Message from the Deputy-Dean: Teaching and Learning Prof Alta van der Merwe
Higher education institutions across the globe are facing unprecedented challenges resulting from social distancing practices in the time of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. The University of Pretoria (UP), and in particular the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, is not immune to these challenges, but sees this as an opportunity to embrace best practices associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
IN OUR FACULTY, WE ARE PRIVILEGED TO HAVE STAFF MEMBERS WHO THINK INNOVATIVELY AND EXPERIMENT WITH NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND WAYS TO INCORPORATE BETTER METHODS OF TEACHING AND LEARNING.
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Hybrid learning in teaching and learning is used alongside traditional lecturing at UP. We have been working for several years to implement a system-wide hybrid approach to teaching and learning. The aim is for each undergraduate module to include up to 30% online teaching and learning engagements. Almost 95% of all undergraduate modules have an active online presence. Data from the University’s learning management system has also demonstrated that the most engaged students online outperformed the least engaged by 15%. This is a good argument in favour of the hybrid learning approach. Online learning also helps prepare our students for the world beyond university. UP has always supported faculties to engage in online activities to ensure a blended approach to teaching and learning. We believe that, after the nationwide lockdown, we will return to contact classes, but believe that our staff will also engage in best practices learnt from the lockdown period.
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