Abstract:

The teaching and learning environment is going through a paradigm shift from the traditional face-to-face classrooms to learning from anywhere through the usage of Learning Management Systems (LMS). The increased usage of smartphones and the production of phone applications for learning play a role on communication at learning institutions. The success of any engagement is based mostly on effective communication.

The research objectives were to; identify how the University of Namibia (UNAM) uses technology to officially communicate with the learners and unearth how the UNAM learners prefer to receive such communication from the University.

UNAM uses two methods to communicate to the learners being, My UNAM Portal, a University Management System (UMS) and Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment (Moodle) as an LMS. Access to the UMS and LMS is provided as long as one is connected to the UNAM network. This results in learners having to use their own data to access these platforms from off campus. My UNAM Portal is an LMS mainly aimed at dealing with administration as it hosts learners’ personal details. It is hosted and managed by the Computer Centre. Moodle is used for course management and administration. Moodle is hosted and managed under the Centre for Open, Distance and eLearning (CODeL).

WhatsApp is a freeware instant messaging service, which is rapidly becoming popular amongst UNAM students as a mode of communication due to its affordability and ease of access. In Namibia, WhatsApp is one of the widely used instant messaging application, so much so that telecommunication companies allocate a specific amount of data specially just for the access to WhatsApp. The evolution of social media has influenced the way individuals communicate. The increase in popularity of instant messaging applications and social networks has ignited their usage in learning environments. Institutions of higher learning have therefore had to integrate social media in their communication platforms to reach more students within a desirable time frame.

This research study was conducted by use of a quantitative design. A survey that consisted of questionnaires was distributed to 100 learners. Data was collected and analysed by use of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software.

The results indicated that the UNAM communicates with its learners through different features on the UMS and LMS, with ‘downloading of class presentations from lecturers’ as the most popular on My UNAM Portal and ‘submission of assignments’ on Moodle. In comparison most learners preferred receiving information via WhatsApp, a non-official form of communication, mostly for its instantaneous nature and extra data for access. My UNAM Portal was second choice for its credibility and clear presentation of information whereas Moodle was last but preferred for its interactive nature and convenience.

For effective communication between the University and its learners, it is recommended that UNAM makes Moodle a mandatory platform as it caters for both an instantaneous and credible platform especially if the mobile app is utilised.

Keywords:

Learning Management Systems, University Management Systems, Moodle, instant messaging service, WhatsApp Messenger.