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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Technology for Language Learning 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
88362  Postgraduate Diploma in Technology for Language Learning 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Language 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The qualification introduces learners to a broad spectrum of language learning theories and research necessary to create digital teaching and learning material. It also includes a variety of software, information and communication technologies for learner support. This qualification provides educators with the ability to utilise a range of learning technologies, underpinned by well-informed language learning theories and research, to address the needs of a country where functional and academic literacy are a major concern.

The qualification promotes the development of professional skills on both theoretical and practical levels which should enable learners to make effective contributions in their profession through research, development of digital language learning material and the application of the IT skills acquired in this qualification in their teaching.

Rationale:

The use of computers in society and the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education has become a necessity. This Postgraduate Diploma addresses the need for language educators to look critically, in a theoretically founded manner, at the integration of language in teaching and learning.

The Postgraduate Diploma addresses the need for language practitioners to integrate technology in a theoretically and pedagogically sound manner in their daily practices of language teaching and learning. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that learners accessing this qualification are:
  • Competent in the use of computers;
  • Competent in the communication skills required for postgraduate studies.
  • Have understanding of Information Technology and its application in the education context.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The Recognition of Prior Learning policy of the University is followed in giving access to candidates who meet the minimum language requirement. A motivational letter explaining language proficiency and previous experience in language teaching and learning, as well as a portfolio of language teaching material and a completed questionnaire on computer literacy may be submitted.

    Access to the Qualification:
  • A Bachelor of Education, NQF Level 7 with a language at least at NQF Level 6.
    OR
  • A recognised teaching qualification equivalent to NQF Level 7 that includes the subject didactics of a language at least at NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises two compulsory modules:
  • Theory and Techniques: NQF Level 8, 100 credits.
  • Research Assignment: NQF Level 8, 20 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse theoretical frameworks of language learning technologies.

    2. Develop and utilise digital language learning material.

    3. Produce a dissertation on the use and integration of technology in language learning and teaching.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    The Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are dealt with throughout the qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Explore the concept of technology assisted language pedagogics in relation to the ever-changing and complex field of learning.
  • Analyse, in a theoretically founded manner, the integration of technology in language teaching and learning.
  • Evaluate the efficacy of language learning technologies in the practical teaching environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Create digital teaching and learning material using a variety of software, information and communication technologies for learner support.
  • Utilise a range of learning technologies to address the needs of a country where functional and academic literacy are major concerns.
  • Evaluate the efficacy of language learning technologies in the practical teaching environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Explain the principles of quantitative and qualitative research.
  • Formulate a research proposal.
    > Range of formulation requirements includes, but is not limited to: Delineating the problem, selecting the research methodology, conducting a literature review and structure.
  • Conduct research ethically and in accordance with established research methodology practice.
    > Range of research conduct includes, but is not limited to: Gathering and processing, capturing, and interpreting information.
  • Present findings and conclusions in oral and written formats according to established research practice.

    Integrated Assessment:

    According to the assessment policy of Stellenbosch University assessment opportunities should be various with different kinds of methods used. Various assessment types are used in the modules of this programme such as the development of language learning material, a test and research assignments. Seven assessment opportunities in the Theory and Techniques module allow for formative assessment of different sections throughout the year and two examination papers provide summative assessment at the end of the year. The research assignment enables learners to show their research capabilities acquired in the programme. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    New Zealand-University of Canterbury: Postgraduate Diploma in Education endorsed in e-Learning and Digital Technologies in Education.

    This qualification is designed to give educators, support staff and trainers the opportunity to improve their professional practice with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and critically examine significant issues within this area. Potential candidates must be approved for the Diploma by the Dean of Education, and have either qualified for any appropriate Degree in New Zealand with two 300-level courses in Education, or qualified for any appropriate degree in New Zealand In addition, candidates with the latter qualification must have done one of the following:
  • Successfully completed a recognised teacher training course of not less than one year at a New Zealand college of education or university.
  • Acquired experience as a teacher in a recognised educational institution or setting.
  • Acquired experience as a counselor in a recognised counselling setting.
  • Acquired appropriate experience as an educator in a work-place or community setting.
  • Satisfied the conditions for admission to the Diploma endorsed in leadership.
  • Completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
  • Been admitted "Ad Eundem Statum" (with equivalent status).

    From the little information available regarding the above qualification, we can conclude that this qualification compares to a certain extent with the SU qualification in terms of the purpose, entry and access requirements, but the SU qualification does not require any experience in ICL.

    University of Malta: Postgraduate Diploma in Technology-Enhanced Learning (DiTeL).

    The Course is open to applicants in possession of one of the following qualifications:
  • A Degree in Education from this university.
  • A Degree from another university recognised as equivalent for the purpose.
  • Any other Degree together with a recognised teaching qualification.
  • Any other recognised teaching qualification together with at least five years' teaching experience.

    Applicants should be in possession of the Theory and Practice of Digital Libraries/European Conference on Digital Libraries (ECDL) or a recognised Teacher's Certificate in ICT prior to commencement of the Course.

    Conclusion:

    There was not enough information on this qualification to make thorough comparison. However, the minimum access to the qualification, except for the requirement of any experience in the use if ICT or Digital Libraries, is similar to the SU qualification.

    Comparison has been difficult as most of the similar qualifications at Postgraduate level have been phased out and are now offered at Master's level. The few that are found have little information available with regard to the duration of the qualification, but it is evident that applicants are expected to have experience in the use of Digital Libraries and/or distance learning - which is not an entry requirement for the SU qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with any Postgraduate Diploma or Honours Degree in Language Learning or related field at NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with any Master's Degree in Language Learning or related field at NQF Level 9. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • All assessment products are externally moderated.
  • Examination papers are internally and externally moderated. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Stellenbosch University 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.