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All Journal Edutech: Jurnal Teknologi Pendidikan Vision: Journal for Language and Foreign Language Learning International Journal of Pedagogy and Teacher Education Studies in Learning and Teaching
Kershnee Sevnarayan
University of South Africa
Arts Humanities Education Social Sciences Other

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PODCASTING THROUGH THE PANDEMIC: STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS AND PERFORMANCE AT AN ODL INSTITUTION Kershnee Sevnarayan
EDUTECH Vol 21, No 2 (2022)
Publisher : Prodi Teknologi Pendidikan

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.17509/e.v21i2.49237

Abstract

Abstract: The pandemic has prompted the use of supplemental learning tools such as podcasts to become increasingly used to bridge the gap between lecturers and students. This paper argues that podcasting not only sharpens students’ listening skills but also enables them to engage with content more efficiently. This paper is underpinned by the transactional distance theory and the community of inquiry theory to understand the role of podcasting in teaching and learning in distance education. In an attempt to decrease transactional distance, this case study evaluates students’ perceptions of the implementation of podcasts in one South African ODL university, as an example, and investigates the effectiveness of using podcasts as a supplemental teaching tool in an English language module. The findings suggest that supplemental learning does decrease the transactional distance between lecturers-students and students-content. Moreover, the study found that podcasts tend to foster a teaching, social and cognitive presence that forms a community of inquiry. This paper concludes by providing pedagogical recommendations for teacher and student development in distance education contexts.
Moodle as a Tool to Reduce Transactional Distance at an Open Distance and e-Learning University Kershnee Sevnarayan
Studies in Learning and Teaching Vol. 4 No. 1 (2023): April
Publisher : Indonesia Approach Education

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.46627/silet.v4i1.165

Abstract

Despite the expansion of e-learning and the adoption of innovative learning management systems to support students, higher education institutions are still struggling under the burden of digital exclusion, hence increasing the transactional distance between lecturers and students. The research was conducted at a South African Open Distance and eLearning university and attempted to (1) understand how the Moodle site is organized to influence transaction distance, (2) identify students’ perceptions of the Moodle site to enhance their academic writing skills, and (3) identify if Moodle is an enabler or disabler to their learning. This article uses a qualitative participatory action research design and draws on the theory of transactional distance. Using observations, open-ended evaluation questions, and a focus group discussion, the study found that students appreciated the communication and interaction facilitated by the lecturers. Despite the challenges that students experienced, the transactional distance was reduced between lecturers and students. Although the findings of this study cannot be generalized on a broader scale, findings are in line with similar studies, amplifying the critical role of the perceptions and challenges of first-year students in HEIs to bring about the required change.
English Teachers' Techniques and Approaches for Teaching Reading Comprehension in Ghanaian Senior High Schools Kathy Oppong-Poku; Kershnee Sevnarayan
Vision: Journal for Language and Foreign Language Learning Vol. 13 No. 2 (2024)
Publisher : Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21580/vjv13i223691

Abstract

The declining performance of Senior High School English second-language learners in English-language examinations in Ghana has raised concerns about the effectiveness of teaching methods. Despite existing research on instructional strategies, there is a paucity of studies examining the specific techniques and approaches SHS teachers use to improve English reading comprehension among second-language learners. This study aimed to investigate the teaching techniques and approaches used by senior high school teachers in Ghana to enhance English reading comprehension, identify factors that influence the choice of technique, and explore teachers’ perceptions of their influence on learner learning outcomes. A qualitative case study design was employed, with purposeful sampling. The study adopted a constructivist approach to discuss the findings. Data were collected through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with nine teachers from two schools. The findings revealed that teachers employed various techniques, included silent reading, scanning, skimming, and combination approaches. Skimming and scanning techniques were most preferred. Factors influencing technique choice included medium of instruction, teacher proficiency, and textbook availability. Learner's disinterest in reading emerged as a significant challenge. The study emphasizes the importance of teacher training, the accessibility of educational resources, and strategies to foster learner engagement. Findings inform educational policy and practice, emphasizing the importance of addressing English second language teacher capacity, resource availability, and learner motivation to improve English language learning outcomes.
Overcoming Transactional Distance through Implementing Podcasts and Vodcasts: Perceptions from an Open Distance and e-Learning University Kershnee Sevnarayan; Ntshimane Elphas Mohale
International Journal of Pedagogy and Teacher Education Vol 6, No 2 (2022): International Journal of Pedagogy and Teacher Education - October
Publisher : The Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.20961/ijpte.v6i2.66813

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged instructional methods of teaching and learning in universities around the world. To bridge this instructional gap, many universities opted for the use of digital technological innovations to reach students. Despite the implementation of these innovations, many higher education institutions were not fully prepared and ready for online teaching and learning during the pandemic. Researchers have argued that podcast and vodcast implementation in higher education institutions bring about no change to students’ motivation and performance. Consequently, there is still limited research on podcast and vodcast implementation and students’ perceptions on the utilisation of these tools in distance learning contexts. Using email interviews and online open-ended evaluation questions, this article aims to explore first-year undergraduate students’ perceptions of using podcasts and vodcasts to enhance academic writing skills in an open distance and e-Learning university in South Africa. Using transactional distance theory, the findings indicate lecturers and students’ positive perceptions towards the implementation of podcasts and vodcasts because today’s students consume digital content [digital natives], enjoy the use of technology and are adept to navigating online learning. However, even though, at first, novice lecturers were hesitant and unfamiliar with recording podcasts and vodcasts, through mediation, lecturers ended up recording quality podcasts and vodcasts that were clear and made use of illustrations that made it easier for students to understand the module’s content. The researchers recommend that lecturers consider their students’ interests, motivation, language and demographic backgrounds in creating podcasts and vodcasts.
Co-Authors Kathy Oppong-Poku Ntshimane Elphas Mohale