Most universities are incorporating elements of Asynchronous Learning Networks (ALN) into their traditional classrooms. However, it is not known how well learners who are used to traditional face-to-face learning environments and who do not necessarily prefer ALN adapt when placed in such environments. This study was initiated to investigate the use of ALN with university students from traditional face-to-face classrooms. Second year Computer Science Education students from the Department of Computer Science in the Faculty of Education participated in a constructivist on-line learning environment (mixed mode of delivery). The aim of creating this constructivist learning environment using a mixed mode of delivery was to firstly create an environment for students where they can construct knowledge for themselves as well as to provide access to scholarly resources; provide access to data during student's time; promote self directed learning; enable active engagement with course content; facilitate communication with students; and to provide to some extent a way of accommodating different learning styles. A qualitative study was done on the attitudes of students to a constructivist online learning mode as compared to a total face-to-face (traditional) mode of instruction. Part of a second year module, Data Communication, was offered as an on-line module to students. The process began with converting the existing course to a mixed mode delivery form. Conversion required a re-think of the learning activities and objectives within the context of an electronic asynchronous learning environment, as well as the options and resources available, the limitations, a redesign taking note of how to meet the instructional objectives and how to assess learning. The on-line module was developed using WebCT (WebCT Inc.). The module ran for three weeks and thereafter Q-methodology and qualitative data analysis techniques (questionnaires) were used to analyse response of students to the course. The hypotheses tested where: Mastery of course material in the virtual classroom (VC) will be equal or superior to that in the traditional classroom (TC) and VC students will report higher subjective satisfaction with VC than the TC under a number of dimensions, including improved overall quality, better use of time and assessing the experience as being better in some way as when compared to TC. In addition students were able to compare this type of course delivery to total face-to-face course delivery that they took in the first semester. The results showed a positive trend towards the acceptance of a constructivist on-line environment for learning. All students involved in the mixed mode said that it was the mode of delivery that enabled them to benefit from this course, they had more contact with the lecturer and they were motivated to work. Most students felt that the efficiency and quality of education had improved. These results prove that the hypotheses were not refuted and therefore give grounds to my vision of offering existing courses in a constructivist way. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

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Integrity was invented to be a realistic measure of how difficult it is to break up a graph into small pieces by removing some of its elements. There are many different types of integrity, but in general it is defined as the minimum possible sum of two numbers: a number indicating the number of elements that are removed from the graph, and a number reflecting the size of the largest group of elements that remain connected despite this removal.This thesis consists of a study of the known results in three varieties of graph integrity (vertex integrity, edge integrity, and pure integrity), and an attempt to add to this knowledge. Many of these results have been integrated into a computer program.The computer program is designed to be useful as an aid in studying and teaching integrity. It allows the researcher to draw a graph and then select among a number of algorithms for computing or finding bounds for these varieties of integrity. / Department of Computer Science

This study was undertaken to investigate the possibilities of using the computer in teaching Accounting as a school subject. For the purpose of this study three possible uses were identified, viz. computer assisted teaching and learning, computer managed teaching and practice-orientated teaching. In this study the meaning of the term computer was restricted to a microcomputer system. The method of the investigation applied was one of literature study supplemented by informal talks, as well as correspondence with a few colleagues in the USA. From the investigation it became evident that, as far as the subject Accounting is concerned, there are sufficient opportunities to incorporate the computer in the three areas that were identified. Especially as far as practice-orientated teaching is concerned, the field seem to be wide open since very little attention has been given to this aspect in the RSA. The possible use of the computer is hampered mainly by two factors, viz. the high costs involved in purchasing the hardware on the one hand, and the lack of adequate programs of a good quality on the other. It was also found that the syllabuses for Accounting do not yet provide for the use of microcomputer technology in Accounting. Therefore the subject teacher is dependent on himself for incorporating this new development into his teaching of the subject. The teacher of Accounting should also acquaint himself with the criteria for evaluating programs so that he can use programs critically. The conclusion which is reached is that the time is ripe to use the computer in the subject Accounting. In view of developments in the business world especially, practice-orientated teaching should receive serious attention. Everyone concerned with the subject, viz. teachers, planners, researchers, compilers of syllabuses, publishers of textbooks as well as the private sector should work together to do justice to this matter. / Thesis (MComm)--PU vir CHO, 1986

This study was undertaken to investigate the possibilities of using the computer in teaching Accounting as a school subject. For the purpose of this study three possible uses were identified, viz. computer assisted teaching and learning, computer managed teaching and practice-orientated teaching. In this study the meaning of the term computer was restricted to a microcomputer system. The method of the investigation applied was one of literature study supplemented by informal talks, as well as correspondence with a few colleagues in the USA. From the investigation it became evident that, as far as the subject Accounting is concerned, there are sufficient opportunities to incorporate the computer in the three areas that were identified. Especially as far as practice-orientated teaching is concerned, the field seem to be wide open since very little attention has been given to this aspect in the RSA. The possible use of the computer is hampered mainly by two factors, viz. the high costs involved in purchasing the hardware on the one hand, and the lack of adequate programs of a good quality on the other. It was also found that the syllabuses for Accounting do not yet provide for the use of microcomputer technology in Accounting. Therefore the subject teacher is dependent on himself for incorporating this new development into his teaching of the subject. The teacher of Accounting should also acquaint himself with the criteria for evaluating programs so that he can use programs critically. The conclusion which is reached is that the time is ripe to use the computer in the subject Accounting. In view of developments in the business world especially, practice-orientated teaching should receive serious attention. Everyone concerned with the subject, viz. teachers, planners, researchers, compilers of syllabuses, publishers of textbooks as well as the private sector should work together to do justice to this matter. / Thesis (MComm)--PU vir CHO, 1986