Trends in Mobile Technology

Higher Education opinion

Ten trends in tertiary education in South Africa in 2013

By: Japie Heydenrych

20 Feb 2013 10:00Submit a commentBizLike

The need for higher and further education and training in South Africa is intensifying in the face of an extremely competitive job market and a national unemployment rate of 25%. However, a number of challenges affect the provision of education, from limited resources to continuing technological developments, the growth of niche education and distance learning, the relationships between employers and education providers, and the need for qualifications to be relevant to the workplace.

A range of key factors will shape the provision of higher education and training in South Africa in the future:

Mobile technology: The immense growth of the smart devices and the mobile market enables the delivery of educational material through cellphones and tablets. Students can access educational information more easily.

Improved access to the internet: Bandwidth quality is improving. Networks and service providers have reduced the cost of bandwidth and computer prices are lower. These developments have made it possible for students to afford to access distance learning resources online.

The growth of social media: Engagement on social media has prepared students to communicate and learn in social forums using online technology.

Free educational software and resources: Free delivery platforms and educational resources are available online to enhance the learning experience. The challenge for educational providers is to integrate these seamlessly into the learning experience.

Distance learning: The distance learning delivery mode has received renewed attention from the DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training) as an option to address the lack of access to residential universities and institutions faced by many South African students.

The need for bridging courses: Many potential students are turned away from...