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A Mandela University student is required to spend many hours'on their course work. These include preparation for a lesson, participation in a lesson,'completing assignments for a lesson and'reflecting on a lesson. Some of these activities require wi-fi for the duration of the activity for example watching a live class presentation, while others require only a few minutes to access a file to work on or submit a file for the lecturer to mark. Some classes are offered in the virtual space and can be accessed at any time while others are offered in real time (either physically in a'class room'or virtually at a specific time online). These methods of teaching and learning are called the Blended-learning approach.''

Students are required to have self-discipline, good time management and digital literacy skills to'be successful in the blended-learning environment.'Students are supported by the university in this journey in various ways.'The'GetDigiReady'program'assists'with the improvement of the digital skills,'but'the student'has to'work on his/her own self-development too, in order to succeed.'To support the student with this,'each faculty has a student success coach with whom the student can interact to improve learning skills'and'communication skills and'the student'can also get counselling regarding career options.''

We'encourage'all students'to engage with the success coach.'Students who are identified as being at risk, that is performing below average and may fail, or be excluded from their studies due to poor performance, are required to attend compulsory sessions with the Success coach and/or student councillors,'and also'attend Supplemental Instruction for'high risk'modules.'

The academic journey is not one that a student can do without support from family,'friends and the Mandela Uni. We need to ensure that'all the stakeholders'understand their role in this journey. The'Wamkelekile'Digital'program'has the next few tips for you, to keep the peace in the'home':'

Respect the study environment. This means that the structures should'respect the student's need for a quiet space to study for'a number of'hours each day'and that'the student'must respect the rules of the home. The student can share'his/her'needs with'the'family so that they understand that'he/she'will not shrug off family duties, but rather tend to them'in the'study break, as soon as a submission is made or any other such time.''

Share your stories.'You as a student must draw in your family to understand your dreams. Keep your support structures up to date with your progress and show your progress report to them. Share your dreams for the future. Show how your education will make a difference to your life, that of your family and that of your community.'The family can help by also sharing their dreams of a better future.'

Have patience and calmness always.'Approach every challenge with a calm attitude. It helps you think clearer, avoids you saying things you don't mean and is the best way to move forward'without conflict. Goals and dreams take time to achieve. Be patient and work towards them one step at a time. This is true for the student and the family.'

Wishing you all success and happiness with Mandela Uni.

Wamkelekile Digital: Introduction

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