The use of modern technologies in postgraduate student support in an open learning institution: Are there new cultures emerging?

Abstract

AbstractAdvancements and developments in technologies have compelled open distance learning (ODL) institutions to evolve through several stages of technological development. In some institutions, the COVID-19 accelerated these stages, and as a result, many educators across the globe are adopting and exploring various digital technologies and tools as student support mechanisms. Arguably, as teaching practices evolve due to these technological advancements and emergency teaching and learning modes; and, as new teaching models replace old ones, a “cultural change” is bound to occur. Thus, there is keenness among scholars to understand the effects of these new cultures in shaping student support in ODL environments. Using a theoretical lens derived from cultural anthropology, within the constructivist paradigm, the researchers sought to understand the extent to which lecturers’ technological and pedagogical practices within an ODL university reflect technological cultural shifts as required by the new culture at their institution. The findings indicated small and realistic strides in the adoption of various technologies to support postgraduate students as well as the development of 21 century skills.

Keywords

• technological advancements
• open distance learning
• cultural change
• pedagogical practices
• teaching and learning technologies
• postgraduate