Browsing by Author "Reddy, Pregalathan"

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The development of a computerised simulation model to guide the South African higher education sector in short and long-term planning of TEL infrastructure
(2023-05-11) Reddy, Pregalathan; Pratt, Deirdre Denise; Olugbara, Oludayo O.
This study deals with the development of a computerised simulation model to guide the South African higher education (HE) sector in short and longterm planning of TEL (technology enhanced learning) infrastructure. A critical realist orientation was adopted, using a case study approach focusing on provision of TEL infrastructure at three Natal universities, namely, the Durban University of Technology, the University of KwaZuluNatal and Mangosuthu University of Technology. A mixed methods approach was used, combining qualitative with quantitative techniques, in order to collect data to establish key model specifications. The qualitative aspect comprised an online survey to obtain user feedback on the proposed computerised simulation. Quantitative methodology involved using functional decomposition design to extract the specifications from the data. The computerised simulation model was developed using a system dynamics approach which could define forecasting in operational terms, and thus offer various scenarios to guide institutional decision-makers in future planning. The systems model thus developed was then configured online using simulation software and tested out with key stakeholders. While computerised simulations currently exist in the area of infrastructural forecasting, the new contribution to the field is thought to be in forecasting the provision of TEL infrastructure.
A systemic model for evaluating online course design : a critical realist approach
(IATED, 2024-03) Reddy, Pregalathan; Pratt, Deidre
At the Durban University of Technology (DUT), the fall-out from the recommendation by the Rapid Response Task Team to transition from the blended mode of teaching to pure online due to the lockdown caused by COVID-19 in 2020 is now being felt. The realisation is dawning that not all courses are created equally and, more damning, that some assessment practices are not as good as others. To remedy this deficit, DUT is currently running an “Assuring the Integrity of Assessment Practices Project”, under the ambit of the Centre for Quality Promotion and Assurance (CQPA). The focus is on evaluating selected online courses. As a possible option for evaluation, this paper proposes a systemic model for evaluating online courses, whether delivered in mixed mode or completely online. The research approach used to develop the model is critical realist, based mainly on Roy Bhaskar’s philosophy, but also includes Margaret Archer’s morphogenetic theory, which shows how principles developed in previous temporal epochs are not always in phase with elements of present-day contexts. This is particularly relevant in the post pandemic era, where it has been observed that student grades which were skewed upward during the COVID-19 period are now plateauing in line with the period before COVID-19. While it is obvious that certain key course elements are now no longer available to both staff and students, a systemic model of course design is needed which distinguishes between the givens and the variables, so that the most urgent course deficits are identified and remedied or replaced. It will be argued that the systemic model of course design discussed in this paper provides insight into the nature of hypermedia communication. It might assist educators to distinguish between Internet communication and written (i.e., hard print) communication by showing how the functions thought essential for learning to take place effectively are carried out in different ways and with different effects in the different media. The model in fact provides a course design principle outlining ‘felicity conditions’ for effective course delivery. However, while it suggests the prerequisites for effective course design, the ultimate assessment of effectiveness is left up to the participants – teacher and students - to decide. As the design principle used is descriptive rather than value-laden, and can thus be adapted to suit the specific local values operating in any given learning context, it is well-suited for use in multicultural educational contexts. However, it must be noted that the model is work-in-progress, and may still be refined further in both research and use.