Browsing by Author "Scholtz, Karin"

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    An investigation into the usability of asynchronous information techology for a virtual E-learning information sharing environment at a university in South-Africa
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2003-03) Scholtz, Karin; Cilliers-Hartslief, M.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Department of Industrial Psychology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Institutions for tertiary education are now more than ever realising the advantages of supplying the growing population with more effective and flexible learning environments through the integration of technology based media. Educational institutions are faced with the challenge of embracing technological changes within the educational domain in order to maintain their competitive position within a global arena. The University of Stellenbosch, as many other tertiary educational institutions, are challenged to view them as being part of an integrated knowledge society responsible for the reproduction of knowledge as a national and global commodity. The recent acceptance of an explicit strategy concerning educational processes and the creation of an Electronic Campus ensured that the University of Stellenbosch would maintain their strategic position through the development and improvement of the quality of the central education, research and community service functions within the university. The purpose of the research conducted within the boundaries of the University of Stellenbosch were to enhance and improve the quality of the learning and information sharing processes between various role players through the exploration of available communication media and the examination of relevant concepts. The specific objectives of the study comprise the following: ■ Objective One: Through the use of alternative subjective and objective test methods, including observation and the use of a questionnaire to conduct an empirical study to evaluate the usability of the various asynchronous computer based communication media, with specific focus on course management systems, and video streaming; ■ Objective Two: Make recommendations based on the findings of the study to potential users of the alternative media and applications in terms of the limitations and benefits; ■ Objective Three: To use the findings, together with an examination of the user needs and applicable concepts, to make recommendations to assist in future decisions regarding the value of the integration of these media into the creation of a high value interactive virtual learning environment; ■ Objective Four: Given the findings, to make recommendations for future research. Empirical tests were conducted in order to examine the usability of WebCT and Microsoft Producer as it was anticipated that the degree to which the communication media adds value and enhances the education and information sharing process will be influenced by the usability of the specified media and the role players' perceived need for the specific media. Empirical test were descriptive in nature and included survey research methods and usability laboratory tests In summary, the data obtained shows that the sample population holds favourable attitudes with regard to the usability of both Microsoft Producer and WebCT. WebCT and Microsoft Producer holds the potential for enhancing and improving the quality of the learning and information sharing processes between role-players within the University of Stellenbosch by providing a useful, reliable, easy to use, consistent, compatible, learnable and likeable system. The integration of WebCT and Microsoft Producer in the context of the University of Stellenbosch will enable role-players to complete their educational and research activities with accuracy in a timely competent and economical fashion.