Breaking the sound barrier : using technology to bridge the divide between lecturer and student in an ODL setting

Abstract

Language broke through the barriers dividing the modules in the mind, according to the cognitive scientist Stephen Mithen. It is, after all, easier to talk someone to a distant hunting ground than to walk him there. Is the same possible in an open and distance learning environment? Traditional teaching and lecturing is predominantly about talking, but because lecturer and student are located at a distance, in ODL the focus is currently more on writing. This may not have to be the case, though. In an experimental phase, the teaching of a Unisa course “The Bible and Life Skills” (OTS2603) makes use of the LiveScribeTM SmartPen to audibly bridge the divide between lecturer and student. This inexpensive piece of equipment enables a lecturer to create and link written notes and the spoken word, and effortlessly share it with all students who have the ability to access PDF files. In generational theory terms, the new student is ready for this – isn’t it time for the new lecturer to make his or her voice heard?