Overcoming Transactional Distance through Implementing Podcasts and Vodcasts: Perceptions from an Open Distance and e-Learning University

<p><span lang="EN-US">The COVID-19 pandemic challenged instructional methods of teaching and learning in universities around the world. To bridge this gap, many opted for use digital technological innovations to reach students. Despite implementation these innovations, higher education institutions were not fully prepared ready online during pandemic. Researchers have argued that podcast vodcast bring about no change students’ motivation performance. Consequently, there is still limited research on perceptions utilisation tools distance contexts. Using email interviews open-ended evaluation questions, article aims explore first-year undergraduate using podcasts vodcasts enhance academic writing skills an open e-Learning university South Africa. transactional theory, findings indicate lecturers positive towards because today’s students consume content [digital natives], enjoy technology are adept navigating learning. However, even though, at first, novice hesitant unfamiliar with recording vodcasts, through mediation, ended up quality clear made illustrations it easier understand module’s content. The researchers recommend consider their interests, motivation, language demographic backgrounds creating vodcasts.</span></p>