Online learning gains in popularity
December 13, 2004 Edition 1
Angela Bolowana
Online learning in South Africa is increasing in popularity as people choose to acquire qualifications through computer-based programmes rather than through contact education.
The on-line learning option has appealed to those who cannot afford to leave their homes or abandon their responsibilities to improve their qualifications.
South African company eDegree, which caters for 4 000 students on four continents, said students found e-learning more convenient and economical.
"The reality is that it is not that much more expensive to study on-line as opposed to attending traditional classroom lectures," said Zabeth le Roux, eDegree Client Relations Manager.
"Furthermore, it saves you the cost of staying on or near campus, and even child care-costs are minimised," she said.
Le Roux said the company worked with institutions in various countries and students were given the option to choose which institution they wanted to register with.
The Durban Institute of Technology is also trying to get their on-line programme off the ground. At the moment, the programme is confined to students on campus.
And although there have been challenges, those involved say that it has been a rewarding experience offering students online interaction and effective continuous communication.
Recent research done for the University of Cape Town showed that many potential students did not study because they could not leave their homes.
The research, conducted by Monitor Group, a global strategy consulting firm, concluded that tuition costs and the cost of living while studying were some of the factors that discouraged people from studying.
"According to the study, these factors are barriers to black South Africans in particular because these candidates are more likely than their white counterparts to have existing financial obligations."
The study also prompted the University of Cape Town to set up a modular Masters of Business Administration programme. The programme will only require students to attend contact lessons occasionally.
Similar programmes are also offered at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
bolowana@nn.independent.co.za
