NRF C2 Rating for UKZN Educational Technology Academic
Professor Upasana Singh has been recognised with a National Research Foundation (NRF) C2 rating for her outstanding contribution to educational technology.
The NRF rating is a coveted achievement, awarded based on local and international peer evaluations of the quality and impact of a scholar’s research.
Singh currently serves as Academic Leader and Associate Professor in the Discipline of Information Systems and Technology at UKZN. She also holds the positions of Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the Victorian Institute of Technology, Australia; Visiting Lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and, Adjunct Professor at Chandigarh Group of Colleges, India.
Pleased with her achievement, Singh said: ‘I am humbled to receive such a strong rating during my first application for a rating, where it is common to receive either a Y or C3 rating. Being only the second female in the Discipline of Information Systems and Technology at UKZN, to achieve this recognition is immensely gratifying.’
The recognition by the NRF bears testimony to the sterling work in educational technology Singh has carried out over the past 15 years. While she has been deeply engaged in IT-related subjects such as e-commerce, IT consulting, IT strategy, programming and research methodology, her true passion lies in educational technologies, where she has made substantial contributions, positioning herself as a specialist in digital teaching, learning and assessment.
Her interdisciplinary research approach has yielded remarkable outcomes, evidenced by her extensive publication record, including four edited books, 25 journal papers, 13 book chapters and 26 peer-reviewed conference papers, all of which have significantly impacted discourse on digital teaching, learning and assessment. She has delivered keynote addresses at more than 25 international conferences and webinars, where she shared research insights.
One of her notable achievements is serving as the convener and Chair of the International Conference on Digital Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (digiTAL2K). Through this platform, she facilitates global collaboration and knowledge exchange, attracting scholars from diverse backgrounds and countries.
Beyond academia, she is committed to driving the adoption and design of digital teaching and assessment practices. She said: ‘My edited books and research projects address critical issues such as quality assurance in the online space and innovative use of technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences.’
During the COVID-19 pandemic, her research provided valuable insights into the transition to online learning. She developed conceptual models tailored to the needs of academics and students, particularly focusing on gender-specific considerations.
Singh has received numerous accolades and nominations, including the Women in Academic Leadership initiative by ASCILITE (Australia). Her participation in prestigious programmes such as the MISQ Scholarly Development Academy and the Higher Education Leadership and Management Programme further highlights her dedication to scholarship and leadership in digital education.
Singh’s NRF C2 rating in Educational Technology represents a significant milestone in her academic journey, aligning strongly with the goals of Project Renewal at UKZN, particularly in strengthening the IT Discipline.
‘This recognition affirms the national and international impact of my research, underscoring its relevance to digital teaching, learning and assessment – areas central to reimagining Higher Education in the digital age. As UKZN advances its academic and research priorities through Project Renewal, this achievement reinforces its strategic objective of nurturing research excellence and innovation. It further supports the repositioning and revitalising of the Information Systems and Technology Discipline by enhancing its scholarly leadership, contributing to curriculum transformation, and inspiring a new generation of digitally literate, socially responsive graduates,’ commented Singh.
The Acting Dean and Head of the School of Commerce, Professor Stephen Mutula, congratulated Singh on her remarkable achievement. He encouraged her to continue making great strides in educational technology as this will enable the University to realise its teaching and learning goals.
Singh is grateful to all her mentors and research collaborators who have been a part of her research journey, and she looks forward to future partnerships.
Words: NdabaOnline
Photograph: Supplied
