Colloquium explores the future of teaching and learning.
02 AUGUST 2024 | STORY TAYRON MHLONGO. PHOTO NALEDI NKOSI.
The future of teaching and learning took centre stage at a recent colloquium held by the Vaal University of Technology (VUT).
Spearheaded by the Department of Human Resources Management under the Faculty of Management Sciences, the colloquium discussed in length pioneering educational strategies for the future through blended learning.
Attended by academics within the faculty, the theme of the gathering was “Put the human back in education: Cultivating creativity and innovation in a curriculum for the new century and the future generations.
The event was also graced the presence of some of the VUT’s senior management, including Prof Khehla Ndlovu, Vice Chancellor and Principal; Prof Chengedzai Mafini, the acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching, Learning, and Quality and Dr. Johannes Maseko, acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences.
Also in the midst to add to the rich dialogue were external guests such as Dr Chris Chitumwa, Head of the Department of Education; Dr. Motsaathebe Sereoane, Lecturer in the Department of Anthropology at the University of the Free State (UFS); Prof Corlia Janse van Vuuren, Associate Professor and Vice Dean of Teaching and Learning and of Health Sciences at UFS, as well as Prof Moses Acquaah from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in the United States.
Primarily, the day’s conversation concentrated on the innovative potential of blended learning, a scholarly approach that integrates traditional face-to-face instruction with digital components such as the likes of the blackboard. This, with aim to equip lecturers with the necessary skills to cultivate an environment where students not only absorb knowledge but engage actively with it. A shared sentiment was that by embracing blended learning, lecturers can enhance their relevance and efficacy in an increasingly digital age.
The colloquium also provided a platform for lecturers to explore how they can adapt their teaching styles to better serve their students, ensuring that educational practices remain relevant and impactful. Through this event, participants were encouraged to integrate creative and innovative strategies into their curricula, ultimately stimulating a more dynamic and inclusive learning environment.
Keynote speakers delivered compelling presentations on how blended learning can drive transformation in education. They highlighted the significant impact this approach can have on student outcomes, particularly by accommodating diverse learning needs and preferences. Further emphasis was placed on how blended learning offers a versatile framework that supports students who face challenges attending traditional in-person classes by providing access to online resources and instruction.
“Learning at its best shapes teaching. Our goal should be to leverage technological strategies to enhance knowledge dissemination, ensuring that learning and teaching evolve into scholarly practices. We should integrate artificial intelligence (AI) as an additional tool to deepen students’ understanding of the content,” said Dr. Serekoane.
The colloquium highlighted technology as an integral part of modern life and its embrace is crucial. Therefore, it is essential for all educators to recognize that technology achieves its full potential only when guided by human presence. Lecturers were urged to continuously update their skills and knowledge to avoid falling short in their responsibilities.
Overall, the colloquium presented how blended learning could radically change the course of education in the future. The event created an environment for a more flexible and student-centered educational experience by providing lecturers with the resources they need to integrate traditional and digital teaching approaches.