Proceedings of the 7th World Conference on Future of Education
Year: 2023
DOI:
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South African TVET Students’ Experiences of Online Learning: A Pilot Study
Joseph Mesuwini
ABSTRACT:
Learning in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has been largely conducted through conventional methods. However, today, where information and communication technology plays a major role in people’s daily lives, learning now relies on how students respond to literate teaching and learning technologies. The unavailability of online learning technologies in the TVET sector continues to underplay its value in breaking long-standing learning barriers such as class sizes and timetabling. The challenge is its adoption in TVET, which is still in its infancy compared to universities. Therefore, online learning is gaining momentum as a pedagogical tool in the TVET sector. The paper aims to discuss TVET students’ experiences during online learning. The study focused on how online learning impacts students’ learning experiences in the TVET sector. A qualitative approach was used, and data were gathered using Google form. Engineering distance learning students were purposively and conveniently selected for the study. A conceptual framework was adopted from Mayer et al.’s e-learning theory. Data were analysed thematically based on emerging themes. Findings showed that some students failed to attend online classes due to a shortage of smartphones/laptops, data, lack of communication from tutors and poor connectivity. Results also revealed that students endorsed online learning for augmenting face-to-face contact sessions and flexibility to engage after work. The study results indicate that challenges still exist, even though there is progress. Addressing the challenges and acquiring a data-free learning management system could enhance online teaching and learning practices.
keywords: challenges, online learning, students, technologies, TVET