The purpose of this study was to determine the degree to which selected communication tools used by teachers who teach online are positively perceived by their students in improving feelings of self-efficacy and motivation, and which tools may be perceived to be significantly more effective than the others. Students from the Florida Virtual School, a leader in online course delivery for grades 6-12, were surveyed to find their perceptions about how their teachers' use of email, Instant Messaging, chat, the telephone, discussion area, whiteboard, and assignment feedback affected their motivation and success in an online high school course. Correlations were done to discover if there were any significant relationships between variables that relate to teacher interaction and motivation. In addition, distributions of student responses to survey questions about digital communication tools and demographics were examined. It was found that there is a high degree of correlation between frequency of teachers' use of digital communication tools and student's perception of their level of motivation. It was also found that the digital communication tools most frequently used by teachers in communicating with their students were email, the telephone, and assignment feedback, and that the students found these same tools the most helpful in their learning. In addition, no significant demographic differences were found in students' perception of teacher's use of tools to enhance learning and motivation in their courses except in the number of previous online courses taken. These findings can help direct online high school teachers in their selection of digital tools used to communicate with their students.

No description available.

The main subject of this Diploma Thesis is a description of psychological aspects of staying in foreign culture with focus on interpersonal and group processes and their influence and importance for the stay in foreign culture. Central theme of interpersonal relationships and social networks formation is discussed in terms of stay in foreign culture with regards to new forms of electronic communication and its characteristics. This Diploma Thesis focuses on social networks formation and its process and dynamics in electronic communication environment in contrast to real environment. Furthermore, it applies to interpersonal relationship changes, maintaining original far-distant relationships and formation new ones through electronic communication when being in foreign culture. Empirical part of thesis concerns a study of a degree of psychological and sociocultural adaptation with emphasis on electronic communication and its influence of interpersonal relationships and social networks when being abroad. Empirical part of thesis consists of quantitative data analysis. Data obtained from questionnaire, that was filled by international university degree students, who are just experiencing international study sojourn, were analyzed in terms of sociocultural and psychological adaptation. These two areas...

Städtische soziale Netze wie Nachbarschaften, lokale Vereine oder Bürgerinitiativen bestehen aus eher lockeren, schwächeren Beziehungen, die oft nur zeitlich begrenzt und nur bis zu einem gewissen Grad für die einzelne Person von Bedeutung sind. Dennoch können sie ein Gefühl der sozialen Integration stärken und wichtige Unterstützungsleistungen bieten, beispielsweise in Form von Informationen und Hilfestellungen. In Zeiten von Facebook und anderen Sozialen Netzwerken stellt sich hierbei die Frage, ob internetbasierte Soziale Netzwerke das Potenzial bieten, die Bildung schwacher Beziehungen, also „weak ties“ vor Ort zu unterstützen. Die vorliegende Arbeit widmet dieser Frage, indem sie die Kommunikationsstrukturen in nachbarschaftlichen sozialen Netzen mit denen in „Hybriden Sozialen Netzwerken“ vergleicht, die sowohl elektronische als auch face-to-face-Kommunikation nutzen. Hierbei werden die Aspekte herausarbeitet, die auf Unterschiede in Bezug auf den Prozess der sozialen Integration hinweisen. Insgesamt wurden 78 persönliche Interviews geführt und qualitativ über den Grounded Theory-Ansatz ausgewertet. Die empirischen Erkenntnisse lassen darauf schließen, dass es in lokalen sozialen Netzen neben den „weak ties“ zusätzlich „very weak ties“ gibt, die das individuelle Gefühl der sozialen Integration mitbestimmen. Diese sehr schwachen Bindungen wirken dabei sowohl in Nachbarschaften als auch in Hybriden Sozialen Netzen eher indirekt über passive Interaktionen (z.B. Beobachtungen) und bestimmen je nach persönlicher Einstellung, ob sich aus dem jeweiligen sozialen Netzwerk heraus engere Bindungen ergeben oder nicht. Während sich jedoch schwache Bindungen in nachbarschaftlichen und Hybriden Sozialen Netzen in vielen Aspekten ähneln, ergeben sich über elektronische Kommunikationsformen ganz neue Formen lokaler sozialer Netzwerke, die eine Ausweitung persönlicher sozialer Netzwerke vor Ort fördern können. / Urban social networks like neighborhoods, local associations or civic initiatives are bound by loose and weak ties that are usually only temporarily and to a certain degree important for individuals. However, they can support a feeling of social integration and are a source of support, e.g. in terms of information or help in everyday life. In times of facebook and other social networks, we face the question, if internet based social networks could help to support local weak ties, i.e. local relationships. In this context, this dissertation compares communication structures between neighbors with those within “hybrid social networks”, which integrate both virtual and face-to-face contacts. Here, differences can give a hint on new processes of social integration within local social networks that use both virtual and face-to-face communication. The empirical basis consists of 78 personal interviews that were evaluated on basis of the Grounded Theory approach. The results of this evaluation have revealed that in local social networks, a feeling of social integration is not only dependent on weak ties, i.e. active contacts, but also on “very weak ties” that are characterized by passive interactions (e.g. observations of network contacts). According to the individual attitude, very weak ties determine if local contacts will become stronger or not. Whereas weak ties show similar features in neighborly and hybrid social networks, the threshold to knit very weak ties is lower in hybrid networks. Thus, electronic communication can indeed initiate new forms of local social networks and broaden individual local contacts.

This dissertation describes and evaluates the gradual development of e-government in the Czech Republic, especially the part that affects communication and interaction between public administration and private sector (citizens and firms). The introduction describes why an e-government was perceived as a separate discipline and how does it affect the development of IT and the Internet. The next section deals with the basic division of the government approach to an e-government -- whether the government pays attention only to legislation and standardization, and operation of IT services is left to the private sector, or whether the government itself guarantees the operation of some basic IT services. The largest part is devoted to the gradual development of e-government in the Czech Republic, its critical milestones (such as new laws) and starts (or ends) of important information systems. It also describes the successes and the failures of these milestones and their impact on both public administration and private sector. The final section describes the currently known vision of e-government in the Czech Republic (actually the absence of such a vision). In conclusion, it summarizes findings from previous chapters and it describes both the positive and the negative aspects of existing projects. Finally, it proposes how to mimic the successful ones and how to avoid the unsuccessful ones.

L'expansion des télécoms et la numérisation sont à la base de la révolution numérique. Leurs aspects sociétaux constituent une véritable source matérielle du droit face au commerce en ligne et à l'économie informationnelle. Le premier axe d'analyse a construit le modèle d'encadrement juridique réalisé à travers le temps pour le commerce en ligne européen et français. La réglementation a suivi l'évolution des techniques de communication à distance : téléachat (1989), contrats à distance (1997), fourniture des services financiers à distance (2002). Mais, la voie électronique a révolutionné les services de la société de l'information, dont la directive 2000/31/CE réglemente les aspects dès 2000. (1) Le deuxième axe appréhende l'évolution des politiques législatives sur les télécoms et les communications électroniques en Europe et en France. Le droit international du commerce a transplanté en Afrique (RDC) les standards juridiques de l'Europe des télécoms, grâce à la mondialisation des marchés, à la diffusion technologique, à l'internationalisation des réseaux et à la multinationalisation. (II) Ainsi, l'ordre juridique congolais a suivi le modèle de dérégulation. L'ouverture des droits de l'accès aux télécoms, jadis monopolistiques, a engagé la transformation des services publics dans l'économie de marché. Partout, le droit de la régulation a suscité des défis nouveaux pour la séparation des fonctions de régulation, d'exploitation et de réglementation. Aussi, la concurrence soulève le défi de l'autorégulation du marché par les forces économiques. (III)Au fil des innovations, la législation telle que pensée au départ en RDC n'est pas en mesure de régir les contingences de la révolution numérique, notamment : les données personnelles et la cybercriminalité. Des travaux de lege ferenda sont en cours depuis avril 2017 au parlement congolais, précisant la prospective de refondation du droit de l'économie numérique en RDC au vu des expériences comparées. (IV). / The expansion of telecoms and digitalization has fuelled the digital revolution. Their societal aspects represent a tangible source for legal dealings within the e-commerce and the information economy. The first line of inquiry establishes a model for the legal framework created over time for the European and French e-commerce. It demonstrates that legal adjustments narrowly followed the evolution of telecommunications methods : teleshopping (1989), remote contracts (1997), supplies for remote financial services (2002). However, the rise of this "electronic gateway" revolutionized the services of the Information Society, regulated since 2000 by the directive 2000/31/CE. (I)The second line of inquiry analyses the evolution of legislative policies on telecoms and electronic communications in Europe and in France. Because of the globalization of trade, the expansion of technological communications, the internationalization of networks and the growth of multinational firms, the international trade law transferred European legal standards of telecoms in Africa (DRC). (II) Congolese legislation, for instance, has followed the European model of deregulation. By opening rights of access to the telecoms sector, which was previously monopolistic, the country is undergoing the transformation of public services into the market economy. Everywhere, the regulation right creates new challenges for the separation of regulation, operation and control services. In addition, competition raises a new challenge regarding the self-regulation of trade by economic powers. (III) As innovations continue, the initial law of telecoms in RDC is unable to regulate the contingencies of the digital revolution, in particular in the areas of personal data and cybercrime. Since April 2017, the Congolese parliament is working.

<p> <p>&nbsp / </p> </p> <p align="left">Within a context of rapid technological change and shifting market conditions, the South African education system is challenged with providing increased education opportunities without increased budgets. Many educational institutions are answering the challenge without increased budgets. Several educational institutions are answering the challenge by developing distance education programs through information technology, but in the case of one institution, strategic intentions involving information technology and distance learning have not been fulfilled. At its most basic level, distance education takes place when a teacher and student(s) are separated by physical distance. Technology, often in combination with face-to-face communication, can be used to bridge instructional gaps. It can be argued that modes of teaching and learning are changing, and we must redefine what is meant by the word &ldquo / student&rdquo / . For example: what should we really call an adult involved in life long learning? The term &ldquo / student&rdquo / seems inappropriate. These types of programs can provide adults with a second chance at tertiary education, reach those disadvantaged by limited time, distance or physical disability, and update the knowledge base of workers at their places of employment. The aim of this research is to determine and understand the growing role of information technology in promoting quality assurance in higher education, and in expanding the education opportunities and workplace learning through the use of distance learning. This work investigates how distance learning can be improved by making use of IT with <font face="Times-Roman" size="3">particular regard to the underprivileged, and the potential contribution to national transformation. This is summarized in the research question: </font><i><font face="Times-Italic" size="3"><font face="Times-Italic" size="3">&ldquo / How can we improve distance learning in South Africa with emerging technologies?&rdquo / </font></font><font face="Times-Roman" size="3">&nbsp / review of the literature, interviews with experts, and reviews of conference papers provided the principle inputs. The academic literatures were supplemented by studies of papers from the Department of Education and other non-academic sources. Based on the reading of the literature, and the views of experts, questionnaires and field experiments were designed and applied to a statistically significant population of respondents. A combination of statistical analysis and content analysis of open questions from the questionnaires lead to comparative evidence about different learning styles and different communities of learners, and the extent to which different learning styles are effective for the different kinds of learners.</font></i></p>

No description available.

<p>&nbsp / </p> <p>The Internet is now facilitating the provision of an increasing number of services. Thus, technology has become a more integrated part of people‟s daily routine. Some of these technologies include electronic communication, online banking, and shopping as well as electronic learning - to name but a few. However, for various reasons, such as limited formal education (which is a key promoter of reading and writing skills), access and skills, not everyone has an equal opportunity to benefit from the use of these technologies. The unequal distribution of opportunities of such nature is often broadly referred to as the <i><font size="3" face="Arial,Arial"><font size="3" face="Arial,Arial">digital divide</font></font><font size="3">. That is the gap between those who have access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and those who do not. One noted challenge that influences the use of ICT consists of socio-economic conditions, which together elicit high levels of poverty. An identified strategy for uplifting these areas was (and still is) entrepreneurship, notably small businesses. These small businesses however, generally have very short and mostly unsuccessful lives. As a result the government at all levels (national, provincial and local) has endeavoured to provide support to these businesses. Some of this support is provided through mediums, such as the Internet (here named &quot / electronic support&quot / ) to assist these small businesses. This support, which comes from government, is however, not being fully utilised by the intended beneficiaries. Thus, the small businesses are not benefiting from the support provided. Consequently, many are still experiencing a short and unsuccessful existence. This research thus analyses the small businesses in areas of the greater Cape Town, which are characterised by high levels of poverty and unemployment. <font size="3">Previous studies in these areas have reported the lack of ICT related skills, also known as electronic skills (e-skills), as one of the reasons for the low uptake of electronic support (e-support). This e-support is provided by various levels of government through selected agencies (service providers). In essence, this study is aimed at investigating the influence of e-skills in the access and use of the provided e-support by owners of small businesses. Considering that the lack of adequate e-skills has been identified as influencing the use of e-support, the study also aims to identify the e-skills needed to fully utilise the provided e-support. The approach to this investigation included a review of pertinent literature and devising a conceptual model. This model was then tested in the empirical setting of this study. This setting included: (i) Providers of e-support (various specialised government agencies) and (ii) the intended beneficiaries of this e-support, i.e. small businesses in the previously disadvantaged areas (PDAs) of the greater Cape Town. Through the use of case study methodology and face to face interviews, it was found that many small business owners were not able to appropriately use the provided e-support. This was due to their lack of e-skills, which resulted in their inability to use ICT. Additionally, some were unaware of the existence of the e-support or the service providers. During the review of pertinent literature done as part of the study, an e-skills framework was designed. The framework identified the e-skills considered necessary in order for small business owners to effectively utilise the provided e-support and other technologies. The e-skills framework suggested by this study could be used as a tool to assist: (i) The providers of e-support to understand the usage of their services and enable (ii) a more informed understanding of the need for appropriate e-skills among small business owners, in relation to their use of the provided e-support. Additionally, (iii) small business owners should be in a better position to recognise the benefits of using technology, especially the Internet. <font size="3">The contribution of this study is seen as twofold. Firstly, it should assist the providers and users of e-support. This is done by addressing the practical side of the provision and usage of these services. Secondly, the study contributes an informative e-skills framework related to the effective use of e-support. This study also furthers academic knowledge in the area of the investigation, and suggests further directions for research. Considering, the limited small business sample (only participants from three PDAs), the generalisation of this study is limited. This limitation does not however, influence the validity of this research, or the credibility of the findings. </font></font></font></i></p>

<p>&nbsp / </p> <p>The Internet is now facilitating the provision of an increasing number of services. Thus, technology has become a more integrated part of people‟s daily routine. Some of these technologies include electronic communication, online banking, and shopping as well as electronic learning - to name but a few. However, for various reasons, such as limited formal education (which is a key promoter of reading and writing skills), access and skills, not everyone has an equal opportunity to benefit from the use of these technologies. The unequal distribution of opportunities of such nature is often broadly referred to as the <i><font size="3" face="Arial,Arial"><font size="3" face="Arial,Arial">digital divide</font></font><font size="3">. That is the gap between those who have access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and those who do not. One noted challenge that influences the use of ICT consists of socio-economic conditions, which together elicit high levels of poverty. An identified strategy for uplifting these areas was (and still is) entrepreneurship, notably small businesses. These small businesses however, generally have very short and mostly unsuccessful lives. As a result the government at all levels (national, provincial and local) has endeavoured to provide support to these businesses. Some of this support is provided through mediums, such as the Internet (here named &quot / electronic support&quot / ) to assist these small businesses. This support, which comes from government, is however, not being fully utilised by the intended beneficiaries. Thus, the small businesses are not benefiting from the support provided. Consequently, many are still experiencing a short and unsuccessful existence. This research thus analyses the small businesses in areas of the greater Cape Town, which are characterised by high levels of poverty and unemployment. <font size="3">Previous studies in these areas have reported the lack of ICT related skills, also known as electronic skills (e-skills), as one of the reasons for the low uptake of electronic support (e-support). This e-support is provided by various levels of government through selected agencies (service providers). In essence, this study is aimed at investigating the influence of e-skills in the access and use of the provided e-support by owners of small businesses. Considering that the lack of adequate e-skills has been identified as influencing the use of e-support, the study also aims to identify the e-skills needed to fully utilise the provided e-support. The approach to this investigation included a review of pertinent literature and devising a conceptual model. This model was then tested in the empirical setting of this study. This setting included: (i) Providers of e-support (various specialised government agencies) and (ii) the intended beneficiaries of this e-support, i.e. small businesses in the previously disadvantaged areas (PDAs) of the greater Cape Town. Through the use of case study methodology and face to face interviews, it was found that many small business owners were not able to appropriately use the provided e-support. This was due to their lack of e-skills, which resulted in their inability to use ICT. Additionally, some were unaware of the existence of the e-support or the service providers. During the review of pertinent literature done as part of the study, an e-skills framework was designed. The framework identified the e-skills considered necessary in order for small business owners to effectively utilise the provided e-support and other technologies. The e-skills framework suggested by this study could be used as a tool to assist: (i) The providers of e-support to understand the usage of their services and enable (ii) a more informed understanding of the need for appropriate e-skills among small business owners, in relation to their use of the provided e-support. Additionally, (iii) small business owners should be in a better position to recognise the benefits of using technology, especially the Internet. <font size="3">The contribution of this study is seen as twofold. Firstly, it should assist the providers and users of e-support. This is done by addressing the practical side of the provision and usage of these services. Secondly, the study contributes an informative e-skills framework related to the effective use of e-support. This study also furthers academic knowledge in the area of the investigation, and suggests further directions for research. Considering, the limited small business sample (only participants from three PDAs), the generalisation of this study is limited. This limitation does not however, influence the validity of this research, or the credibility of the findings. </font></font></font></i></p>