Increasing Interaction by Integrating Short Messaging Services (Smss) into the Virtual Open and Distant Learning (VODL) Teacher Education Programme: A Case of Bindura University in Zimbabwe

Faculty Of Science Education ,Tunjera Nyarai,Mukabeta Tarirayi,Faculty Of Science ,Joyce Zivanai

doi:10.15580/gjer.2013.4.051413609

Abstract

Distance teaching and learning in most developing countries have met with high dropout (Kamau, 2001), because of lack of support, limited interaction & engagement and collaborations amongst distance learners. Most distance learners are scattered in very remote and poor areas and accessing high tech learning intervention is a challenge to the majority. These researchers explored the use of Short Messaging System (SMS), for Bindura University of Science (BUSE)’s Virtual Open and Distance Learning (VODL), student teachers’ programme. Interview guides and questionnaires were used to collect data. SMS is ‘anytime and anywhere’, convenient, affordable and accessible. SMS is cheaper and accessible to almost all distance student teachers. It offers more affordances because the students own mobile phones and have the SMS facility. Distance student teachers raised concerns on the storage of spaces in messages received and sent. The distance student teachers applauded the SMS intervention.

Highlights

Literature suggests the usefulness of emerging technology for distant teaching and learning (Ng’ambi et al, 2011)
Distance education programmes that are run in some countries especially developing countries like Zimbabwe have serious challenges such as lack of internet connectivity and poor facilities and equipment, and poor supply of electricity etc
Research has shown the effectiveness of Short Messaging System (SMS) for increasing interactions and engagement amongst distance education students, the Virtual Open and Distance Learning (VODL) students appreciated this emergent technology that has demonstrated, as discussed earlier that it increases interaction amongst students and between students and lecturers

Summary

Introduction

Literature suggests the usefulness of emerging technology for distant teaching and learning (Ng’ambi et al, 2011). Distance education programmes that are run in some countries especially developing countries like Zimbabwe have serious challenges such as lack of internet connectivity and poor facilities and equipment, and poor supply of electricity etc In this concept paper, the researchers explored the use of SMS to increase interaction among students or between students and lecturers in the distant learning context. These are balanced with wide spread mobile phone networks, the potential for solar power mobile phones, leaving the only emergent technology, which could be maximized in their scenario: the SMSs (Kabweza, 2013) Against this backdrop, this concept paper is an attempt to suggest ways in which lecturers and learners in distant education programmes can benefit from increased interaction by the use of SMSs

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Conclusion