Information and communication technology driven teaching and learning opportunities in support of environmental education processes: a case of the eno-environment online programme at Treverton Preparatory School, South Africa

Snow, Janet P

Title: Information and communication technology driven teaching and learning opportunities in support of environmental education processes: a case of the eno-environment online programme at Treverton Preparatory School, South Africa
Creator: Snow, Janet P
Subject: Treverton School (Natal, South Africa)
Subject: Environmental education -- South Africa -- Case studies
Subject: Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Case studies
Subject: Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa -- Case studies
Subject: Education, Preschool -- Computer assisted instruction -- South Africa -- Case studies
Subject: Education, Preschool -- South Africa -- Case studies
Subject: Early childhood education -- South Africa -- Case studies
Subject: Educational technology -- South Africa -- Case studies
Subject: Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
Date Issued: 2008
Date: 2008
Type: Thesis
Type: Masters
Type: MEd
Identifier: vital:1575
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003457
Identifier: Treverton School (Natal, South Africa)
Identifier: Environmental education -- South Africa -- Case studies
Identifier: Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Case studies
Identifier: Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa -- Case studies
Identifier: Education, Preschool -- Computer assisted instruction -- South Africa -- Case studies
Identifier: Education, Preschool -- South Africa -- Case studies
Identifier: Early childhood education -- South Africa -- Case studies
Identifier: Educational technology -- South Africa -- Case studies
Identifier: Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
Description: This research looks at a global virtual web-based programme for environmental awareness and education for sustainable development (ENO-Environment Online). It is a case study of Treverton Preparatory school in South Africa, one of several schools where the programme is implemented. One of the themes within the programme (“This is our culture”) is highlighted. A mixed method, interpretive case study methodology is used. Research methods include two focus group interviews with a selected group of learners, observations of four computer-based lessons and one practical session, document analysis of the three forms of learners’ submissions (‘blog’ site submission, presentation of material and ‘chat’ session), and two interviews conducted with the Treverton form teacher and ENO programme co-ordinator. The research views the Treverton ENO activities in relation to: academic rigour in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use, the teacher’s role in ICT pedagogy, and active learning in ICT applications. As the theme is culturally based with a global perspective, the research also considers these activities from the perspectives of education for cultural knowledge (multicultural education) and in terms of mobilising indigenous knowledge and global education. These perspectives on the ENO activities are analysed in relation to dimensions of teaching and learning guidelines pertinent to Education for Sustainable Development in a southern African context. The research shows that the ENO theme supported a variety of learning contexts, a sense of community, modelling of behaviours and actions, debate, sharing of information and improved communication skills. Learners were exposed to cultural diversity, contradictory cultural values, cultural and global inclusivity. Knowledge of social cultural practices and indigenous knowledge was shared. Academic rigour in the ENO theme was noted with reflection being the predominant activity. Based on these key findings, recommendations to the ENO programme, schools and teachers have been made. These include: exploring possibilities for increasing focus on sustainable development actions, improving access to relevant information, encouraging critical debate and critical engagement with cultural diversity.
Format: 116 leaves
Format: pdf
Publisher: Rhodes University
Publisher: Faculty of Education, Education
Language: English
Rights: Snow, Janet P

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