2021/08/23 by Siphamandla Mncube, Mncube, Lancelord Siphamandla, Maureen Tanner +3
Computer Science · #Computers and Society (cs.CY) #FOS: Computer and information sciences #Open Education and E-Learning
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2108.09938
openalex publication_date 2021/08/23 · openalex created_date 2022/07/25 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
The use of open educational resources (OER) is gaining momentum in higher\neducation institutions. This study sought to establish academics' perceptions\nand knowledge of OER for teaching and learning in an open distance e-learning\n(ODeL) university. The study also sought to establish how perceptions are\nformed. The inductive approach followed the lens of commodification to answer\nthe research questions. The commodification phase allowed for a better\nunderstanding of the academics' prior knowledge, informers, academics behaviour\nabout OER, and how they perceived OER to be useful for teaching and learning.\nThe study employed a qualitative method, with semi-structured interviews to\ncollect data. The study found that academics with prior experience and\nknowledge of OER are more successful in the use of these resources for\nteaching, learning, and research. OER is also perceived as a useful tool to\npromote African knowledge, showcase the contributions of African academics,\nimprove academic research capabilities, improve student's success rate,\nparticularly for financially vulnerable students. Based on the acquired\nperceptions, the study able to propose a new guideline to formulate user\nperceptions. However, this can only be achieved through a solid OER policy with\nthe support of government and tertiary institution top management. The findings\nmay inform higher education institutions when they consider the development of\nOER strategies and policies, especially in response to the Covid-19 emergency\nonline learning transition.\n