Information poverty is one of the main forms of poverty today that affects the lives of billions of people on a daily basis and as such it is argued in this thesis that this form of poverty should be on the world’s moral agenda – not merely as a discussion item but as an action item. It is furthermore argued that the information and knowledge society cannot be build without taking into consideration the moral challenges associated with this form of poverty. The research question guiding this thesis is as follows: What is information poverty and why is it a serious moral issue that needs to be addressed today? To be able to answer this question five key issues are addressed. They are as follows: -- The analysing, unpacking and understanding of the different dimensions and moral implications of poverty through the use of social sciences (Chapter 1). -- The investigation and analyzing of the notion of information, specifically in terms of its relationship to poverty (Chapters 2&3). -- The analysing, unpacking and understanding of information poverty, both in terms of its complexity as well as social, political, personal and moral dimensions (Chapter 4). -- A reflection, from a social justice perspective, on the moral concerns associated with information poverty. This is done through the use of philosophy and social sciences (Chapter 5). -- The development, based on social justice and human rights, moral guidelines that can be used to address the different moral concerns associated with information poverty (Chapter 6). In Chapter 2 poverty is defined as that condition of life where the majority of people lack sufficient resources to supply their basic needs for survival. As such it indicates the socio-economic status of people and communities, together with its impact on just about every aspect of their lives. It is illustrated that poverty has a strong moral claim on society. In Chapter 3 the notion of information is discussed from a diachronic perspective and an own approach to information is presented. Based on the three worlds of Popper different characteristics of information are identified and discussed. The implications of these characteristics on information poverty are illustrated. Chapter 4 focuses on information poverty. A basic definition is presented and different degrees as well as levels of information poverty are also distinguished. It is argued that this form of poverty has an overall impact on the development of people. In Chapter 5 information poverty as a serious moral issue is discussed. Following from this social justice in terms of its scope, application and functions is analysed with regards to information poverty. Based on the value statement that the alleviation of information poverty serves a common good purpose, it is argued that there are two moral principles that meet the requirement of universal validity and that can be used to guide moral decision-making regarding information poverty. These are justice and human rights. In Chapter 6 several moral guidelines, based on social justice, are presented that can be used to address the moral concerns raised by the condition of information poverty. / Thesis (DPhil)--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Information Science / DPhil / Unrestricted

As technologies for learning become increasingly available in K-12 schools, the role and responsibilities of campus principals continue to evolve. Incorporating technologies in schools requires shifts in practices, the development of new skills, and in some cases, changes in the mindset of stakeholders. Schools should be capable of absorbing the knowledge and creating the systemic structures required for the implementation ICTs. The purpose of this study was to research the principals' perspective to lead the implementation of ICTs for learning in public schools. As campus leaders, principals are increasingly required to support the utilization of ICTs for classroom instruction. It is of particular importance, therefore, to study and explore the needs school principals identify to lead the implementation of technologies for learning. More specifically, the goal was to gather relevant data to analyze topics that campus principals believe positively and negatively influence the implementation of ICTs in schools.

Solicitud de envío manuscrito de artículo científico. / En los últimos años, alrededor del mundo, se han implementado estrategias formativas a directivos, debido a que estos son el segundo factor de impacto en el logro escolar según estudios realizados por Bush & Glover (2003); Leithwood & Levin (2010) y Riley & Mulford (2011). En el caso peruano, se ha visibilizado la importancia de su cargo a partir de la ley de la reforma magisterial, la cual ha desplegado esfuerzos para la formación de líderes. En este marco, la presente investigación tiene como objetivo describir, analizar y explicar el conjunto de percepciones de seis directivos de Apurímac y Huancavelica acerca del liderazgo pedagógico y la formación virtual recibida para la inducción al cargo directivo ofrecido por el Ministerio de Educación en el año 2017. Se recopiló percepciones referidas al liderazgo pedagógico, la implementación de acciones posteriores a la inducción al cargo y la modalidad en la que se desarrolló el curso. El enfoque de la investigación fue cualitativo, se realizó una entrevista semi estructurada a 6 directores. Los resultados destacados son los siguientes. En primer lugar, se percibe, en el discurso de los directores, declaraciones que evidencian la apropiación de conceptos de liderazgo pedagógico. En segundo lugar, los entrevistados, reconocen haber establecido a partir del curso cambios dentro del espacio escolar. Entre estos, el monitoreo, acompañamiento pedagógico y fortalecimiento de relaciones de horizontalidad con sus docentes y la comunidad educativa. Finalmente, entre las percepciones acerca de haber llevado el curso de manera virtual, se destaca que esa modalidad permite el aprendizaje desde cualquier ubicación geográfica, aunque también genera sensaciones de soledad y necesidad de acompañamiento. / In recent years, around the world, training strategies for managers have been implemented, as these are the second most important factor in school achievement according to studies by Bush & Glover (2003); Leithwood & Levin (2010) and Riley & Mulford (2011). In the case of Peru, the importance of their position has become clear from the law on teacher reform, which has made efforts to train leaders. Within this framework, this research aims to describe, analyze and explain the set of perceptions of six executives from Apurímac and Huancavelica regarding pedagogical leadership and the virtual training they received for induction into the management position offered by the Ministry of Education in 2017. Perceptions were collected regarding pedagogical leadership, the implementation of actions after the induction into the position and the modality in which the course was developed. The focus of the research was qualitative; a semi-structured interview was conducted with 6 directors. The outstanding results are as follows. Firstly, in the directors' discourse, statements are perceived that evidence the appropriation of concepts of pedagogical leadership. In the second place, the interviewees recognize that they have established changes within the school space as of the school year. Among these, the monitoring, pedagogical accompaniment and strengthening of horizontal relationships with their teachers and the educational community. Finally, among the perceptions about having taken the course virtually, it is worth noting that this modality allows for learning from any geographic location, although it also generates feelings of loneliness and the need for accompaniment. / Trabajo de Suficiencia Profesional

In this thesis, I ask how our understanding of human relations carries implications for the way we understand the affordances of communication technology on human relations. To this end, I examine and compare two opposed perspectives of human relations and social life. The first perspective, networked individualism, is a version of network theory that begins with a foundation of agentic individuals who actively construct and manage their social worlds. Levinasian relationalism, the second perspective, offers a contrasting view that sees human relations as constitutive of human subjectivity. In comparing these two perspectives, I argue that networked individualism is an inadequate framework inasmuch as its ontological assertions prevent it from seeing some of the significant affordances of technology on human relations, and I suggest that Levinasian relationalism is a viable alternative.

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Effective Health Systems make service provision easy for health workers, especially if they have access to the latest guidelines in a dynamic profession where new technologies are ever emerging. However, available data indicates that the health system in Uganda is constrained and still using old technologies despite the availability of newer technologies. As a result, this study sought to investigate the adoptability, cost effectiveness, and sustainability with regard to Personal Digital Assistants. The study, which was cross sectional in nature, was carried out in Mbale District in Eastern Uganda between 2008 and 2010. In depth interviews were conducted with health workers and key informants. Also, published and unpublished literature about theUganda Health Information Network was reviewed.The findings revealed that the use of Personal Digital Assistants also known as handheld computers can go a long way towards improving healthcare delivery in countryside health facilities. To health workers in remote places, the PDAs are a source of the latest clinical care guidelines for several diseases including HIV and AIDS as well as malaria. Health information systems have been improved and data collection and reporting have been eased by this technology. However, while evidence of viability of this technology exists, it still has challenges like power and delays in software updates among others.

The new millennium saw the explosion of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), coupled with the Internet as the way to communicate and gain knowledge. Traditional schooling has moved to open and distance e-learning and many educational institutions are offering these as alternatives. In correctional institutions the education centres have fallen behind in this regard. This dissertation is based on a participatory study that will show how open and distance e-learning can benefit inmates. The researcher has a unique perspective as he is himself, an inmate in a correctional centre in South Africa, and has first-hand knowledge and experience of the correctional institution environment. In-depth interviews with inmates and correctional officers were performed resulting in different views on the subject. A survey was conducted to ascertain inmates’ educational levels and their requirements. This study also determines what role the digital divide plays in the education of inmates or the lack thereof. The research indicates that education can reduce recidivism. With e-learning more inmates could receive education and become better prepared for life outside of the correctional institutions. This could result in them becoming productive members of society. The feedback obtained via interviews shows that the majority of inmates are eager to better themselves. The major problem is financing, and the struggle with communication with the distance learning institution. With e-leaning these two problems could easily be resolved. There are a good deal of educational resources available for free called Open Educational Resources (OER), and communication with the distance institutions can be exchanged via e-mail and/or video-conferencing. A major hurdle that would have to be overcome is to get the government of South Africa behind the drive to implement e-learning. The correctional institutions are the ideal environment to test whether South Africans will be receptive to e-learning. The research in other countries is overwhelmingly positive, and with a successful pilot project e-learning could be shown to be effective in bridging the digital divide / School of Computing / M. Sc. (Information Systems)

L’ouverture au monde est de rigueur chez les jeunes d’aujourd’hui au Québec comme ailleurs. Membres d’office de la génération Y, les jeunes sont d’emblée familiers avec les « nouvelles technologies ». En effet, les moyens numériques et les réseaux sociaux n’ont plus de secrets pour eux et leur permettent de nouer contact à l’échelle de la planète. Il devient dès lors tentant de partir à l’aventure, sac au dos, afin de se conformer à l’ouverture au monde vue comme une qualité. Le présent mémoire de maîtrise envisage le backpacking, c’est-à-dire la façon de voyager qui a actuellement la cote chez les jeunes, en particulier les étudiants, en mettant un sac sur son dos et en partant à l’aventure afin de pouvoir enrichir les qualités qu’ils reconnaissent à leur propre personne. En effet, quitter son épicentre social, souvent seul, en « voyageant léger » dans des contrées étrangères contribue à la capacité d’agir de son propre chef et d’être soi-même, en acquérant des qualités susceptibles de mettre en exergue leur individualité. La tendance se conçoit en théorie à la lumière des thèses sur l’individualisation présentes en sociologie et qui, ici, seront considérées avec nuances. L’analyse mise en œuvre s’appuie sur des entrevues semi-directives recueillies de la bouche de backpackers jugés représentatifs de cette inclination à mettre sa routine quotidienne entre parenthèses afin de vouloir agir par soi-même. Or, l’étude produite dans les pages du mémoire révèle que, à leur niveau, ils voyagent librement, mais en ayant en main téléphone intelligent ou portable grâce auquel ils restent constamment connectés avec leur épicentre social, leurs parents et amis, qui ce faisant exerce un pouvoir d’inflexion sur leur périple et sur leurs agissements à l’étranger. Comment expliquer ce paradoxe? Voyager sac au dos dans l’intention d’agir par soi-même, mais être continuellement sujet au regard des autres, lesquels peuvent gouverner à certains égards la marge de manœuvre propice à l’individualisation qui a valeur de qualité. Voilà ce que cherche à expliquer ce mémoire. / Being open to the world is trending with today’s youth in Quebec and elsewhere. Members of the Generation Y, young people are already familiar with "new technologies". Indeed, the digital ways and the social media networks have no secret for them, and allow them to keep in touch on a worldwide scale. It then becomes tempting to leave on an adventure, a bag on their back, to conform to the view of being open to the world as a quality. The present Master’s thesis considers the notion of backpacking, namely a trending way of travelling by young people, in particular students, by putting a bag on their back and leaving on a journey to enrich their qualities as individuals. Indeed, leaving their social epicenter, often alone, while traveling "light" in foreign parts of the world contributes to their capacity to act on their own initiative and acquiring qualities susceptible to highlight their individuality. This trend is theoretically designed in the light of theses about individualization present in sociology and which, here, will be considered with nuances. The current analysis leans on semi-directive interviews from backpackers considered representative of this inclination to put their daily routine on hold in order to act by themselves. The study produced in the pages of this report reveals that, at their level, they travel freely, while keeping a smart phone or a portable device which they constantly remain connected to their social epicenter, their parents and friends. In doing so, the devices exercise a power of inflection on their trip and on their actions abroad. How do we explain this paradox? Backpacking with the intention to act on their own, but constantly be subjected to others opinions, which in turn can in some respects govern the control facilitating individualization at its quality value. That is what the Master’s thesis tries to explain.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Information and Communications Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are omnipresent in the world and that includes the worlds of sport, education and physical education (PE). However, there seems to be a scarcity of PE teachers who are well aware of the benefits of the use of ICTs in PE. The aim of this study is therefore to design a model of the factors affecting the perceived awareness of PE teachers of the benefits of the use of ICTs in PE. This aim is sub-divided into four research objectives: (a) to select relevant technology adoption theories for the design of a model of the factors affecting the perceived awareness of PE teachers of the benefits of the use of ICTs in PE; (b) to design a conceptual model of the factors affecting the perceived awareness of PE teachers of the benefits of the use of ICTs in PE; (c) to empirically test the above mentioned conceptual model; and, (d) to make appropriate recommendations from the knowledge of the factors affecting the perceived awareness of PE teachers of the benefits of the use of ICTs in PE. Objectives a, b, and d were accomplished through the review of existing literature on the factors affecting the adoption of e-learning by teachers. As for objective c, it was achieved through the survey of 73 teachers from Camperdown schools in the UMgungundlovu District Municipality of the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. Here is a summary of how these objectives have been met in this study: (a) The Technology Adoption Model (TAM) serves as the theoretical model behind the choice of the research variables of this study; (b) This study hypothesizes that PE teachers’ perceived awareness of the benefits of the use of ICTs is affected by the following variables: demographics, performance expectancy, social influence, and computer attitude; (c) The survey conducted by this study confirms that PE teachers’ perceived awareness of the benefits of the use of ICTs is affected by their performance expectancy, and by three teachers’ demographics (computer usage, gender, and age group); (d) This study calls for more research on the factors affecting teachers’ awareness of the benefits of ICTs, since the study failed to find enough literature on this topic. / M

Uma das grandes dificuldades para o controle do rebanho em áreas tão extensas como o território brasileiro é a resistência por parte dos pecuaristas/proprietários de fazendas em usar a tecnologia. O não uso de tecnologias acaba tornando inviável a rastreabilidade e consequente controle da cadeia produtiva. A proposta deste trabalho é a implementação de um sistema, aqui denominado SARE (Sistema de Alerta de Risco Epidemiológico), para gerenciar informações de diagnóstico, comunicando em tempo real aos órgãos competentes de maneira hierarquizada as ocorrências de testes positivos e doenças, agregando confiabilidade e segurança na transmissão dos dados. O foco primário é agilizar o processo de comunicação com intuito de assegurar que medidas preventivas possam ser tomadas em tempo hábil. Considerando que a situação atual no Instituto Biológico (IB) é bastante burocrática e não existem processos informatizados integrados, o sistema proposto SARE foi desenvolvido para ser utilizado via web, de modo a facilitar a comunicação imediata dos órgãos fiscalizadores envolvidos no processo, que imediatamente podem intervir e tomar decisões para o controle de doenças zoossanitárias. A informatização do sistema de sanidade animal para um Centro de Referência como o Instituto Biológico em São Paulo aliado a implantação de um programa especialmente desenvolvido para gerenciar os dados e transmiti-los em tempo real aos órgãos de defesa sanitária contribuirá para a modernização dos processos de diagnóstico, facilitando a identificação de amostras, agilizando a comunicação e gerando rastreabilidade de todas as operações diagnósticas. O sistema proposto contempla também um módulo desenvolvido para auxiliar especialistas (veterinários e especialistas de campo) na solicitação de exames conforme situação detectada em campo. Para o desenvolvimento desse módulo foi proposto o uso de ontologias para a representação do conhecimento dos especialistas da área a fim de criar um vocabulário com termos formais e informais para auxílio na solicitação adequada de exames conforme sintomas aferidos em campo. / One of the major challenges for herd control in areas as large as the Brazilian territory is resistance by breeders/ranch owners to using technology. Failure to use technologies makes tracking and subsequent control of the productive chain unviable. The proposal of this work is to implement a system, hereby named Epidemiologic Risk Alert System (SARE), to manage diagnosis information, reporting occurrences of positive tests and diseases in real time and in a hierarchical manner to the competent agencies, adding reliability and security in data transmission. The primary focus is to expedite the communication process aiming to ensure that preventive measures can be taken in a timely manner. Considering the fact that the current situation at the Biological Institute (BI) is very bureaucratic and that there are no integrated computerized processes, the proposed SARE system was developed to be used via the web in order to facilitate immediate communication with the inspecting agencies involved in the process, which can immediately intervene and make decisions to control zoosanitary diseases. Computerization of the animal health system for a reference center such as the Biological Institute of São Paulo, together with implementation of a specially developed program to manage data and transmit it in real time to the health defense agencies will contribute to modernization of the processes of diagnosis, facilitating identification of samples, speeding communication and ensuring traceability of all the diagnostic operations. The proposed system also contains a module developed to assist specialists (veterinarians and field specialists) request exams depending on the situation detected in the field. To develop this module the use of ontologies was proposed, to represent the knowledge of specialists in the area in order to create a vocabulary with formal and informal terms to assist in the adequate requesting of exams depending on the symptoms noted in the field.