Community Project and blended learning

This year there is already 1592 students enrolled for the module. That means it is really impossible to have person contact with the students.  I therefore developed the module in a blended learning format.  That means I am trying to blend various learning methods into the module. That include the following:

-          Have a mass orientation session to run through the processes

o   (I tried one ear to divide the group in smaller groups and had to repeat the lecture 22 x a week)

-          Using the learning management system – for assignments/ FAQ / announcements

-          Project proposal session 1tot 1 in my office

-          Making use of a App for new info

-          Using twitter for short announcements

-          And as part of the module – of course the students have to work in the communities

-          Using a report in the form of a blog on the Universities website

-          Presentation to me with a PowerPoint

-          E-mail communication (±150 e-mails a day)

-          SMS communication

This blended learning module has the advantage that I can stay in touch with the students – but it still is very exhausting and time consuming.

Central Prison in Pretoria also a community project

Computer training for community members are one of the most popular projects for students enrolled for the Community-Based Project Module. There is such a great need for community members to be trained in basic computer literacy that it is very easy to organise these projects. One of the JCP-students, JG Heyneke, trained prisoners at the Pretoria Central prison to use and repair computers. He worked specifically with a small group of prisoners who are going on parole within a few months. He reflected afterwards that training these inmates was a great learning curve. He had to learn to talk to people on a level so that they can understand. He also had to have patience and experienced it that the inmates have a hunger for learning and that they respected him.

JCP 2011

(Rowan Watson from Security - what a dynamic speaker!)

There are 1592 students registered for the module this year. Every year I do an orientation session with the students.  For most of the students it will be the first time that they will do community work. I am the only lecturer for the module and tried various options to do the orientation session.  To find a time slot that suits all the students is impossible.  In 2008 I repeated the same lecture 22x a week.  WOW I really got mad.  Then the Dean suggested that I lecture in the auditorium of the University. On the one hand it is a bit better for my health (!) but on the other hand it feels like a one man show and I do not have contact with my students. One year I had two short sessions per year and then the students requested that I rather make it one lecture and get it over and done.  But I still get students that complain... Will it ever be possible to satisfy a student????