​​​​Centre for Health Professions Education

Learning Technologies 

Vision

We are committed to facilitate, establish and improve the use of Learning Technologies to create an environment within which meaningful Teaching and Learning can flourish within the Faculty and beyond.

Mission

We offer leadership in the FMHS with regards to Learning Technologies. We are focused on helping colleagues use technology in ways that are both educationally effective and resource efficient. We will be focused on promoting awareness and expertise in the use of available educational technology resources. We are also committed to establish ourselves as experts in the field of Learning Technologies in Health Professions Education by doing research, building relationships and provide training.

What we Offer

We provide an advisory role, regarding the integration of learning technologies through consultations and training to staff.

​Consultations

​​The Learning Technologies team is available for individual consultations with academic staff on issues related to blended learning and/or e-learning initiatives or research projects. This consultation service is provided on request if and when a lecturer or head of department has an interest in using technology to enhance learning. As we strive to incorporate technology in a meaningful way into the curriculum, the learning needs are placed at the forefront of the conversation as opposed to finding a way of inserting a specific technology into the course just because it is interesting or exciting. It is a process that requires critical thinking and analysis of the learning needs of the students as well as the available resources that can be used to meet the outcomes of a course, therefore, it may be a lengthy process.

We are committed to supporting staff in their efforts to include technology meaningfully into their courses for students. We are often asked to provide advice regarding a specific software package or tool that a lecturer would like to incorporate into their teaching practice. These could include podcasting or lecture-capture software, internet-based tools such as the Google suite, and tools used for creating an active learning environment or sunlearn. Training is directed to academic and administrative staff, and where necessary, staff are advised and supported in how to provide students with basic instructions on the use of these tools.

​Training and support queries can be sent to:

Blended learning is the combining of traditional learning with e-learning. This forms part of the University’s ICT strategy and is managed by Learning Technologies in the Faculty

SUNLearn, the University Learning Management System, has become the platform for much of the blended learning initiatives at the faculty and has had a positive impact in the Curriculum Renewal process. Some examples of this include;

• peer review video projects,

• introducing interactive self-study activities  using cost-effective SCORM software,

• flipped classrooms  

e-Assessment

This refers to the use of information technology for assessment purposes. Different types of e-assessment practices can be used that makes testing more authentic. There is a range of e-assessment practices such as adaptive testing and classification testing and Stellenbosch University makes use of Moodle for assessment practices.

The benefits of an e-assessment are that you can include multimedia in your questions, assessments can be marked electronically so test results and feedback is available immediately to students and you can also use the learning analytics to monitor individual or group processes as well as outcomes.This is just to name a few.

If you are interested in using e-assessments contact Alta Greeff

Podcasting

Podcasting is the process of capturing lectures in the form of audiovisual material depicting presentations in the form of powerpoints, pdf’s, word documents or generally anything that is presented on the computer screen. In addition, a podcast also has an audio component to it, i.e voice of the person presenting or clip media such as youtube videos etc.

Instructional design

Instructional design is the systematic process by which instructional materials are designed, developed, and delivered using instructional technology. It involves an  analysis of learning needs and the learning goals and then the development of a delivery system to meet those needs.We can assist with the development of learning material or activities that are interactive and adaptive. We make use of Articulate Storyline 2 for this: https://www.articulate.com/company/about.php  Examples of some interactive lessons for health sciences: https://community.articulate.com/articles/elearning-medical-examples

If you are interested in using Scorm packages in your module please contact: Kanita Brits​

The Unit is currently also working with the following technology

• E-Assessments

• E-Portfolios

• Mobile Technologies

• Clickers

• MOOCs

• Open Educational Resources (OERs)

• Emerging Technologies

• Virtual reality

• Online laboratories (microscopy)

• e-OSCE’s

If you want to explore a technology for your module and need help with this please contact: Mariette Volschenk​

Appointments with advisors can be arranged via e-mail: ​

Mariette Volschenk​​: Any learning technologies related query

Alta Greeff: E-assessment

Darryl Pinetown: Podcasting and Instructional design and Videoconferencing

Kanita Brits​: Instructional design