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Empowering facilitators for the digital future
The landscape of higher education has undergone unprecedented transformation in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, propelling institutions worldwide towards new digital frontiers. In response to this paradigm shift, Unisa has taken a proactive approach by introducing the Academic Development Open Virtual Hub (ADOVH) 100 Digital Literacy for Educators workshop, which aims to equip educators with essential skills which will allow them to thrive in the digital age.
Western Cape Academic Literacies Team and FOL staff
With traditional teaching methods rapidly giving way to digital alternatives, Unisa has come to recognise the vital role educators play in bridging the gap between educational integrity and technological innovation. The workshop not only acknowledges this pivotal role, but also prepares educators to lead the charge into the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The title of the workshop encapsulates the essence of this forward-looking programme, which seeks to advance digital literacy among educators, by empowering them with the digital fluency required to navigate the complexities of modern education. Through interactive sessions and practical training, the workshop covers a range of topics including digital tools, online collaboration, information literacy and ethical digital citizenship.
The Unisa Western Cape region, in collaboration with ADOVH, offered this workshop to academic literacies facilitators, to enhance their personal and professional development. In the words of Dr Denzil Chetty, who opened the workshop on behalf of ADOVH, "the Fourth Industrial Revolution demands a new set of skills and competencies, and facilitators are at the forefront of imparting these skills to the future workforce”.
He added that the aim is “not only to enhance educators' proficiency with digital tools, but also to foster a deeper understanding of the potential and challenges presented by technology in education”. Bronwyn Wright, Regional Academic Coordinator for the Western Cape Region, urged facilitators to adopt that region’s new-found vision of empowering pathways to lifelong learning in the digital age, where every facilitator champions digital literacies, and inspires each student to thrive in a collaborative ecosystem of knowledge, innovation, and responsible digital citizenship.
Workshop presenters, from left: Richard Wright, David Harpestad and Banele Mngqi
Facilitators participating in the workshop have lauded its impact: Zukisani Mpisi branded it "an eye-opening experience". Dr Abdul Aziz Mukhtar confirmed: "I've gained practical insights into leveraging technology for effective teaching, and I'm now better equipped to engage my students in meaningful ways."
Unisa's commitment to nurturing digital literacy among educators aligns with its vision of being at the forefront of educational innovation, and enabling digitisation and digitalisation. By arming educators with the skills to adapt and excel in the digital realm, the institution ensures that its students receive a holistic and relevant education that prepares them for the challenges of the future.
As higher education continues to evolve, so Unisa's ADOVH100 Digital Literacy for Educators workshop will stand as a beacon of innovation and empowerment, not only equipping educators with the tools they need to thrive, but also ensuring that students are provided with a transformative learning experience that prepares them for success in an increasingly digital world.
#Unisa150
* By Bronwyn Wright, Regional Academic Coordinator, Unisa Western Cape Region
Publish date: 2023/09/15
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