Implementing Technology-Enhanced Support for First-Year Students on Blackboard: Lessons Learned.

Abstract

Technology Enhanced Learning has become one of the key components of teaching and learning in the current environment and mainly because of Covid-19, hence the introduction of the Technology Enhanced Learning Programme.  The Technology Enhanced Learning Student Assistants (TeL Assistants) programme supports students in the university with Blackboard (University choice of LMS). The programme was established in 2021 since there was a need to assist students in the use of Blackboard. With Covid, the university moved to strictly online and that became a challenge to the students. With most undergraduate students coming from disadvantaged high schools and backgrounds, there was a need for the programme. The TeL student assistants undergo training by the Teaching and Learning Consultants.  The aim of this study was to evaluate how the TeL student Assistants supported the students of the University of Fort Hare on how to navigate Blackboard.  This study examined the benefits of TeL student Assistant’s support in first-year students navigating their modules using Blackboard as an LMS. A purposive sample of undergraduate students that were trained by TeL student assistants submitted data through a qualitative survey in which they narratively conveyed their perspectives on support provided for Blackboard by the TeL Student Assistants. Data was analysed through coding, which were then assigned to themes and categories. The significant aspect of the TeL student assistants which enabled students to use Blackboard was the submission of assignments and tests, the facilitator’s knowledgeability and the patience students received from the TeL student assistants. The findings of the study directly benefit the university and higher education because they will provide information upon which we can take action to improve the support, retention, and throughput of students at the University of Fort Hare (UFH).