Abstract
Annually numerous students from all over South Africa and Namibia obtain qualifications via distance learning from North-West University (NWU).
NWU provides support for students to successfully complete their studies via distance learning. Administrative support is considered a priority, since distance learning students generally face various challenges.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of BEd Foundation Phase distance learning students pertaining to administrative support of NWU, with the focus on administrative benefits during the completion of a qualification with NWU. Administrative support areas that will be discussed include service delivery to students, study material, registration, call centres, learning support centres, eFundi (learning management system) and the use of interactive whiteboards.
In order to achieve the above-mentioned research aim, empirical research was conducted. A qualitative approach was applied and participants were invited to be part of the research. Data were gathered by means of electronic questionnaires comprising open-ended questions. The electronic questionnaire (in Afrikaans and English) was accompanied by a letter explaining to participants the purpose of the study and the questionnaire. Since feedback was anonymous, student participants had the opportunity to reflect openly and honestly on their experiences of administrative support while completing their BEd studies with NWU via distance learning.
The returned questionnaires were analysed with Atlas.ti™. Coding words were formulated to identify concurrent units or segments in the transcriptions. Results showed that distance learning students in this programme reported positive experiences pertaining to support during their studies. These findings concur with literature in this field, nationally as well as internationally, which asserts that good administrative support leads to positive learning experiences.
Arising from the findings, recommendations are made which NWU can consider in order to improve the learning experience of prospective distance learning students and enable them to successfully complete their studies. Secondly, the findings contribute nationally as well as internationally towards accepting the importance of effective administrative service and support to ensure a positive learning experience for the distance learning student.
Key words: Baccalaureus Educationis (BEd); challenges in learning; distance learning; electronic learning; facilitator; Foundation Phase; learning support centre; North-West University (NWU); Unit for Open Distance Learning (UODL)