UMUC/UNISA Personal Experience &

Lessons Learnt

Mpho-Entle ModiseDepartment of Curriculum and Instructional Studies

College of Education

06 August 2013

Investing 2-3 hours per week versus 10-15 hours!

- info gathered in the pre-course survey (Lisa and Cindy)

The course is self-paced, meaning that student could take the time they needed to complete the course. Goal-oriented, time-bound, and intensive schedule –

weekly submissions (Sundays). Theory, reading and submitting assignments, the

course takes a practical approach to learning – doing activities (some activities involve group collaborations).

Misconceptions

Technology: South Africa does not have the same

technology infrastructure as many of the students who are in the U.S. and students are not as familiar with much of the newer technology (Lisa and Cindy)

Learning Management System (LSM): (log on to the site) Desire2Learn (LEO) – information load WebTycho – platform similar to myUnisa (signature

modules) Plagiarism – TurnIt-In (10 % acceptable)

Apply APA Style of citation and referencing properly.

Challenges

Course is fun, relevant and timely – ODeL model of Unisa. Time-intensive – at least spentd 2 hours a day.

OMDE601 busy first 6 weeks UCSP611 too short (~5 weeks) A month break in between courses.

Extensive use of Technology. E.g. twitter, google+, research tools (databases, diigo,

etc), e-portfolios, blogs, etc. Hands-on approach, learn by doing.

UMUC staff is very helpful and supportive 24 /7! Always gives us a chance to correct our mistakes, resubmit

our work and receive a new grade!!

The reality…

Team effort (at least 1 or 2 study partners) e-Portfolio (start now and do everything on your

e-portfolio from the beginning). Jot down your reflections in the learning journals as

you go through the course, the participation and skill-builder reports.

Download study materials and work offline, then join in online class discussions (they require at least 15 posts in 12 weeks!)

Use the writing coach. Have fun!

Approach

Thank you!