Author:
Nekhubvi Vhutshilo,Pearce Rene,Matsilele Oscar,Mokganya Georgina,Zitha Inocent,Netshikweta Rendani
Abstract
Teaching and learning in the contemporary era require technological or digital advancement. Various learning technologies offer a wide range of opportunities to enhance effective engagements between lecturers and students in institutions of higher learning. Consequently, this study explored the understanding of higher institutions in maximising the use of digital teaching and learning strategies to foster student success. In addition, the researchers investigated the proper provisioning of digital tools to successfully utilise online learning platforms. A total of 239 Science Foundation Students in the 2021 cohort participated in this study. A questionnaire with open and closed-ended questions regarding the availability of gadgets, university data provisions and network connectivity was administered. Results of this study revealed that 95 students had laptops while the rest used their smartphones, 52 students received university data during the investigation period and 186 managed to connect to the Internet mostly by utilising the university’s free Wi-Fi. These findings have significant implications for the development of effective planning prior to the implementation of digital teaching and learning. Furthermore, results showed reasonable students’ engagement regarding viewing quiz questions from the Modular Object-Orientated Dynamic Learning Environment (Moodle) platform and an infectiveness for the report posting exercises.