The purpose of this study is to investigate the weaknesses of current e-learning environment development models and to establish a comprehensive e-learning environment development model (EEDM). In the literature study I established the components of a comprehensive EEDM by looking at five existing models. The main concern in all of the models is the lack of configuration management, which lead to the investigation of other characteristics that an EEDM should have to be described as a comprehensive model. I then used these characteristics to establish the E-learning Dome - a comprehensive EEDM. The E-learning Dome consists of three layers, namely the Infrastructure layer, E-learning administration layer and the Course development layer. The Quality Dome encompasses the combination of these three layers. Through the use of case studies to test the feasibility of the E-learning Dome I concluded that the E-learning Dome is successful as a comprehensive EEDM. / Theoretical Computing / M.Sc. (Information Systems)

A networked multimedia system to assist teaching music keyboard skills to a class is described. Teaching practical music lessons requires a large amount of interaction between the teacher and student and is thus teacher intensive. Although there is a range of computer software available for learning how to play the keyboard, these programs cannot replace the guidance of a music teacher. The possibility of combining the music applications with video conferencing technology for use in a keyboard class is discussed. An ideal system is described that incorporates the benefits of video conferencing and music applications for use in a classroom. A design of the ideal system is described and implemented. Certain design and implementation decisions are explained and the performance of the implementation examined. The system would enable a music teacher to effectively teach a music class keyboard skills.

The introduction of the computer into the educational arena is unique as pressure for its inclusion has come not from educationalists, but from public demand based on the conviction that exposure to computers is an essential ingredient of modern education. This has resulted in computers being added to school curricula before there has been careful research into its educational implications, making huge demands on teachers involved in the innovation. South African primary schools involved in computer education have followed international trends in their adoption of computers, initially perceiving computer education as a separate subject added on to the present curriculum. However, changing trends in computer use internationally are now beginning to reflect educators' changing perceptions of the nature of primary education, and educators are calling for the use of computers to be integrated into the curriculum rather than being seen as an area of study in themselves. This investigation attempts to outline general trends and perceptions of computer use in a South African primary school. Despite a high level of computer usage at the observed school, the computer was seen by teachers, in the main, as an extra subject, and has not yet led to any significant changes in teaching styles and methods. The research suggests that two main issues need to be resolved before computer education in primary schools reflects the present paradigm shift towards learner-centered educational practices. Firstly, there is a need to rethink the delivery of the curriculum towards one which promotes a greater degree of problem solving and decision making on the part of the learner. Secondly, it would appear that teachers need to be made more aware of this trend.

Thesis (MEd (Education))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017. / Learning Management Systems (LMS) have come into common use recently and most educational institutions from basic to higher education are increasingly adopting them, mainstreaming them into their daily teaching and learning of functions. The Western Cape Education Department piloted the Moodle (Modular Object Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment), a Learning Management System (LMS) aimed at improving teaching and learning. The aim of this research was to ascertain the effectiveness of this LMS in developing Grade 10 learners’ conceptual understanding of Functions in Mathematics with minimum educator assistance. The research investigated two classes; one class used the traditional chalk and talk teaching (control) while the other class was exposed to the Moodle LMS. The thesis unpacked the functionalities in Moodle that makes learning of Functions in Mathematics easier. Learners constructed their knowledge by using resources embedded in Moodle using “ScenTRLE” learning model that follows Vygotsky‘s Theory of Social Constructivism. The hybrid e-learning framework was used, where learners were expected to gain pedagogically by interacting with computers. Their interaction was monitored and results are recorded using online surveys and tests. A quasi-experimental design was used to compare the groups, then statistically analysed in comparison with the traditional way of learning. Results showed that the functionalities embedded within the Moodle LMS were instrumental in improving the learning and understanding of Functions in Mathematics.

The study investigated the acceptance of electronic (e-learning) based instruction in selected South African companies based upon the dominants of e-learning acceptance that included computer self-efficacy, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and behavioral intention to use. A quantitative research methodology was conducted on a sample of male and female trainees in selected South African companies using e-learning as a mode of instruction (N=191) using the “E-learning Acceptance Measure” by Ong and Lai (2006). Analysis of variance was used to determine whether the biographical characteristic of gender could account for any differences towards the determinants of e-learning acceptance. Multiple stepwise regression was used to determine differences between dominants of e-learning acceptance and gender. The results of the study showed that there were no statistically significant differences in mean between men’s rating of computer self-efficacy, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and behavioral intention than that of women. In terms of influences, the results show the existence of influence between certain dominants of e-learning acceptance however no gender differences were found in influence. Recommendations were made based upon these results on how South African companies can help trainees accept and use e-learning.

D.Ed. (Media Science) / The education system in South Africa is at the moment in a state of flux and various strategies are being investigated to address and redress inequities in the system. Many persons would see the computer as playing a significant role in this process. The problem, however, is not whether but how to use the computer effectively and appropriately in the classroom. Should the computer merely be used as a recordkeeping facility, a tool to assist the teacher or as an instrument for assisting learners to develop their full potential as human beings (Schostak, 1988:147; HSRC, 1983a:38; HSRC, 1983b:163). Computer-assisted learning environments have variously been described as the best of learning environments and the worst of learning environments. No doubt, opinions as to the value of such environments can be found at every point along the continuum that joins these two contradictory viewpoints (Doulton, 1984; Hart, 1984; Roach, 1984; Merrill, Tolman, Christensen, Hammons, Vincent & Reynolds, 1986:279). It is the purpose of this study to systematically examine the literature regarding one of these computer-assisted learning environments and to describe its underlying theoretical assumptions in order to assess its significance for education and to provide guidelines for the development and evaluation of software that can be used in the learning environment...

M.Ed. (Computer-Based Education) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

M.Ed. (Curriculum Studies) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

The purpose of this project is to provide elementary teachers with a resource that integrates language arts and educational technology in an effort to motivate underachievers.

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