards HE Source: University World News University leaders from around the globe plan to rekindle the spirit that led to the creation of the International Association of Universities (IAU) over seven decades ago when they meet in Tokyo next month to discuss the values they must rely on to confront the rising tide of scepticism, fuelled by populist movements, that threatens to undermine the legitimacy and relevance of higher education. The university rectors and presidents will be coming together with other experts, policy-makers and student representatives for IAU’s 2024 International Conference hosted by Sophia University in Tokyo, from 22-24 November 2024.
- Big boost for student living quarters Source: Citizen As the number of enrolments continues to surge at institutions of higher learning, shortage of quality and affordable accommodation has become a pressing concern for students. Gauteng MEC for human settlements Tasneem Motara launched 47 units – translating into 378 beds – in Doornfontein and Brixton yesterday.
- Positive changes planned as Educor welcomes reinstatement of higher education institutions Source: RisingSun It is important to highlight that all courses delivered by the institutions, for current students and past graduates, remain fully accredited and recognised by the DHET and the South African Qualifications Authority. Educor institutions are ready to accept new student registrations across a wide array of disciplines.
- Fresh allegations emerge against Damelin College as Educor tries to restore pride Source: Citizen Educor's COO hopes to restore its household name while allegations emerge lecturers marked exam papers for subjects they did not teach.
- PhD training: What calibre of graduates does Africa want? Source: University World News Doctoral training in Africa faces multiple challenges to the extent that the universities cannot produce sufficient experts to contribute to research output, innovations and economic and scientific growth, according to four Nigerian academics who explored completion issues PhD candidates on the continent have.
In the study, ‘Exploring perspectives: A scoping review of the challenges facing doctoral training in Africa’, published on 6 September 2024 in the Springer journal Higher Education, the researchers say there had been study delays, longer completion times and high attrition rates among PhD candidates at most African universities.
- Heightened concerns over sector’s financial sustainability Source: University World News Concerns over the sustainability of South Africa’s tertiary education sector in the face of declining funding, below-inflation state subsidies and rising student enrolment dominated discussions when higher education leaders gathered in Pretoria under the umbrella of Universities South Africa (USAf), the representative body of South African universities.
Skills and Employment
- Does poor education drive high unemployment? Source: Politicsweb Shawn Hagedorn on why this common belief is a counter-productive fallacy
- Media Statement: Portfolio Committee on Higher Education Disappointed With Skills Fund’s Third Audit Qualification Source: Parliament of RSA The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education is disappointed that, once again, the National Skills Fund (NSF) has obtained a third consecutive audit qualification from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA). The NSF briefed the committee on its Annual Report for the 2023/24 financial year and the entity's irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure.
During its briefing to the committee, the NSF painted a stark picture of an organisation grappling with capacity constraints, including insufficient audit evidence to account for skills development funding for current and previous years. The NSF informed the committee that it was taking corrective actions, such as expediting the appointment of personnel to critical posts.
- Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust launches national Future at Work Initiative Source: Biz Community The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) is thrilled to announce the launch of its Future at Work Initiative, a dynamic programme designed to bridge the gap between education and the workplace by providing undergraduates with real-world corporate experience.
Teaching and Learning: Local and Global
- The Best Teaching Advice I Have Received Source: Faculty Focus What makes some teachers more effective than others? Kenneth L. Alford, PhD, a professor of church history and doctrine at Brigham Young University shares a sampling of the advice gleaned during the past 40 years from outstanding professors:
- Using Collaborative Learning to Elevate Students’ Educational Experiences Source: Faculty Focus ollaborative learning is an educational environment where students work together in smaller groups to achieve a common goal. Collaborative learning is analogous to the traditional learning model, in which teachers impact knowledge on students. Bruffee (1999), the most prominent name in collaborate learning, describes collaborative learning as “creates conditions in which students can negotiate the boundaries between the knowledge communities they belong to and the one that the professor belongs to” (p. 144). Collaborative learning and e-learning have been gaining momentum over many decades as research has proven how beneficial it is for students’ development and learning. It has become a focus of significant learning institutions (Gao, 2020; Gutierrez, Sanchez, Castaneda, & Prendas, 2017).
- Eight innovative ways to teach coding online Source: Time Higher Education Advice on how to create dynamic, engaging and supportive online learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of today’s coding students
- Make the most of online education for your students Source: Time Higher Education Students appreciate the value of online education. How can educators maximise this value as much as possible?
Technology-Enhanced Learning
- How Harmful Are AI’s Biases on Diverse Student Populations? Source: Stanford University HAI Large language models exhibit alarming magnitudes of bias when generating stories about learners, often reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
- Watch Canvas '24 Keynote & Explore Miro’s Innovation Workspace Source: Miro This year’s event was packed with inspiration, insights, and new features to transform how we innovate. Miss out on the fun? Watch the keynote and relive the magic.
- Is AI Really a Threat to Higher Education? Source: Psychology Today Peak AI may be near. Nurturing thinking skills in college will remain essential.
- Using the LMS Effectively to Reduce Logistical Challenges for Students Source: Faculty Focus When preparing for a new term, there is much to consider. Textbooks and course materials to review, syllabi to update, lessons to plan, lectures to prepare. Since the pandemic, which necessitated the use of Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Canvas or Blackboard, there is now an additional component to consider in developing our courses. Instead of thinking about the LMS as simply a repository for course essentials (syllabus, contact information, etc.), consider how it might be used as a tool for enhancing student learning and engagement.
- Your PowerPoints Probably Suck Source: Inside Higher Education But you can easily improve them, writes Zachary Nowak, who offers 10 suggestions for how to do that.
- Career Prep Tip: Teaching Entrepreneurship Students to Self-Teach With AI Source: Inside Higher Education A business professor at Miami University in Ohio encourages learners to use generative artificial intelligence tools to complete coursework, which he says prepares them for their future careers.
A bibliography of open resources, selected for all working in digital education in South Africa, is curated by Universities South Africa’s Digital Education CoP. All the resources are freely available via https://bit.ly/Digital_Education_Open_Bibliography. CHECK REGULARLY FOR UPDATES.