Exploring Dimensions Of Changing Pedagogies And Challenges Faced By Students In Applying New Media Technologies In Learning

The need to stay abreast in knowledge economy has led to migration from Open Distance Learning to Open Distance e-Learning at UNISA. Central to this pedagogical change has been the fast advancement in the technological universe, with new media technologies being widely adopted across the globe for bridging the transactional distance between students and the OdeL institution. Using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology as its theoretical lens, the study sought to find answers to the following question: What challenges do NMTS present to OdeL students as they learn using them? The aim is to explore the challenges that OdeL students experience when using new media technologies in learning. Data was collected using in-depth interviews with learners. During data analysis, thematic categorisation was used. The study divulged that the many of students from far-flung rural areas still have limited access to NMTs, which impact on their academic performance, and result in low retention and success rates. This finding suggests that for an ODL institution to achieve an increased probability to retain students and success rate, it must support them with access to NMTs. It further suggests that access to NMTs may help students do better in and to complete their studies. These findings unmasked that to bridge transactional distance, ODL institutions must support students, particularly those who are from rural areas by providing them with NMTs. The study limited its focus to UNISA’s Durban hub.