Going Online, Our PerceptionEeva Rapoo & Dalize van Heerden, Unisa

Academics hears’ a What!• Online support• Online tuition• Online assessment• Onscreen marking• Podcast/Vodcasts• Multimedia• E-tivities• Student centred teaching• Open Educational Resources• Alternative assessment practices• Improve throughput rates• Open Distance E-Learning• Massive Open Online Courses• E-Tutors

What does this mean for Academics?

“Study material” used to be the subject matter expert’s (academic) only concern, this is now often just background material

Instructional course design needs to consider:• Instructional techniques• Delivery medium• Methods of communication• Course management techniques

Online Course Development Model 1 + 2

Online Course Development Model 3

Online Course Development Model 4

Online Course DevelopmentCurrent situation:• Some academics storm

through• Some academics

approach it cautiously

Academics are willing!

Perception of UNISA Academics of Online Course Development

Learner Group

System (LMS) admin

Visual Designer and Author

E-Learning Instructional

Designer

What!

What!

Result

Academic is:• Subject specialistAcademic has to learn:• Project manager• Educational specialist• Instructional designer• Graphical designer• Technical expert• Technology expert• Call centre agent• HR manager

Also responsible for:• Teaching• Research• Community Engagement• Academic Citizenship

The Way Forward - 1

Take away• Teaching• Research• Community Engagement• Academic CitizenshipFree up timeProvide proper trainingProvide best practice technology

The Way Forward - 2

• Choose an appropriate model for Unisa• Implement the model• Make sure all parties in the model

understand their roles and responsibilities

• Free up time for academic to• Teaching• Research• Community Engagement• Academic Citizenship

Thank You!

An academic is a subject matter expert, despite what others

expect them to be!