In collaboration with Botswana Open University (BOU), Unisa hosted the Regional Model Symposium, where prominent experts from various higher education institutions (HEIs), especially around the African continent, shared unique expertise and their institutions' experiences and good governance. The two-day event was hosted at BOU's Maun Campus, Botswana, on 19 and 20 September 2022, under the theme "Refining Regional Models in a Changing Teaching and Learning, Academic or University Environment".

Distinguished delegates from various African universities attending the Regional Model Symposium at Botswana Open University's Maun Campus

For Unisa, the symposium is one of many initiatives that will accelerate the shift towards becoming a leading open and distance e-learning, comprehensive African university in teaching and learning, research, innovation and community engagement based on scholarship.

The programme was eloquently directed by the delegated management of Unisa and BOU. Gracing the occasion and welcoming attendees at the symposium was Kgosi Kealetile Moremi of the BaTawana tribe of Maun. Moremi asserted that the knowledge exchange would improve the quality of university teaching and learning.

Providing the overview and objectives of the symposium, Dr Godson Gatsha, BOU's Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Services, explained: "The symposium was part of Unisa and BOU's internalisation strategy and partnership and demonstrated our solidary in open and distance learning (ODL)." Gatsha continued: "The symposium's objectives included learning from sister universities concerning their challenges, successes, and good practices, and acquiring information that can promote excellence in our universities' academic projects."

In her opening remarks, Prof Kgomotso Moahi, BOU's Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Services, remarked that through ODL, BOU's regional model contributes to social and economic development and seeks to address access disparities to quality higher education. In addition, Unisa's Registrar, Prof Steward Mothata, noted that the Covid-19 pandemic forced Unisa to reimagine and revamp its operations. Mothata remarked: "The institution's revised and effective regional model enhances student-centredness and contributes to the institution's transformation agenda."

Technology to enhance student success

Prof Khehla Ndlovu

Day one's keynote speaker, Prof Khehla Ndlovu, Unisa's Vice-Principal of Strategy, Risk and Advisory Services, focused on Revisiting: Regional Models in Open Universities in the 4IR. He highlighted that ODL institutions are crucial in ensuring access to higher education for marginalised students. Speaking to the profiles of Unisa students, Ndlovu emphasised: "To enhance student support, substantive interventions are required to ensure effective student experience and to diminish the dropout rate."

Ndlovu explained the smart campus concept: "Among others, the concept involves smart infrastructure, the use of proctoring devices for invigilation, and student analytics using both artificial intelligence and machine learning." He encouraged HEIs to interrogate how the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) enhances quality education. In support of Ndlovu's statement, Prof Gbolagade Adekanmbi, BOU's Dean of Education, maintained: "4IR provides rapid access to information and knowledge, and through learning analytics, we can have a greater understanding of our students."

Promoting global competitiveness at HEIs

Prof Bantu Morolong

On day two, Prof Bantu Morolong, BOU's Dean of School of Social Sciences, delivered a keynote address focusing on Post-COVID-19 ODL Regional Models and the future of learning and teaching. Morolong affirmed that globalisation and technology could not be divorced. She added: "Internalisation of what we do is important, and our qualifications must be globally competitive as that enhances collaborations."

Morolong further affirmed that technology is central to the future of teaching and learning and that online education produces responsible graduates. Morolong encouraged HEIs to develop regional models that respond to how their institutions envision the future, especially post the Covid-19 pandemic. "Despite being challenged by the pandemic, institutions are strengthening mutually beneficial collaborations," said Morolong.

Unisa's Gauteng Regional Director, Moipone Masalesa's presentation reported on issues around the decentralisation of learner support services at Unisa, especially the placement of academics in the regions. Furthermore, Prof Moloko Sepota, Acting Deputy Registrar of Student Administration and System Integration, indicated: "In providing services to our students, we need to balance localisation and globalisation."

Insightful knowledge exchange

Presentations on regional campus models were shared by esteemed experts from BOU, the University of West Indies, Anadolu University, Dr B R Ambedkar University and the Namibian College of Open Learning.

Further insightful knowledge on ODL was shared by acclaimed delegates from Zambian Open University, Zimbabwe Open University, the United Kingdom's Open University and the University of Namibia. Moreover, improving student services using technology was central to the intensive discussions.

Prominent panellists from Unisa and Namibian College of Open Learning reflected on the discussions. They reiterated the importance of quality ODL education and understanding the unique profiles of the students.

Enhancing quality learning experience for students

Speaking about Unisa's regional campus model, Prof Luvuyo Lumkile Lalendle, Unisa's Executive Director of Quality Assurance and Enhancement, stated: "Unisa, as a comprehensive institution, opens access to both general academic and career-focused programmes." Lalendle indicated that a regional model should entail a positive and quality learning experience, provide academic support, and broaden access with success. Endorsing the symposium in absentia, Unisa's Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, appreciated the thought-provoking knowledge and information exchange around ODL and regional campus models.

Closing the symposium, Moahi urged universities to reimagine their regional models to promote student-centredness and ensure their success through competitive skills.

* By Nancy Legodi, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement