Perceptions of the Open Distance and E-Learning Model at a South African University

Abstract

Advances in technology are classified as one of the external factors that trigger organisational change, even for Higher Education Institutions. The transition to e-learning presents new challenges as expectations and roles of employees and students evolve. The primary objective of this study was to investigate employee perceptions of the Open Distance and e-Learning model at a university in South Africa. The research questions for this study addressed factors that necessitate change and the barriers to change in Higher Education Institutions. The study further investigated the extent to which competences of employees match the strategic objectives for the ODeL business model and also recommended intervention strategies that can be employed to minimise risk and smoothen the change process when ODeL is introduced. A quantitative research methodology was used to arrive at the findings through a survey. The findings revealed that most of the employees acknowledge the need for change. But the ODeL model was not well embraced as the intervention that could solve the discrepancies. This was because results showed that some employees did not have appropriate capabilities to effect the change, the management was not perceived to give them the necessary support, and employees could not see how the ODeL intervention would benefit them. A recommended area for further research would be on how the institution could optimise its resources for a cost-effective ODeL.