Question NW3895 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
10 November 2022 - NW3895
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Considering the environment of remote teaching and learning in higher education institutions, how has his department facilitated inter-institutional collaboration on best practice methods that will ease the strain placed on students and educators?
Reply:
During the COVID-19 pandemic and the national lockdown, normal teaching and learning was severely impacted as a result of the suspension of physical classes and physical interaction between students and lecturers on campus. Funds (COVID-19 Responsiveness Grant) were made available to each university to enable the teaching and learning programme to continue through the adoption of remote teaching and learning strategies. At that point the focus was on ensuring that each university is supported to deal with its unique situation. However, through Higher Health, the Department was able to use technological solutions to support the entire PSET sector and eased the burden of educators.
Furthermore, the Department facilitated collaboration amongst universities and relevant stakeholders through collaborative programmes that are funded through the University Capacity Development Grant (UCDG) that is allocated by the Minister each year. The grant also supports collaboration through research projects.