An environmental management qualification through distance education

Abstract

The department of geography and environmental studies of the University of South Africa recently played a pivotal role in implementing an inter-and multidisciplinary undergraduate programme in environmental management. This programme prepares students for entry-level occupations, and equips them with the knowledge, skills and values needed to contribute to sustainable development. Both BA and BSc students are catered for, which contributes to the broadening of undergraduate education. This programme is unique because of its inclusion at undergraduate level and because it is offered through distance education. The teaching approach acknowledges that the causes of environmental problems are not simple, and are rooted in the nature of political, social and economic systems. It acknowledges that the solutions to environmental problems are equally complex, requiring not only specialist inputs, but also value and structural shifts. In line with the latest trends in education, a student-activating approach is followed, with emphasis on real case studies, the flexible application of knowledge, and formative and integrated assessment. An overview is given of the experience that has been gained through designing and implementing this programme. This experience may serve to stimulate discussion on how to improve education and training in this field. The results of a pilot survey conducted among the students enrolled for this programme are presented. Their responses reflect a positive attitude to the programme, especially concerning the interconnectedness of modules, the fostering of environmental awareness, and its usefulness for career objectives.

Meeting lifelong learning needs by distance teaching – Clean technology

“…Pretorius [7] cites various references placing distance education in the context of a teaching and learning process in which the educator and learner are removed from each other in time and space and which typically involves a combination of different media. He points out that this form of education is no longer viewed as a 'second class' option.…”

Implementing Campus Greening Initiatives

“…This observation is based on financial viability, trends in student numbers, and relevance for society. Pretorius (2004) and Zietsman and Pretorius (2006) observed that student numbers for the programme were gradually increasing, with students from all over South Africa and farther afield. Although it can be anticipated that this growth will level off, a baseline in terms of the minimum number of students required to continue to offer this qualification, has been established.…”

“…Although it can be anticipated that this growth will level off, a baseline in terms of the minimum number of students required to continue to offer this qualification, has been established. Earlier in 2000, Pretorius (2004) found that a large majority of students in the EM programme were already employed in the environmental industry, and that the programme provided a means to receive formal education in environmental management. This indicated that the programme was an option for people already employed in the environmental industry, and lacking the required theoretical background.…”

“…Graduates with an environmental background at this level are required to, among other things, fulfil the role of coordinators and facilitate community involvement and participation in environmental decisionmaking (Pretorius 2004). Since many decisions regarding environmental issues in Southern Africa are taken at grassroots levels, where participants are in need of environmental knowledge, skills and insights, a first degree in environmental management seemed the obvious route to go.…”

Environmental education for small- and medium-sized enterprises: Methodology and e-learning experience in the Valencian region

“…This lack of formation exists even within business school teaching staff and consequently management is not adequately prepared to account for the environment as a key issue in decisionmaking processes (Barratt, 2006;Pretorius, 2004;Dominik et al, 2003;Bunch and Finlay, 1999). This is particularly problematic for small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).…”