This study explores whether a range of socio-demographical factors predict adult learner self-directedness in the context of South African open and distance e-learning higher education (ODeLHE). We observe significant differences between socio-demographical groups in the sub-dimensions of the Adult Learner Self-Directedness Scale. The study…

Teaching, as a social justice project, seeks to undo and re-imagine oppressive pedagogies in order to transform teachers, their students, and the knowledge with which they work. In this article, I argue that self-study can contribute to social justice in a number of ways by, for instance, making the sometimes limiting norms that frame teaching and…

The context in which self-study research is conducted is sometimes complex, affecting the manner in which related data is gathered and interpreted. This article comprises collaboration between three students and two supervisors. It shares methodological choices made by graduate students and supervisors of a rural university at which, self-study…

Recent evolutions, such as pervasive networking and other enabling technologies, have been increasingly changing human life, knowledge acquisition, and the way works are performed and students learn. In this societal change, educational institutions must maintain their leading role. They have therefore embraced digitally enhanced learning to…

There is mounting evidence to show that engineers need more than technical skills to succeed in industry. This paper describes a curriculum innovation in which so-called "soft" skills, specifically inter-personal and intra-personal skills, were integrated into a final year mining engineering course. The instructional approach was…

This article reports on the qualitative aspects of a study that examined whether introducing a "Problem-based Learning" ("PBL") approach in a one-year foundation programme can create conditions for learners to develop and sustain self-directed learning skills. This interpretive constructivist case study was located in…

The objective of this study is to add to the extant literature on graduate attributes by examining the mediating role of global/moral citizenship and lifelong learning attributes in the relation between students' scholarship attributes and their academic self-directedness in a higher-education open distance learning (ODL) environment. The Graduate…

These proceedings contain the papers and posters of the 15th International Conference on Mobile Learning 2019, which was organised by the International Association for Development of the Information Society and co-organised by the University of Applied Sciences, in Utrecht, The Netherlands, April 11-13, 2019. The Mobile Learning 2019 Conference…

Described are seven steps used to help self-directed learners to work through the Diploma in Primary Health Care (Education) course at the University of Witwatersrand. The steps are: situation analysis; compilation of a competency profile; self-assessment of learning needs; writing learning objectives; compilation of a learning agreement;…

Describes preservice teacher training in South Africa, highlighting distance teaching (including a guided self-study workbook) that leads to a one-year postgraduate higher education diploma designed to meet the teacher shortage. The paper discusses the extent to which students can be guided to bridge the gap between theory and practice in field…

Describes "SuperText," computer software designed to support expository writing among students in distance learning programs, and its theoretical justification. Notes the various models of writing supported by "SuperText" and outlines the functions of the program. Evaluates "SuperText" on the basis of student…

Describes a Rand Afrikaans University (South Africa) program to prepare learners for lifelong, self-directed learning. Components include reduced classroom contact, increased independent study, use of a modular study guide, optimum student participation, and continuous evaluation. Focuses on the seven-year process of transforming the project into…

Students around the globe have unique first-year experiences but struggle with many of the same challenges. This monograph focuses on their journeys and provides insights for educators interested in learning about how institutions across the globe provide supports to students dealing with first-year transition issues. Based on the successful…

The University of the Orange Free State (South Africa) is testing effectiveness of group work with tutors as part of independent study modules. The method is based on an experiential learning cycle including pre- and post-testing, self-evaluation, reflective observation, active experimentation. Early indications are that most deficiencies of…

This book provides a comprehensive survey of literature regarding the theory and practice of distance education (DE). Among the aspects of DE discussed are the following; overall picture of DE today (concept/evolution, DE and open learning, modes of teaching/learning); background (basic questions concerning education/teaching/learning and impact…