Instructional Designer Higher Education
Resume:
Dr Grasia Chisango
ORCID: https://orcid.org/****-0002-9951-1120
Mobile number: +277********
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/grasia-chisango-phd-35ab5442 Email: **************@*****.***
PERSONAL SUMMARY
I am a doctoral graduate and senior lecturer at Walter Sisulu University, teaching and supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students. I have completed a prestigious teaching and learning scholarship (SoTL) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and am part of the 2024–2025 Teaching Advancement at Universities (TAU5) cohort. I hold a Master’s in ICT in Education from the University of Johannesburg. I am an active researcher and have also served in leadership roles such as Faculty SoTL Chair. My student-centred approach integrates digital tools, active learning, and curriculum innovation aligned with industry needs. My research focuses on digital transformation, ICT in education, and addressing the digital divide. I am passionate about using technology to enhance learning and promote equitable access in higher education. UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN: DESIGNING WITH AI (07 JULY –17 AUGUST 2025) The short learning programme includes selecting and using AI to support teaching, learning in specific contexts, assessment and research, foundations of prompt engineering, generative AI and Large Language Models, and ethical practices in AI engagements.
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
Completed and awaiting graduation
University of Johannesburg- MEd in ICT in Education 2025 Information and Communication Technology in Education for Assessment A Passed Information and Communication Technology in Education for Assessment B Passed Learn Ecosystems: Current ICT Issues and Future A Passed Learn Ecosystems: Current ICT Issues and Future B Passed Distinction Educational Reform: ICT Practices and Policy Development A Distinction Educational Reform: ICT Practices and Policy Development B Passed Information and communication: Learning design A Passed Information and communication: Learning design B Passed Minor dissertation Passed
University of Cape Town Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education Studies
(2022)
Online learning Design Passed
Learning and Teaching in Higher Education Passed
Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education Passed Higher Education Curriculum/Research Design Distinction University of South Africa PhD (Communication) 2020 Thesis: The adoption and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in teaching and learning at township secondary schools in Sedibeng West District Municipality
ABSTRACT
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) can facilitate teaching and learning, regardless of location and time; hence, learning institutions are adopting the technologies. This study explored adopting and using information and communication technologies (ICTs) at township secondary schools in Sedibeng West District, Gauteng Province, South Africa. A mixed-method approach was adopted to gather data from the research participants. Focus group discussions and in-depth face-to- face interviews were conducted to determine how the participants felt about adopting and using ICTs in teaching. In addition, a survey questionnaire was administered to teachers to investigate how much they integrate ICTs in education, the ICT training and support needs available for teachers, and the challenges teachers face in using ICTs in the classroom. The results of this study indicate that intrinsic and extrinsic factors were barriers to the adoption and use of ICTs in teaching. These barriers included limited ICT skills among teachers, inadequate ICT infrastructure, negative attitudes towards ICTs, theft and vandalism of the infrastructure, and a lack of school- based ICT technicians at the schools. The older and more experienced teachers preferred using traditional teaching methodologies, whereas the younger and less experienced teachers were willing to integrate ICTs into teaching. This study concludes that although teachers were faced with a lot of challenges, some of them had positive attitudes towards the use of ICTs in education. This study proposes an ICT model that comprises five core aspects of the adoption and use of ICTs in teaching: planning, ICT training, ICT support, ICT implementation, and evaluation. The study further recommends that teachers, the community, and the Department of Education officials work together to address the challenges identified in their schools. Key terms: The information society, the digital divide, technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK), information and communication technologies (ICTs), secondary schools and South Africa.
University of South Africa Master of Arts in Communication (2014) Dissertation: Technology challenges faced by rural women in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: A case study in the Chris Hani Municipality University of South Africa School of Business Leadership (Advanced Project Management) 2015
University of South Africa (Honours BA Communication) 2012 Midlands State University (Bachelor of Education Degree in English) 2006 CURRENT PROJECTS
WSU sub-niche area (curriculum transformation) team member, 2023 to present Teaching Advancements at Universities (TAU) Participant for 2024-2025 TAU Project Title: Setting up a community of practice to support teaching and learning with educational technology
The TAU research identifies lecturers’ digital skills needs and designs digital skills training suitable for each department to enhance quality blended teaching and learning. Designing socially just teaching and learning activities is also part of the project.
TEACHING AND LEARNING EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya March 2021
UNIVERSITY AWARDS
• Learning and Teaching Virtual Grassroot Event 27 October 2021- A reflection of content delivery on blended learning environments amid the Covid-19 pandemic (Butterworth Campus)
• Learning & Teaching Day 14 November 2023- Unleashing the potential of digital technologies in higher education, sharing best practices (Butterworth Campus)
• Research & Innovation certificate of recognition- Emerging category publications (Butterworth Campus)
ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS/ COMMITTEES
Position Institution Faculty/
Department
Years
Faculty Research
Committee
Member
Walter Sisulu
University (WSU)
Faculty of
Management &
Public Administration
Sciences
2025 to present
Faculty Research
Ethics Committee
Member
WSU Faculty of
Management &
Public Administration
Sciences
March 2024 to
March 2025
Health and
Wellness
Committee
member
WSU Marketing, PR &
Communication
2025
Chairperson for the
Scholarship of
Learning and
Teaching
WSU Faculty of
Management &
Public Administration
Sciences
2022-2023
Secretary of the
Faculty Research
Committee
WSU Faculty of
Management &
Public Administration
Sciences
2022
Teaching Practice
Coordinator
WSU Faculty of Education 2016-2021
Funza Lushaka
bursary coordinator
WSU Faculty of Education 2016-2021
Blended Learning
Committee
member
WSU Faculty of Education 2018-2021
Research
committee member
WSU Faculty of Education Jan 2021- Sept
2021
FACILITATION
WSU- Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (Kenya) Exchange Programme 2021
• Teaching Practice Issues
Sub-Research Niche Area Sustainable Education_ Institutional Curriculum Design Workshop 2023
• Infusion of digital technologies in learning and teaching Empower Women in Research Affiliation (EWIRA) at Faculty Level 2025 National Schools of Government (NSG)_ South Africa_ Facilitator 2025
• Facilitated Advanced Management Development Programme (AMDP) to the Department of Employment and Labour in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province National Schools of Government (NSG)_ South Africa_ Assessor 2025
• Assessed AMDP Department of Transport Portfolio of Evidence Files (EC) National Schools of Government (NSG)_ South Africa_ Moderator 2025 LECTURING
Senior Lecturer (Permanent Position)- October 2021 to present Department of Marketing, Public Relations & Communication (postgraduates) Responsible for teaching research methodology to postgraduate students Department of Marketing, Public Relations & Communication (undergraduates) Name of Head of Department: Dr S Matenda
Responsible for teaching Project Management, Business Communication, Communication in English, and Applied Communication skills to undergraduate students across the campus.
• Developed the course structure of each module and course on the learning management system (Moodle).
• Formative and summative assessment of students.
• Involved in the setting of and marking examinations.
• Responsible for departmental administrative tasks.
• Providing mentoring, advice, and student support on a personal level.
• Attend research conferences and publish in conference proceedings and journals.
Lecturer (Temporary Position) - Walter Sisulu University Department of Curriculum Studies (Undergraduates)
January 2021 to September 2021
• Teaching English Language and Teaching methods to Senior Phase
(SP)/FET pre-service teachers
• Teaching English to Postgraduate Certificate in Education, pre-service teachers at Senior and FET Phases.
• Developed the course structure of each module and course on the learning management system (Blackboard).
• Formative and summative assessment of students.
• Involved in the setting of and marking examinations.
• Responsible for departmental administrative tasks.
• Providing mentoring, advice, and student support on a personal level.
• Attend research conferences and publish in conference proceedings and journals.
• Prepare committee reports for senior managers.
Lecturer (Temporary Position)- Walter Sisulu University Department of Curriculum Studies
May 2016 to September 2021
• Involved in supervising research and designing new courses and materials for the Foundation Phase, Further Education and Training (FET)
(Undergraduates), and Postgraduate in Education pre-service teachers.
• Supervising student teachers in teaching practice
• Teaching Communication skills, Introduction to Literature Studies, and Introduction to English Studies to FET pre-service teachers
• Teaching Academic Literacy to Foundation Phase pre-service teachers.
• Teaching English to Postgraduate Certificate in Education, pre-service teachers at Senior and FET Phases.
• Taught Curriculum Studies in English to FET pre-service teachers.
• Developed the course structure of each module and course on the learning management system (Blackboard).
• Formative and summative assessment of students.
• Involved in the setting of and marking examinations.
• Responsible for departmental administrative tasks.
• Providing mentoring, advice, and student support on a personal level.
• Attend research conferences and publish in conference proceedings and journals.
• Involved in community engagement.
• Prepare committee reports for senior managers.
English Teacher – Department of Education
October 2008 – December 2014
Taught learners English as the First Additional language and literature using learner- centred teaching methods that motivate and actively engage them in their learning. Responsible for setting examinations at the district level.
• Was responsible for lesson preparation, setting and marking examinations, and devising relevant practical activities.
• Involved in moderating learners’ portfolios of work at the district level.
• Marked national examinations.
ETutor – the University of South Africa Independent Contractor March 2013- December 2015
Taught literary studies to undergraduate students online. Sessional lecturer – Monash University South Africa March 2015- June 2015
Taught technology use to undergraduate students, marked and recorded their marks.
English Teacher – Ministry of Education January 2003 – April 2008 Taught learners English, Home language, and literature using learner-centred teaching methods that motivate and actively engage them in their learning. Responsible for setting examinations at the school level.
• Was responsible for lesson preparation, setting and marking examinations, and devising relevant practical activities. • Involved in learners’ debate and public speaking clubs.
Article and abstract reviewer
African Identities
African Educational Research Journal
Educational Technology Special Interest Group Member for SAERA Research, Teaching and Learning organisation committees Komani Research and Innovation August 2021
Butterworth Campus Research and Innovation August 2022. SUB-RNA Sustainable Education: Curriculum Design Workshop June 2023 Faculty Scholarship of Teaching and Learning 2023
Published book chapters
1. T Ncanywa, R Garidzirai, C Ndebele, N Marongwe, S Matope, Z Ginyigazi, G Chisango and P Msindwana. (2024). Linking Creativity and Innovation of University Curriculum Transformation With Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainable Development and Contemporary Issues in Society and Education Edited by: Prof Badar Iqbal.
2. Marongwe, N., & Chisango, G. (2023). REFRAMING TEACHER EDUCATION TO THE REALITIES IN SOME SOUTH AFRICAN SOCIETIES. Education Applications & Developments VIII Advances in Education and Educational Trends Series Edited by: Mafalda Carmo, 3.
Published peer-reviewed articles
1. Grasia Chisango. 2025. Exploring the effectiveness of e-portfolios in a first- year undergraduate Project Management course. 8(3): 25-43. https://doi.org/10.36615/k3e2mg77
2. Ndebele, C., Marongwe, N., Ncanywa, T., Matope, S., Ginyigazi, Z., Chisango, G., ... & Garidzirai, R. (2024). Reconceptualising initial teacher education in South Africa: A quest for transformative and sustainable alternatives. Interdisciplinary Journal of Education Research, 6, 1-19. DOI: https://doi.org/10.38140/ijer-2024.vol6.07
3. Samson Matope, Zanele Ginyigazi, Grasia Chisango, Phumla Msindwana, Rufaro Garidzirai, Newlin Marongwe, Thobeka Ncanywa & Clever Ndebele
(2024). The Role of NQF Level Descriptors in Fostering Transformative Pedagogy in Higher Education: A Literature Review. 9(2): 59-73. https://doi.org/10.24819/netsol2024.11
4. Newlin Marongwe & Grasia Chisango. 2022. Community of Practice in the Context of the Rapid Transition to Online Learning at a Rural University in South Africa: Successes and Pitfalls.Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in the South, 6(3): 155-161. DOI: 10.36615/sotls.v6i3.253 5. Grasia, C. & Newlin, M. 2022. Applying conversational framework to reflect on content delivery amid COVID-19 at a developing rural university in South Africa.2022. PONTE, 78 (1): 64-71.
6. Grasia Chisango & Lepheana J Lepheana. 2022. Challenges of implementing inclusive education in South Africa: a case study in Buffalo City education district. 78 (12)
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.12.14
7. Grasia Chisango & Newlin Marongwe. 2021. The digital divide at three disadvantaged secondary schools in Gauteng, South Africa. Journal of Education, 82: 150-165. doi http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2520-9868/i82a09. 8. Marongwe, M. & Chisango, G. (2021). Magnitude of Covid-19 on rural universities in the Eastern Cape province: Lessons learnt. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences 16(5), 2248-2260.
https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v16i5.6320
9. Grasia Chisango, Newlin Marongwe, Nomxolisi Mtsi & Thembisile E. Matyedi (2019) Teachers’ Perceptions of Adopting Information and Communication Technologies in Teaching and Learning at Rural Secondary Schools in Eastern Cape, South Africa, Africa Education Review, DOI: 10.1080/18146627.2018.1491317
10. Chisango, G & Marongwe, N. 2018. The Impact of Inadequate Information and Communication Technologies on Teaching and Learning of Pre-service Teachers at a Rural University in South Africa. Kamla-Raj 2018. J Communication, 9(1-2): 1-10. DOI: 11.258359/KRE-31 11. Chisango, G & Lesame, Z. 2017. Challenges of information and communication technology policy implementation in rural South Africa. ISSN 2415-0525 (Online) Communitas 2017 22: 48-61
12. Chisango, G & Lesame Z. 2014. Twenty Years of Democracy and Digital Poverty: Technology Challenges Experienced by Women in the Chris Hani Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa Vol 5 No 27 ISSN 2039-2117 (online) Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences MCSER Publishing, Rome-Italy.
Articles accepted for publication
G. Chisango, D. Legg-jack & M. Okoli. 2025. Postgraduate students’ understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Perspectives from selected universities in South Africa. Submitted to FWU Journal of Social Sciences Article submitted to a Journal
G. Chisango & T. Mawere. 2025. Investigating Lecturers' Perspectives on the Integration of Educational Technologies in Higher Education During the Post- Pandemic Era of Education 4.0. Submitted to Educational Technology & Society Published full-length conference papers.
1. Exploration of pre-service English first additional language students’ technological readiness to teach during teaching practice. Grasia Chisango, & Newlin Marongwe. END 2022 Proceedings, Volume 2, Education and New Developments, June 18
th
-20
th
, Madeira Island,
Portugal, ISBN: 978-989-53614-5-8
2. Reconfiguring teacher education in South African universities to address learner behavioural conducts in schools: Changed reality. Newlin Marongwe & Grasia Chisango. END 2022 Proceedings, Volume 1, Education and New Developments, June 18th-20th, Madeira Island, Portugal, ISBN: 978-989-53614-3-4
3. Managing university online teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: time for reflection from lecturers’ perspectives. G. Chisango, N. Marongwe. Event: EDULEARN21. Track: Digital & Distance Learning. Session: DISTANCE EDUCATION IN COVID-19 TIMES Session type: VIRTUAL
4. Exploring accessibility to information and communication technology
(ICT) at disadvantaged secondary schools in Gauteng Province- South Africa. G. Chisango & C. Lesame. EDULEARN19 Proceedings, 11th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies July 1st-3rd, 2019- Palma, Mallorca, Spain, ISBN: 978- 84-09-12031-4
5. Can a solution be found using information and communication technology gadgets in higher education? A case of a rural university. Newlin Marongwe, Munienge Mbodila & Grasia Chisango. EDULEARN19 Proceedings, 11th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies July 1st-3rd, 2019- Palma, Mallorca, Spain, ISBN: 978-84-09-12031-4.
Participation in conferences
National
5
th
-8
th
May 2025, 2
nd
International Higher Education, Teaching, Learning and Student Support Conference at the University of South Africa, Pretoria (oral presentation)
28
th
-30
th
August 2019, SACOMM Conference at the University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa (oral presentation)
22-24 October 2018, 6
th
SAERA Conference, University of North-West (oral
presentation)
27-29 September 2017, 11
th
Annual Higher Education Conference (oral
presentation)
05-07 October 2016, 2
nd
UNIVEN-WSU international conference, hosted by the University of Venda (oral presentation)
International
International Conference on Education and New Developments June 18 th
-20
th
, 2022
- Madeira Island, Portugal (oral presentation)
13th Annual International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies July 5th-6th, 2021- Palma, De Mallorca, Spain (Virtual presentation) 11th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies July 1st-3rd, 2019- Palma, Mallorca, Spain (Poster presentation) POSTGRADUATE SUPERVISION
Babalwa Mzamo. 220641021.The impact of unethical leadership on service delivery in a selected municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. Master of Public Administration 2025 (Proposal stage)
Yonela Nonkonela. 220185832. Exploring the Effects of Corruption on Service Delivery in Umzimvubu Local Municipality. Bachelor of Administration Honours 2025 (Proposal stage)
Feziwe Ngwangwa. 211166197. Exploring The Use of Information Communication Technology in Rural Secondary Schools in Chris Hani District Municipality. (Under External examination). Master of Education.
Anathi Mphehlwa. 216046696.The use of assistive technology for the enhancement of inclusive education in selected public high schools in the Chris Hani West District. Master of Education. (Data collection) Lepheana Justice.215227514. Barriers educators face in implementing inclusive pedagogy in primary schools: a case study in Buffalo City Education District. B Ed Honours: Inclusive Education. Graduated in 2023
Feziwe Ngwangwa. 211166197. Technology challenges faced when integrating information and communication technologies into teaching and learning at secondary school. Bed Honours: Educational Management and Policy. Graduated in 2021
Andisiwe Hemphe. 217002935. Investigating factors leading to poor Grade 12 performance: a case study of a secondary school in Nkonkobe district. Bed Honours: Educational Management and Policy. Graduated in 2022 Undergraduate supervision
I successfully supervised fifteen undergraduate Bachelor of Education research students
Mentorship
I mentor a colleague who is a master's student.
I also mentor a colleague (PhD candidate) in article writing. RESEARCH COLLABORATION
Collaborated in article writing with Professor Lesame (University of Limpopo) Collaborated in article writing with Dr Marongwe, Dr Mtsi, Mr Matyedi and Mr Mbodila (Walter Sisulu University)
Collaborated in article writing with Dr Legg-jack (University of South Africa) and Dr Okoli (Mancosa)
Collaborated in article writing with Dr Mawere (Great Zimbabwe University) Collaborated in two book chapters with WSU colleagues Currently working on a book chapter (Education 4.0: Perspectives of Lecturers on Post-Pandemic Educational Technology Integration in a Historically Disadvantaged South African University) with Prof G. Lautenbach (University of Johannesburg)
Currently writing an article (Investigating the Learning Curve of First-Time University Students' Encounters with the Learning Management System: A Reimaging University in South Africa) with Dr T. Mawere (Great Zimbabwe University)
Currently writing an article (Exploring the Integration of Information and Communication Technology in Rural Secondary Schools of Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality) with Ms F. Ngwangwa (WSU master student) Currently writing an article (The Impact of Information and Communications Technology Skill Integration on Career Readiness Among Diploma in Management Sciences Undergraduates) with Ms. Z. Matshaya (WSU colleague and PhD candidate)
Membership in national and international bodies
South African Education Research Association (SAERA) PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Community Engagement
• Adjudicated the Faculty of Business Management Sciences Postgraduate Conference at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 20 August 2022.
• Liaise with the Department of Basic Education officials for student teachers’ placement at schools.
• Address the needs of schools by liaising with the Department of Education officials.
External Examination
I assessed two University of Limpopo master’s students’ dissertations from the Department of Communication, Media, and Information Studies in 2022. I assessed a University of Johannesburg master’s student's dissertation from the education faculty in 2022.
I assessed two University of Limpopo honours students’ mini dissertations from the Department of Communication, Media, and Information Studies in 2022 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES
National School of Government_ Republic of South Africa: Facilitating Open Distance eLearning 2025
Swiss Distance University of Applied Sciences_ Institute for Research in Open, Distance, and eLearning (IFeL): Learning Analytics for Teachers 2024 Swiss Distance University of Applied Sciences_ Institute for Research in Open, Distance, and eLearning (IFeL): Basics of Adaptive Learning 2024 National School of Government_ Republic of South Africa: Championing Anti- Discrimination in the Public Sector 2024
National School of Government_ Republic of South Africa: Ethics in the Public Sector 2024
National School of Government_ Republic of South Africa: Know and line our Constitution 2024
University of KwaZulu-Natal: Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) (March 2023 to March 2024)
University of Cape Town: Teaching with Technology 2022 University of the Witwatersrand: Teaching English as a Foreign Language 2020 Rhodes University: Strengthening Doctoral Supervision Course 2019 Walter Sisulu University (WSU): Develop Outcome-Based Learning Programmes WSU: Design Outcome-Based Learning Programmes
WSU: Conduct Moderation of Outcomes-Based Assessments WSU: Conduct Outcome-Based Assessment
WSU: Facilitate learning using a variety of methods. WSU: Assessment in Higher Education
WSU: Design, Develop, and Implement Assessment of Learning in Higher Education and Training
REFEREES
Name Relationship Email address Contact
number
Prof N
Marongwe
Research
collaboration
*****.********@***.**.** 072-***-****
Prof C. Lesame Mentor *****.******@***.**.** 072-***-**** Ms J. Kabinga Teaching with
Technology Peer
*********@***.**.** 076-***-****
Contact this candidate