EDS3701 Assignment on Online Learning
Uploaded by
masingitaeujeanTopics covered
- assignment submission,
- leadership skills,
- network issues,
- communication platforms,
- group work,
- time management,
- academic performance,
- affordability of education,
- peer collaboration,
- rural education challenges
EDS3701 Assignment on Online Learning
Uploaded by
masingitaeujeanTopics covered
- assignment submission,
- leadership skills,
- network issues,
- communication platforms,
- group work,
- time management,
- academic performance,
- affordability of education,
- peer collaboration,
- rural education challenges
Common questions
Powered by AIStudents are reluctant to participate in discussion forums because they are busy with full-time jobs, which limits their time availability. Additionally, some students may lack confidence to post due to fear of making incorrect comments in front of peers, while others do not perceive these forums as important tools for learning .
The University of South Africa emphasizes integrity and ethical conduct regarding academic texts, categorizing plagiarism as a serious violation. The consequences for plagiarism include forfeiting credit for the concerned work and possible expulsion from the university .
To address reluctance in forum engagement, lecturers regularly remind students via emails to participate. They also offer informal activities to practice for formal assessments, though uptake remains low due to students' misperceptions of the forum's value .
Informal activities are designed to enhance learning by offering practice aligned with formal assessment objectives. However, their effectiveness is compromised by low student participation, driven by misconceptions of these activities' value. Thus, despite their potential benefits, the impact is diminished unless students actively engage .
The perception of unimportance given by students to discussion forums leads to decreased participation, which, in turn, affects their performance negatively. Students miss updates and deadlines for assignments by not engaging in discussions that could clarify instructions and provide practice for assessments. This lack of involvement ultimately results in errors in their assignments .
The main advantages of online learning, as shared by the student, include the ability to attend classes from any location, which broadens the geographical reach of institutions. Additionally, it is more affordable compared to physical learning since students studying online do not incur costs associated with accommodation and food, only study fees and data .
Technological barriers include poor internet connectivity, which hinders timely assignment submissions. Socio-economic factors involve the affordability of technology and internet access, affected by costs that are significant in rural contexts. This situation is exacerbated by infrastructural issues like load-shedding that disrupt learning .
The EDS3701 module at UNISA incorporates collaborative learning by providing a forum where students can communicate, conduct activities, and discuss topics together. This setup encourages the development of social and leadership skills, as students work in groups to ask questions, share ideas, and give feedback, directing their own learning .
UNISA suggests that students learn proper reference techniques and guidelines to avoid plagiarism. Consulting lecturers when uncertain about requirements is encouraged. These measures are crucial for maintaining academic integrity and ensuring that work is original and appropriately credited .
Students face challenges such as network issues, especially in rural areas, which can prevent them from submitting work timely. There are also distractions from social media, difficulties in maintaining focus during long screen times, and the impact of load-shedding in South Africa which can delay completing assessments .
