The good, the bad and the ugly: using videos to reverse systems analysis and design instruction

Abstract

Systems Analysis and Design (SAD) is a second-year subject offered within the Information Technology (IT) course at the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University in South Africa. The diverse environment of this campus includes students representing most ethnic groups in South Africa, adding to the complexity of classroom interaction. This is further complicated by the fact that students find the subject difficult, mostly because it includes many new concepts used in different contexts. SAD students also grapple with fuzzy issues such as fact-finding from system users and representing information obtained from models that are designed for feedback. SAD is therefore far removed from the more exact subjects like programming and mathematics that many IT students excel in. Videos explaining difficult SAD concepts were produced and made available to students on a Learning Management System (LMS). The students were motivated to come to classes prepared. During the first semester concepts were explained during formal class times. Formal explanations were not given during the second semester because students were expected to build on the knowledge that they had gained during the first semester. The students were also required to make use of all the resources available to them to come to class prepared. Group work was done in class during both semesters. The success of implementing reverse instruction in the second semester is evaluated through an interpretive lens. The fifteen modal aspects developed by the philosopher Herman Dooyeweerd were used to ensure a clearer picture of the researched situation was painted with a view on diversity and unexpected usage.