A recent study by Kanyane, M. (2023) titled “Digital work–transforming the higher education landscape in South Africa” published in New Digital Work by Springer International shows that higher education sector in South Africa needs to adapt and innovate in the face of the digital challenges and opportunities posed by Covid-19 and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4iR).
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The higher education sector in South Africa needs to adapt and innovate in the face of the digital challenges and opportunities – Kanyane, 2023
This article explores the challenges and opportunities of digital work and transformation in the higher education landscape in South Africa. It explores the historical and current disparities, inequality and exclusion in the access and use of digital technologies among different public universities in South Africa, especially between historically advantaged and disadvantaged institutions.
Methodology
The study employed a qualitative approach to explore the digital environment in the 26 public universities in South Africa and the data was collected from secondary sources, such as academic articles, books, reports, policy documents, and online media. Thematic analysis was also used to identify and interpret the key themes and patterns in the data.
Findings of the Study
Findings for the study shows that the higher education sector in South Africa needs to adapt and innovate in the face of the digital challenges and opportunities posed by Covid-19 and the 4iR. The study also posits that academic staff in public universities needs to develop and enhance their digital skills and competencies to effectively teach and learn in the digital society. In addition, the study posits that the government and the industry need to support and collaborate with the higher education sector to ensure digital transformation and inclusion of all institutions and learners, regardless of their historical and socio-economic backgrounds.
Study Recommendation
The study therefore recommends that following in order to overcome the challenges and enhance the opportunities of digital work and transformation in the higher education landscape in South Africa as follows:
- academics needs create ethical standards for digital work and transformation in the higher education sector, such as ensuring privacy, security, and data protection.
- academics needs to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of digital technologies and resources in the higher education sector, such as open access to information and knowledge.
- academics needs foster public awareness and education about the benefits and risks of digital work and transformation in the higher education sector, such as promoting digital literacy and critical thinking.
- academics needs collaborate with the government and the industry to ensure the digital transformation and inclusion of all institutions and learners, regardless of their historical and socio-economic backgrounds.
In conclusion, the study underscores the pressing need for South African higher education to adapt and innovate in response to the digital challenges and opportunities brought about by COVID-19 and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4iR). Addressing historical disparities, promoting digital skills among academic staff, and fostering collaboration between the government, industry, and institutions are essential steps toward a more inclusive and equitable digital transformation. The recommendations outlined in this research emphasize the importance of ethics, transparency, education, and partnership in navigating the complex landscape of digital work and transformation within the higher education sector in South Africa.
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