Research / Publications: Faculty of Education: University of Namibia / UNAM

research staff and publications

DR Rakel-Kavena Shalyefu
Department: Lifelong Learning and Community Education

Publication Contribution Abstracts of R.K. Shalyefu, Ph.D.
University of Namibia
Namibia

Shalyefu, R.K. (1999). Improving the Quality of Teaching and Learning at Institution of Higher Learning in Der Vyver, F. (ed) Head-start into the 21st Century: Hindsight and Foresight into Education. Selected Papers for the SASE Conference Proceedings held at the Sparkling Waters Hotel in October 1999 hosted by the University of North West

Abstract: There are basically three functions of universities: to teach, conduct research, and do consultancy and community service. How well the universities perform these functions depend upon the level at which the academic staff are trained to perform these functions. The pertinent questions that arise are: What is the quality of teaching and learning in universities? How do the universities maintain the balance between these functions? How well are the university academic staff members prepared in quality teaching at university level? What mechanisms are utilized to judge the quality of teaching at tertiary institutions? How do universities assist academic staff members to improve their teaching, research and community service capabilities?

Shalyefu, R.K. And Carr-Chellmann, A. (2005). Exploring Web-based Education in South Africa. A refereed article in Academic Exchange Quarterly, Spring 2003. A blind reviewed Refereed Journal available at http://www.rapidintellect.com/AEQweb/

Abstract:This paper examines the merits and demerits of web-based delivery of distance education in comparison to traditional distance education methods drawing examples from South Africa. The discussion draws largely on literature that is available on web-based resources. The paper also high lights issues that are still unresolved with regard to pedagocial questions related to web-based distance education.

Shalyefu, R.K. and Nakakuwa, H. (2005) Development and Democracy: The contribution of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). A chapter in Alison A. Carr-Chellman (ed.). Global Perspectives on E-Learning: Rhetoric and Reality, Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications

Abstract: This chapter explored the benefits associated with improving the quality of life for all Namibian citizens through the use of ICTs. These inputs are drawn from various resources: studies, policy documents, observations and the authors experiences. The chapter consist of five sections: Section 1 briefly examine the historical development of ICTs infrastructure, Section 2 examine the benefits of ICTs development, Section 3 focus on the role of ICTs in education, Section 4 discusses the role of ICTs in democracy and the last section discuss access to ICTs in Namibia.

Open and Distance Learning (ODL), its Principles with Information Communication Technologies

Abstract: This paper examines Open and Distance Learning as a long established field of practice that has enjoyed a rapid expansion in recent years as a result of the adoption of information and communication technologies based on the World Wide Web and the Internet. As a field of practice pre-the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW), the paper further explored discussions on principles of distance education and their applications in the use of Information Communication Technologies (ICT’s).