Online teaching and learning experience at South African higher educational institution

Abstract

This Innovate Practice Full Paper presents COVID-19 impacts, online teaching for theories, practices and assessments became mandatory at higher educational institutions. Online teaching and learning methodology include 1) Well prepared teaching materials 2) Technology support 3) Online teaching, learning, practise and assessment methodologies 4) Post learning and assessment strategies and 5) Virtual laboratory concept using simulation tools. This paper addresses challenges in implementing 100% online teaching and learning for practical-based subjects in Engineering disciplines. A case study at South African Higher Education Institution is presented and outcomes include technology-supported teaching aid methods improve pass-rate and learners overall performance level, flexibility in learning facilities among part-time learners and full-time employees, introducing virtual laboratory for engineering education using industrial grade simulation tools enable learners with engineering professional skills and secure employment opportunity. Finally, cost-benefit analysis is done and is reported that 20-30% cost saving from both learners and institution by adopting online teaching and learning in comparison with face-face teaching methodology. Higher educational institutions will have a lot of improvements and developments in Online teaching and learning methodology soon will enable to build of a framework for a smart education system.