This study focuses on two roll-outs of a, year-long National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 5, environmental education learnership in South Africa and attempts at enhancing collaborative learning at workplaces using a familiar social networking site called Facebook. This study uses the Facebook group sites created for the workplace course component of the course as one of the means of data collection. Additional interviews and focus groups with learners and administrators on both Environmental Education Training and Development Practices (EETDP) courses also informed the study. The study is located within the context of the rise of the information age, its effects on socio-ecological landscape at large and ways of using social networking sites in order to facilitate scaffolding and meaning making within zones of proximal development for environmental education learnerships. It also looks at the model of apprenticeship and workplace based learning as it is broadly located at the nexus of the SAQA-led academic inquiry into workplace based learning and professional development. It was found that the use of Facebook on the EETDP learnership allowed for collaborative learning to take place between peer to peer interactions as well as between tutors and learners. It was also noted that scaffolding processes requires both technical assistance and strong instructional input from course tutors. One of the most important findings in terms of collaborative learning and engaging within the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) was that learners were able to communicate more effectively and freely with both fellow learners and tutors on course after participating on the Facebook group sites. The study offers recommendations on how a social networking platform like Facebook can be utilised effectively for environmental education. The study recommends that scaffolding of workplace based tasks and concepts needs to be better integrated with the course and in both online and offline interactions between learners. It also illustrates how social networking sites can become powerful tools for creating meaning making when combined with course work.

Acompanha: Sequência didática: o ambiente virtual de aprendizagem como um recurso metodológico para um ensino interativo / Esta pesquisa investiga um produto educacional de Biologia, desenvolvido por meio de um instrumento metodológico denominado Plataforma Moodle. O objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar a implementação de uma sequência didática, aplicada a estudantes de um Curso de Formação de Docentes (Magistério) do Ensino Médio, em uma escola pública do Norte do Paraná. A sequência foi elaborada pelo pesquisador deste trabalho, mediante a utilização da plataforma Moodle, para o ensino de Biologia, com o intuito de contribuir para com o processo de ensino e aprendizagem. O Ambiente Virtual de Ensino e Aprendizagem (AVEA) do Moodle apresenta-se como um recurso inédito na Educação Básica Pública do Estado do Paraná, pois a Secretaria de Educação deste Estado não disponibiliza tal recurso para os estudantes. Acredita-se que o AVEA, depois de produzido e posto à disposição dos estudantes, poderá viabilizar um recurso capaz de promover o conhecimento, com a aplicação de uma sequência didática bem planejada. O referencial teórico-metodológico está centrado no ensino de ciências sob a perspectiva da Pedagogia Histórico-crítica, como abordada por Gasparin (2003) e Saviani (2005). Por esse enfoque, é possível considerar a aprendizagem dos conteúdos seguindo cinco passos: prática social inicial, problematização, instrumentalização, catarse e prática social final, por meio da sequência didática. Para a tomada de dados, utilizou-se a aplicação do produto educacional, a descrição dos procedimentos de disponibilização do AVEA, a navegação nesse ambiente e a avaliação dos conteúdos desenvolvidos. Qualitativa, a pesquisa de campo foi utilizada na avaliação dos avanços e dos limites do produto educacional em relação ao conteúdo abordado e à funcionalidade da plataforma Moodle. Os resultados da pesquisa revelaram o quanto é produtivo para a aprendizagem o trabalho com metodologias diferentes, a viabilidade desse recurso tecnológico na aplicação da sequência didática, pois é capaz de subsidiar o processo de ensino e aprendizagem. Assim, os estudantes puderam relacionar o funcionamento celular com seus hábitos alimentares cotidianos e estabelecer relações entre ensino e aprendizagem e tecnologia. / This research investigates an educational product of biology, developed through a methodological instrument, the Moodle Platform. The goal of the research was to analyze the implementation of a didactic sequence prepared by researcher of this study, using the Moodle platform in teaching biology, with the aim of contributing to the process of teaching and learning, applied to teacher training students (Magisterium) of the high school in a public school in Northern Paraná. The Virtual environment of teaching and learning (AVEA) presents itself as a feature unprecedented in Public basic education of Paraná State, because the State Department of education does not provide such a feature to students. It is believed that the AVEA, When produced and made available by applying a didactic sequence well planned, you will be able to make a resource able to promote knowledge. The theoretical-methodological was in science education from the perspective of Historical-critical Pedagogy addressed by authors Gasparin (2003) e Saviani (2005. andBy this approach it is possible to consider the learning of contents by following the five steps: initial social practice, problematization, instrumentalization, catharsis and ultimate social practice, using didactic sequence planning. For making data used the product for the educational content of didactic sequence of cell biology, a description of the procedures for provision of AVEA, the navigation in this environment and the evaluation of the developed content. Qualitative field research was used in obtaining advances and limits of educational product content approached and the functionality of the Moodle platform. The survey results revealed how productive learning work with different methodologies, the viability of this technological capability in the provision and implementation of didactic sequence in order to promote a subsidize the teaching and learning process. Thus, the students were able to identify the cellular operation relations with their day-to-day habits and established relationships between teaching and learning and technology.

Thesis (MTech (Tourism))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016. / This study investigated the role of ICT in the teaching, training and learning of hospitality students at The International Hotel School (IHS), and was conducted in the form of a case study based on the teaching, training and learning techniques used at the three campuses of The International Hotel School (IHS) in South Africa, and involved purposive and stratified random sampling. It was conducted over an 18 month period, using survey questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interviews. The researcher had, over a considerable period while in the classroom, observed a trend by students to increasingly use the internet to source information while studying, rather than spending time in a classroom being taught the required information. Based on observations of how students chose to learn, the researcher also deduced that there needed to be a shift from traditional face to face teaching and learning in a classroom environment, in order to accommodate the changing learning needs of students. The aim of the research was thus to define the role of ICT within hospitality studies at the IHS and gauge the impact of teaching, training and learning on the current hospitality curriculum, as well as the long- term initiatives within the hospitality field. A sub-objective was to enhance the learning process of students by making use of ICT to assist the learning process and make the learning material more interactive. This would assist both the student and the lecturer. The findings, based on the responses from students and academic staff at the Cape Town Campus of the IHS, and the interviews and focus group discussions with all IHS staff suggest the recognition for a move to the use of ICT’s in the formal educational process at the IHS. The results of the study lead to the recommendations for a change towards the role of ICT in the teaching and learning process.

Orientador: Jose Armando Valente / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Artes / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-04T16:50:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Santos_IvaAutinaCavalcanteLima_M.pdf: 903028 bytes, checksum: 7ed9ce9e21002df08a5a97b5f9b718b4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005 / Resumo: Numa sociedade ligada à modernidade tecnológica, a população analfabeta fica distante das novas demandas culturais e isso compromete sua cidadania. Com o objetivo de investigar o processo de apropriação de uso da Internet por indivíduos analfabetos, partindo da perspectiva do letramento digital, este estudo procurou analisar as estratégias utilizadas por duas adultas analfabetas na prática de uso da Internet. A base teórica utilizada articula três eixos temáticos: Internet na Educação, Educação e Letramento. A idéia que norteia essa pesquisa é que um indivíduo analfabeto, através do letramento oferecido pelos eventos de uso da Internet, seria capaz de iniciar um processo de apropriação de uso e, conseqüentemente, a aprendizagem da leitura e da escrita. Os dados analisados evidenciaram que essa apropriação é possível, porém há necessidade de uma mediação, através de pistas, que propiciem a associação da linguagem digital aos seus cotidianos. A linguagem digital, no contexto de uso da Internet, deve oferecer um sentido mais representativo para o usuário analfabeto, favorecendo uma apropriação mais eficiente das formas de comunicação e dos recursos relacionados à interface da Internet. Pôde-se observar, diante das dificuldades apresentadas pelas participantes, que o suporte dado pela linguagem metafórica apresentada pelos ícones e legendas nem sempre possibilitou um sentido adequado às suas funções, como também se apresenta de forma distante de suas realidades. Em termos das estratégias de apropriação, os usos de metáforas e analogias foram essenciais para a compreensão e a interpretação dos eventos. Em suma, os letramentos exigidos, para uma utilização mais autônoma da Internet pelos analfabetos, não só dependem do fator de saber ler e escrever. Este pode favorecer uma apropriação mais rápida, mas ainda faz-se necessária a instauração da junção do interesse 'significativo' com uma interface humano-computador que lhes dê as condições necessárias à sua apropriação, como também, o estabelecimento da possibilidade ao acesso cotidiano dessas tecnologias / Abstract: In a society linked to technological modernity, the unschooled population is excluded from new cultural demands and this affects their citizenship. With the objective of investigating the process of appropriating the Internet by unschooled individuals, utilizing the digital literacy perspective, this study tried to analyze the strategies used by two unschooled adults in the practical use of the Internet. The theoretical basis considers three thematic axes: Internet in Education, Education and Literacy. The hypothesis is that an unschooled individual, through literacy offered by the use of the Internet, would be able to begin an appropriation process of this technology and, consequently, the learning process of reading and writing. The analysis of the data shows that this appropriation is possible, however, it is necessary to mediate the interaction through hints that facilitate association of the digital language with the subjects¿ everyday life. The ¿digital language¿, in the Internet use context, should offer a more representative meaning for the unschooled, facilitating a more efficient appropriation of its communication forms and resources regarding the Internet interfaces. It could be observed, as the subjects faced difficulties, that the support given by metaphoric language presented by icons and captions did not always trigger an adequate meaning to their functions and were distant to the subjects¿ realities. In terms of appropriation strategies, the metaphors and analogies used were essential for events' comprehension and interpretation. In short, literacy demanded for a more autonomous utilization of the Internet by the unschooled person, does not only depend on knowing how to read and to write. This can favor a faster appropriation, but it is still necessary to have the combination of significant interest with a human-computer interface that gives them the necessary terms for their appropriation as well as the possibility of everyday access of these technologies / Mestrado / Mestre em Multimeios

M.Cur. / The study started by establishing that there Is a need for further education for nurses in general. It'was further stated that due to increased technology and the need for patient care, effective further education becomes a priority. But the problem that remains Is how nurses could further their education In the circumstances of the current nature of their work, I.e. the lack of accessibility to flexible learning programmes, long working hours, staff shortfall, low staff morale and institutional constraints. The aim of this study Is to Investigate and report on the Web-based Instruction environment programme in Critical Care Nursing Science Education presented by Technikon Pretoria for nurses. The rationale led to .the formulation of the research question as: "To what extent can Web-based Instruction be used to facilitate a course in Critical Care Nursing Science Education at the Technikon Pretoria?" A literature review of the field of Web-based Instruction was undertaken. It was established that Web-based Instruction is an instructional strategy where the course presenter and the students are not in contact, and it can bridge the gap in tenns of time and space because of its flexibility and accessibility. The students and the course presenter generally reported positive experiences in the Web-based Instruction environment. Web-based Instruction is certainly not the only method for.all our teaching strategies, but it is a strategy that could be used tohelp course presenters to teach more effectively. In terms of the experiences of the students and the course presenter with regard to the Web-based Instruction environment as reported in this study, as well as the technological changes In education. it must be concluded that Web-based Instruction could be considered an acceptable Instructional method and that Critical Care Nursing Science education can be presented in this way...

M.Ed. / Information and communications technology (ICT) has an impact on every aspect of our lives. Using ICT has required the development of new knowledge and skills, which also has an impact on facilitators and learners who need many new skills to learn, work and adapt to the ever-changing world. Therefore, successful technology integration into teaching and learning requires learners to have access to an appropriate range of tools and the abilities to analyse, synthesise and present information. Hence, technology integration should be an essential part of an organisation’s learning culture. While ICT has been part of education for over 10 years, its use in teaching and learning, both in educational and corporate environments, often perpetuates instructivist models of education, rather than supporting social tool-mediated knowledge construction. The purpose of this research was to gain an understanding of learning technologies as a tool to design, develop and deliver learning interventions within a corporate environment. The study makes use of an acquisition-participation-contribution framework, which is part of cultural historical activity theory, in order to determine how the Training Department at Discovery has designed and delivered learning and to evaluate learner expectations. This case study made use of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. The first phase involved the analysis of the organisation’s documents and reports on the strategies deployed within the company. During this phase, the organisation’s annual report, learning strategies, learning technologies strategy and the annual training report were reviewed and analysed. In the second phase of data collection, questionnaires were conducted on 82 participants, who included learners, facilitators and training managers from all business entities within the company. The first part of the questionnaire asked demographical information and the second part was made up of 27 statements relating to the acquisition, participant and contribution framework. These data were analysed statistically to determine how participants rated the importance of each statement in its current state and how they would like to experience it in the future. The last phase of the data collection involved three focus group sessions. Participants in the focus group sessions were from the head office in Johannesburg and a branch in Cape Town. The questions asked in the focus group sessions were designed with the aim of getting a better understanding of the differences in learning expectations of both the Training Department and learners. These data were analysed deductively against the acquisition, participant and contribution framework. Results from both the qualitative and quantitative investigations found differences in what learners want and what the Training Department actually delivered. The results from the questionnaire and focus groups clearly indicated that learners want to experience learning interventions that are social and collaborative in nature. They want to be able to contribute to the learning process. However, the Training Department designed and delivered learning interventions that focused on the distribution and acquisition of knowledge. These results suggest that in corporate environments, the department responsible for the professional development of employees needs to understand the needs of staff better and that learning is not the consumption of information, but is concerned with knowledge production to support individual and collective transformation.

Social network sites have recently become extremely popular online destinations as they offer users easy ways to build and maintain their relationships with each other. Consequently, students, lecturers, teachers, parents and businesses are using these tools to communicate with each other in a fast and cost-effective manner. However, literature suggests that the full potential of social network sites has not yet been revealed since users are still battling to overcome the various negative characteristics surrounding these sites. A framework for appropriate use of these sites is needed so that users are able to overcome these negative aspects, allowing them to be more effective and use the sites successfully. The goal of this research is to construct a framework for perceived successful use of social computing tools in educational institutions. This framework will include critical success factors that need to be adopted by users in order to develop the positive aspects of social computing, while at the same time overcoming the disadvantages experienced by users. Factors for successful use were derived from the literature and consolidated into a theoretical framework in order to understand the factors that drive successful use of social network sites. Measures used to test successful use of social network sites were also derived from these sources and were included in the same theoretical framework; these measures allow users to evaluate the extent of perceived successful use of social network sites. This framework was tested empirically by means of a pilot study and online survey, and revised according to the results of the survey. The factors were identified using Cronbach alpha coefficients (in the pilot study) and exploratory factor analysis to confirm the reliability of the scales developed. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient analysis, t-tests and Pearson Chi-Square tests were used to measure the relationships amongst the variables in the framework proposed in this research. The factors influencing perceived successful use of social network sites were identified by the empirical study as: • Privacy and Security Settings need to be enabled. These are split into: - Settings: content that users allow others to see - Viewers: people who are allowed onto a user's profile • It is necessary for users to practise Legal and Acceptable Activities when using social network sites • Suspect Information needs to be checked before sharing it with others • Personal and Professional Time needs to be separated to ensure that work is completed before social activities occur • Users need to practise Professional and Ethical Behaviour • Users need to have a Positive Attitude when using social network sites • Usability of sites affects their success. This includes: - technical capacity (broadband) - ease of use - functionality (range of features and functions) • Current and Controversial Issues need to be discussed on social network sites. The extent to which social network sites are being used successfully can be evaluated by the presence of the following measures: • Range of Content must be available to users. This includes: - Content displayed on profiles - Viewers able to visit profiles • Visitors Behaviour is monitored and no unwanted visitors are present users' profiles • Social Contracts found on sites are followed by users • Critical Thinking Skills and Accurate Information are displayed by users • Work is completed before social activities occur on sites • A Variety of Users is present on sites • Collaboration between people as well as variety of opinions exist on sites • Social Capital (well-being) is present after users have been on sites • Learning and Advising Skills are enhanced on sites. The framework developed provides users with a useful instrument to overcome the negative characteristics associated with social network sites. If used successfully, social network sites can offer lecturers and students a unique method to develop their relationship, creating a positive learning experience.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Evaluating software is a universal and complex problem. The question is: how should software be selected and adopted, or rather, which of the software packages is the most suitable for a specific environment? Extensive research on the evaluation of software has been done, but only a few researchers have considered evaluation of e-learning systems based on three software quality characteristics (i.e. usability, maintainability and deployability) for implementation in third world countries. In this thesis, it will be considered how to use a mixed research methods for the evaluation of free and open source e-learning systems in a developing country. The scope of this investigation is the evaluation of two free and open source e-learning systems at the Open University of Tanzania using 33 stakeholders (some with more and others with less computer expertise). / South Africa

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document A CD containing, A Program in Interior Design, accompanies the paper copy of this dissertation. It can be consulted in the Unit for Special Collections in the Merensky Library on the main campus of the University of Pretoria / Dissertation (MA (Information Science))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Information Science / unrestricted

Bivariate correlation was used to examine possible relationships between instructor immediacy and instructor presence, and a statistically significant correlation was found. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine whether the linear combination of instructor immediacy and presence caused significant variance in student affective learning, cognition, and motivation. For all three of the latter dependent variables, the linear combination of instructor immediacy and presence was found to cause statistically significant variance. However, although the overall regression models were significant in all three tests, instructor immediacy was not found to be a significant individual predictor for causing variance in affective learning, cognition, or motivation, whereas instructor presence was found to be a significant individual predictor of all three. Finally, factorial ANOVA revealed that, for perceptions of instructor immediacy, only classification and course type were found to explain significant variance, with undergraduate students in asynchronous courses reporting significantly lower instructor immediacy. For perceptions of instructor presence, graduate students tended to rate their instructors as having higher presence than did undergraduate students, and students in synchronous courses tended to rate their instructors as having higher presence than did students in asynchronous courses.