Fourteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

The University of South Africa (UNISA) as an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institution is expanding the use of technology to reach all its students in order to enhance teaching and learning. The institution has engaged in collaboration with Telecentres (multi-purpose community centres) to reach its students in remote and rural areas. This is an attempt to bridge the gap between student and student, student and lecturer, and student and the institution. In this collaboration, the service provider offers students access to computers and internet connectivity and UNISA financially supports its students for connectivity. Currently there are six Telecentres that have collaborated with Unisa in Ekurhuleni Magisterial district. The challenge identified is that most students do not use the Telecentres. The students travel long distances to queue at the Regional Computer Laboratories to access services. This study investigates students’ perceptions and knowledge about the Telecentres. A qualitative research methodology using semi-structured interviews with students was used to collect data. The sample was drawn from a population of students visiting computer laboratories at Ekurhuleni Regional Service Centre. The findings from data collected revealed that students do not have knowledge about Telecentres, even though there is information on myunisa and mychoice brochures about available Telecentres. Additionally, few students who have accessed Telecentres indicated that they do not trust the telecentre facilitators, as they are not Unisa staff members.