The use of open distance e-learning (ODeL) to support life sciences teachers in the use of visual models to teach genetics

Abstract

Covid-19 has brought in a lot of innovative changes in people’s lives, especially in the teaching and learning of Life Sciences. Visual models have helped to improve effective teaching and learning of Life Sciences, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic era. The world is trying its best to adjust and use modern means of teaching and learning, and South Africa is no exception. South Africa, as a developing country is currently adopting teaching methods that integrate information technology such as the use of visual models in teaching genetics in Life Sciences. The primary purpose of the present research was to investigate the use of Open Distance e- Learning (ODeL) to support Life Sciences teachers in the use of visual models to teach genetics. This research adopted qualitative approach in five high schools in the Oliver Reginald Tambo Coastal District of the Eastern Cape in South Africa involving Grade 12 Life Sciences teachers. Employing purposively sampling technique, the study revealed that, content understanding and methods improve under the ODeL but with some limitations. Hence, the study recommend that e-learning infrastructure and visual models are needed for a successful utilisation of the ODeL especially teaching new topics like genetics.