Institutionalising the eLearning division at the University of the Western Cape (UWC): lessons learnt

Universities need to re-align teaching and learning in response to advances in educational technology. The University of the Western Cape (UWC) established an eLearning Division (ED) in May 2005 which has experienced rapid growth. In this paper, we present the role of the eLearning Division in the institutionalisation of eLearning. We argue that a supportive leadership and effective organisational policies and strategies are key components to the success of the establishment of eLearning. Furthermore, we show that the success is also pegged to the continuous review and updating of the organisational policies in the light of new requirements. Our strategy for staff development involves facilitating changes in the mindsets of UWC’s community towards the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in teaching and learning through empowering them for online course facilitation as well as enhancing their computer literacy skills. Our challenges result from resistance from some of our intended clientele, as well as the challenges of coordinating the Division’s activities with well established divisions and entities within the university. The eLearning Division’s success and achievements are based on continuous review and feedback as we strive to improve and enhance our service to meet the needs of UWC educators