Learning Technologies

Rhodes>Teaching and Learning>Academic Staff Development>Learning Technologies

Learning Technologies

The Educational Technology Unit fulfil various roles within CHERTL and the institution, including

academic staff development,
consultation about blended and online learning
research,
contributing to formal qualifications
management of technological resources
policy and strategy development where relevant to educational technology
management and support of RUconnected

Technology may provide the opportunity to engage student learning outside of the traditional classroom. Choices around blended and online learning need to be aligned to pedagogies. We encourage a pedagogy first approach. We acknowledge that technology is not neutral; that access to technology is not evenly distributed; and that technology can be used either to serve the interests of the status quo in higher education or to contribute to its transformation.

To book a consultation, or if you have a query, please use the dedicated email helpline: edtech@ru.ac.za.

Technologies currently supported:

RUconnected	The Rhodes University Learning Management System (LMS) is an institutionally supported virtual learning space for teaching, learning & assessment activities and resources. How to videos are available via this YouTube playlist. For staff support, please email edtech@ru.ac.za For student support, please send a message via our RUconnected Support Facebook page.
RUflexive	E-portfolio system (accessed from within RUconnected)
Turnitin	Text matching system to help check originality of written work (accessed from within RUconnected).
G-Suite	Google apps that can be accessed by staff (at this point) with an institutional login. This does not include the support of Google Classrooms as an alternative to RUconnected.
Screencast-o-Matic	Software used to create screencasts and narrated presentations. We have an institutional license available for staff. Please email n.kramm@ru.ac.za
Zoom	A cloud-based web-conferencing tool used to host online meetings. We have an institutional license available for staff. Please email n.pallitt@ru.ac.za
Grammarly	A digital writing assistant that uses artificial intelligence to detect potential grammar, spelling, punctuation, word choice, and style mistakes. We have an institutional license available for staff and students. Instructions: 1) Go to https://www.grammarly.com/edu/signup. Please enter your name, email @ru.ac.za and preferred password to sign up for a Grammarly account. 2) Check your email (Inbox and spam folder) for a confirmation email and click the link to activate your account. If you require an access code to complete this activation please email n.pallitt@ru.ac.za
Camtasia	Capture digital audio and video from your screen; edit digital video. Limited licenses are available to staff. Please email n.kramm@ru.ac.za
NVivo	Qualitative data analysis software for use by academics and registered postgraduate students. Limited licenses are available. Please email edtech@ru.ac.za