Affordances of Digital Simulations in Training Wastewater Treatment Practicals for Process Controllers in Technical Vocational Education and Training Institutions
Date
2023-11
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Abstract
In South Africa, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions train process controllers in various training programmes that rely on on-the-job training at wastewater treatment plants. TVET institutions are urged to include ICT into all training practises, which may necessitate curriculum updates and adjustments. The aim of this study determined how the WEST simulator can be used to enhance practical training for wastewater process controllers. This study followed a qualitative research approach and a thematic data analysis technique. In their perceptions, the participants recognised the teaching and learning affordances of the simulator such as replication of the process overview and problem-solving abilities. The study found that the participants were able to construct a comprehensive WWTP utilising WEST simulation, indicating that the affordances can be replicated and designed in actual situations. Although the WEST simulator offers various affordances, this research found a few minor limitations with its use, such as the computer requirements, which required a RAM speed of 1500 MHz Based on the findings, it is recommended that facilitators should have skills and knowledge in the field to perceive affordances, and their existence and to actualise them to apply them in practical training online.
Description
A research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Education Degree (MEd), exclusively to the Faculty of Humanities, Wits School of Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023.
Keywords
Affordances, Digital simulations, Training, Wastewater treatment, Practicals, Process controllers, Technical Vocational Education Training Insitutions (TVET), UCTD
Citation
Maluleke, Makhawukani Xilavi Dawn. (2023). Affordances of Digital Simulations in Training Wastewater Treatment Practicals for Process Controllers in Technical Vocational Education and Training Institutions. [Master's dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/41480