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Prof Elizabeth (Liz) Archer
My Career
Community Engagement
Often, we are too slow to recognize how much and in what ways we can assist each other through sharing.
Owen Arthur
As young educational psychologist, I regretted how few I could help. In my current career, I have devoted myself to Open Scholarship and Educational Resources, extending my reach. Mentorship and academic collegiality are also close to my heart.
Academic Citizenship
From the earliest years of my career, I have believed and followed the philosophy that knowledge shared is knowledge multiplied. I am not threatened by others progress or the idea of my students surpassing me. All the work contributes to the improvement of human life in some way, and I love supporting others to achieve their full potential.
"I have known Dr Archer since early 2000 when I was introduced to her in her capacity of trainer for Atlas.ti. Her expertise, attention to detail, compassion and enthusiasm during and afterwards the training made a huge impression on me, and none of that changed since then. After she joined UNISA, I got to know her as colleague, co-researcher and co-author. I have met many enthusiastic, competent and humane individuals in my life, but can attest that these three characteristics are often not found in one individual. Dr Elizabeth Archer is such an individual." (Prof P Prinsloo)
"…in producing this substantial academic output she has made a point of collaborating with both established and emerging academics. As a facilitator of other academics’ work, Dr Archer has played an exemplary role in creating opportunities for others. "(Prof P Segalo)
Review and Editorial Duties
Part of my role in academic citizenship is that of the reviewer. As an early mentor Prof Robert Coe taught me: “For every article you submit, you should review at least two yourself”. In this spirit, I have consistently reviewed for multiple conference and national and international journals over the last 19 years, the International Review for Open and Distributed Learning, Frontiers, South African Journal of Education, South African Journal of Higher Education, Perspectives in Education, Journal of Professional Capital & Community , Perspectives in Education, African Journal of Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, Progressio and School Effectiveness and School Improvement, among others.
Collaboration with Government
On a micro level, I have worked extensively with Quintile 1-5 schools in the Gauteng area. My support of regional bodies, my research and students have addressed the meso level. On the macro level, I have worked extensively with the Department of Basic Education during my years on the Progress in International Reading and Literacy Survey (International Study, of which the Centre of Evaluation and Assessment, coordinated the South African leg).
Most recent, collaboration with government in community engagement revolves around the Nexus: National Development (NDP) Project. Fostering a partnership between UWC and Government, specifically the National Planning Commission. The aim is socio-economic well-being for all in South Africa in 2030. I have designed and deployed the e-platform for engagement with the NDP at UWC. The project is now enters a phase of curriculum mapping.
Open Scholarship
From my first edition of Atlas.ti: Tips and tricks (2009) up until the current 6th edition, I have released my work openly. I believe strongly that knowledge belongs to all and is not diminished by sharing, but multiplied.
I have thus emphasised open publication and sharing of my teaching resources and publications with over 90% of my publications being openly available. I also designed and launched Unisa Open, Unisa's Open Educational Resource portal.
Open Publication is a priority for me and I have made specific efforts to publish in Green and Gold open publications. One such example is my publications in the International Review of Open & Distributed Learning.
Example of reach of one of the journals published in
International Review of Open & Distributed Learning (IRODL)
Over 5.3 million views since its inception and counting.
Example of Open Article Reach
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