Greener Journal of Educational Research

Greener Journal of  Educational Research Vol. 3 (4), pp. 200-205, June 2013

 ISSN: 2276-7789 

Research Paper

Manuscript Number: 051513613

 

Using Mobile Phones as a Complementary Tool for Counseling Practicum Supervision in ODL: The Zimbabwe Open University- Harare/ Chitungwiza Region

 

¹L. Chaminuka, *²Dr. T.M. Kaputa

 

¹Regional Programme Coordinator Counselling,  ²Chairperson Department of Disability Studies and Special Needs Education. Faculty of Applied Social Sciences, Zimbabwe Open University.

 

¹Email: lilianc915@gmail.com

 

*Corresponding Author’s Email: tmusankuleni @ gmail. com

Abstract:

This study looks at how mobile phones are used to supervise counselling practicum in the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) in Harare- Chitungwiza Region. ZOU is an open and distance learning (ODL) institution which offers degree programmes in various disciplines including counseling. Holmberge (1977) points out that ODL or distance education (DE) covers the various forms of study at all levels but are not supervised in lecture rooms or in the same premises but are planned, guided and taught by an institution at a distance. The supervision of practical degree programmes in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is already a challenge. The use of emerging technologies like mobile phones as an additional mode of supervision into open and distance learning can bring novelty into this area. This case study focused on a counselling student who was attached to a local hospital. Data was collected through the student’s personal accounts and interviews. Triangulation was achieved through interviews with supervisor at both the local hospital and the university. Findings show that the mobile phone is essential as an additional tool for supervising practicum during the actual intervention wherever anywhere. The study recommends that mobile phones be used to complement the supervision of practicums.
 
Keywords: Mobile phones, counseling, practicum, supervision, emerging technologies.

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