bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALISIS IMPLEMENTASI PENDEKATAN SAINTIFIK DALAM MENGEMBANGKAN SIKAP SPIRITUAL DAN SIKAP SOSIAL DI TK B PAUD HINDU DAMA KUMARA
Authors: Ariyana I Komang Sesara , Tristananda Putu Wulandari
Published: July 2022

Berkenaan dengan sikap spiritual dan sikap sosial, sekolah bernuansa agama menjadi sorotan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan implementasi Pendekatan Saintifik dalam mengembangkan sikap spiritual dan sikap sosial di PAUD Hindu Dama Kumara Kecamatan Seririt yang merupakan PAUD yang bernuansa agama Hindu. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan penelitian deskriptif kualitatif. Subjek dalam penelitian ini adalah guru, kepala sekolah, dan beberapa anak TK B (usia 5-6 tahun) PAUD Hindu Dama Kumara Tahun Pelajaran 2020/2021. Objek dalam penelitian ini adalah kegiatan-kegiatan yang merupakan bentuk dari implementasi Pendekatan Saintifik yaitu perencanaan, pelaksanaan, dan penilaian pembelajaran, serta kendala dan upaya yang dilakukan oleh guru. Instrumen dalam penelitian ini adalah peneliti dengan mengunakan pedoman wawancara, pedoman observasi, dan pedoman studi dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa implementasi Pendekatan Saintifik memiliki pengaruh secara tidak langsung dalam mengembangkan sikap spiritual dan sikap sosial. Pendekatan Saintifik memberikan jalan bagi anak didik di PAUD Hindu Dama Kumara untuk memperoleh pengetahuan dan keterampilan mengenai konten-konten spiritual dan sosial, namun pembentukan sikap tidak diajarkan secara langsung melalui implementasi pendekatan Saintifik.
Mosquito-Borne Arboviruses in Brazil: Assessment of Apps Based on the Mobile Apps Rating Scale (MARS)
Authors: Albino Victor Alves , Fernandes Izabelly Dutra , Almeida Ricardo , Santos-Silva Tais Acácia , Smania-Marques Roberta , Smith Matt , Traxler John , Santos Silvana
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, the prevalence of arboviral diseases, such as dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya, transmitted mainly by mosquitos, has increased alarmingly. In recent years, numerous free mobile apps tackling this issue have become available for various purposes and users.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to systematically survey and evaluate these apps using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS).

METHODS: The survey was performed on Google Play Store and sought to identify these apps adopting the descriptors “Chikungunya”, “Dengue” and “Zika”. The MARS scale was used by two researchers to evaluate the apps following their translation to Portuguese and subsequent validation. Student's T-test, Kappa statistics, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient were employed to evaluate the interobserver agreement and the reliability of the scale.

RESULTS: Most apps (20 out of 29 or ~70%) were created to disseminate basic information about arboviral diseases to the population or for entertainment. There was an agreement between the two researchers for all parameters of the MARS scale, except for the engagement (p=0.002). The Cronbach's alpha coefficient indicated good reliability.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of the MARS scale has shown that most of the evaluated apps were developed to share information about arboviral diseases in an interactive way, but they do not necessarily have the purpose of influencing their users to change behaviours related to vector control or the prevention of arboviral diseases, which the authors feel would be a more appropriate aim for future app development.
Moral Reasoning of College-Educated Individuals from The United States in Relation to the Recent Sociopolitical Issues and with the Focus on Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Reasoning
Authors: Sandro Sehic , Dina Radeljas
Published: July 2022

The aim of this quantitative research study was to explore the relationship and impact higher education has on moral reasoning in connection to recent events in United States. The sample size consisted of 137 participants from the United States who earned a Bachelor’s, master’s, or Doctoral degree and were over the age of 22. Participants were a diverse group including both genders and, different racial and socioeconomic statuses. The one-way ANOVA test suggested that statistically significant difference did not exist among the three different groups of participants, in relation to their moral reasoning on the recent events in the United States. The two-way MANOVA test suggested that statistically significant difference was found in one dependent variable.
The Competence of the Electoral Commission to Conduct Free and Fair Elections in Tanzania: A Legal Analysis
Authors: Marwa Ryoba
Published: July 2022

The credibility of election being termed as free and fair election cannot be examined without examining the competence and independence of the Electoral Commission with mandates of conducting the elections. In Tanzania, Electoral Commission of Tanzania vested with mandates of conducting elections is constitutionally and statutorily described to be an independent body with the mandates of carrying out its functions without adhering to directives from any person. Nonetheless, the analysis in this study reveals that the Electoral Commission of Tanzania’s set-up is unlikely to run elections and produce a government that reflects the will of Tanzanian voters. This is so because the said Electoral Commission is not independent of the ruling party, in particular the influence of the incumbent President. The incumbent President's legal mandates in interfering with the Commission's functioning give the ruling party an advantage over other political parties during elections. The incumbent President is more likely to dictate election results than the Electoral Commission. These create an unfair playground for other participating parties during elections. It is also revealed that the courts in Tanzania lack jurisdiction to deal with petitions against presidential results once declared by the Electoral Commission. As such, the independence and impartiality of the Electoral Commission to run free and fair elections remain a serious legal concern for the supporters of the effective functioning of democracy. Lastly, this paper concludes that the Electoral Commission of Tanzania is not competent, impartial and independent to run credible, free and fair election in the country. Thus, this calls for serious legal reform to establish an electoral body capable of conducting free and fair elections in the country.
Aeroradiometric measurements in the framework of the Swiss exercises ARM15, GNU15 and the international exercise AGC15
Authors: Butterweck Gernot , Bucher Benno , Rybach Ladislaus , Schwarz Georg , Hofstetter-Boillat Bénédicte , Hohmann Eike , Mayer Sabine , Danzi Cristina , Scharding Gerald
Published: July 2022

The exercise ARM15 started with measurements in Switzerland performed on June 11th and 12th, 2015 organized by the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) under coordination from the Expert Group for Aeroradiometrics (FAR). According to the alternating schedule of the annual ARM exercises, the environs of the nuclear power plants Gösgen (KKG) and Mühleberg (KKM) were surveyed. Additionally, the environs of KKG were inspected on September 16th during the emergency drill GNU15. Following a request of the University of Basel additional measurements were performed in the Urseren and Piora Valleys. Further tests with the prototype of a new airborne gammaspectrometry system and the associated data evaluation software were performed, showing performance improvements since 2014 and indicating areas, where further advancement is necessary. The major part of the exercise consisted of the participation in the International Airborne Gamma Counting exercise AGC15 organized by the Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz (BfS) in Germany from June 14th to 19th, 2015. The results of the intercomparison will be evaluated, interpreted and published in detail by BfS. Thus, the presented report is limited to the documentation of the measurements performed by the Swiss team.
Aeroradiometrische Messungen im Rahmen der Übung ARM06
Authors: Bucher Benno , Butterweck Gernot , Rybach Ladislaus , Schwarz Georg
Published: July 2022

Die Messflüge im Rahmen der Übung ARM06 fanden vom 19. bis 22. Juni 2006 unter der Leitung von Y. Lörtscher (Nationale Alarmzentrale, NAZ) und Koordination durch die Fachgruppe Aeroradiometrie (FAR) statt. Turnusgemäss wurden die Kernkraftwerke Beznau (KKB) und Leibstadt (KKL) sowie das Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) und die Anlagen der Zwischenlager AG (ZWILAG) in Würenlingen aeroradiometrisch vermessen. Die Messflüge zeigten ähnliche Resultate wie in den früheren Jahren. Während dieser Flüge wurde zusätzlich ein als Leihgabe des Kompetenzzentrums ABC in Spiez zur Verfügung gestellter Neutronendetektor eingesetzt. Mit diesem konnte die vom Protonenbeschleuniger des PSI nach oben emittierte Neutronenstrahlung nachgewiesen werden. KKB, KKL und ZWILAG waren in der Zählrate des Neutronendetektors nicht erkennbar. [...]
Színház-e mind? Széttartó gondolatok Gavin Bolton utolsó írásáról
Authors: Bethlenfalvy Ádám , Kaposi László , Kiss Gabriella
Published: July 2022

Gavin Bolton’s most recently published paper It’s all theatre was published in Hungarian translation in 2021. Bolton has been one of the most influential theorists of Drama in Education and has also had a great impact in this field in Hungary. In this review three experts reflect on Bolton’s suggestion in his latest article, namely that drama teachers should consider perceiving their work as theatre. The reviews also reflect on Bolton’s lifetime achievements which provide the context for his paper.
Gondolatok a részvétel fogalmáról és a vitaszínház gyakorlatáról
Authors: Antal Klaudia
Published: July 2022

Nowadays, the word participation is a frequently used term in the scientific, artistic, and social policy discourse. Its popularity contributed to making it a cliché, but participation is “too serious and ambivalent a matter to be taken lightly”, as Majid Rahnema writes in his study, Participation. In this paper, I take a closer look at the concept of participation and the practice of debate theatre to explore how the participative form of debate theatre contributes to the awakening of the demand for an active citizenship, for the life of vita activa.
Immerzív színház analóg terekben – görbe tükrökkel
Authors: Bakk Ágnes Karolina
Published: July 2022

In this paper, I discuss the reasons why the concept of immersion became more prominent in the last decade. I also offer an argument why immersive theatre should be considered as a separate genre, one which is informed by the traditional theatrical formats but puts the audience in the center of the artwork. I analyze in detail two performances of the Danish-Austrian theatre company, SIGNA: Wir Hunde/Us Dogs and Das Heuvolk. I will point out how important the processes of the audience’s onboarding and the creation of the atmosphere are in immersive theatre to produce more engaging experiences. I will conclude the paper with a discussion of how SIGNA’s performances encompass these characteristics and how they also offer a reflection of our society and hierarchical structures.
PERANAN GURU MENINGKATKAN MINAT BACA SISWA KELAS IX.3 SMA NEGERI 9 PINRANG
Authors: Yusuf M A Yusdarwati , Jafar Nurhayati
Published: July 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui minat baca siswa di  kelas X.3 SMA Negeri 9 Pinrang dan Untuk mengetahui pengaruh guru dalam membangkitkan motivasi dan minat baca siswa di  kelas X.3 SMA Negeri 9 Pinrang. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan dalam masalah ini adalah kualitatif deskriptif, yakni menjelaskan pemerolehan data maupun problem yang ditemukan di lapangan penelitian. Data dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa Kelas X.3 SMA Negeri 9 Pinrang yang berjumlah keseluruhan sebanyak 168 orang. Teknik pengumpulan data yaitu teknik angket yang digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data mengenai peranan guru dalam memotivasi minat baca siswa. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan  peranan guru dalam membangkitkan motivasi dan minat baca siswa melalui tiga tahap yakni: membagikan buku-buku bacaan yang sepadan dengan materi pelajaran, memberikan informasi tentang cara menggunakan waktu luang untuk melakukan aktivitas membaca pada saat di rumah atau membantu orang tua; dan membantu murid dalam pembagian waktu dan perencanaan jadwal belajar khususnya membaca yang benar.
MONTE-CARLO (MC) ANALYSIS OF BORATED MATERIALS FOR NEUTRON SHIELDING APPLICATIONS
Authors: ALBARODİ Abdulrahman , USLU KİÇECİ Pelin , UZUN DURAN Selcen , DEMİRKÖZ Bilge
Published: July 2022

Neutron shielding is of utmost importance in radiation environments such as nuclear reactors and particle accelerators and in fields such as health physics. In this work, the percentages of neutrons stopped by shields comprising of boron minerals (HDPE/B2O3, Epoxy/Priceite, Epoxy/Colemanite, Epoxy/Kernite) in their composition against neutron radiation of different energies is investigated using two separate MC simulations. Different layer combinations of epoxy based borated shielding materials with HDPE sheets were then simulated to find the optimum shielding configuration. In addition, radioactivation studies were carried out for these designs. The most suitable design was found to be the layered setup of the HDPE sheet and the epoxy/colemanite composite sheet for mixed neutron energies (
O conceito de estrutura térmica espacial urbana no Sistema Clima Urbano de Monteiro
Authors: Vilela Lemos Ferreira Hugo , Ugeda Júnior José Carlos
Published: July 2022

O Sistema Clima Urbano (SCU) é uma proposta teórico-metodológica para o estudo do clima urbano. Um de seus níveis de resolução é subsistema termodinâmico, que agrupa características termodinâmicas dos elementos e fenômenos do clima citadino. Produto deste subsistema, a estrutura térmica espacial urbana é uma concepção teórica da manifestação espacial do ganho de energia e da condição de temperatura dos elementos do espaço urbano. O reconhecimento e descrição da estrutura térmica espacial permite inferir sobre a manifestação e grau de magnitude de características e fenômenos climáticos urbanos, servindo como ferramenta para compreensão destes processos na vida e planejamento das cidades. Este artigo teve como objetivo analisar o conceito de estrutura térmica espacial urbana na obra Teoria e clima urbano, de Carlos Augusto de Figueiredo Monteiro. Se analisa o conceito pela obra de Monteiro, em seu possível desenvolvimento, significado e aplicabilidade. Verifica-se que a estrutura térmica espacial urbana é uma concepção teórica da condição espacial térmica do espaço urbano, observada empiricamente na relação entre o espaço urbano e sua atmosfera adjacente. Desde sua publicação, a teoria do SCU influenciou inúmeras pesquisas no Brasil e exterior, provando sua consistência prática científica.
O clima urbano das cidades de pequeno porte do Oeste Paulista: análise das características térmicas de Presidente Venceslau, Santo Anastácio e Álvares Machado, Brasil
Authors: Teixeira Danielle Cardozo Frasca , Amorim Margarete Cristiane de Costa Trindade
Published: July 2022

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo investigar o clima urbano de cidades do ambiente tropical localizadas no Oeste paulista (Presidente Venceslau, Santo Anastácio e Álvares Machado), com ênfase nas ilhas de calor atmosféricas. Partiu-se da hipótese de que, apesar da proximidade entre as cidades e, considerando-se a circulação regional da atmosfera, elas responderiam à atuação dos sistemas atmosféricos de maneira diferenciada em virtude das peculiaridades climáticas que são estritamente dependentes dos seus atributos geoambientais (relevo, orientação do relevo, cobertura vegetal) e urbanos (uso e ocupação da terra, estrutura, formas e as dinâmicas urbanas). O embasamento teórico-metodológico desta pesquisa foi a proposta Sistema Clima Urbano com destaque para o subsistema termodinâmico, percebido pelas pessoas através do conforto térmico. A caracterização geoambiental e urbana possibilitou a diferenciação dos ambientes intraurbanos previamente à aquisição dos dados primários pelo transecto móvel. Os resultados, representados através da modelagem espacial multicritérios, permitiram o diagnóstico de anomalias térmicas nas áreas intraurbanas tomando como referência os ambientes rurais próximos, diagnosticando-se o clima urbano específico dessas cidades, expresso pelas ilhas de calor de fraca e muito forte magnitudes. Comprovou-se que as cidades respondem de forma diferenciada frente à ação dos sistemas atmosféricos atuantes na região climática.
Efektivitas pembelajaran daring di masa pandemi Covid-19 terhadap hasil belajar siswa SD
Authors: Wardaini Dina Oktaviana
Published: July 2022

The development of education today is influenced by the rapid progress of information and communication technology. One of the information technologies that play a role in the world of education is online learning. Online learning functions as a liaison between educators and students with an internet network that can be accessed anytime and anywhere. The online media used by the research subjects are various (WhatsApp, Google Classroom, Website). The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of online learning applied to the elementary school level. The method collected in data collection was a question and answer session with the sources, namely elementary school students via WhatsApp and the results of observations made by researchers during online learning. Looking at the results of student learning in elementary school, it can be concluded that online learning can be said to be effective and the material delivered by the teacher is maximal if it is accompanied by parents.
Dampak pembelajaran daring di masa pandemi terhadap pemahaman materi mahasiswa FKIP UNTIRTA
Authors: Pambudi Gigih Adhi , Subhan Widiansyah
Published: July 2022

Pembelajaran secara daring adalah salah satu alternatif yang dapat mengatasi permasalahan gangguan proses pembelajaran secara konvensional selama pademi covid-19. Dalam pembelajaran daring terdapat banyak kendala yang di hadapi oleh mahasiswa atau dosen sekalipun. Dalam pembelajaran daring masalah yang sering dihadapi oleh mahasiswa adalah, masalah jaringan. Koneksi jaringan yang buruk akan mempengaruhi pesan atau penjelasan materi yang di sampaikan oleh dosen. Dengan terganggunya jaringan maka mahasiswa sering kali kesulitan untuk memahami penjelasan yang di sampaikan oleh dosen, dikarenakan suara yang terdengar cenderung kurang jelas. Maka dari itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan secara detail dampak pembelajaran daring terhadap pemahaman mahasiswa FKIP Untirta Pada Masa Pandemi Covid-19. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif berupa pengamatan. Dengan subjek pengematan mahasiswa FKIP Untirta. Pembahasan di fokuskan kepada dampak yang di timbulkan dari pembelajaran online terhadap pemahaman materi mahasiswa. Adapun hasil dari penelitan ini menunjukan pengaruh pembelajaran daring terhadap pemahaman materi mahasiswa, masalah-masalah yang di hadapi mahasiswa serta kendala dalam melakukan pembelajaran online. George Hebert Mead menjelaskan bahwa interaksi sosial dapat berjalan apabila terjadi pertukaran simbol yang nantinya simbol tersebut menciptakan makna yang dapat menciptakan sebuah interaksi, tak terkecuali komunikasi secara daring. Dimana dalam komunikasi secara daring juga pasti terdapat pertukaran simbol yang mana nantinya simbol tersebut juga membentuk sebuah makna.
Nutrição Clínica Metabólica e Esportiva
Authors: Luiz Vieira de Lima Santos Igor
Published: July 2022

A ciência nutricional está presente nos mais diversos estudos, processos, tecnologias e cotidiano. A nutrição faz parte do nosso dia a dia e muito do que somos é em grande parte responsabilidade da nutrição que temos acesso. A importância da nutrição ganhou força no último século e até hoje tem direcionado comportamentos da sociedade. Apesar da nova visibilidade dada para a nutrição dietética muitas são as áreas que envolvem o conhecimento nutricional e dentre elas podemos citar a nutrição clínica, nutrição metabólica e a nutrição esportiva cada uma com suas particularidades e influências em ramos específicos. Esperamos que os leitores aproveitem os conhecimentos científicos aqui transmitidos com respaldo e qualidade e usufruam dos trabalhos disponíveis gratuitamente e na íntegra para aumentar o seu grau de aprofundamento nesta área tão complexa e desafiadora que é a ciência nutricional.
Business Intelligence como driver da Análise de Indicadores Académicos
Authors: Dias Bruno , Gonçalves Célia , Silva Manuel
Published: July 2022

O presente artigo aborda o business intelligence sob a perspetiva da sua utilidade enquanto driver para a análise de indicadores académicos. Sendo este um conceito de relevo no campo da análise de dados e do apoio ao processo de tomada de decisão, pretende-se demonstrar os benefícios da implementação de um modelo concetual de business intelligence numa instituição académica. De forma a atingir esse objetivo principal, é realizada uma introdução de conceitos para estabelecer uma base de conhecimento para o leitor e clarificar o espectro de investigação que se pretende trabalhar. De seguida, é apresentada a metodologia utilizada na criação deste artigo, quais os resultados obtidos e qual a análise crítica que é feita da investigação produzida. Este artigo tem por base uma metodologia narrativa, assente num levantamento bibliográfico extenso, sendo em seguida selecionados vários autores relevantes para o tema segundo os critérios estabelecidos. Apresenta-se, depois, uma revisão literária a partir de uma perspetiva de abordagem inicial e não exaustiva, onde se expõem diferentes visões da aplicação do business intelligence, especificamente em contextos académicos. Verifica-se a existência de melhorias positivas nos casos em que estes modelos são aplicados, e as conclusões daqui retiradas servirão de base para a construção e implementação de um modelo concetual de business intelligence que ofereça suporte à gestão de um centro de estudos investigativos num contexto académico.
A Social Partnership Model to promote Educators’ Development in Mauritius through Formal and Informal Capacity-building Initiatives
Authors: Santally Mohammad Issack , Cooshna-Naik Dorothy , Conruyt Noel , Koa Wing Caroline
Published: July 2022

The organization Helping Our People has been setup in 2011 by a team of education professionals working at the Virtual Centre for Innovative Technologies (VCILT) at the University of Mauritius. In 2009, the VCILT embarked on the SIDECAP project, funded by the EU-ACP in a consortium regrouping the Open University of the UK, the University of the West Indies, the University of the South Pacific and the University of the Highlands and Islands. The work of the VCILT in the context of the SIDECAP project was essentially focused on the repurposing of Open Educational Resources to fit in the local Mauritian Context. At the same time, the VCILT received an internal grant to work on the development of interactive learning materials using the integration of text-to-speech technology in instructionally designed PowerPoint presentations. In this paper we report how the research activities of the two projects led to a series of development and applications in the real-world context for the continuous professional development of educators, the establishment of a social entity, an NGO called Helping Our People, a partnership with Microsoft Indian Ocean and French Pacific under the Partners in Learning Program and the Youth Empowerment Program to alleviate the suffering of those living in vulnerable conditions in the country.
Bridging the Gap between Community and Cardiologists
Authors: Jamatia Biplab
Published: July 2022

Cardiovascular diseases are an emerging cause of morbidity and mortality in India. India produces less than 150 cardiologists annually leading to a gap between the need and availability of trained professionals. Three years cardiology training programme is available for post graduate doctors in conventional medical education system. Majority of the people living in rural/small town/district town of the country do not have any access to cardiac care because trained cardiologists are mostly concentrated in the metro or capital cities. To address this issue Indira Gandhi National Open University has designed and developed a two-year full time training programme in the area of non-invasive cardiology named Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Cardiology for medical graduates which is being offered through the open and distance learning mode. The objective of the programme is to train large number of medical graduates effectively to enable early recognition, management and prevention of common cardiovascular diseases. Learners have been given opportunity to train in different departments and posted in various areas like management of common cardiovascular diseases (6 months), ECG and Stress Testing (3 months), Echocardiography (3 months), ICU/CCU management (6 months), Paediatrics Cardiology (3 months), preventive cardiology (3 months) in this programme. Self learning materials, 33 video programmes (1260 minutes) and monthly live interactive teleconference (90 minutes) has been incorporated in this programme. Beside these, 50 theory counselling sessions, 25 guest lectures, seminars, journal club and case discussion has been taken care in every training center. Hands on skills training is provided to every learner as prescribed in this programme. The 72 credits programme is divided into 7 theory and 6 practical courses. Students need to pass in each course independently both in internal examination and term end examination. Minimum teacher-student ratio has been maintained strictly in both training and term end practical examination. The top most cardiac institutes/hospitals across the country have been identified as training centers as per the norms of the University. This programme has begun with 116 students in 16 training centers in 2006. 443 students have been enrolled in 67 training centres in 2013. More than 320 cardiologists are involved as academic counselors in this training programme. A total 1006 candidates have successfully completed their training and a many of them are providing services in small or district town of the country.
Developing and Piloting Interactive Physics Experiments for Secondary Schools in Tanzania
Authors: Msoka Vidate Cyril , Kissaka Mussa M , Kalinga Ellen Charles , Mtebe Joel S
Published: July 2022

Students in secondary schools in Tanzania have been facing difficulties in conducting laboratory experiments. This has been due to acute shortage of laboratory facilities and poor teaching methodologies. Consequently, students perceive science subjects as not attractive, difficult and irrelevant to understand the world around them. An interactive physics experiment was developed and piloted in two schools with 157 students to investigate whether interactive experiments can be used as an alternative to physical experiments. Results show that students found the interactive experiment was easier and efficient, and therefore can be used as an alternative to physical experiments.
The Nexus between Stakeholder Engagement and Instructional Quality: The Case of The UWI Open Campus’s Awareness and Professional Development Towards a Quality Support Framework
Authors: Gilzene-Cheese Florence
Published: July 2022

Abstract:With changes in the global economic landscape, universities are employing adjunct staff to instruct their online courses in new and expanding programs. Concomitantly, the growth of information and communication technology worldwide has facilitated the creation of classrooms without walls and universities without borders. The challenge for institutions is to create that nexus between programme quality and instructor engagement, especially where the instructors are just adjunct members of the staff. The University of the West Indies (UWI), through its virtual Open Campus (OC), has aligned its strategic objective of excellence to “…provide multiple, flexible paths for all constituencies to pursue tertiary education over their lifetime[i]” with the development of a framework that provides support for adjunct faculty members who are often “new to online”.This article is predicated on a quality framework established within the UWIOC at the start of the academic year 2012/13. It draws on the processes used with online educators while the university restructured its quality assurance (QA) procedures. I will discuss how a quality framework might affect instructional practices in distance education while broadening the understanding of what it means to facilitate focused student engagement. Data for the study will be generated through multiple methods: ethnographic observations; focus group interviews and document and artefact collection – reports on the use of two monitoring instruments. I will analyse key components of the OC quality structure; quality context issues and their contribution to success; and essential principles for ongoing assessment and planning to maintain the cycle.The discourse examines the possible effects of the changes, if any, through a practice-oriented perspective on quality amidst changes occurring within the UWI’s virtual campus. it also contemplates on how the process of increased monitoring and accountability works towards quality improvement. Key findings are presented with graphic and narrative arrangements supported by literature in the area of institutional quality.[i] UWI, Strategic Plan, 2012
Flexible Pedagogy, Flexible Practice (Notes From the Trenches of Distance Education)
Authors: Winkelmans Tim
Published: July 2022

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Building an Efficient and Effective Test Management System in an ODL Institution
Authors: Md Yusof Safiah , Lim Tick Meng , Png Leo , Abd Khatab Zainuriyah , Dharam Singh Harvinder Kaur
Published: July 2022

Open University Malaysia (OUM) is progressively moving towards implementing assessment on demand and online assessment. This move is deemed necessary for OUM to continue to be the leading provider of flexible learning. OUM serves a very large number of students each semester and these students are vastly distributed throughout the country. As the number of learners keeps growing, the task of managing and administering examinations every semester has become increasingly laborious, time consuming and costly. In trying to deal with this situation and improve the assessment processes, OUM has embarked on the development and employment of a test management system. This test management system is named OUM QBank. The initial objectives of QBank development were aimed at enabling the systematic classification and storage of test items, as well as the auto-generation of test papers based on the required criteria. However, it was later agreed that the QBank should be a more comprehensive test management system that manages not just all assessment items but also includes the features to facilitate quality control and flexibility of use. These include the functionality to perform item analyses and also online examination. This paper identifies the key elements and the important theoretical basis in ensuring the design and development of an effective and efficient system.
Community Engagement to End Child Early Forced Marriage – Experiences in Selected South Asian Countries
Authors: Ferreira Frances J. , Kamal Mostafa Azad
Published: July 2022

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, “achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”, emphasises the need for “providing women and girls with equal access to education, health care, decent work, and representation in political and economic decision-making processes [which] will fuel sustainable economies and benefit societies and humanity at large” (UN, 2015). Millions of girls are forced into early marriage for economic and cultural reasons and denied the opportunity for education. Within the context of sustainable development, it is critical to raise awareness among communities that child marriage has wide ranging negative consequences for development and that allowing girls to have education and training can add enormous value to their society as well as their personal and family lives. This study aims to identify the role of community engagement and local community organisations in contributing towards ending child, early and forced marriage (CEFM) through ensuring equitable access of marginalised and out-of-school girls to education and training. The study was based on data collected from surveys that had been administered to 755 out-of-school girls, affected by CEFM in both urban and rural areas of three selected South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) countries, that is, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India.
Informal Lifelong Learning for Development in Papua New Guinea: A case study from the margins into the mainstream
Authors: Kidu Carol
Published: July 2022

This article traces the impact of the Ginigoada Foundation on the educational development of thousands of children and adults in Papua New Guinea (PNG).Port Moresby, capital city of Papua New Guinea (PNG), had been noted for the lack of educational opportunities for the majority of the population who lived in urban villages and squatter settlements. A “User-Pay” policy resulted in children not attending school because the costs were too high. Elsewhere in PNG, educational opportunities for children and adults were even lower. Dame Carol Kidu was instrumental in the establishment of the Ginigoada Foundation, an NGO that provides learning and training assistance, and she reflects on past and current developments in this article.Ginigoada’s initial programs for learning and development in Port Moresby were so popular that they led to the establishment of a fleet of buses to take programs out to local communities initially in Port Moresby (PNG’s capital city) and now the model is expanding to other provinces of PNG. Numbers of enrolments and graduation successes confirm that the Ginigoada Foundation has been very successful in terms of meeting learning needs. New developments include UNICEF- funded Open Learning Networks and the provision of a mobile wifi library.
Education for Development: from distance to open education
Authors: Tait Alan W
Published: July 2022

This paper sets out the ways in which technologies for learning have been at the heart of education for development for millennia, not as is sometimes thought only in the last 30 years of the digital revolution. Short case studies of the University of London External System and the Open University UK set out the development outcomes of these major distance education innovations. The context of widening access to Higher Education is acknowledged, in particular from the perspectives of student success and dropout. The major dimensions of open education enabled by digital affordances are elaborated, and their contribution to development acknowledged. Finally, the article suggests that the move to mass Higher Education systems in an overall majority of countries over the period of the UN Sustainable Development Goals will see the distinctions between online and campus based modes diminished.
Open and Distance eLearning in Asia: Country Initiatives and Institutional Cooperation for the Transformation of Higher Education in the Region
Authors: Bandalaria Melinda dela Peña
Published: July 2022

This paper is an attempt to describe the situation of higher education in Asia including the challenges it faced as well as the open and distance elearning initiatives by different countries and universities.  Data gathering was done through review of online documents and websites as well as documentation of the different initiatives especially by the member institutions of the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU).  Descriptions of open education practices on MOOCs, OERs, and open access publications were presented and their potential to transform higher education in the region was discussed.  Challenges encountered in the implementation of ODeL programs were articulated as well as some suggestions on how to address them.
Mining Students’ Data to Analyse Usage Patterns in eLearning System of Secondary Schools in Tanzania
Authors: Mtebe Joel S. , Kondoro Aron W.
Published: July 2022

The adoption and use of various eLearning systems to enhance the quality of education in secondary schools in Tanzania is becoming common. However, there is little evidence to suggest that students are actually use them. Existing studies tend to focused on investigating students’ attitude towards using these systems through surveys. Nonetheless, data from surveys is normally subject to the possibility of distortion, low reliability, and rarely indicate the causal effects. This study adopted WEKA and Keel as data mining tools to analyze students’ usage patterns and trends using 6,8827 individual records from log file of Halostudy system implemented in secondary schools in Tanzania. The study found that the system usage is moderate and, in the decline. There is also variability in the usage of multimedia elements with biology having the highest number while mathematics had the lowest. Students from Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Arusha in that order had the highest system usage with the lowest being from the peripheral regions. The possible challenges limiting system usage are discussed. These findings show that data mining tools can be used to indicate usage patterns of systems implemented in sub-Saharan Africa and help educators to find ways of maximizing systems usage.
Recalibrating Institutional Choreographies for a Future Focused Education
Authors: Naidu Som
Published: July 2022

Contemporary educational institutions are experiencing disruptions to their modus operandi from a variety of sources. A changing student demographic across the higher education sector, along with their changing educational needs is driving much of this disruption. Other drivers are the need for different kinds of skill sets required in the contemporary workplace, the need for alternative methods of credentialing and a demand for flexibility in the education space. However, if you looked around for how prepared our contemporary educational institutions are for leading learning for the future, you are likely to be disappointed. This is not because our current educational system is broken en masse. In fact, there are plenty of examples of excellent practices all around us, but these are not enough. Our universities and educational systems continue to operate on outdated principles and practices. While they are willing to experiment with new models on the peripheries of their core business, most are not bold enough to rethink and reconfigure their mainstream processes. It is rare to find large-scale and enterprise-wide operations that are appropriately aligned to lead learning and teaching for the near and the long-term future. Why is this so? What can, and must be done about it? This paper examines potential areas of disruption, their key drivers, and where and how to begin a rethink and recalibration of how universities can create, capture and deliver value.
Furthering Research and Development in Technology-Enabled Learning
Authors: Panda Santosh
Published: July 2022

Editorial
Foundation Level Workplace Training Programmes
Authors: Alkema Anne
Published: July 2022

This paper outlines the scale of the adult literacy and numeracy issue in New Zealand and describes a policy intervention designed to upskill employees in workplaces to help resolve the issue for them. This is the Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (WLN) Fund, which enables around 7000 employees a year to complete a 25- to 80-hour learning programme, usually in their workplace and during work time. The paper also describes what happens in workplaces while programmes are underway, and the short-term wellbeing, social, and economic outcomes that occur for individual employees.

In this context, literacy and numeracy relates to the way in which adults use skills that involve reading, writing, speaking, listening, and mathematics in everyday life. It also includes digital skills in relation to how adults engage and interact with Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). These skills are those that individuals need for learning, life, and work in the 21st Century.

Keywords: adult literacy and numeracy, workplace-based learning, wellbeing, social and economic outcomes.
Agricultural Extension Agents' Use of Learning-Based Extension Methods in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Ramjattan Jeet , Chowdhury Ataharul , Ganpat Wayne
Published: July 2022

Abstract: Agricultural extension agents are highly credited for their roles of providing advice to farmers and supporting their learning and decision-making to improve livelihoods. The use of appropriate methods to promote learning in developing countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, has often been highlighted as a development priority. Nevertheless, agricultural extension agents encounter difficulties in applying new competencies. Understanding and utilising appropriate methods based on farmers’ learning needs is critical. This study sought to investigate extension agents’ use of learning-based extension methods. A survey was conducted with 106 extension agents. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used to analyse data. The findings show that male agents prefer Plant Clinics and Farmer Field School learning methods. Social influence and networking among organisations had a significant influence on the use of Discovery Based Learning methods. The positive influence of social pressure motivated the agents. The study recommends supporting facilitative conditions through a coordinated programme and to focus on farmers’ learning as a critical consideration for improving the use and impact of learning-based methods

 

Keywords: Learning-based methods, agricultural extension, extension agent, Trinidad and Tobago
Reports from the Field: Primary School in Brazil Using Finnish Innovation Pedagogy to Create Meaningful Online Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Joshi Marjo , Scheinin Minna , Miranda Luis , Piispa Juliana
Published: July 2022

ISO Colegío in Paraiba, Brazil, implemented Finnish innovation pedagogy from Turku University of Applied Sciences (TUAS) as a pedagogical strategy in their new primary school in early 2020. The implementation started in class teaching but due to the pandemic, it was transferred online, still using the new pedagogical approaches. Experiences by teachers and pupils have so far been mostly positive. Management has been satisfied with the overall success and plan to continue with innovation pedagogy as a strategy.
Is there Learning Continuity during the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Synthesis of the Emerging Evidence
Authors: McBurnie Chris , Adam Taskeen , Kaye Tom
Published: July 2022

Since the onset of COVID-19, governments have launched technology-supported education interventions to ensure children learn. This paper offers a narrative synthesis of emerging evidence on technology-based education to understand the current experiences of learners, teachers and families. Studies find that few students in low- and middle-income countries have access to technology-supported learning with the most marginalised children appearing to have the least educational opportunities. As such, the education response to COVID-19 could widen existing inequalities.
Improving Education Outcomes in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Outcomes-Based Contracting and Early Grade Literacy
Authors: Mawoyo Monica , Vally Zaahedah
Published: July 2022

Fifty-three percent of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in low- and middle-income countries despite an investment of between 33-49% of education expenditure on primary education. Teaching children to read in the early grades is fundamental to building resilient education systems, as the ability to read early in life is a great predictor for education success, and will minimise learning loss during education emergencies similar to COVID-19 school closures, for children who can read for meaning can carry on learning outside of school buildings. Further, the predicted financing gaps in the next few years, as a result of COVID-19, will require governments to utilise limited financial resources effectively and efficiently by implementing literacy programmes proven to be impactful, using financial instruments like outcomes-based contracting that can mobilise and coordinate non-traditional educational finance and incentivise service providers to improve results by paying for achievement of agreed outcomes.
Faculty Members’ Communication Needs with Regards to Technology
Authors: Uzorka Afam
Published: July 2022

Educators are interested in the impact of technology on education and are supported by regulatory bodies promoting technology standards, recruiters seeking teachers with technology skills, legislated technology in the curriculum, and a demand for a technology skilled workforce. In response to the interest in technology in education, and faculty members incorporating technology in their work, this study was launched to investigate the communication needs of faculty members. This qualitative study selected a convenience sample of 120 faculty and administrators. Using an interview guide, interviewers met with 100 participants. Data was transcribed and entered into a database for analysis. Findings reported were about technology in communication. Concluding statements report that participants use technology in their communication. Faculty members look to early enablers to share best technology practices.
Rethinking Problem-Solving Teaching Strategies in the Primary Sector for both Face-to-Face and Online Delivery
Authors: Kuboni Olabisi
Published: July 2022

This paper reports on a review of a series of video tutorials that were developed for offering at a distance to primary school students of Trinidad and Tobago during the pandemic. The materials selected for the review focused on the teaching of problem-solving skills based on topics drawn from the mathematics curriculum.  The tutorials were developed and presented by primary school teachers with support from the Ministry of Education. The main purpose of this review was to assess the instructional strategies employed in the delivery of the video tutorials. An inductive-deductive approach was employed for this purpose. The review also sought to examine the effectiveness of video broadcast to support instructional delivery. The reviewer’s overall conclusion was that greater attention should be paid to formulating strategies specifically for the task of solving a given class of problems rather than simply relying on the procedures derived from the underpinning mathematical operations.  The reviewer made some brief recommendations about the development of a technology-use policy intended to deploy educationally-appropriate modern technology to support the learning of primary school students.
Challenges to the Effective Teaching and Learning of Geography through ODeL at the Zimbabwe Open University
Authors: Tanyanyiwa Vincent Itai , Madobi Rejoice
Published: July 2022

ODeL offers a lot of opportunities and unique challenges for adult learners. In this paper, the authors sought to examine the main problems that influence the effective teaching and learning of geography and environmental studies in Zimbabwe through ODeL as perceived by the students at the ZOU's Harare/Chitungwiza Regional Campus. This single case study employed vital informant semi-structured interviews, documentary analysis and observations to solicit information from ten students and four tutors in the Geography and Environmental Studies Department (DGES) over three months. Thematic analysis and review of qualitative gained insight into the challenges that are faced by ODeL students in the DGES. The study found out that students in the department face personal and socio-economic challenges as well as related institutional challenges. The study recommends that the ZOU DGES should offer more academic support and improve its communication to the students so that they are aware of all university-related developments that impact on their studies.

Keywords: challenges, teaching, learning, ODL, ODeL
Researching Technology-Enabled Teaching, Learning and Training
Authors: Panda Santosh
Published: July 2022

Editorial