Abstract
This dissertation concerns the evaluation of the utilisation of e-Learning in public
Further Education and Training Colleges for the provision of education and training.
The literature study investigates the concept e-Learning, related terminology, benefits
and drawbacks and their relevance to the FET sector in South Africa. The study
identifies basic e-Learning requirements, that is, infrastructure, technical and human
resources for the implementation of e-Learning in FET Colleges. Government policy
initiatives that seek to assist FET Colleges in the use of Information Communication
Technology (ICT), challenges and opportunities for the provision of education and
training that FET Colleges have in e-Learning are also investigated.
In order to realise the objectives of the study, separate structured pre-coded
interviews with three senior managers representing the following Further Education
and Training Colleges were held, Central Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni West and
Sedibeng. The interviews covered issues relating to policy and availability of
infrastructure and other resources for e-Learning. Self-administered questionnaires
were also used to capture the views of middle managers on various e-Learning
issues.
Findings indicate that e-Learning is a superficial matter for FET institutions – a little
known phenomenon. The available ICT infrastructure in FET Colleges is mainly used
for management and administration. Access to the Internet is mainly for managers
and educators and very limited for learners. There are also conflicting views on e-
Learning between senior management and middle managers due to
miscommunication. There is a skills shortage as far as e-Learning is concerned.
Mr. H.B. Klopper