PROPERTY OF
STUDY ORBIT
RCE2601
ASSIGNMENT 4 (ANSWERS) YEAR MODULE
DUE DATE: 4 September 2025
Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than September 2025. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
QUESTION 1
a) Conceptual vs. Theoretical Framework (10 marks)
A theoretical framework is a structure that draws upon established theories to guide research. It is
based on tested ideas that have been applied in other studies, which researchers use as a foundation
for analyzing a problem. For instance, when examining teaching and learning, theories such as
constructivism, social learning theory, or connectivism can be used to frame how learners interact
with digital tools and how teachers mediate those interactions. The theoretical framework
essentially provides a lens that shapes the way the research questions are asked, the methodology
chosen, and the interpretation of results. It is more rigid and specific because it is tied to existing
bodies of knowledge that have been validated over time.
A conceptual framework, on the other hand, is more flexible and researcher-driven. It involves
identifying, defining, and mapping out the main concepts and variables that are central to the study,
even if these come from different theories or empirical findings. For example, in this study on
technology-enhanced teaching, a conceptual framework might combine the Technology
Disclaimer:
All materials are for study assistance only. We do not condone academic dishonesty. Use at your own risk.
We are not liable for any consequences arising from misuse.
Redistribution, resale, or sharing without permission is prohibited.
, Don’t miss out! Get exclusive assignment releases, updates, and request any assignment you need on
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Acceptance Model (TAM) for understanding adoption, the TPACK framework for integrating
technology into pedagogy, and theories of learner engagement that highlight motivation and
interaction. The conceptual framework thus operates as a roadmap for the study, showing the
relationships between digital tools, teaching strategies, and learner engagement outcomes.
In the context of this research, a conceptual framework is more appropriate than a single
theoretical framework. This is because technology-enhanced teaching is a complex area that
involves multiple overlapping issues such as teacher training, learner attitudes, infrastructure, and
classroom culture. Restricting the study to one theory would limit its explanatory power, while a
conceptual framework allows integration of multiple perspectives into a holistic structure. For
example, it can capture how infrastructure gaps influence technology use, how teachers’
pedagogical knowledge mediates learner engagement, and how students’ prior experiences with
digital tools shape their participation. In South Africa, where schools face diverse challenges ranging
from under-resourced rural contexts to urban schools with advanced ICT, such flexibility is crucial.
b) Steps in Conducting a Literature Review (10 marks)
The first step in conducting a literature review is to define the scope and objectives. This means
clarifying what the review aims to achieve, in this case identifying debates, models, and gaps in
research around technology-enhanced teaching and learner engagement. The scope should also
specify boundaries such as focusing on secondary schools, prioritizing studies within the last decade,
and considering both South African and international research for comparison. Defining the scope
prevents the review from becoming unfocused and ensures it is directly aligned with the research
problem.
The second step is to identify and access appropriate academic databases and sources. For this
study, UNISA’s electronic library databases such as EBSCOhost, Scopus, and ERIC would be
particularly useful, as they provide access to peer-reviewed journals in education, pedagogy, and
ICT. Google Scholar can also be used for broader searches, although more careful screening is
needed to ensure academic quality. Additionally, government policy documents, reports from the
Disclaimer:
All materials are for study assistance only. We do not condone academic dishonesty. Use at your own risk.
We are not liable for any consequences arising from misuse.
Redistribution, resale, or sharing without permission is prohibited.
STUDY ORBIT
RCE2601
ASSIGNMENT 4 (ANSWERS) YEAR MODULE
DUE DATE: 4 September 2025
Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than September 2025. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
QUESTION 1
a) Conceptual vs. Theoretical Framework (10 marks)
A theoretical framework is a structure that draws upon established theories to guide research. It is
based on tested ideas that have been applied in other studies, which researchers use as a foundation
for analyzing a problem. For instance, when examining teaching and learning, theories such as
constructivism, social learning theory, or connectivism can be used to frame how learners interact
with digital tools and how teachers mediate those interactions. The theoretical framework
essentially provides a lens that shapes the way the research questions are asked, the methodology
chosen, and the interpretation of results. It is more rigid and specific because it is tied to existing
bodies of knowledge that have been validated over time.
A conceptual framework, on the other hand, is more flexible and researcher-driven. It involves
identifying, defining, and mapping out the main concepts and variables that are central to the study,
even if these come from different theories or empirical findings. For example, in this study on
technology-enhanced teaching, a conceptual framework might combine the Technology
Disclaimer:
All materials are for study assistance only. We do not condone academic dishonesty. Use at your own risk.
We are not liable for any consequences arising from misuse.
Redistribution, resale, or sharing without permission is prohibited.
, Don’t miss out! Get exclusive assignment releases, updates, and request any assignment you need on
our Telegram Channel: https://t.me/+7hpSj8brUgkwNDRk
Acceptance Model (TAM) for understanding adoption, the TPACK framework for integrating
technology into pedagogy, and theories of learner engagement that highlight motivation and
interaction. The conceptual framework thus operates as a roadmap for the study, showing the
relationships between digital tools, teaching strategies, and learner engagement outcomes.
In the context of this research, a conceptual framework is more appropriate than a single
theoretical framework. This is because technology-enhanced teaching is a complex area that
involves multiple overlapping issues such as teacher training, learner attitudes, infrastructure, and
classroom culture. Restricting the study to one theory would limit its explanatory power, while a
conceptual framework allows integration of multiple perspectives into a holistic structure. For
example, it can capture how infrastructure gaps influence technology use, how teachers’
pedagogical knowledge mediates learner engagement, and how students’ prior experiences with
digital tools shape their participation. In South Africa, where schools face diverse challenges ranging
from under-resourced rural contexts to urban schools with advanced ICT, such flexibility is crucial.
b) Steps in Conducting a Literature Review (10 marks)
The first step in conducting a literature review is to define the scope and objectives. This means
clarifying what the review aims to achieve, in this case identifying debates, models, and gaps in
research around technology-enhanced teaching and learner engagement. The scope should also
specify boundaries such as focusing on secondary schools, prioritizing studies within the last decade,
and considering both South African and international research for comparison. Defining the scope
prevents the review from becoming unfocused and ensures it is directly aligned with the research
problem.
The second step is to identify and access appropriate academic databases and sources. For this
study, UNISA’s electronic library databases such as EBSCOhost, Scopus, and ERIC would be
particularly useful, as they provide access to peer-reviewed journals in education, pedagogy, and
ICT. Google Scholar can also be used for broader searches, although more careful screening is
needed to ensure academic quality. Additionally, government policy documents, reports from the
Disclaimer:
All materials are for study assistance only. We do not condone academic dishonesty. Use at your own risk.
We are not liable for any consequences arising from misuse.
Redistribution, resale, or sharing without permission is prohibited.
