The pedagogical applications of online teaching and learning of consumer studies during Covid-19 Pandemic: Amathole District, SA

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many industries in the world and education was one of the industries that suffered considerably. On the 26th of March 2020 South Africa was placed in a national lockdown and everything in the education system changed and the traditional face-to-face teaching and learning process had to be changed. Teachers had to find new teaching strategies that could be conducted away from their classes. Hence, the Department of Education encouraged online teaching and learning. However, this pedagogy is not favourable for all contexts within the education sphere, such as school location, school category, or the type of subject. While much of the online teaching pedagogies have been theoretically and practically explored, little is known about its effectiveness for practical subjects. In this regard, this study aimed to explore the efficacy of online teaching and learning tools in the practical component of Consumer Studies at a few schools in the Amathole East area of the Eastern Cape. This study employed a mixed methods approach and collected data through semistructured interviews (secondary school principals, circuit managers and Consumer Studies subject advisors) and questionnaires (Consumer Studies teachers). In addition, empirical data was supported by outcomes based on secondary datasets. Due to diversity in population, non-probability through purposive sampling and census sampling were used to recruit participants. Then, the researcher conducted a descriptive analysis for quantitative data with the use of SPSS which allowed the researcher to find patterns in data and use raw data to create tables, charts and summary statistics. To add, a one-way ANOVA test to explore relationships between different variables. Furthermore, deductive approach was used to analyse qualitative data which allowed data to be processed through thematic analysis. Thematic analysis ensured that raw data is well interpreted to identify relevant patterns and identify links between different parts of data. The findings revealed that Online Teaching and Learning (OTL) offers many advantages such as quick access to learning material, learning from any location at any time, and allows direct interaction between the learner and teacher. However, rural schools were hit the most as they lacked resources, there was no training for teachers and learners, and they lacked the facilities to support teaching and learning. Furthermore, it was discovered that OTL was not supported by practical subject teachers because they believed that it was not suitable for practical subjects. Hence, the researcher developed an OTL tool that is suitable for practical subjects. The researcher recommended that the Department of Education should ensure that schools are fully equipment with relevant infrastructure, OTL resources. Furthermore, the Department of Education policy makers should consider developing e-education policies that are subject-focused as objectives and goals of subjects are different. In addition, the Department of Education should consider extensive training of teachers and learners as the world has evolved and technologically skilled learners are needed in the country. This study will assist the Department of Basic Education policy makers to enhance the teaching and learning policies together with draft e-learning policies, so that they can meet the teachers’ and learners’ needs. Furthermore, school management will be able to identify the skills gap for teachers such as basic computer skills, digital skills and information communication technology skills. The study was limited to the Eastern Cape Province within the Amathole East district and limited to schools offering Consumer Studies subject. In addition, time was one of the limitations of the study as the researcher did not get enough time to incorporate a larger sample or included other districts. For future research, it is recommended that researchers to use different provinces or geographic regions and other districts. Furthermore, this study can also be conducted using other practical subjects in secondary schools. Lastly, the researchers can also examine the efficacy of the department of education white paper e-education for rural area schools.