The Role of Lecturers and University Administrators in Promoting New E-Learning Initiatives

Abstract

This article examines the role of lecturers in encouraging and supporting students likely to be predisposed to challenges related to incomprehension, incapacity and isolation embedded in the virtual learning environment. This article used a constructivist lens to gain through interviews an understanding into the intuition, thoughts, ideals, beliefs and inclination of lecturers about the nature and extent of their supportive role in the e-learning environment. The key findings revealed that the role of lecturers in promoting e-learning is varied. The discrepancy seems to be emanating from the lack of clear understanding of the meaning, the depth, the breadth and thrust of e-learning pedagogy at the University of South Africa (UNISA). The UNISA Strategy 2015-2030 introduced incremental changes in the form of Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL), which highlights the infusion of e-learning in the Open Distance Learning (ODL) context. Given its ODeL mandate, and the prescripts of the UNISA Strategy 2015-2030 and as part of the academic project the institution committed to introduce e-learning from 2015. Further, the institutional resolve to adopt a hybrid model that incorporates traditional and electronic teaching modes has caused uncertainty in the teaching space with some lecturers leaning towards e-learning whilst others lean towards traditional methods. The article recommends that UNISA needs to clarify its standpoint by adopting definitions, demarcations, strategies and tools that will enhance the understanding, adoption and usability of e-learning platforms and systems.