COM 3704
ASSIGNMENT 1
2025
1.1 New media and the Internet play an exciting role in teaching and learning.
Discuss the uses of the Internet and new media in higher education,
specifically in the context of distance education institutions such as Unisa.
Page 1 of
, The impact of new media and the Internet on higher education is revolutionary,
especially for institutions offering distant learning. The University of South Africa
(Unisa), a premier open distance e-learning (ODeL) institution in Africa, extensively
incorporates digital technologies to improve the educational experience for students
who are geographically dispersed or unable to attend conventional, in-person
institutions.
A primary application of the Internet in this context is the dissemination of course
material via online learning management systems (LMS). The myUnisa portal at
Unisa functions as a single digital center for students to access course materials,
submit assignments, participate in discussions, and contact with instructors. This
platform demonstrates how the Internet connects students with their institution,
promoting an interactive and dynamic learning environment. Additionally, it offers
students round-the-clock access to academic resources, facilitating self-directed
study and addressing varied educational requirements.
A notable application of the Internet in distant education is the enhancement of
communication and collaboration. Online forums, chat capabilities, and email
facilitate continuous engagement between students and educators, essential for
sustaining motivation and academic assistance. Furthermore, digital platforms like
Microsoft Teams and Zoom have become indispensable instruments for conducting
virtual lectures, workshops, and group discussions. These tools not only emulate
elements of the conventional classroom but also facilitate real-time interaction and
knowledge exchange among students from diverse regions nationally and
internationally.
New media, including digital video, podcasts, social media, and various multimedia
content, is progressively included into educational methodologies. Instructors at
Unisa utilize YouTube videos, audio lectures, and interactive materials to
accommodate diverse learning styles and to elucidate abstract or intricate subjects.
An economics lecturer may submit a concise video elucidating inflation trends,
supplemented with visual graphs and case studies, therefore enhancing student
understanding and retention.
Page 2 of
ASSIGNMENT 1
2025
1.1 New media and the Internet play an exciting role in teaching and learning.
Discuss the uses of the Internet and new media in higher education,
specifically in the context of distance education institutions such as Unisa.
Page 1 of
, The impact of new media and the Internet on higher education is revolutionary,
especially for institutions offering distant learning. The University of South Africa
(Unisa), a premier open distance e-learning (ODeL) institution in Africa, extensively
incorporates digital technologies to improve the educational experience for students
who are geographically dispersed or unable to attend conventional, in-person
institutions.
A primary application of the Internet in this context is the dissemination of course
material via online learning management systems (LMS). The myUnisa portal at
Unisa functions as a single digital center for students to access course materials,
submit assignments, participate in discussions, and contact with instructors. This
platform demonstrates how the Internet connects students with their institution,
promoting an interactive and dynamic learning environment. Additionally, it offers
students round-the-clock access to academic resources, facilitating self-directed
study and addressing varied educational requirements.
A notable application of the Internet in distant education is the enhancement of
communication and collaboration. Online forums, chat capabilities, and email
facilitate continuous engagement between students and educators, essential for
sustaining motivation and academic assistance. Furthermore, digital platforms like
Microsoft Teams and Zoom have become indispensable instruments for conducting
virtual lectures, workshops, and group discussions. These tools not only emulate
elements of the conventional classroom but also facilitate real-time interaction and
knowledge exchange among students from diverse regions nationally and
internationally.
New media, including digital video, podcasts, social media, and various multimedia
content, is progressively included into educational methodologies. Instructors at
Unisa utilize YouTube videos, audio lectures, and interactive materials to
accommodate diverse learning styles and to elucidate abstract or intricate subjects.
An economics lecturer may submit a concise video elucidating inflation trends,
supplemented with visual graphs and case studies, therefore enhancing student
understanding and retention.
Page 2 of
