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Dr Rouxan Fouché’s research helps improve computer literacy in Mangaung

21 April 2023 | Story Rulanzen Martin | Photo Charl Devenish

Dr Rouxan Fouche — Dr Rouxan Fouché on stage in the Callie Human Centre during his graduation ceremony. He hopes his PhD findings will be used to improve the UFS’s Information Technology Service-Learning (ITSL) project’s effectiveness.

When Dr Rouxan Fouché decided to undertake a PhD in Computer Science and Informatics, he was motivated by his commitment to addressing the digital divide in South Africa through service-learning. Through his research, he investigated how the UFS’s Information Technology Service-Learning (ITSL) project could be improved by collaboration with all project stakeholders to positively address and impact the digital divide in the local Mangaung community.

Dr Fouché is a lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Informatics at the University of the Free State (UFS) and received his PhD during the UFS’s April 2023 graduation ceremonies.

He based his PhD thesis, titled ‘Addressing the South African Digital Divide through a community-informed strategy for Service-Learning: A Critical Utopian Action Research (CUAR) Approach’, on the service-learning module he taught after he realised the positive effect of an information technology-focussed service-learning module on computer literacy levels in the local community. “The initial goal of the service-learning module was to provide free computer literacy training to computer-illiterate community members as part of the students’ community engagement,” Dr Fouché said.

Community-focused PhD research

According to Dr Fouché researchers have recently started looking at how universities can use their service-learning modules (as part of community engagement) to bridge and address the digital divide. He also believes “current conceptualisations indicate that most university service-learning endeavours are organised without engaging with the local community or incorporating their specific needs.”

This is where he hopes his research and findings could make a difference.

His study aimed to re-evaluate and revise the ITSL project by using a hands-on, collaborative approach which included all ITSL project stakeholders. Members of the community served by the project were involved in the shared decision-making and knowledge sharing. “Furthermore, the short-term and lasting impacts of this revised community needs-led ITSL project on the participating community members were investigated.”

The study was conducted in three cycles: Cycle 1 constituted a survey approach to identify the concerns and possible shortcomings of the ITSL project. In Cycle 2, all stakeholders participated in a ‘Future-Creating Workshop’, which reviewed findings from Cycle 1, and a utopian action plan was developed by all involved. Cycle 3 saw the revised project being implemented based on all the recommendations from the previous cycle. “This cycle also included the evaluation of the project’s immediate impact using pre-test and post-test questionnaires completed by project participants.”

Service-learning project made a difference

When Dr Fouché initiated the ITSL project in 2015, the main objective was to serve and equip Mangaung and surrounding communities with necessary computer literacy skills. The programme entails training in Microsoft Word and Excel via two short learning programmes.

The impact of the programme was far-reaching, as it enabled participants to gain formal employment. “The participants told me that they were able to find employment as service station attendants, administrative clerks, and cashiers, among other roles, due to the computer literacy certificates they received after completing the ITSL project.” Witnessing the positive impact of the ITSL programme led Dr Fouché to focus his PhD research on improving the service-learning offerings the UFS provides for the community.

“I realised that it was necessary to investigate how the ITSL project could be improved and tailor-made for the community it serves,” he said.

News Archive

Rag teamwork leads to Armentum, Emily's float

2016-02-04

Rag video clip

Perhaps the residences Armentum and Emily Hobhouse were thrown into the deep end, but they still wanted to prove a point.

This is according to Hanko Minnaar, Residence Committee member for Rag at Armentum, shortly after the residences were announced as overall float winners of the University of the Free State (UFS).

According to Minnaar, Emily Hobhouse and Armentum overcame the challenge of building a float as a two-residence team, while most of the other hostels were in teams of three.

On 30 January 2016, after about two weeks of hard work and sweat, the residence twosome was named the winner at the Bloemfontein Campus.

“I am very proud. We couldn't have asked for more,” Minnaar said, after the residences Armentum and Emily Hobhouse celebrated their victory with house songs. “Anything is possible through teamwork.”

Tom and Jerry, Olaf and a Steri Stumpie

The theme for this year was “Cartoons, Animation, and Children's Snacks”. Among other items, Armentum and Emily Hobhouse had Tom and Jerry, Olaf from Frozen, a Steri Stumpie, and a box of Astros on their float.

Photo: Charl Devenish

“We thought hard about what we wanted,” Minnaar said.

“We also asked some children, and they said that Tom and Jerry is a favourite, and Olaf has always been a winner as well. And Steri Stumpies, of course. Who doesn't like Steri Stumpies?” The residences Marjolein, Veritas, and Akasia were second overall, with Karee, Vergeet-My-Nie, and Sonnedou third.

Colourful processions

The events of the day started off with a morning procession from the Pelonomi Hospital to the Twin City Mall in Heidedal, where students and the community celebrated together, and meals were distributed.

The evening procession, from the Tempe robot in Nelson Mandela Drive to the Old Grey Sports Grounds, was greeted by hordes of spectators along the way.

Artists and Co captivate audience

In the evening, music lovers were entertained at Old Grey Sports Grounds by the legendary artists Vusi Mahlasela, the talented Karen Zoid, and an energetic Francois van Coke.

Local bands, Rise in Red and Simple Stories, added to the excitement. To top it all off, a special laser show made for a colourful visual bonus, coupled with great sound.

2016 Float results
Rag photo gallery

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