Increasing Undergraduate Throughput and Success Rate through Mobile Technologies: A South African Distance Learning Case Study

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to unmask and explore the strategies for increasing undergraduate student throughput and success rate in open and distance learning (ODL) using mobile technologies. The research question: How can ODL institutions harness mobile technologies to increase undergraduate throughput and success rate? Provided the focus for the study. Data from the interviews were collected, digitally recorded and analysed using Collaizzi’s (1978) data analysis framework. The frame work was chosen because of its ability to provide clarity in the steps of analysis and was followed by analysing the impact that mobile technology could have on increasing undergraduate throughput and success rate in ODL. The major findings of the study were that ODL should design new communication information technology intensive space that promotes the utilisation of various mobile technologies that could improve undergraduate throughput and success rates. The study also revealed that asynchronous technology and interactive learning resource materials made students to feel connected with their peers, e-learning strategy and use of mobile technologies.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n14p428