A qualitative systematic review exploring online learning experiences among university students during Covid-19: An African Context
- Authors: Thoka, Tebogo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6763-6367
- Date: 2023-11
- Subjects: Internet in higher education , Education, Higher -- Computer-assisted instruction , Communicable diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28606 , vital:74472
- Description: The sudden and immediate transition to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic brought forth unprecedented challenges, particularly within the education sector. In Africa, this shift was necessitated by the need to safeguard lives and preserve the academic year. However, the absence of adequate contextual consideration introduced additional complexities, influencing how students in the African context navigated their learning experiences during this unique time.This study aimed to comprehensively synthesize the online learning experiences of university students in Africa amid the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluate the influence of these experiences on academic performance. Drawing from the systematic review protocol proposed by Hemingway and Brereton, seven (7) qualitative research articles were rigorously selected based on predefined inclusion criteria and meticulously examined.Thematic analysis of the chosen articles revealed two overarching themes. The first, "Emotional Distress," encapsulated students' experiences of anxiety, depressive emotions, and anger. Contributing factors included limited interaction opportunities, a sense of isolation, insufficient online learning resources, inflexible course structures, and non-conducive learning environments. The second overarching theme, "Growth," encompassed improvements in grades and enhanced self-directed learning abilities.These findings hold significant implications for the enhancement of online learning experiences in Africa. To address the challenges associated with emotional distress and foster growth, we propose the following recommendations: increased focus on social interaction and support mechanisms, equitable access to online resources, flexible course structures, and fostering conducive learning environments. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-11
Educators perceptions of implementing guidelines on HIV/AIDS interventions in the Department of Educations Port Elizabeth District
- Authors: Heynes, Arnelle
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Educators -- South Africa , Port Elizabeth (South Africa) -- Education , Communicable diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9895 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009319 , Educators -- South Africa , Port Elizabeth (South Africa) -- Education , Communicable diseases
- Description: The development and implementation of policy guidelines remains a contentious issue. Over the past few years, difficulty still exists in implementing the Department of Education (DoE) 1999, National Education Policy Act, 1996 (No. 27 of 1996): National Policy on HIV/AIDS for learners and educators in public schools, and students and educators in further education and training institutions [here after referred to as DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999)], while at the same time trying to transform the entire education system. This research explored the perceptions of educators in the Port Elizabeth District regarding the implementation of DoE HIV/AIDS (1999) policy guidelines. A secondary objective was to provide a reflection of how the implementation of guidelines on HIV/AIDS interventions within the schools of the Port Elizabeth District either conformed to or deviated from the guidelines outlined in the DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999). The study was executed within the paradigm of qualitative research and employed an exploratory, descriptive and contextual design. The researcher conducted a pilot study to enhance the trustworthiness of the study. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit research participants, consisting of 12 educators from 10 schools in the Port Elizabeth District where HIV/AIDS interventions were being implemented. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviewing and analysed using Tesch’s (1990) in De Vos, Strydom, Fouché & Delport (2005:340-341) framework for analysis of qualitative data. Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991) was used to ensure the trustworthiness of the study. Three themes emerged from the results of the in-depth semi-structured interviews: (1) Educators’ views on the DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999) guidelines and its implementation (2) Gaps or shortcomings in implementation of the DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999) and (3) Educator suggestions’ to inform implementation of the DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999) in schools. The results from the study indicate that there is inconsistency in the policy implementation approach employed by DoE district level representatives and there is a need for knowledge and capacity development at district and school level. The value of the study is outlined as well as recommendations.
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- Date Issued: 2012