Page 10 - Transformation Report 2021

recognising challenges associated with the move to these The Faculty is investigating the costs of investing in
hybrid models. digital, visual and audio technology to allow for the
optimal use of the venue and to offer hybrid and flexible
2.1 Digital Transformation of Learning and Teaching modes of delivery. Ongoing support was provided to
Faculty employees made excellent progress with academics via the Learning Experience Design Studio
implementing the multi-layered, staggered blended and e-Technologist support hub in the LT Collab. The
learning approach. The change to online and continuous University Capacity Development Plan-funded learning
assessment was challenging for many employees as they and teaching helpdesk enabled the steady growth in the
grappled with the social and emotional challenges of number of help tickets relating to assistance with Moodle,
the virus and adapted to working remotely. In addition, Teams, digital assessment and more. The building self-help
load-shedding and connectivity challenges continued to repositories consisting of step-by-step guides, curated
hamper learning and teaching. We attempted proctored courses on LinkedIn Learning, and other videos continue
online examinations; however, barriers included the to be developed. Weekly webinars and email Moodle
technology available to students, unequal access to data Tips allowed interactive discussion around challenges and
and the required bandwidth for these initiatives. Faculties processes, and self-help repositories supported these
were sensitive to students’ circumstances and adopted activities.
“data lite” approaches wherever possible. We bridged the
physical divide by converting our mask-to-mask courses The Learning Experience Design Studio joined with Rhodes
to online content and implementing measures to provide University’s learning unit to successfully co-host the UP2U
students with data and mobile devices. virtual event, a long-running national event for instructional
and learning designers, educational technologists,
The pandemic has highlighted various risks, one of these and academic support professionals. The event was
being the lack of suitable venues to offer synchronous attended by more than 100 delegates from more than
hybrid learning opportunities for current and future ten universities. The University’s #OpenEdColloquium21
students. The newly erected annexe of the Faculty of Law took place in November 2021, focusing on Pedagogy,
houses a multi-purpose venue, seating 60-70 students. Praxis, and Pandemics. The speakers reflected on

10 | 2021