Abstract

The challenges of distance learning for GIS in South Africa
Track: Teaching with GIS in Higher Education
Author(s): Gregory Breetzke

The advancement of distance learning as an educational tool for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has been at the forefront of educational development at tertiary institutions in the last decade in South Africa. Distance education is envisaged as a means whereby previously disadvantaged members of society, of all ages, can enroll either directly or remotely at a tertiary education institution at a reduced cost. The experiences of GIS-based distance learning programmes at the University of Pretoria (UP) in South Africa have shown that logistical, technical and practical problems, including a high cancellation rate, the delayed completion of programmes in their entirety, and backlogs at various software-related modules abound when a distance-based course is offered in a developing world environment. Critical success factors are identified and need to be fully satisfied before widespread GIS dissemination through distance education in South Africa can be achieved.

Gregory Breetzke
University of Pretoria
University of Pretoria
Lynnwood Road
Pretoria , Gauteng 0081
South Africa
Phone: 0027124204939
E-mail: gbreetzke@postino.up.ac.za