INVESTIGATION ON THE IMPORTANCE OF E-LEARNING IMPLEMENTATION AND COGNITIVE STYLE Ncumisa Mduma

1. INVESTIGATION ON THE IMPORTANCE OF E-LEARNING IMPLEMENTATION AND COGNITIVE STYLE Ncumisa Mduma

2. Background • Marketing students are students enrolled for National Diploma: the rationale of the qualification a qualifying learner will able the students to apply fundamental marketing and selling principles under supervision in small, medium and enterprise or large organisations in a range of marketing position.

3. Background • E-learning is also known as online learning and is a relatively new trend that has been adapted by various institutions of higher learning around the world (Bell 2007). • It is promoted as a method that may play a key role in the drive towards a student centered approach (Bell 2007).

4. Cont. • It can help to move away from traditional lecturing and lecturer supremacy (Yan & Yu 2007). • It is also seen as an effective way to provide a cognitive style • The term e-learning covers a wide set of applications and processes, including computer based learning, web-based learning, virtual classrooms and digital collaboration (Nneka Eka 2009).

5. Rationale of the study • To determine both staff and students’ perception of implementing e-learning practice at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) Marketing Department. • I am interested in this research study because the resources to execute e-learning are available at WSU, but staff and students do not have adequate exposure to the facilities

6. Methodology • Combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods was used. • Data collection via literature study and questionnaires to staff and students involved.

7. Description • E-learning was introduced to the Marketing Department in 2009. • At that stage it was referred to as “Blackboard” – now “WiseUp”. • Only lecturers involved at this stage.

8. Description • Introduced to students in 2011. • Subjects involved: Marketing I, Personal Selling and Management of Training. • Number of students involved: ±110. • Limited experience – two months.

9. Findings • Students analysis of e-learning transpired from the questionnaires. • On e-learning terminology e the 70% of respondents displayed that they are familiar with e-learning, 98 % of the students shaped that it will be beneficial to them if e-learning can be fully implemented in their course

10. Cont. • The 98% students stipulated that e-learning will provide them with an opportunity to do better • As well as the full implementation of the e-learning approach would enable them to process the information according to their own understanding

11. Cont. • The majority of students think e-learning would be an effective way to provide an individualized learning experience. • Half the respondents will prefer the decrease of lecturing time in order to allow for more electronic time and the other half don’t agree with the decrease of lecturing for electronic sessions prefer traditional teaching

12. Cont. • 74% of the responses agree that currently lectures are lecturer dominant then 25% is against the statement. • The 99% say yes that e-learning would make them versatile if they are able to communicate with lecturers via the e-learning system.

13. Cont. • The 99% response think it is important to implement e-learning at WSU. The majority of the responses are familiar with terminology of e-learning

14. TERMINOLOGY • It is learning via computer. New source of information that is used to communicate electronically easily usable. Studying electronically that will benefit students it will save time, money, anywhere learning, will able the students to learn quick..

15. Cont. • Virtual learning environment. Student will be able to access lecturers notes, assignment. Students will know what is happening in class even if off sick. Able to communicate with the lecturer even if the lecturer is not in class. They will be able access other institution information that they are not aware off.

16. Cont. • Virtual learning environment student will be able to access lecturers notes, assignment. Students will know what is happening in class even if off sick. Able to communicate with the lecturer even if the lecturer is not in class. They will be able access other institution information that are not aware off.

17. Staff findings • All the students student need e-learning to be their area of interest. • Marketing department staff that have been trained on e-learning they fully agree with the implementation of online teaching as it will bring panacea to their students.

18. Recommendations • It will be imperative for the institution to inculcate the culture of students independency, learning style through e-learning. That will be viable if the institution can fully implement e-learning in all courses. As we all know the calibre of our students e-learning will open doors for the students, familiarising themselves with the outside world. • Any recommendations from the audience will be highly appreciated.

19. Cont • If they use computer it will be easy for them to access dictionary if hear or come across a new word. From time to time students get lost or fail test because of words be not acquainted with when writing a test. E-learning will provide students with an opportunity to browse and get relevant article. • Any recommendations from the audience will highly appreciated.

20. Cont. • Any recommendations from the audience will be high appreciated.

21. Thank you The End