Abstract:

This study deals with the development of a computerized simulation model to guide the South African higher education (HE) sector in short and long-term planning of TEL (technology enhanced learning) infrastructure. A critical realist orientation will be adopted, using a case study approach focusing on provision of TEL infrastructure at three KwaZulu-Natal universities, namely, the Durban University of Technology, the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Mangosuthu University of Technology. A mixed- methods approach will be used as follows. The Hybrid Delphi method, which combines qualitative techniques (Landeta, Barrutia and Lertxundi 2011), will be used to collect data to establish key model specifications. The quantitative aspect will comprise an online survey (Babbie 2012: 290) to obtain user feedback on the resulting computerized simulation. The proposed computerized simulation model will be developed using a system dynamics (SD) approach (Sterman 2001; Chen, Yu and Wakeland 2016), which will define future forecasting in operational terms, and thus offer various scenarios to guide institutional decision-makers in future planning. The systems model thus developed will then be configured online using simulation software (i.e. Insightmaker), and tested out with key stakeholders. While computerized simulation models currently exist in the area of infrastructural forecasting, the new contribution to the field is thought to be in forecasting the provision of TEL infrastructure.

Keywords:

Learning Management Systems (LMS), Technology-Enhanced Learning.