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16 October 2025
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Story Lacea Loader
The University of the Free State (UFS) has obtained an interim court order prohibiting any individuals from engaging in unlawful activities or conduct on any of its campuses.
In terms of the order, no person may amongst others:
- Participate in or promote unlawful protest action;
- Disrupt or interfere with academic or online activities;
- Block access to or from university campuses;
- Intimidate, threaten, or harass students, staff, or visitors; or
- Damage, destroy, or tamper with university property or safety equipment.
The order applies to all UFS campuses — Bloemfontein, South, and Qwaqwa — and remains in force pending the final determination of the matter.
The University urges all members of the community to respect the order and uphold a safe, conducive environment for teaching, learning, and work.
Digitising the Advanced Certificate in Teaching (ACT)
2017-02-06
The 100% online ACT aims to help
teachers improve their qualifications.
More information is available at
http://www.ufs.ac.za/ACTonline.
Photo: Supplied
Online learning is fast becoming the most convenient and affordable way to study. In 2016, the South Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) became the first university in South Africa to launch a fully online course for current teachers to upgrade their qualifications; the Advanced Certificate in Teaching (ACT).
The IDEAS Lab digitisation team on our South Campus is responsible for converting the existing ACT modules from a blended format to a 100% online format. With this format all lessons and study material are available online, with no contact sessions required. The advantages of online, interactive learning far outweigh those of blended learning. Lessons are converted to videos online, which is not only more user-friendly, but students can also access the lessons repeatedly.
In addition, tutors are always available, with WhatsApp groups and the ACT Online Facebook page further facilitating the support provided. Discussions between or communication with students situated in remote areas is made possible, adding to an enriched student experience. Immediate feedback on activities serves as a diagnostic tool as well as motivation for the students.
Lesson videos are recorded at the IDEAS Lab Studio at the South Campus or onsite at various schools. Students are expected to complete a unit, which consists of two lessons, per week.
There are “think about your learning” activities after each lesson as well as “after readings” to ensure that students have grasped the material. In these and many other ways the online ACT is specifically designed to suit students’ unique needs and make their studies a satisfying and rewarding experience.