UTILIZING INTERVENTIONIST - PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH STRATEGIES IN
ESTABLISHING THE EFFICACY OF E-LEARNING TECHNOLOGY IN OPEN AND
DISTANCE LEARNING.

UTILIZING INTERVENTIONIST - PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH STRATEGIES IN
ESTABLISHING THE EFFICACY OF E-LEARNING TECHNOLOGY IN OPEN AND
DISTANCE LEARNING.

DAVID CHAKUCHICHI

Research in open and distance learning (ODL), in an era of technological
advancement, e-learning innovations, social inclusion and multiculturalism,
should essentially take cognisance of the cognitive situates of the participants.
The interventionist participatory approach, grounded in the critical inquiry
research paradigm. was found to be most appropriate in establishing efficacy of
e-learning technology since it is open, descriptive, critical, interactive and
eclectic while fostering the co-construction of meanings by both researchers
and participants. Most importantly, interventionist participatory approaches
enable ODL practitioners and participants to be active in analyzing issues and
finding solutions to their problems in the face of e-learning technology. E-
learning which involves the students’ interface with a whole range of information
computer technology creates a new culture in ODL. Online programmes are fast
becoming the norm for a student population that lacks the requisite skills. E-
learning therefore presents anxieties as students try to fit in the new ODL
environment. Appropriate evidence based research strategies are therefore
imperative in order to establish the efficacy of the e-learning technology in the
context of the ODL practitioner and students. Traditional research strategies still
ignore the complex interaction between technological interventions and learner
capacities to utilize them. In ODL, both practitioners and participants need to be
integral in the process of problem analysis, development of solutions and the
strengthening and formation of initiatives which give the ODL students a voice
to define the efficacy of the e-learning innovations at their disposal. The
interventionist-participatory research strategies take into consideration the role
and complexities of the social contexts of the ODL learner and the potential for
influencing ODL practices, products and programmes. Thus interventionist
participatory strategies are well placed as evidence based research strategies to
evaluate the efficacy of e-learning technology and in the transformation of ODL
theory and practice

Distance association of Southen Africa (DEASA)

2010