Academic Journey Constantly Unfolds Accomplishments for Master’s Student

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Hard work continues to yield fruits for Ms Kelisha Pandaram who was recently announced as the winner of the Innovations in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (iSoTL) Student Competition hosted by the UKZN Teaching and Learning Office (UTLO).

Pandaram is currently enrolled for her Master of Commerce in Marketing degree. Winning the competition is not her first achievement as she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Marketing Management degree, earlier this year. She has also been recently awarded the Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship to support her studies abroad.

The competition, which was open to all UKZN’s undergraduate and postgraduate students, required them to submit their personal essays or opinion pieces showcasing ideas and insights on how technology can be leveraged to enhance learning outcomes in the digital age. Pandaram said her deep personal connection to the competition’s theme: Learning in the Digital Age was the driving force behind her decision to participate.

‘As a master’s student immersed in this digital era emerging from the fifth industrial revolution (5IR), I have had first-hand experience of witnessing how technology is reshaping the landscape of education. This experience inspired me to contribute my ideas and insights on how we can leverage digital tools to enhance the effectiveness of teaching and learning,’ she said.

As a winner, Pandaram was also given an opportunity to present her innovative essay at the recent iSoTL Conference held at the Elangeni Hotel, Maharani Towers, which offered a critical platform to inspire innovation in this contested, ever-changing educational landscape. This fuelled her enthusiasm to continue exploring the sphere of the digital age.

‘Moreover, it bestows recognition within the academic community, potentially paving the way for additional opportunities such as presenting my ideas at conferences or engaging in collaborative research endeavours,’ she said.

She was selected as the winner of the competition along with two students, Ms Nompumelelo Tembe, a Computer Engineering fourth-year student, and Mr Thabo Mbambo who is completing his B. Ed Honours in History Education.

‘Receiving the prize for my winning essay submission was an incredibly remarkable and cherished moment,’ she said.

Words: Samukelisiwe Cele

Photograph: Supplied