Postgraduate studies: Human-based technology

Abstract

Currently the graduation rate of postgraduate students within the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) environment in South Africa is of great concern to academia, government and industry. Both Masters and Doctoral graduation rates are below expected national and international levels. This low rate has a direct effect on subsidies calculated on the basis of the education funding formula, research deliverables, as well as the students’ personal and professional situation. The research discussed in this article focuses primarily on the human aspect of postgraduate study and how technology and communication can be applied to increase the postgraduate success rate within an ODL environment. This human aspect is investigated by means of a qualitative and quantitative study to determine the impact of technology and communication methods on more effective postgraduate supervision. The present research attempts to increase the success rate at ODL institutions by examining the relationship between the effective use of technologies and communication methods and by demonstrating the impact on, and importance of human-related aspects of successful postgraduate supervision.