Ronell van der Merwe presented on using the SAKAI platform at the University of South Africa (UNISA) to enhance engagement between students and lecturers. SAKAI is used as the online learning environment called "myUNISA" and provides students access to course materials, discussion forums, online assignments, and tools to help plan their studies. The presentation provided statistics on UNISA such as the large student body of over 250,000 students and discussed how specific courses are utilizing new features in SAKAI like online video and wikis to improve the learning experience.

1. Towards Quality Engagement Using SAKAI to Reach4TheSky Ronell van der Merwe, UNISA 8 July 2009 1 10th Sakai Conference - Boston, MA, U.S.A.

2. 8 July 2009 2

3. 8 July 2009 3 University of South Africa Pro GenticusSapienta

4. Africa’s premier distance learning institution. Reputable, comprehensive, flexible and accessible Open Distance Learning institution Internationally accredited qualifications Vision” “Towards the African university in the service of humanity” Partnerships in Africa and throughout the world 8 July 2009 4 about UNISA

5. Traditionally, UNISA's main target market has been adults Growing number of young people aged 24 and younger. In terms of race and gender,UNISA's student profile increasingly reflects South African demographics. 55% Women 73% Black students (Africans, Coloureds and Indians) 8 July 2009 5 UNISA’s profile

6. South Africans – main source of registrations. Between 8 – 10% are from outside South Africa (Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mauritius, Botswana, Kenya, Swaziland) From outside Africa: UK 8 July 2009 6 Geographical distribution

7. Comprehensive institution Combination of vocational and formative courses Total student body count > 250 000 Diverse choice of study fields Certificate to degree Animal health, agriculture, law, business, education, information technology, humanities, etc. 8 July 2009 7 Comprehensive and ODL institution ODL = Open and Distance Learning Institution

8. All study material are published on the SAKAI website. All lecturers have access to the SAKAI website. All students are automatically members of the online environment. Students must “activate” their profile on SAKAI. 8 July 2009 8 SAKAI – “myUNISA” & the lecturers

9. 8 July 2009 9 SAKAI – “myUNISA” Stats as on 6 June 2009

10. Ronell van der Merwe College: Science, Engineering and Technology School of Computing 8 July 2009 10

11. Third year level module - DEV3M2I “Cap-stone” module First and Second year level modules: ICT113A, ICT2612 Power Course Suggestions Suggestions for future development in SAKAI 8 July 2009 11 This presantation…

12. Reaching for the sky ! the student, & the lecturer 8 July 2009 12 Towards quality engagement ICT113A DEV201I DEV3M1I DEV3M2I ICT2612 In an ODL environment

13. 8 July 2009 13 A student at UNISA can be categorized into three categories…

15. Administration tools

16. view student ‘s academic information

17. Down- and uploading of online assignments

18. Course Administration

19. Updating Examination information

20. Update Book lists

21. Capturing of assessment plans

22. Obtain MIS info regarding

24. 8 July 2009 16 Enrollment statistics for DEV3M2I

25. The student has access to the Internet – (SAKAI). The student registers on SAKAI The module DEV3M2I will be one of the modules he registers for … 8 July 2009 17 Enabling the student to fly high! The following are requirements at enrolment:

26. 8 July 2009 18 DEV3M2I Enabling the student to fly high!

27. 8 July 2009 19 Personalised Welcome Message * Enabling the student to fly high! What was in the myUNISA basket for the DEV3M2I student Course Contact details * during 2009? Various and up-to-date Announcements Official Study Material – download * Active Discussion Forum * Links to additional resources Online Assignments * Scheduler with calendar Sign-up Drop Box for final projects * = in-house development www.weflyhotair.com

28. 8 July 2009 20 Enabling the student to fly high! Personalised Welcomeand Course Details

30. 8 July 2009 23 Official study material Enabling the student to fly high!

31. 8 July 2009 24 Enabling the student to fly high! Additional Resources tohelp the student to navigate …

32. Use the scheduler to plan. View due dates for assignments Final project evaluation dates are displayed – (dates correlate with Sign-up) 8 July 2009 25 Enabling the student to fly high! To help the student to plan the route to success … middlezonemusings.com

33. 8 July 2009 26 Enabling the student to fly high! The student is encouraged to participate in Active and Online discussion forums

34. Submit the assignments in PDF format online 8 July 2009 27 Using myUNISA the student … Enabling the student to fly high! phoenix.about.com

35. Student has evidence that the assignment was received Student keeps track of where the assignment is in the process – i.e. received, processed, marked and returned. The turn-around time is faster than the normal “posted” assignments – student receives the assignment via myUNISA (e-mail) The marks are available immediately. 8 July 2009 28 Advantages of Online assignments Enabling the student to fly high!

36. 8 July 2009 29 Enrollment Some statistics

37. 8 July 2009 30 Just-in-time announcements Enabling the student to fly high!

38. Book ONLINE using SIGN-UP and on their way! 8 July 2009 31 Final project evaluation … Enabling the student to fly high! www.bravemain.com

39. Use the DROP-BOX to forward the final project to UNISA. 8 July 2009 32 Students has the option to … Enabling the student to fly high! www.freedigitalphotos.net

40. Additional SAKAItools used: 8 July 2009 33 ICT113A, DEV201I, DEV3M1I Selfassessment

41. 8 July 2009 34 ICT113A, DEV201I, DEV3M1I LearningUnits

42. PowerPoint slideshows – a PPT slideshow was created that students can download. Students will also be able to download small videofiles. 8 July 2009 35 Adding PPT and SWF files

43. WIKI – for the development of 2010 modules The WIKI will be used amongst the lecturers that will develop the ICT2612 Power Course and the Project modules for 2010. 8 July 2009 36 Special myUNISA options that are used in 2009!

44. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” UNISA can embrace the power of myUNISA (SAKAI) and use technology to reach our dream: Towards the African university in the service of humanity! 8 July 2009 37 Nelson Mandela:

45. With SAKAI:: Both the student and the lecturer can REACH for the SKY!!! 8 July 2009 38 Thus …

46. Ronell van derMerwe UNISA School of Computing – Florida Campus vdmerwer@unisa.ac.za +27 11 471 2929 8 July 2009 39 Questions ??? “Once a new technology starts rolling, if you're not part of the steamroller, you're part of the road. ” Stewart Brand

47. See you all in South Africa for the Soccer World Cup! 8 July 2009 40 2010