OpenUCT :: Browsing by Author "Ng'ambi, Dick"

Browsing by Author "Ng'ambi, Dick"

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Open Access
An activity systems view of learning programming skills in a virtual lab: A case of University of Jos, Nigeria
(2017) Gogwim, Joel; Ng'ambi, Dick
It is difficult to learn professional courses such as Computer Science without hands-on activities with appropriate technical support. Computer Science programming courses are the core of a Computer Science qualification and some of the learning outcomes of a Computer Science programming course are writing program code, program testing and debugging. Inadequate computers in the computer laboratory and policies that restrict the concept of 'Bring Your Own Technology' (BYOT) inside the computer laboratory posed a challenge to hands-on programming activities. However, students in the Computer Science department at the University of Jos learn computer-coding theory, but unable to have hands-on experience due to several reasons. This research investigates how use of virtual lab on Moodle Learning Management System (LMS) could enhance students' acquisition of Java programming skills. The virtual lab provides a lab environment for students to practice programming and experiment concepts learned. Activity Theory was used as a theoretical framework to analyse the activity of Java programming on the virtual lab. Seven participants including the lecturer were enrolled on the Java Programming Language virtual lab practical sessions for this research work. The research activity system focuses on Java hands-on programming tasks for a period of three weeks and after that data was collected using interview and content generated from the virtual lab activities' chats and forum. Interview questions were developed and administered to students, while a semistructured interview with the lecturer was conducted. The data collected from the interviews and the contents collated from chats and forum activities were coded using ICT data analysis tool Nvivo, based on thematic analysis. The data was thoroughly reviewed, explained, interpreted, and analysed using the theoretical framework, activity theory. The results show that the virtual lab helped students perform practical programming activities, where students accessed and used the virtual lab concurrently at any time and place. The participants used their private computers, mobile devices in the hostels, at home, or at hotspots to access the virtual lab. However, accessing the virtual lab required adequate Internet connection. The virtual lab programming activity system promoted student-centred learning, self-paced practice, and enabled students to repeat or revisit incorrect assignments multiple times. The activity system's subject (lecturer, students) interacts with the mediating tools (mobile devices, virtual lab) to perform the object (Java programming), which enhanced the achievement of the outcome (programming skills). Therefore, it can be said that the virtual lab mediated hands-on programming activities.
Open Access
Barriers to students' use of electronic resources during lectures
(South African Institute of Computer Scientists, 2008) Ng'ambi, Dick; Rambe, Patient
This paper highlights one of the barriers for implementing an educational technology policy at a higher education institution. As more courses use a Learning Management System (LMS), learning resources are electronic and an increasing number of students are using Notebook computers for accessing electronic resources and reading on the screen. However, there is a dichotomy between provision of electronic resources and students being allowed to use Notebooks during classes. This paper explores lecturers' ambivalence towards student use of Notebooks during classes and illustrates how such perceptions are becoming a barrier to successful implementation of an educational technology policy.
Open Access
Bridging distance between actual and potential development: a case of using ICT mediated consultation tool
(Springer, 2009) Ng'ambi, Dick; Goodman, Suki
It is an ongoing challenge in higher education context to design appropriate learning tasks for students that balances the diversity in student knowledge and variable skills with student's potential to learn under guidance. Obtaining feedback from students on what they know is made more complicated when students are passive during learning activities. In this paper we report on a project that ran over 2 years in which 67 students (28 in 2005; 39 in 2006) from culturally diverse socio-historical backgrounds used an anonymous knowledge sharing tool, the dynamic frequently asked questions (DFAQ) to engage with authentic learning tasks in an Organisational Learning Module. The module was part of the Organisational Psychology honours degree programme at a higher learning institution. The students used the DFAQ tool to consult with both peers and faculty staff. DFAQ is a special purpose web-based tool with a Short Message Services (SMS) interface. A thematic analysis was conducted on students' experiences gathered from focus group discussions. Artefacts from DFAQ are also analysed. The paper reports that DFAQ mediated the educator's access to the students' level of understanding and the potential to learn under guidance. The DFAQ tool therefore allowed the educator to provide students with appropriate guidance that met individual students' knowledge gaps. The paper concludes that DFAQ mediated access to the gap between actual and potential development, stimulated knowledge sharing, peer learning and impacted on pedagogical designs of learning tasks.
Open Access
Case study: Mobile learning
(2009-02-28) Hodgkinson-Williams, Cheryl; Ng'ambi, Dick
At the University of Cape Town (UCT) mobile learning is being adopted for teaching and learning purposes. This paper describes the use of the Dynamic Frequently Asked Questions (DFAQ) tool, designed and developed at UCT by Dick Ng‟ambi, as a special-purpose question and consultation environment for students with a Short Message Service (SMS) interface which allows students and lecturers to pose and respond to questions using their mobile phones. This case study uses a range of methods to investigate the use of DFAQ by Organisational Psychology lecturers, including presentation and document analysis and follow-up interviews.
Open Access
A critical discourse analysis of students' anonymous online postings
(IGI Global, 2008) Ng'ambi, Dick
It is difficult to understand students’ social practices from artifacts of anonymous online postings. The analysis of text genres and discursive types of online postings has potential for enhancing teaching and learning experiences of students. This article focuses on analysis of students’ anonymous online postings using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). The article argues that social practices reproduce during online interaction and artifacts embody such reproduction. A study involving more than 300 commerce students at a higher education institution (HEI) using a special purpose anonymous online consultation tool, the Dynamic Frequently Asked Questions (DFAQ), and social practices embodied in the artifacts is analyzed using CDA. The analysis used the three dimensions of CDA—description (text genres), interpretation (discursive type), and explanation (social practice)—and insights into students’ social practices were inferred. The article concludes that CDA of anonymous postings provided insight into social practices of students and, in particular, highlighted the tension between perceptions of inflexibility of traditional teaching practices and student demands for flexible learning. Finally, CDA, as described in this article, could be useful in analyzing e-mail communications, short message service (SMS) interactions, Web blogs, and podcasts.
Open Access
Developing proficiency in pedagogical integration of emerging technologies: an educational design research of a community of practice at Makerere University
(2017) Walimbwa, Michael; Brown, Cheryl; Ng'ambi, Dick
This thesis investigated the development of proficiency in pedagogical integration of emerging technologies amongst educators at Makerere University. Limited educator CoPs focused on pedagogical integration of ETs inhibit educator potential to contribute to quality learning through pedagogical integration of ETs. The general question in this thesis is how social architecture in an educator CoP provides opportunities for enhancing proficiency development in pedagogical integration of ETs. Based on educational design research framework and situated learning theory, a community of practice as an intervention was designed and implemented between 2014 and 2016. Data was collected through observations, focused discussions and interviews from five educators who actively participated. An interpretive thematic analysis was done from which findings indicate that a social architecture in community of practice enables educators to initially accept that they are less experienced and potential members and then, join forces in a community to take charge of their transformation process. A social architecture enables drawing on individual talent and exploiting synergy between individuals with varying experiences; the process also comprises specific actions and engagements, which when shared in a social environment help motivate, inspire and evoke emulation of a practice. A community of practice provides an ideal context that enable educators to be more honest in evaluating their own technology skills and gaining confidence in seeking to develop skills. Pedagogical integration of emerging technologies is a practice highly influenced by individual attitudes in a social environment. In communities of practice faced with resource-constraints, the constantly evolving technologies, limited mentorship capacity, and mind-set are among the inhibitors in the social architecture that contributes to proficiency development in pedagogical integration of emerging technologies. This thesis concludes that social architecture in a community of practice contributes to the process of developing proficiency in pedagogical integration of emerging technologies. The design principles that emphasize configuration of a social architecture like interactions, networks and collaborations among educators are helpful in pedagogical integration of emerging technologies. It is therefore recommended that a social architecture in a community of practice be exploited by educators to enhance pedagogical integration of emerging technologies. The original contribution of this thesis is coming up with new design principles and theoretical insights related to a social architecture in a community of practice focused on pedagogical integration of emerging technologies.
Open Access
The diffusion of the internet amongst South African primary care doctors : an activity systems view
(2009) Masters, Kenneth Andrew; Ng'ambi, Dick; Todd, Gail
Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 379-436). Has accompanying material on CD.
Open Access
Economically and academically disadvantaged young people striving to be computer literate in Mozambique : unfolding learner agency in constraining conditions
(2011) Zeininger, Christian; Ng'ambi, Dick; Brown, Cheryl
Although Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has an empowerment and social inclusion effect in developed countries, it continues to create a digital divide in developing countries. This thesis is premised on the argument that, despite the disjuncture between ICT, social-cultural and developmental needs in a developing country, computer literacy training should continue to be offered and young people from economically and academically disadvantage backgrounds endeavour to acquire computer literacy skills. The objective of this study is to answer the question "Why do economically and academically disadvantaged young learners choose to engage with ICT and what role do they see for computer literacy?" Thus, the purpose of the study is to unfold learner agency in constraining conditions.
Open Access
EDN 5510 - Advanced Research Design
(2016-07-01) Brown, Cheryl; Hodgkinson-Williams, Cheryl; Ng'ambi, Dick; Cox, Glenda
Advanced research design is a compulsory module offered to Masters in Education (MEd) in Information Communication Technology (ICT) students embarking on a minor dissertation. The Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT) at the University of Cape Town offers the course in blended (hybrid) mode for students in their ICTs in Education stream. The hybrid module involves pre-course work, a 6 day face-to-face block component where students develop and get feedback on an initial research design, followed by post-course proposal development with lecturers and peer feedback. This record contains a selection of materials from the course, named according to the dominant theme explored in each resource, namely: 1 - Research Topic and Problem; 2 - Context and rationale; 3 - Concepts, empirical research and literature review; 4 - Conceptual frameworks and theories; 5 - Research questions; 6 - Data collection and data analysis; 7 - Ethics; and 9 - Validity. These materials were last updated July 2017.
Open Access
Enhancing dialogue to reduce transactional distance: a case of using mobile mediated social media in a virtual group activity
(2014) Tunjera, Nyarai; Ng'ambi, Dick
Transactional distance (TD) theory argues that psychological and communications barriers have the potential of creating misunderstandings in any formation of learning contexts. Distance education is seen as providing both opportunities and challenges. The distance programme being studied has experienced high deferment rates. However, the lack of communication infrastructural challenges and specifically lack of interaction is one major challenge hindering reduction of TD for remotely dispersed distance learners. It has become evident that WhatsApp popularity has risen; one unique feature is its affordance to enhance communication within a group. Hence, WhatsApp group was used to enhance interactions, as well as nurturing social engagement that creates dialogue and sharing amongst a virtual group. This study was aimed at enhancing dialogue as a potential of reducing TD amongst distance students for purposes of improving their study experiences. This study set out to explore how Salmon's (2000) 5-stage Model could be used as one way of implementing a mobile-mediated WhatsApp group activity as an opportunity to reduce TD. Six pre-service teachers participated in the WhatsApp mediated group activity virtually to try and find out how implementing a WhatsApp group activity could enhance dialogue consequently reduce TD.
Open Access
Experiences of students regarding the use of Facebook for mentoring : a case of a writing centre
(2014) Ngodwana, Khanyisile; Ng'ambi, Dick
Over the last 15 years, many South African universities have established Writing Centres as places to provide academic writing support to their students. The services offered are mostly free and voluntary and as such, there are no strict regulations regarding who should use them, and how often they should visit. Consequently, writing centres especially the newly established ones struggle to monitor the progress of the students they have helped once they have left the place, or even reach students in the places where they continue to write in order to offer additional support to students, which could positively influence their writing self-efficacy. This design-based research case study reports on an intervention run by one such writing centre where social media, specifically Facebook due to its popularity among students, was explored as a technology that can be adopted to reach and offer help to students beyond the confines of its physical space.
Open Access
Exploring the TPACK of Grade 9 mathematics teachers in the Western Cape of South Africa
(2021) Morris, Leigh; Ng'ambi, Dick
The Department of Basic Education is striving towards improving the Grade 9 mathematics TIMSS results (Department of Basic Education, 2019). The use of technology in the mathematic classroom has shown to be able to transform mathematical education (Wiest, 2001) and, if implemented correctly in South Africa, educational technology could improve learner performance in these key areas (Western Cape Education Department, 2012). However, it appears as if South African teachers are not able to effectively integrate technology into their classrooms and professional development in this area is necessary (Saal, Graham & van Ryneveld, 2020). This Masters thesis uses a rubric based around Niess's four domains of knowledge to examine three Grade 9 Mathematics teachers' TPACK through a deep dive case study into their teaching practices during the period of COVID-19 in South African classrooms. It seeks to understand how teachers are using technology in their lessons and what areas of TPACK need to be developed within Grade 9 mathematics teachers. Evidence from this study shows that Grade 9 mathematics teachers appear to be comfortable using technology themselves in their classrooms but need guidance in learner-centred technology use. The evidence also shows that smaller classroom sizes due to COVID-19 mean that teachers appear to be more confident with the use of technology in their half-size classrooms over the sizes pre COVID-19. The results demonstrate the need for professional development aimed at learner-centred technology use, and that, in order for this usage to occur, assessment of classroom sizes needs to occur to assist in developing confidence in teachers to allow for more learner-centred use of technology in the classroom.
Open Access
I found it on the internet preparing for the e-patient in Oman
(Sultan Qaboos University, 2010) Masters, Ken; Ng'ambi, Dick; Todd, Gail
In the Information Age, the communication patterns between doctor and patient are changing. Using Everett Rogers' theory of Diffusion of Innovations, this paper begins by examining the diffusion of the Internet in the world and in Oman. It then considers the emergence of e-patients. The characteristics of e-patients are described in some detail. The paper ends by describing steps that should be taken when teaching medical students in Oman so that they can be prepared for e-patients.
Open Access
The impact of using social networking sites on academic relations and student learning in University setting
(2009) Rambe, Patient; Ng'ambi, Dick
This study investigates academic relations of educators, tutors, and students in university settings. Academic relations refer to the controlling and productive relations of power that operate at both societal and interpersonal level between academic actors and through them, knowledge is produced and identities are constructed. From a Critical theoretical point of view, power is unequally distributed in society and psychological development is fundamentally mediated by power relations which are socially and historically constituted. Given the capacity of power configurations to influence learning coupled with the fact that such relations are both relational and psychological, the notion of unequal social power is critical to understanding academic relations in university settings. The psychological and relational aspects of power suggest that underprepared students from disadvantaged academic backgrounds may suffer a sense of powerlessness and social domination as they interact with academics and more capable peers from privileged academic backgrounds. Research suggests that students (especially the previously disadvantaged) form peer-based knowledge sharing clusters (for example, study groups) to augment their intellectual potential and resource limitations. Mindful of these underprepared students' social domination (social and psychological) by high achieving peers and academics, and the capacity of peer-based clusters/ relations to democratise academic relations through presenting opportunities for exchange of perspectives, these peer-based relations present viable proxies for unpacking academic relations. The problem, therefore, is that while academic relations (lecturer-student, tutor-student, and student-peer) in face-to-face contact are quite central to student meaningful learning and transformation, capturing and studying these relations is complex. This complexity is explicated by the incapacity of traditional classrooms to capture and sustain academic relations due to: 1) The temporality, time and spatially bounded nature of academic relations in class, 2) Class sizes, academics' huge workloads and time constraints that limit one-on-one lecturer-student engagements especially at undergraduate level 3) Transmission pedagogy and classroom space configuration that mute lateral discourses, and 4) Student complex histories and cultural diversity. Research suggests that student knowledge sharing clusters are shifting from face-to-face to social networking sites (SNS), that is, online social networks that support group collaboration vii and support. The persistence of these online interactions, opportunities for peer-based discourses, peer-generation of artefacts on SNS challenge the limitations of traditional classrooms, making SNS essential for unpacking classroom lecturer-student and student-peer relations by proxy (if academics participate). These opportunities, and computer-mediated communication theory' suggestion that computer-mediated nature of textual interaction has potential to undermine status, gender and power asymmetries built in face-to-face interaction inform my thesis that SNS interaction has potential to equalise power relations of academic actors. The goal of this study was therefore, to use lecturer-student, student-peer interaction on SNS as proxies for unpacking academic relations and learning that unfold in traditional academic settings (classrooms, computer laboratories). The research question instigated the impact of lecturer-student, student-peer interaction on the academic /power relations and learning of academics and students in formal university settings. Using a Critical ethnographic approach, the research investigated power relations and learning manifested in: 1. academics and student text-based messages posted on SNS (Facebook), 2. lecturer and student experiences of using Facebook and its influence on classroom interactions, and 3. Lecturer-student and student peer interactions in class. Mindful of the democratisation potential of computer-mediated communication (CMC) on previously disadvantaged learners, the relational nature of power, the influence of structural forces on mediated interaction and higher mental development, this research was informed by three theories namely, Critical Theory of Technology (CTT), Critical Theories of Power (CTP), and Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT), respectively. As a participant observer in online ethnography, the researcher employed CTT to examine the democratisation potential and constraints of computer-mediated communication (that is SNS) on learning and academic relations. While CTT was useful for examining the technological effects on mediated learning, the theory was less insightful for unpacking the power contestations in text-mediated discourses. To this end, Critical Discourse Analysis' (CDA) (which draws on CTP) was employed to examine how vertical and horizontal relational power were articulated and contested via textual messages, to complement CTT in its limitations. Although CTP was insightful for the examination of power manifested in lecturer-student, and peer-based interaction, CTP equally proved inadequate for the examination of mediated learning, that is, the role of artefact-mediated action on psychological development. Mindful viii of CHAT's focus on the influence of symbolic mediation on psychological development, CHAT offered a rational complement to CTP for the examination of mediated learning. This was important given that this research on academic/power relations and student learning unfolded in a technology-mediated learning environment (that is SNS). CHAT was adopted as a theoretical and methodological approach to examine how mediated interaction and the interplay of different elements of the lecture activity system impacted on student psychological development and lecturer's teaching practices. In summary, the study examined these empirical materials: text-based interactions (lecturer and student Facebook postings), lecturer and student narratives of lectures and Facebook interactions (interview transcripts, lecturer debriefings after classroom observations), in-class actions and discourses (lecture observations and focus group discussions). The findings of this study are that SNS democratized academic relations and communication for academically inclined students through: widening the academic networking space, breaching lecturer-student social boundaries that often hindered student access to knowledge resources, and offering 'safe haven' for student contestation of unpopular academic practices. Facebook also allowed shy and timid students to be more assertive in requesting academic support. The unintended effect of SNS was that it reconfigured peer-based relations as high achievers assumed additional vertical, 'super tutor' roles of advising peers. Facebook also regulated in-class interaction by hiving off mundane questions on course administration and practicals from the class. SNS thus augmented classroom interaction as online and classroom learning cross fertilised each other. The practical contribution of this work is in the insight into how student informal academic and social support online networks could be drawn upon in student in-class learning. The study proposed a 'best practice' pedagogical model/ strategy that draws on: 1) Informal peer-based and lecturer-student knowledge sharing on Facebook and associated SN tools, 2). Student reflexivity on self-generated and peer-generated content, and 3). Self and peer-based evaluation as a basis for academic empowerment. The theoretical contribution lies in the methodology or approach for analysing the interplay between academic relations and student learning using SNS as proxy. In particular, this work contributes a new body of knowledge through the integration of Critical Theories (Critical Theories of Power and Critical Theories of Technology) and CHAT.
Open Access
Intended and unintended consequences of student use of an online questioning environment
(Wiley, 2009) Ng'ambi, Dick; Brown, Irwin
While supplementation of face-to-face (F2F) teaching with online engagement is increasingly common, the educators' challenge of teaching F2F personalities and facilitating online personalities has not been widely explored. In this paper, we report on a project in which 1st-year students attended F2F sessions and engaged with an anonymous online questioning environment. The differences between students' F2F and online behaviour led to intended and unintended consequences. The purpose of this paper is to explore these intended and unintended consequences of technology use. The project was undertaken over a 3-year period, starting in 2004. In 2004, a pilot project was conducted based on a class of 35 students studying a 1st-year programming course in information systems. The investigation was again conducted in 2005 for the same course, this time with 63 students. In 2006, the project was extended to a class of 610 1st-year commerce students studying an introductory information systems course. In all cases, students met F2F and when online, engaged with an anonymous Web/SMS collaborative tool. The intended consequence was that a blending of F2F with online interaction extended student engagement beyond the limitation of a classroom and provided a forum for further collaboration and consultation. The intended outcome was achieved. An unintended consequence was that the tool provided the lecturer with diagnostic information that was used to impact on pedagogical designs. This was often a result of students taking on an online personality that would very often be extremely frank and honest about the manner in which the course was conducted, and how learning was taking place. The findings show that students used the tool in ways that exceeded the envisaged intention, and student use of the tool positively impacted on the curriculum, pedagogy and general running of the course. The paper concludes that integration of online engagement with F2F teaching adds value to the teaching and learning experience.
Open Access
An interactive mobile lecturing model: enhancing student engagement with face-to-face sessions
(IGI Global, 2013) Boyinbode, Olutayo; Ng'ambi, Dick; Bagula, Antoine
Although use of podcasts and vodcasts are increasingly becoming popular in higher education, their use is usually unidirectional and therefore replicates the transmission mode of traditional face-to-face lectures. In this paper, the authors propose a tool, MOBILect, a mobile lecturing tool that enables users to comment on lecture vodcasts using mobile devices, and aggregated comments become an educational resource. The vodcasts are generated through Opencast Matterhorn and YouTube. The tool was evaluated at the University of Cape Town with students’ own devices. The paper reports on the architecture of the MOBILect, its framework for student-vodcast interaction, and evaluation results. The paper concludes that the MOBILect has potential for use as a supplement to the traditional face-to-face lectures especially in scenarios of large classes, or where the medium of instruction is not the students’ mother tongue.
Open Access
Knowledge transformation in a mobile learning environment : an interpretive inquiry of ubiquitous context and social presence awareness
(2007) Kekwaletswe, Raymond M; D, J; Ng'ambi, Dick
One of the most fundamental facets of knowledge is that it transforms as an outcome of individuals sharing experiences through interaction. Knowledge transformation is when there is a shift in view, perspective and the thought process consequent to a social activity. The problem for a contact university is that mobile learners do not have access to consistent social resources for academic support as they drift from formal to informal learning contexts. The alternative for these learners is to engage in a learning activity though social interaction with knowledgeable peers who share a background. Learning actions are influenced gy changes in the environment and social awareness. Social awareness is synonymous with awareness of context and social presence. This research was a learning expedition towards understanding the phenomenon of ubiquitous mobile learning where knowledge transformation is a result of social awareness activities of mobile learners as they traverse varied learning contexts. Mobile learning is signified by mobility of learners regardless of mobile technology.
Open Access
Podcasts for expansive learning: a case of reflective student stories
(Computer Society of South Africa, 2008) Ng'ambi, Dick
Most educational opportunities offered by mobile devices which are used by students for entertainment, such as iPods and mp3 players, have not been fully exploited. Although social uses of mobile devices among students is increasingly common, there has been little evidence to demonstrate how socially pervasive devices contribute to student learning. One of the phenomenons changing the higher education landscape is podcasting. However, despite the growing adoption of podcasting in education, not much is known about effective integration of podcasts at pedagogical level to have meaningful impact on student learning. This paper reports on a two-year project that explored the use of podcasts to mediate reflection. The paper draws on expansive learning as espoused by Engestrom to illustrate how podcast mediated tasks escalated learning among students at a higher education institution. The paper analyzed students' reflective stories using deconstruction analysis. The paper concludes that effective educational uses of podcasts require that learning activities are designed for reflection and podcasts used to scaffold the reflection process.
Restricted
A questioning environment for Scaffolding Learners' questioning engagement with academic text
(Stellenbosch University, 2003) Hardman, J C; Ng'ambi, Dick
Access to the textual world of academia requires that learners are familiar with the critical open ended questioning stance demanded by textuality. Anecdotal evidence suggests that learners registered for the Bachelor of Education Honours degree are unable to generate appropriate questions to interrogate academic text, impacting on their ability to engage effectively with academia. While ample research exists to suggest that face to face scaffolding can facilitate learners' access to academic text, this is often a time consuming, repetitive activity, which fails to track learners' questions over time. Given that questioning is one of the most important learning teaching tools available to both learner and educator, we have created a computer based scaffolding environment in which students are required to generate questions to interrogate academic texts. Learners have been using this new scaffolding tool this year, and we report on preliminary findings from the study.
Open Access
The role of ICTs in higher education in South Africa: one strategy for addressing teaching and learning challenges
(University of the West Indies, 2007) Jaffer, Shaheeda; Ng'ambi, Dick; Czerniewicz, Laura
One of the most common problems of using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in education is to base choices on technological possibilities rather than educational needs. In developing countries where higher education is fraught with serious challenges at multiple levels, there is increasing pressure to ensure that technological possibilities are viewed in the context of educational needs. This paper argues that a central role of educational technology is to provide additional strategies that can be used to address the serious environmental and educational challenges faced by educators and students in higher education. The educational needs manifest in South African universities include addressing general lack of academic preparedness, multilingual needs in English medium settings, large class sizes and inadequate curriculum design. Using case studies from one higher educational institution, this paper shows how specific and carefully considered interventions using ICTs can be used to address these teaching and learning concerns. These examples serve to demonstrate some ways in which teaching and learning may be enhanced when uses of educational technology are driven by educational needs. The paper concludes that design of educational technology interventions should be driven by educational needs within the context of a broader teaching and learning strategy which requires buy-in of both educators and learners.