An investigation into the usability of asynchronous information techology for a virtual E-learning information sharing environment at a university in South-Africa

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:Institutions for tertiary education are now more than ever realising the advantages of supplyingthe growing population with more effective and flexible learning environments through theintegration of technology based media. Educational institutions are faced with the challenge ofembracing technological changes within the educational domain in order to maintain theircompetitive position within a global arena. The University of Stellenbosch, as many othertertiary educational institutions, are challenged to view them as being part of an integratedknowledge society responsible for the reproduction of knowledge as a national and globalcommodity. The recent acceptance of an explicit strategy concerning educational processesand the creation of an Electronic Campus ensured that the University of Stellenbosch wouldmaintain their strategic position through the development and improvement of the quality of thecentral education, research and community service functions within the university.The purpose of the research conducted within the boundaries of the University of Stellenboschwere to enhance and improve the quality of the learning and information sharing processesbetween various role players through the exploration of available communication media and theexamination of relevant concepts.The specific objectives of the study comprise the following:■ Objective One: Through the use of alternative subjective and objective test methods,including observation and the use of a questionnaire to conduct an empirical study toevaluate the usability of the various asynchronous computer based communication media,with specific focus on course management systems, and video streaming;■ Objective Two: Make recommendations based on the findings of the study to potential usersof the alternative media and applications in terms of the limitations and benefits;■ Objective Three: To use the findings, together with an examination of the user needs andapplicable concepts, to make recommendations to assist in future decisions regarding thevalue of the integration of these media into the creation of a high value interactive virtuallearning environment;■ Objective Four: Given the findings, to make recommendations for future research.Empirical tests were conducted in order to examine the usability of WebCT and MicrosoftProducer as it was anticipated that the degree to which the communication media adds valueand enhances the education and information sharing process will be influenced by the usability of the specified media and the role players' perceived need for the specific media. Empirical testwere descriptive in nature and included survey research methods and usability laboratory testsIn summary, the data obtained shows that the sample population holds favourable attitudes withregard to the usability of both Microsoft Producer and WebCT. WebCT and Microsoft Producerholds the potential for enhancing and improving the quality of the learning and informationsharing processes between role-players within the University of Stellenbosch by providing auseful, reliable, easy to use, consistent, compatible, learnable and likeable system. Theintegration of WebCT and Microsoft Producer in the context of the University of Stellenboschwill enable role-players to complete their educational and research activities with accuracy in atimely competent and economical fashion.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University