Physiology Lecturer is a UTEL Champion

BY: .

Click here for isiZulu version

Human Physiology lecturer in UKZN’s School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, Dr Zama Msibi is a champion of University Technology Enhanced Learning (UTEL). UTEL is a collaboration between UKZN’s University Teaching and Learning Office (UTLO) and Information Communication Services (ICS).

The first lecturer in her School to embrace a blended learning approach, Msibi said that it enables her to better understand her students and their different needs. While students took some time to adjust to discussion sessions where they are active participants in the teaching and learning process, they have responded enthusiastically to the use of video material which enhances their understanding of subjects like Neuroscience.

‘Msibi is a champion of technology-enhanced learning and has been using the services of UTEL for some time. We are encouraged that academics are taking advantage of the exceptional facilities at UTEL to embrace new ways of approaching their teaching,’ said Dr Diane van Staden, an Academic Leader for Teaching and Learning in the School of Health Sciences and a Developing Research, Innovation, Localisation and Leadership in South Africa (DRILL) fellow at UKZN.

Msibi observed that she has used UTEL’s state-of-the-art studios extensively as part of her technology-enhanced teaching strategy. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, she recorded videos to break down difficult concepts for her students. Staff members at UTEL invested much time and effort to produce high quality, visually stimulating videos.

‘The UTEL team was professional, welcoming and pleasant to work with and greatly assisted me in transitioning to online teaching and learning in response to the pandemic.’

Msibi’s UTEL journey began when Professor Irene Mackraj, who was the academic leader of Teaching and Learning at the time, invited academics to the UTEL studios for a presentation on blended learning and the flipped classroom approach.

‘I was really interested in integrating technology into my teaching approach. However, I wanted to do things a bit differently. I did not just want to record lectures, but to enrich my students’ experience with the content, so I ventured into the flipped classroom approach. I sent my students short pre-recorded videos to help them engage with the content at home, before coming to class for a Q&A session. I teach some of the complex subjects that are the least favourite for some of my students. With the help of UTEL, I have been able to take my students on a visual tour of the gastrointestinal tract and have been able to break down brain components using animated videos. These videos include instructions and a number of probing questions to encourage students to engage with the content before coming to class,’ she said.

Words: Lihle Sosibo

Photograph: Supplied