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In the realm of higher education, the power of collaboration is increasingly recognised as a catalyst for innovation and transformation. Among the educators who have embraced this approach is Dr Phindile Shangase, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of the Free State (UFS). Dr Shangase, together with Prof Daniela Gachago from the University of Cape Town and Prof Eunice Ivala from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, co-edited the recently published book, titled Co-teaching and Co-research in contexts of Inequality: Using networked learning to connect Africa and the world.

With a call for abstracts issued throughout the world, this edited collection comprises 15 contributions authored by more than 40 scholars hailing from Africa, Europe, the United States, South America, and Australia. This book explores co-teaching and co-research through conceptual essays, reflective papers, and empirical research, delving into African lecturers’ experiences with networked learning. It provides insight into online collaboration across institutions and cultures, revealing both opportunities and challenges in disparate contexts.

“The motivation to publish on this particular topic came in 2018 when I secured funding from the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) to establish a virtual classroom for teaching research methods to master’s students, connecting the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and the University of Botswana (UB). This experience revealed the effectiveness of co-teaching and highlighted the benefits of collaboration with universities worldwide, leading to advancements in teaching and research,” Dr Shangase said.

The power of collaboration

With more than 12 years of teaching experience, Dr Shangase emphasised the transformative power of co-teaching and co-research. “Collaboration holds immense potential for us. By working together, sharing our capacities, skills, and knowledge, we can effectively bridge gaps and accelerate the learning process,” she remarked.

By prioritising the shared humanity and the desire to learn from one another, even when perspectives differ, the book promotes a culture of sharing and community-building. It explores how networked learning tools and technologies can bridge unequal divides and create learning opportunities that transcend geographical, cultural, and institutional boundaries.

Fostering globalisation

Although the invitation for submissions to this book was shared prior to the pandemic, COVID-19 has made it essential reading for all academics across the board. “COVID-19 has forced the concept of blended learning, which places a strong emphasis on integrating technology into education. It has urged us to re-evaluate networked learning in an advantageous manner, encouraging us to explore the effective utilisation of technology,” she underlined.

Additionally, this book also enhances the process of globalisation.

“Through globalisation, we are able to share insight and come up with common solutions for global challenges and improve capacity building in a rapidly changing world,” Dr Shangase concluded.