bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic differences as estimators of osmotic adjustment and source-sink balance in grapevine hybrid elites
Authors: DAVID Monica , CIOBOTEA Cristina-Magdalena , BĂNUȚĂ Mădălina F. , NEDELEA Gina , STAN Ramona , TIŢA Andrei , SĂRDĂRESCU Ionela D.
Published: July 2022

This study deals with the best responses of a diverse collection of grapevine genotypes to osmotic stress associated with source-sink balance responses given by an estimator such as leaf area to fruit ratio. ‘Centennial Seedless’, a drought tolerant cultivar, was selected as control. The cultivars, ‘Victoria’ and ‘Argessis’, were chosen as a repetition from previous research dealing with pollen grain test, two years ago. Ten genotypes were hybrid elites in first and second hybrid generations. Three cultivars ‘Victoria’, ‘Centennial Seedless’, and ‘Argessis’ were grown under field conditions in containers, and in the soil under greenhouse conditions. Significant differences were found between genotypes for both responses to osmotic stress and source-sink balance. ‘Centennial Seedless’ and ‘BP9’ hybrid showed the best responses of induced osmotic adjustment; results confirmed the compensatory potassium uptake theory. ‘Victoria’ and ‘Argessis’ had almost the same average values as ‘Centennial Seedless’ osmotic estimator for induced osmotic adjustment. ‘Victoria’ and ‘HR7’ hybrid showed an increase in osmotic stress in the cell, after application of polyethylene glycol solutions without potassium cation and a lower source-sink ratio, which could be associated with higher photosynthesis rates. No correlations were identified between the mechanisms expressed by the analyzed estimators, indicating that they are activated and functional separately from each other, sometimes only compensatory.
Tetrapleura tetraptera ethylacetate pod extract and its biochemical effects on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxic female rat
Authors: ABA Patrick E. , KALU Marie A. , UDEM Samuel C.
Published: July 2022

The study investigated the effect of ethyl acetate pod extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera on biochemical markers of liver damage, in vivo and in vitro antioxidant properties using acetaminophen-injured female rats as model. Thirty-five (35) rats assigned into seven groups (A-G) of five rats per group were used for the study. Rats in groups C, D, E and F were pretreated with 100, 200, 400 and 200 mg/kg of the extract while group G rats received Silymarin (100 mg/kg). Distilled water (10 ml/kg) was administered to groups A and B rats. All pretreatments were via the oral route and lasted for seven days. Following pretreatments, acetaminophen (2000 mg/kg) was used to induce liver injury in groups B, C, D, E and G while rats in group A served as normal control. Blood samples were collected 48 h post acetaminophen administration for analyses of the following parameters: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum bilirubin, reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase. Liver tissues were collected for histopathology studies. In vitro antioxidant profile of the extract was evaluated. Results indicated decreases in the activities of ALT and ALP of the extract-treated groups compared to the negative control group. The liver section of the rats treated with 400 mg/kg of the extract showed no lesions and was comparable to that of the normal control rats. The in vivo and in vitro antioxidant activities were in dose and concentration-dependent manner respectively. It was concluded that Tetrapleura tetraptera ethyl acetate extract possesses both hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties.
Comparative studies of antioxidants and amino-acids concentrations in the fruits of two cultivars of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.)
Authors: OLOYEDE Funmilayo M. , BAKARE Aisha A. , DARAMOLA Gbenga G.
Published: July 2022

Importance of fruits and vegetables in diet and health cannot be overemphasized. Cultivation practices can however influence the nutritional compositions of fruits and vegetables. Hence, field and laboratory experiments were carried out to determine and compare the antioxidants and amino-acids concentrations of a hybrid and an indigenous cultivar of watermelon in Osun State University, Teaching and Research Farm, Nigeria. Influence of NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer at different rates (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg/ha) was evaluated on ‘Kaolack’ (hybrid) and ‘Rothmas’ (local) cultivars of watermelon. 200 kg/ha of the fertilizer was found to bring out the optimal yield of both cultivars. Hence, at 0 kg/ha and 200 kg/ha, mature fruits of the cultivars were analyzed for the antioxidants and amino-acids using standard analytical methods. Antioxidant properties of ‘Rothmas’ were found to be significantly (P≤0.05) higher than those of ‘Kaolack’ with the exception of the radical scavenging ability and lycopene content of ‘Kaolack’. Fruits that received no fertilizer across the cultivars exhibited more antioxidant potency compared to fruits under 200 kg. Results of amino acids concentration showed that, threonine, serine, glutamic-acid, alanine, valine, phenylalanine and arginine in ‘Rothmas’ were significantly higher compared to the contents in ‘Kaolack’. Except for tryptophan, alanine, lysine and phenylanine, fruits that received no fertilizer had higher contents of amino acids. Where fertilizer is needed to boost soil fertility, 100 kg/ha of NPK is recommended, this can be augmented with the organic nutrient or green manure if necessary, depending on the available nutrients in the soil before cultivation. This is very critical so as not to compromise the health-giving substances in the fruits. Local landraces of fruits and vegetables obviously have to be brought into limelight through research.
Analisis Kondisi Keuangan Berdasarkan Rasio Likuiditas, Aktivitas dan Profitabilitas Pada Lembaga Perkreditan Desa (LPD) Desa Adat Kerobokan, Sawan
Authors: Ni Kadek Ayu Trisnadewi  , Luh Eka Sri Sudeleni
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study was to find out how the financial condition of the Village Credit Institution (LPD) of Kerobokan Traditional Village, Sawan in terms of Liquidity, Activity and Profitability aspects for the period 2015 to 2019. This study used a descriptive analysis approach. The type of data used is quantitative data. Data collection techniques in the form of documentation. The data analysis technique used in this research is the analysis technique of liquidity ratios, activity ratios, profitability ratios. The results showed that based on the analysis technique of LACLR, LDR, WTO and ROE, the financial condition of the Village Credit Institution (LPD) of the Traditional Village of Kerobokan, Sawan was categorized as healthy, this is because the ratio value obtained tends to be greater than the predetermined assessment standard. This condition shows good performance, while based on the analysis technique of RTO, TATO and ROA, the financial condition of the Village Credit Institution (LPD) of Kerobokan Traditional Village, Sawan is categorized as unhealthy, this is because the ratio value obtained tends to be smaller than the predetermined assessment standard. This condition shows poor performance.
PENERAPAN BUDAYA KERJA BERBASIS CATUR MARGA DAN LINGKUNGAN KERJA DALAM UPAYA MENINGKATKAN PRODUKTIVITAS KERJA PEGAWAI
Authors: Ni Luh Putu Eka Yudi Pratiwi
Published: July 2022

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis peningkatan kinerja pegawai melalui budaya kerja, dan lingkungan kerja di Kantor Camat Sukasada. Sampel yang digunakan adalah pegawai Kantor Camat Sukasada. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif. Analisis yang digunakan meliputi uji validitas, uji reliabilitas dan uji model dengan metode Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) Partial Least Square (PLS ) dimana jumlah sampel yang ditetapkan pada penelitian ini sebanyak 57 dengan menggunakan metode sampling jenuh. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa variabel budaya kerja berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap produktivitas kerja diterima dan variabel lingkungan kerja berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap produktivitas kerja diterima.
Kinerja Keuangan LPD Dalam Perspektif Budaya Tri Hita Karana
Authors: Mertyani Sari Dewi  , Nopiyani Putu Eka
Published: July 2022

Hasil penelitian membuktikan bahwa perkembangan nilai Rasio ROA (Return On Asset) dari tahun 2017-2021 dominan terjadi penurunan yaitu pada tahun 2017-2019 hal ini diakibatkan karena pada tahun 2019 peningkatan laba lebih kecil dibandingkan peningkatan asset. Penuruan pada tahun 2020 dan 2021 terjadi akibat nilai laba yang mengalami penurunan namun jumlah asset yang dimiliki oleh LPD mengalami peningkatan. Kondisi yang terbalik tergambar pada tahun 2018 yaitu nilai ROA mengalami peningkatan dari tahun sebelumnya hal in terjadi akibat laba mengalami peningkatan namun jumlah asset mengalami penurunan. Jika dilihat dari nilai rata-rata nilai ROA dari tahun 2017-2021 hanya pada tahun 2020 dan 2021 nilai ROA LPD Penglatan berada dibawah rata-rata. Berdasarkan perkembangan laba yang di peroleh dari tahun 2017 – 2021 dan dana CSR yang disalurkan  mengalami fluktuasi tahun 2018 meningkat 9,92% dan tahun 2019 meningkat  9,57%. Kondisi terbalik tergambar di tahun 2020 dan tahun 2021 yang menggambarkan nilai laba dan dana CSR  mengalami penurunan yaitu 15,76% pada tahun 2020 dan pada tahun 2021 menurun 10,44%. Walaupun demikian secara rata-rata laba mengalami peningkatan 1,68%. Demikian juga CSR yang diberikan terjadi fluktuasi dimana rata-rata peningkatan tiap tahun 2017-2021, fluktuasi yang mengikuti trend tekdensinya sama dengan perubahan laba.
PERAN KOMUNIKASI, KOMPENSASI DAN GAYA KEPEMIMPINAN TERHADAP SEMANGAT KERJA PEGAWAI DI KEBUN RAYA EKA KARYA BALI
Authors: Komang Trisna Sari Dewi
Published: July 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui peran komunikasi terhadap semangat kerja Pegawai, peran kompensasi terhadap semangat kerja pegawai, dan peran gaya kepemimpinan terhadap semangat kerja pegawai di Kebun Raya Eka Karya Bali. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh pegawai Kebun Raya Eka Karya Bali yang berjumlah 68 orang. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kuantitatif, data diperoleh dengan menyebar kuesioner kepada sampel yang kemudian dianalisis dengan menggunakan analisi regresi berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa Komunikasi secara signifikan terhadap semangat kerja pegawai di Kebun Raya Eka Karya Bali dengan thitung sebesar 15,015. Begitu juga Kompensasi berpengaruh secara signifikan terhadap semangat kerja pegawai dengan thitung sebesar 38,282. Gaya Kepemimpinan juga berpengaruh secara signifikan terhadap semangat kerja pegawai dengan nilai thitung sebesar 20,962.
Pengaruh ROA, Terhadap Harga Saham Dengan Price To Book Value Sebagai Variabel Mediasi Perusahaan Indeks LQ45 Di BEI
Authors: Krisna Yudha Cokorda , I Gusti Ayu Ratih Permata Dewi  , I Gusti Agung Ayu Kartika Dewi
Published: July 2022

This study aims to examine the effect of return on assets on price to book value, price to book value and return on assets on stock prices, examine the role of price to book value in mediating the effect of return on assets on stock prices. This research was conducted at LQ45 companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in 2018-2020. The sample used was 23 companies which were determined by purposive sampling technique. The data analysis technique used is path analysis which is processed with the help of SPSS 18.0 for Windows software. The results showed that return on assets had a significant positive effect on price to book value; price to book value has a significant positive effect on stock prices; return on assets has a significant positive effect on stock prices. This study also shows that price to book value is able to mediate the effect of return on assets on stock prices.
Penggunaan media pembelajaran wordwall untuk meningkatkan minat dan motivasi belajar siswa pada pembelajaran IPA di Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Pradani Tatsa Galuh
Published: July 2022

The covid pandemic has forced educational institutions in Indonesia to conduct offline learning online using wordwall media to help students understand the material in science learning during the covid 19 pandemic. The method used in this research is qualitative. The target of this activity is 20 fourth grade students. The results showed that there was a change in attitude that occurred in students after learning by using wordwall media. These changes can be seen from the aspect of student activity and the observation assessment criteria are measured through several indicators, including: (a) The activeness of students when participating in online teaching and learning activities as evidenced by filling in absences, (b) Student activity when collecting assignments by on time, (c) Asking about material that has not been understood. The conclusion of this study is that the use of wordwall media in the fourth grade science learning can increase students' interest and motivation in learning.
Histomorphological effects of daucurs carota extract on dispirin induced kidney damage in albino rats
Authors:   Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science, Imo State University Owerri, Nigeria., Promise Ikem Amarachi , Nnamemeka Okolie ,   Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science, Imo State University Owerri, Nigeria., Johnkennedy Nnodim ,   Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science, Imo State University Owerri, Nigeria.
Published: July 2022

This study was carried out to investigate the protective effect of extract against dispirin induced renal toxicity in albino rats.The histological effect of consumption of Daucurs carota root extract on the kidney of albino rats was carried out. The albinorats were divided into five groups. Each group consists of 5 albino rats. Group A serves as control while group B, C, D and E received dispirin 80 mg/kg/day, 50mg, 100mg and 200mg/kg body weight per day of Daucurs carota extract respectively for a period of 28 days. Serum samples from each rat were subjected to biochemical analysis for kidney functions, while kidney biopsies were also investigated by histological examination. Dispirin significantly increased serum creatinine, urea, (p < 0.05). Moreover, dispirin induced significant histological and ultrastructural alterations in the renal tissues of the rats. The exposure to Daucurs carota extract did attenuate the dispirin-induced toxicity in renal tissues. These results suggest that Daucurs carota extracts have significant protective role against dispirin-induced renal toxicity.
SUSTAINABLE HYDROGEN PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES: BIOMASS BASED APPROACHES
Authors: AL Kübra , BAYRAKDAR ATEŞ Ezgi
Published: July 2022

Önemli bir enerji taşıyıcısı olan hidrojen doğal bir enerji kaynağı olmayıp, başta doğalgaz olmak üzere su, kömür ve biyokütle kullanılarak üretilmektedir. Son yıllarda gerçekleştirilen çalışmalarda araştırmacılar mevcut hidrojen üretim kaynak ve teknolojilerinin geliştirilmesine alternatif olarak, sürdürülebilir hidrojen üretimi ve çevre dostu çözümlere yönelmiştir. Sürdürülebilir enerji teknolojilerinin gelişimi ve enerji arz güvenliğinin yenilenebilir kaynaklarla sağlanmasının gerekliliği olarak biyokütle temelli hidrojen üretim teknolojisi bu çalışmada araştırılmıştır. Biyokütle hammaddesinin hidrojene dönüştürülmesinin öneminin vurgulandığı bu çalışmada biyokütle esaslı hidrojen üretim termokimyasal, biyolojik ve elektrokimyasal dönüşüm yöntemleri olarak üç temel başlık ve bunlar içerisindeki farklı yöntemler üzerinden incelenmiştir.
Cerium-based conversion films developed on LiAl-layered double hydroxide coatings for corrosion protection of AA7075 aluminum alloys
Authors: Petica Aurora , Manea Adrian Cristian , Mihai Geanina , Nicola Ioana , Ceara Victoria , Anicai Liana
Published: July 2022

The paper presents several experimental results regarding the influence of various procedures applied to incorporate Ce species in hydrotalcite–type chemical conver­sion coatings on the overall corrosion performance for AA 7075 aluminum alloy as a metallic substrate. Two routes were envisaged: (i) chemical incorporation of Ce by immersion in cerium nitrate solutions and (ii) electrochemical deposition of hydro­phobic Ce - based layer involving ethanolic solutions of stearic acid and cerium nitrate. The chemical route involving immersion in cerium nitrate solutions led to the incorpo­ration of 2.46 – 6.84 wt.% Ce in the composition of the porous conversion layer. The electrochemical process facilitated the formation of a hydrophobic cerium stearate layer on porous hydrotalcite conversion coating showing water contact angles of about 132o and a higher Ce content incorporated of 6.55 – 9.73 wt.%. The corrosion performance of the Ce-based conversion coatings is also discussed.
The Role Distance Learning Has to Play in Offender Education
Authors: Seelig Caroline
Published: July 2022

This article looks into the uses of digital and online tools in distance learning to improve literacy and numeracy of offenders in New Zealand prisons.  Looking at the benefits and restrictions of digital education within the prison environment, this article discusses the solutions that Open Polytechnic, in partnership with the the New Zealand Government, has put in place to give prisoners further opportunity for rehabilitation, and ultimately prepare them for re-entry into society, the workforce or further study.
Curricular Innovation and Digitsation at a Mega University in the Developing World – The UNISA “Signature Course” Project
Authors: Baijnath Narend
Published: July 2022

As part of the endeavor to reposition itself in the open distance and e-learning arena, the University of South Africa has designed and developed six modular courses (one module per College) referred to as ‘Signature Courses’. The focus of these modules is on a student-centred online teaching and learning approach; extensive student online mentoring and support; and alternative online assessment practices, while also developing prototypes for fully online courses as the University advances in its digitisation objectives. This paper presents a case study of the achievements of the project thus far. It reports challenges the project has been facing and anticipates the trajectory the University will be following in the future as it moves decisively towards online teaching and learning.
Using Community Radio in a Rural Women’s Post-literacy Programme in Nepal
Authors: Nagaoka Chizuko , Karki Manohar
Published: July 2022

The paper examines the literacy and post-literacy needs of rural women in Nepal, describes a pilot study in using community radio to supplement a classroom-based post-literacy programme for these women, analyses the findings of this intervention and considers the implications for similar programmes in other settings.
Harnessing OER to Drive Systemic Educational Change in Secondary Schooling
Authors: Butcher Neil , Hoosen Sarah , Moore Andrew
Published: July 2022

This paper reports on two action research projects which explored the challenge of determining the conditions under which use of OER can drive a transformative educational agenda in schooling systems. At St Peter’s College in Johannesburg, South Africa, a small pilot study was conducted to explore how to best to adopt new teaching and learning methodologies to encourage greater student engagement and responsibility, and to gauge student and staff reactions to a change in teaching and learning methodologies. It placed heavy emphasis on harnessing OER to enable student-led content creation, with a long-term view of demonstrating that students can use OER to create self-paced learning environments that significantly accelerate their journey through the formal curriculum. In Antigua and Barbuda, the research project considered how to facilitate an entire system to change. It recognised that for change to be effective, it needs to be driven at the systemic level, as these ultimately direct the operations of most public schooling systems. The paper explores the different steps taken, starting from the government’s commitment to ICT infrastructure, fostering a policy environment through an ICT in Education policy and an ICT Master Plan to guide procurement and deployment of ICT in schools, and the development of a School ICT integration plan to ensure school’s ICT needs and requirements. The research explored the deployment of an OER Virtual learning Environment (VLE) Prototype, and the compilation of an online mathematics ‘textbook’ from available quality free OER. The paper concludes by highlighting the kinds of systemic actions required for the proponents of OER to build sustained pressure for long-term, educationally effective systemic change.
Open and Distance Learning and Information and Communication Technologies- Implications on Formal and Non formal Education.
Authors: Situma David Barasa
Published: July 2022

The Population; female (% of total) in Kenya was last reported at 50.05 in 2011, according to a World Bank report published in 2012. Despite this higher percentage, women in Kenya are not well represented in education and training compared to their male counter parts (Kenya National Bureau of Statistics: Kenya Facts and Figures 2012 student enrolment by type of institution and sex). The need to empower girls and women through education is vital to achieve the Bill of Rights (Constitution of Kenya, 2010). Use of Information and communication technologies (ICT) for Open and distance learning (ODL) are some of the initiatives that seek to gap the gender parity in education in Kenya. In establishing the implications of ICT and ODL on girl and women education in Kenya, this paper seeks to: a) examine the current policies that supports the use of ICTs in formal and non formal education in Kenya, b) assess the objectives and strategies to facilitate widespread use of ICTs and how they affect girls and women Education in Kenya; c) assess the Implementation of policy objectives and strategies in support of ICTs and ODL for girls and women Education, d) Identify priority areas for implementation of ODL initiatives for women and Girls Education in  Kenya; e) State lessons drawn from the ICT and ODL  initiatives for girl and women Education ; f) propose strategies for addressing the challenges for implementation of ODL and ICT for girl and Women Education in Kenya. Literature provides very informative findings in support of ICT and ODL for Gender. A number of policies and initiatives are operating in Kenya to ensure ICT and ODL are fully maximized by both Genders. However, the said policies and initiatives have not fully achieved the objectives for which ICT and ODL ought to be implemented. There is need to factor in women and Girls in a curriculum development strategy concerning ICT and ODL.
Experiential Learnings Revised
Authors: Herman Lee , Mandell Alan
Published: July 2022

The proposition is challenged that experience and learning are separate.  It is argued that all experience is necessarily learning, and that any object of experience may disclose unlimited learnings in both extent and profundity.  The implications of these claims are examined for teaching and learning, for the openness of the academy and for social justice.
Developing Multimedia Enhanced Content to Upgrade Science and Mathematics Subject Content Knowledge of Secondary School Teachers in Tanzania
Authors: Mtebe Joel S. , Kibga Elia Y. , Mwambela Alfred A. , Kissaka Mussa M.
Published: July 2022

The failure rates and lack of interest amongst students in science and mathematics in secondary schools in Tanzania is a serious problem. The Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT) implemented the project to enhance and upgrade the pedagogical knowledge and subject content knowledge of teachers in selected difficult topics in science and mathematics at secondary education. This article reports on the process involved in the development of multimedia enhanced content that involved teachers, facilitators, and technical staff. The developed content was evaluated for its satisfaction using a sample of 72 experts that included teachers and instructors after using the content for 10 days. Generally, respondents were satisfied with the quality of the developed multimedia enhanced content. However, accuracy had minimum percentage of users’ satisfaction with 37%. This shows that the majority of the content had spelling and grammatical errors that were supposed to be corrected before producing the final product. Although this is ongoing work, we believe that the lessons learned from our efforts can be useful to similar organizations planning to develop multimedia enhanced content for educational purposes.
The Two Solitudes of Educational Policy and the Challenge of Development
Authors: Murgatroyd Stephen J , Sahlberg Pasi
Published: July 2022

Policy makers are challenged to improve educational outcomes, manage scarce resources and secure public acceptance of their initiatives to provide quality, relevant and effective education. In making decisions they are pulled between competing ideologies about the process and purposes of schooling. This paper explores these ideologies and suggests tensions between them. The paper also suggests a way forward for those seeking to established evidence based, context sensitive policies and practices
Mobile learning: readiness and perceptions of teachers of Open Universities of Commonwealth Asia
Authors: Miglani Anshu , Awadhiya Ashish Kumar
Published: July 2022

Integration of ‘Mobile Learning’ (m-learning) in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system can play a crucial role in reducing the ‘Digital Divide’ and strengthening ‘Democratization of Education’ by providing quality educational opportunities and access to information quickly at affordable cost in Commonwealth Asian countries. Successful implementation of m-learning will be determined by readiness and positive perception of the teachers towards it. This study examined the m-learning readiness and perception of the teachers of eighteen Open Universities spread across five Commonwealth Asian countries (Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka). The analysis of responses obtained from 102 teachers indicates that they have device and skill readiness to impart m-learning. The study also revealed the presence of positive perception for m-learning among them. They affirmed that m-learning has the potential to engage the learner to a greater extent. It enhances the collaboration and didactic conversation, thereby reducing the feeling of isolation for learners in ODL system. However teachers were still not sure, if m-learning can replace e-learning through conventional devices.
Understanding the Profile, Motivations and Current Status of Academic Graduates through Open and Distance Schooling in India
Authors: Jha Jyotsna , Ghatak Neha , Mahendiran Shreekanth
Published: July 2022

In India, Open and Distance Learning for secondary and higher secondary level is mainly provided by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). Secondary education in India pertains to class 9 and 10 catering to the age group of 15 to 16. Similarly, higher secondary education refers to class 11 and 12 catering to the age group of 17 to 18. Based on research supported by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) this paper discusses the results from a telephone survey of close to 1000 learners who were enrolled with NIOS and completed secondary and higher secondary education during 2008-2012 in selected states. It emerged that nearly 81 per cent of respondents were gainfully employed and NIOS helped them look for better jobs, widen their job search, and gain more stable (permanent) and secure (government) jobs. NIOS has successfully enabled a good proportion of learners to continue with their higher education. Flexibility offered by open schooling is the main motivation to join NIOS; individuals facing various constraints in accessing regular secondary education have opted for this option. It appears that two different kinds of learners join NIOS at these two levels; the secondary level seems to have a bigger representation from lower socio-economic strata. The role of open schooling in reducing the gender gap at secondary level of schooling remains mixed.
Mediated Authentic Video: A Flexible Tool Supporting a Developmental Approach to Teacher Education
Authors: Stutchbury Kris , Woodward Clare
Published: July 2022

You Tube now has more searches than Google, indicating that video is a motivating and, potentially, powerful learning tool. This paper investigates how we can embrace video to support improvements in teacher education. It will draw on innovative approaches to teacher education, developed by the Open University UK, in order to explore in more depth the potential of video. It will use case studies from three continents, and draw on research from different sources, in order to highlight the successes and the challenges. Looking across the examples presented, the paper will describe models of teacher learning and video use, and demonstrate that video can add value to teacher development activities provided that appropriate support and mediation, consistent with the pedagogy that is being promoted, is in place. Sustainable Development Goal 4 emphasizes the importance of improving the quality of the experiences that children have in school. This requires new models for teacher education, and has become an urgent issue. Video could be a significant part of the solution.
MOOCifying Courses: Delivery of a MOOC to Enhance University Course Activities
Authors: Ostashewski Nathaniel , Howell Jennifer , Dron Jon
Published: July 2022

Since 2012 MOOCs have been heralded as a new way of learning outside of formal university programs of study and there has been much speculation regarding their impact. While MOOCs have provided millions of global learners with access to courses, they failed to deliver the types of learning experiences and completion requirements that were hoped for. One potential iteration of MOOCs might be to blend them with existing courses offered in universities supporting links and connections between study and the outside world. This MOOCification of full-fee courses may provide another next step in the delivery of real and authentic learning. Using an empirical case study design, this project explored the MOOCification of an undergraduate preservice education course at an Australian university. The study presents evidence that blending MOOCs with classroom-based or online learning does provide higher education learners with personalized active learning opportunities. Further research on scaffolded support enabling learners to capitalize on additional aspects of networked learning in MOOCs is needed.
Turkish Teachers’ Awareness and Perceptions of Open Educational Resources
Authors: Ozdemir Ozgur , Bonk Curtis
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study is to explore K-12 teachers’ awareness of open educational resources (OER) as well as their perceptions of its potential opportunities and challenges for teaching practices. Data were gathered from 99 online survey respondents and six interviewees in this study. Findings showed that teachers are aware of OER to a certain degree; however, a misunderstanding exists between digital educational content on the Internet and openly licensed content compatible with the OER definition. Lack of knowledge regarding licensing mechanisms of OER is a major issue among teachers. Whereas, teacher perceptions that the use of OER leads to the improvement in student performance is highly beneficial, the time required to search, select, edit, and apply OER was discovered as the greatest challenge to OER utilization. Results of this study can inform potential OER movement contributors, such as teacher professional development specialists, developers of OER repositories, and academics interested in OER.
From policies to implementation of open distance learning in Rwanda: A genealogical and governmentality analysis
Authors: Mukama Evode
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the interplay between policy formulation and implementation in terms of the present historical and cultural practices of open distance learning (ODL) in Rwanda. This paper draws on the Foucauldian genealogical and governmentality analysis. The paper examines Government aspirations as depicted in policy statements starting from2001, ayear aligning with the beginning of the Government of Rwanda’s Vision 2020. This Vision aims at transforming the country from an agrarian to a knowledge-based and technology-led society. This study analysed discourses emerging from policy statements on ODL and scrutinised how Government aspirations were translated into concrete actions. Moreover, the study examined the rationality governing ODL practice and explored governing techniques adopted in relation to ODL discourses.  The findings reveal that, though policies extol ODL potential to increase access, relevance and inclusion in education, and though they highlight the need to improve quality in higher education through affordable, scalable and sustainable technologies, implementing institutions tend to adopt contentious approaches to cope with a dual mode. The study suggests some concrete ideas to close the gap between ODL policy formulation and implementation.
Reflecting on the Impact of the Open Education Movement
Authors: Conole Grainne , Brown Mark
Published: July 2022

This paper critiques the rise and impact of the open education movement, focusing in particular on Higher Education. It considers the impact of adopting more open practices on learning, teaching and research. In terms of the impact on learning it describes three aspects: Open Educational Resources, e-textbooks and Massive Open Online Courses. In terms of the impact on teaching it describes three frameworks which can guide the design process: the 7Cs of Learning Design framework, the SAMR model and the ICAP framework. Finally, it considers the impact on research. The paper concludes by considering the barriers and enablers associated with adopting more open practices.
Using Mobile-based Social Media to Facilitate Interaction and Build Communities through the lens of Ubuntu in Distance Education
Authors: Makoe Mpine , Shandu Thulile P.
Published: July 2022

This paper examines how WhatsApp can be used to build learning communities and facilitate interaction, through the lens of Ubuntu – an African concept of humanness, which means that an individual person owes his or her existence to the existence of others. The Afrocentric concept of Ubuntu and interaction work concomitantly towards the realisation of vocabulary teaching and learning within distance education. Through this study, students were encouraged to work together through a mobile-based social network to learn English vocabulary. Ubuntu was used as a framework to analyse the WhatsApp chats to find salient themes relating to building communities and enhancing interaction. The key elements of Ubuntu grounded the findings and demonstrated how technology can be used to bridge the interaction distance and how Ubuntu principles are articulated in the communities of learning. This paper illustrates how Ubuntu is manifested in a local context, with principles that can be applied globally to enhance collaboration.
Fostering Digital Education among Teachers and Learners in Sri Lankan Schools
Authors: Karunanayaka Shironica Priyanthi , Weerakoon W.M.S.
Published: July 2022

The Commonwealth Digital Education Leadership Training in Action (C-DELTA) programme provides a framework for fostering digital education for lifelong learning by developing digital education leaders. The Faculty of Education at the Open University of Sri Lanka implemented an action research project to promote the adoption of C-DELTA among teachers and students of secondary schools in Sri Lanka, and evaluate its impact on the teaching-learning process. A group of 41 teachers participated in the intervention and implemented C-DELTA in their schools. A variety of data were collected throughout the process via questionnaires, concept maps, focus group interviews, implementation reports, and log records in the C-DELTA platform. Findings revealed that despite challenges such as inadequate ICT facilities, time constraints and limitation in English language competencies, the adoption of C-DELTA has supported improving digital literacy, enacting changes in thinking and digital behaviour among teachers and students, and enhancing teachers’ digital education leadership skills.
Re-writing Stories of Child Early and Forced Marriages through Vocational and Entrepreneurship Skills: Experience from the “Girls Inspire Project” in Tanzania
Authors: Mnubi Godfrey Magoti
Published: July 2022

This paper highlights experiences of young mothers, victims of child, early and forced marriages (CEFM) as pertaining to their basic rights, social wellbeing and sustainable livelihood four years after their participation in the Girls Inspire project. CEFM is still a critical issue in Tanzania and one of the obstacles toward girls’ and women’s empowerment. Data was collected from six districts in the regions of Dodoma, Rukwa and Lindi between 2016-2018 through the use of questionnaires for a random sample of 367 as well as in-depth interviews with 34 young mothers between 13 to 19 years old who were purposively selected. Other data was generated from the use of focus group discussions for a non-random sample of 137 young mothers. The findings show how the provision of alternative learning through ODL, coupled with skills development in areas of vocation and entrepreneurship can help vulnerable girls and young women  be involved in shaping decisions  that affect their lives as well as enhance their well-being, employability and sustainable livelihoods.

Keywords: Child marriages, teenage pregnancies, gender equality and sustainable livelihood.
Analysis of Heutagogical Practices through Mobile Device Usage in a Teacher Training Programme in Malawi
Authors: Chimpololo Andrew
Published: July 2022

Abstract:  

This paper analyses the mediation of heutagogical practices using mobile devices in a teacher training programme in Malawi. Existing literature suggests that the use of mobile devices facilitates the development of heutagogy, an educational approach characterised by interdependent learning, double- and triple-loop learning and participation in communities of practice. The study draws on three major heutagogical principles for its theoretical foundation. It adopts the case study method, and uses questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and personal diaries for data collection. Mobile phone ownership is almost universal at the college and most of the student-teachers possess at least one Internet-enabled device. Despite laptop ownership and institutional access to computers being low, a relatively high number of student-teachers frequently use computers in their studies to complement mobile phones. Regarding heutagogical practices, few student-teachers claim to engage in interdependent learning as well as double- and triple-loop learning. Conversely, most of them tend to participate in communities of practice, particularly those involving students only. In addition, few student-teachers hold the intention to use their devices in their own teaching.

Keywords: heutagogy, teacher education, learner-centred, mobile devices.
When the Trainer is Untrained: Stakeholder Incapacitation in Implementation and Utilisation of Open Educational Resources in Kenya
Authors: Kinyua Ann Hildah Gatakaa
Published: July 2022

Open Educational Resources (OER) are geared towards promoting accessibility to education and to help overcome certain constraints to education associated with traditional ways of learning. However, these OERs can only be successfully rolled out and utilised in environments already enjoying certain infrastructural empowerments, including teacher-preparedness, availability of equipment to allow use of OERs and learner exposure and knowhow. This poses a major hurdle in many public and private schools in Kenya, which are in far-flung areas without electricity, mobile-phone connectivity, Internet services and serviceable roads that allow movement to a cyber cafe where Internet services may be accessed at a fee. These difficulties are encountered by both teachers and their learners. This paper seeks to discuss the challenges faced in implementation of OERs, especially by the teachers who are expected to sensitise learners to the availability and utilisation of OERs, while they themselves are either unaware of them, poorly trained to handle them or are under-facilitated to carry out their mandate. The study was carried out in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. The county was chosen because challenges related to OER have been reported there. The county has 104 secondary schools. A sample size of 45 schools representing 20% of the respondents was considered sufficient for the study. A questionnaire was used to obtain data on the teachers’ ICT competencies, their awareness of and attitudes towards OER and the challenges they faced in the implementation of OER. The study found that utilisation of OER stands at about 3% as a result of ignorance regarding OER or a negative attitude towards them, poor ICT skills amongst the teachers and poor or inadequate resources within and around the schools.
(Re)Designing Augmented Reality Applications to Facilitate Intercultural Telecollaborations
Authors: Hadjistassou Stella , Avgousti Maria-Iosifina , Louca Petros
Published: July 2022

This paper draws on design-based research to develop a real-world classroom Augmented Reality (AR) scenario which was accompanied by tasks used to mediate intercultural telecollaboration. It investigates the role of these tasks and AR scenario in enacting affordances to enrich students’ learning experiences, to establish a connection between classroom management techniques, their local context and future teaching practices and to promote insightful reflections on such practices. The trajectories upon which these tasks were designed were practice-oriented inviting students to explore three options in dealing with classroom misbehavior and reserved students. Using their mobile devices, students could view in AR a classroom setting, a student’s disruptive behavior and three possible approaches in dealing with such behavior. Upon exploring the three options in handling classroom misbehavior, students across the two participating academic institutions in Europe could post their comments on a newly created platform, ReDesign.
Developing Multimedia Programmes for Out-of-School Girls: The Case of GIRLS Inspire in Tanzania
Authors: Gasuku Samwel
Published: July 2022

Learning resources such as audio, video and online content are developed as supplementary learning resources to print-based materials. This study focuses on the development of multimedia learning in adult education programmes for out-of-school girls and young women in Tanzania. It defines multimedia and adult education before showing the relationship between them. The study used a descriptive paradigm and adopted a qualitative case study design. It is informed by 25 in-depth interviews that were conducted with Institute of Adult Education (IAE) facilitators in April, 2018. Participants were purposely selected based on their multimedia experience. The findings revealed that most facilitators have little experience in multimedia resource development. However, 13 self-instructional audio and audio-visual programmes were produced to elaborate and enhance the effectiveness of instructions. It will be argued that IAE should include development and use of multimedia resources in its strategic rolling plan. Learning material development policy should also include multimedia resources and create awareness.
Reports from the Field: Secondary School in Hong Kong Integrating the Spirit of Humanities into STEAM Education
Authors: Ng Sin Fai Eric , Ng Chin Hung
Published: July 2022

A small project of STEAM education called “Innovation for Love and Care” was implemented in a local secondary school in Hong Kong. Four seventh-grade students participated from November 2020 to February 2021. The project aims to integrate humanism into the traditional STEAM curriculum to stimulate the students’ innovation in a people-oriented approach. The project consisted of three modules implemented by means of both online teaching and face-to-face lessons due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The responses of the students were very positive. The overall performance has been recognised by the school management team. For the next step, the project team plans to expand the project to all seventh-grade students.
Developing Partnerships to Acquire Impact: The Role of Three Regional Centres’ Capacity Building Efforts for ODL Adoption in the Emerging World
Authors: Perris Kirk , McGreal Rory
Published: July 2022

Partnerships are central to the awareness, implementation and development of open and distance learning (ODL). It is an attribute that is distinct in the higher education sector, where ODL has made a large footprint by dispelling the notion that university enrolment is reserved for a narrow and elite demographic. The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) operates to advance the uptake of ODL amongst the 54 member states of the Commonwealth. COL leverages its work through various channels, and the COL Regional Centres play a pivotal role as partners to COL and, in turn, to acquire new partners that may benefit from COL’s technical expertise. The Regional Centres, strategically located across the Commonwealth, engage primarily in capacity building for ODL. Their constituents include governments, institutions, and individual learners. This paper explores the role of COL Regional Centres to grow existing partnerships and to form new ones in the pursuit of ODL expansion. The formation of partnerships is understudied in the ODL space, yet it has been pivotal in augmenting the visibility and importance of ODL around the world. Drawing on data from an evaluation of three COL Regional Centres conducted at the end of 2019, and reporting on follow-up activities to the mid-point of 2021, this paper highlights how the RCs are achieving their mandate to engage partners and, in the process, have achieved short- and long-term outcomes since 2018. Findings provide insight into the effectiveness of RC activities, relative to the number of institutions and individuals reached, complemented with inputs from RC stakeholders, mostly comprised of RC staff.  Recommendations are offered, with the paper positing that the role of the Regional Centres should continue and expand to other areas of the Commonwealth premised on their ability to build and sustain partnerships through capacity building efforts.
Revisiting Brainstorming within an Educational Context: A Meta-Thematic Analysis
Authors: Doğan Yunus , Batdı Veli
Published: July 2022

An increase in research on teaching of creativity in learning environments is being witnessed as more studies continue to reveal its effects on learning outcomes and academic achievement. Thus, any investigative attempt to examine the relevant approaches to teaching of creative thinking skills is appreciated within the creativity literature. However, it is evident that the research on brainstorming as a creativity-promoting technique within educational context has been overlooked for a while. Therefore, this research sythesis tried to recombine and reinterpret the results of some qualitative studies on the impacts of brainstorming technique on learners’ achievement. To this end, 34 studies were reached and 7 of them were found to be conducive to the meta-thematic analysis. The results of the meta-thematic analysis suggest that the brainstorming technique has positive effects on learners’ cognitive skills and affect. It is believed that designing instruction with brainstorming could foster students’ creativity, by directing them to solving problems via critical thinking. The study further dwells on the reported drawbacks that are encountered during the implementation of this technique within classroom, and discusses some possible solutions as implications.