Abstract
This paper investigates how an Online Distance Education and Learning (ODEL) institution in South Africa offers technical and professional support to e-tutors to ensure that they have sufficient knowledge and substantive skills to be the authority of the students. E-tutoring is the learning process consisting in individual student contact with a tutor through a virtual environment, as well as a way to support individual students who want to develop their skills and competencies. It is a form of online teaching approach using information technology to provide educational access, student support in the educational process, and motivation in solving educational problems. For an effective and sustainable e-tutoring approach, e-tutors need to be sufficiently competent educators in order to support students to solve educational problems using information technology. They therefore need certain qualities and skills such as knowledge of the subject matter, ways of engaging students using various technological applications, organisational skills to be able to keep track of students and coordinate educational activities. E-tutors therefore need continuous support in terms of technological skills development, instructional and content knowledge. This study is underpinned by the continuous professional development (CPD) framework and qualitative research design. CPD is essential for upgrading and upskilling educators to keep them updated with continuous changes and trends that culminate from technological innovations, content and pedagogical knowledge. It is therefore essential for every educator, especially e-tutors, in an attempt to adapt teaching and learning to the needs of an organisation, to meet the needs of respective students.
Presenters
Mary Mmatsatsi MadilengSenior Lecturer, Department of Humanities: English Studies, University of South Africa (UNISA), Gauteng, South Africa
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
E-TUTORS, ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
