Produto: Astronomia no II ciclo do ensino fundamental / Visando elaborar um material didático de apoio para atender as principais dificuldades dos professores no planejamento de suas aulas sobre Astronomia, foi realizado um estudo de trabalhos publicados por pesquisadores dessa disciplina, procurando identificar os principais obstáculos a serem transpostos no ensino dessa disciplina. A partir dos resultados obtidos no estudo, foi elaborado um material de apoio didático destinado ao ensino da Astronomia no segundo ciclo do Ensino Fundamental, para ser submetido à avaliação de uma amostra de professores da rede pública estadual do município de Passo Fundo (RS). Esse material pretende ser um referencial de consulta adicional para orientar o trabalho docente, proporcionando ao professor, tanto quanto possível, informações atualizadas, orientações pedagógicas que ampliam conhecimentos e alertam para concepções alternativas detectadas por outros autores, além de trazer sugestões de atividades práticas e de observação, ao abordar os conteúdos de Astronomia nessa fase de escolarização. / Aiming to develop a didactic material support to help to solve the main teachers´ difficulties when planning their Astronomy classes, we made a study about the papers published by researchers in this discipline, trying to identify the main obstacles to be overcome in the teaching of this discipline. From the results obtained in the study, we designed a didactic support material for the Astronomy teaching in the middle school to be submitted for the rating of a sample of teachers in the public schools in the city of Passo Fundo (RS). This material intends to be an additional consultation referential to guide the teaching work, providing to teacher, as much as possible, updated informations, educational guidelines that expand knowledge and point to alternative conceptions detected by other authors, besides to bring suggestions for practical activities and observation, when approaching Astronomy subjects in this school phase.

This study set out to explore the possibilities that the Critical Realist concept of a stratified ontology might have for environmental learning and materials development processes. This involved processes of ongoing contextual profiling; the use of picture-based resources and storytelling to support the engagement with the marine harvesting contexts of the villages of Hamburg and Ngqinisa, in the former Ciskei. At the heart of the study was the process of uncovering the empirical, the actual and the real in the context of a community of coastal marine harvesters whose lives and livelihoods are affected by poverty and a history of inequality, and more recently by issues such as HIV/AIDS. Their stories of existing practice changed as we engaged with picture-based narratives, gaining depth and focus in relation to sustainability issues. The learning processes associated with and emerging out of the research processes were enhanced through abductive use of metaphors and graphic illustrations, and through intra- and inter community exchanges, again using picture based narratives. As the study unfolded, the development of environmental education materials receded. Focus turned to how conceptual abstraction processes (of abduction (metaphor) and retroduction) and the stratified ontological framework allowed for learning across epistemological divides.

This case study was done in KwaZulu–Natal province in South Africa within two municipalities Ethekwini and Umsunduzi Municipality. Three communities participated in this study. The research is motivated by the lack of cooperation between some municipalities and Community Based Organisations (CBOs) in implementing the National Waste Management Strategy (NWMS) at a local level. The primary goal is to explore the availability and development of learning support materials (LSMs) that relates to waste management in collaboration with CBOs and local councillors. The secondary goal is to explore the use of learning support material to promote participation in the implementation of the NWMS. Coresearchers were from the Community Based Organisations as well as local councillors who are located within the communities of these CBOs. Pseudonyms for co-researchers from CBOs and Councillors and the name of their townships have been used to protect co-researchers. A literature review has been conducted to explore research that has been done on the development, usage, accessibility and distribution of the LSMs. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews; field visits to communities, tape recording of discussions and the keeping of a field journal. Some of the key findings included that LSMs is used by both CBOs and Councillors to try to reduce local environmental problems. It also identified that there are no formal mechanisms between CBOs and Municipalities in dealing with waste management programmes within the identified communities. The other important finding was that the participation of CBOs in the development of LSMs normally excludes the user groups as a result language used is not always understood. Illustrations used in some cases may be misinterpreted if the reader is not English literate as most of material in circulation is written in English. Some recommendations for further research have been made in relation to the findings made in the study. These included recommendations on the development, usage of LSMs, participation of stakeholders in resource development within the context of CBOs and local municipalities.

This study was an attempt to explore and describe media utilisation from a Primary Science teacher's perspective, within a qualitative theoretical and methodological framework. A brief survey revealed what media was available in the schools, and observation and interview methods were used to give meaning to the media utmsation practice in schools. It was hoped that the results would assist in the construction of guidelines required to improve media use, and consequently science teaching in the rural primary schools. The inquiry revealed that apart from improving educational facilities, re-motivation of the science teachers was an essential ingredient in the search for ways of improving media use in Primary Science instruction / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Didactics)

O aumento no uso dos recursos tecnológicos no ambiente escolar, especificamente nas aulas de línguas estrangeiras, revela a importância de uma discussão sobre o tema e a necessidade de uma análise consistente sobre os materiais digitais utilizados com propósito educativo. Considerando a relevância global da língua espanhola e a importância estratégica que seu estudo representa para o Brasil, esta pesquisa objetiva analisar a pertinência pedagógica dos objetos de aprendizagem digitais disponíveis para o ensino e aprendizagem da língua espanhola, fundamentando-se nos documentos oficiais para a educação brasileira. A partir de um estudo bibliográfico e de uma abordagem qualitativa e metodologia exploratória (MINAYO, 2009), (CHIZZOTI, 2010), a pesquisa foi desenvolvida a partir de uma concepção discursiva de língua (BAKHTIN, 2002) e um entendimento sociointeracionista de ensino (VYGOTSKY, 1993). Estudos teóricos sobre tecnologia e sua relação com a educação (PINTO, 2005), (FEENBERG, 2016) precederam a investigação sobre a conceitualização e os entendimentos em relação a objetos de aprendizagem (LEFFA, 2006). Buscou-se em repositórios nacionais gratuitos objetos de aprendizagem de língua espanhola que atendessem ao critério estabelecido pela pesquisa de oferecer interatividade aos usuários. Apenas cinco exemplares correspondiam ao critério e todos foram avaliados segundo suas características de identificação, conteúdo, aspectos didáticos e usabilidade. Os resultados parciais obtidos apontam no sentido de que a área carece de estudos teóricos e de objetos de aprendizagem de qualidade, concernentes com teorias de aquisição de língua estrangeira e métodos de ensino e aprendizagem empregados atualmente e recomendados pelos documentos oficiais que norteiam a educação no país. / El incremento en el uso de los recursos tecnológicos en el ambiente escolar, específicamente en las clases de lenguas extranjeras, revela la importancia de una discusión sobre el tema y la necesidad de un análisis consistente sobre los materiales digitales utilizados con propósito educativo. Considerando la relevancia global de la lengua española y la importancia estratégica que su estudio representa para Brasil, esta investigación objetiva analizar la pertinencia pedagógica de los objetos de aprendizaje digitales disponibles para la enseñanza y aprendizaje de la lengua española, fundamentándose en los documentos oficiales para la educación brasileña. A partir de un estudio bibliográfico y de un abordaje cualitativo y metodología exploratoria (MINAYO, 2009), (CHIZZOTI, 2010), la investigación ha sido desarrollada a partir de una concepción discursiva de lengua (BAKHTIN, 2002) y un entendimiento sociointeracionista de enseñanza (VYGOTSKY, 1993). Estudios teóricos sobre tecnología y su relación con la educación (PINTO, 2005), (FEENBERG, 2016) precedieron la investigación sobre la conceptualización y los entendimientos en relación a objetos de aprendizaje (LEFFA, 2006). Se buscó en repositorios nacionales gratuitos objetos de aprendizaje de lengua española que atendiesen al criterio establecido por la investigación de ofrecer interactividad a los usuarios. Solamente cinco ejemplares correspondieron al criterio y todos han sido evaluados según sus características de identificación, contenido, aspectos didácticos y usabilidad. Los resultados obtenidos apuntan en el sentido de que el área carece de estudios teóricos y de objetos de aprendizaje de calidad, concernientes con teorías de adquisición de lengua extranjera y métodos de enseñanza y aprendizaje empleados actualmente y recomendados por los documentos oficiales que nortean la educación en el país.

MCom / Department of Business Management / See the attached abstract below

MCom (Business Information Systems) / Department of Business Information Systems / The aim of this research study is to propose an e-learning framework to deliver a guideline for the adoption of e-learning considering all major determinants such as technical, operational, organisational, cultural and socio-economical domains, in the setting of rural-based higher educational institutions. E-learning is a process which has arisen from ICT advancement, and it is coordinated together with the education programs at many universities. In South African tertiary institutions, the adoption rate for e-learning is higher in urban-based higher education institutions and colleges and lower in rural-based higher education institutions. Even though with the supposed capacity that e-learning provides, the bigger part of the e-learning approach in rural-based higher education institutions does not achieve their potential. This study focuses on identifying factors which impact the adoption of e-learning at rural-based, higher education institutions and its challenges. A case study approach is undertaken, using mixed methods for collection of data from the respondents based on e-learning adoption at student, educator and institutional level. The study identified the factors which influence the adoption of e-learning in rural-based HEIs. Eventually, the researcher proposed an e-learning framework which contributes to the e-learning adoption in rural-based HEIs, by establishing a guide for these institutions for enhanced planning, development and implementation tool for e-learning adoption using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology Model. The study identified that the e-learning usage and perception was lower in rural-based HEIs as compared to urban-based HEIs, and performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions are all major factors which influence the adoption of e-learning. / NRF

The main objective of the study was to explain how learning styles and instructional material influence students’ academic performance in some fundamental chemical concepts, and to integrate a specific learning styles model into the literatures of chemistry education and suggest how to apply it in the teaching-learning process of chemistry. To achieve the intended objective, a sequential explanatory mixed method design was applied. Out of 1676 science students in two preparatory schools, 326 participants were selected using a disproportionate random sampling and a sequential mixed method with a nested sampling strategy. Data were collected through Learning Styles Index, Chemistry test, and Semi-structured and open-ended questionnaire. The quantitative part of the data was analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics including an independent sample t-test and multiple regression analysis. The qualitative part of the data was analysed using a framework analysis approach. This approach involves thematic analysis followed by comparisons both within and between themes, and between cases. The quantitative phase of the study found that the contributions of learning styles to academic performance in some fundamental chemical concepts have not statistically significant contribution. Therefore, it can be concluded that there was not any superior learning style that lead students to success in the fundamental chemical concepts considered in this study. The qualitative part of the study showed that the majority of students preferred the same nature of chemistry instructional materials. It also showed that nature of chemistry instructional materials used in the schools were different which can accommodate students’ with different learning styles. Based on the findings it is recommended that instructional designers and teachers take into consideration the representational nature of chemical concepts and then students learning styles when making instructional decisions. / Science and Technology Education / D. Phil. (Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (Chemistry Education))

The pace of technological advancement and growth in the twenty-first century continues to soar at unprecedented levels and beyond human imagination. As the fourth industrial revolution unfolds, it has become increasingly difficult to predict the direction technological innovation will take in the not too distant future. Digital technologies have become an integral part of every aspect of human existence (work, play, schooling and personal relationships). The purpose of this study was to explore the various ways mobile technological gadgets like cell phones, tablets and laptops could be leveraged to promote a culture of leisure reading amongst a group of Zimbabwean adolescent learners. Data was collected using the literacy practices interview, mobile reading diaries, focus group interviews and the researcher’s personal field notes. Theoretically, the study was guided primarily by Urie Bronfenbrenner's Bioecological systems theory. Also, the study was supported by Guthrie and Wigfield's reader engagement model and Turner and Hicks' connected reader model. The empirical data collected through the data collection instruments were analysed inductively. The findings revealed that adolescent learners are a digital generation whose reading needs are ever growing and expectations are ever changing. The adolescent participants expect their reading to be like the rest of their digital lives, which is quick, uninterrupted, personalised and smart. It was found that the adolescent participants like to read on their terms, as they dislike being told when to read or what to read. Three reader identities were revealed namely; the eager reader, the ‘fifty fifty’ reader and the non-reader. The adolescent participants who were not already mobile readers readily accepted and adopted mobile reading as it afforded them vast reading opportunities. Besides, the findings of the study revealed that participants encountered many challenges, which in some instances militated against their mobile reading endeavours. These challenges were because of mobile phone use restrictions in schools, prohibitive data costs, a strong emphasis on academic reading as opposed to leisure reading and internet connectivity problems amongst other issues. In this study, the recommendations and guidelines outlined provide a framework with which schools, parents, mobile reading application developers and policymakers can adopt to support a robust mobile reading culture amongst Zimbabwean adolescent learners. The researcher concluded that mobile reading devices are a novel, noble and credible means through which they can foster positive leisure literacy practices amongst Zimbabwean adolescents. / Language Education, Arts and Culture / Ph. D. (Curriculum and Instructional Studies)

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / To access interactive systems, blind and visually impaired users can leverage their auditory senses by using non-speech sounds. The current structure of non-speech sounds, however, is geared toward conveying user interface operations (e.g., opening a file) rather than large theme-based information (e.g., a history passage) and, thus, is ill-suited to signify the complex meanings of primary learning material (e.g., books and websites). In order to address this problem, this dissertation introduces audemes, a new category of non-speech sounds, whose semiotic structure and flexibility open new horizons for facilitating the education of blind and visually impaired students. An experiment with 21 students from the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ISBVI) supports the hypothesis that audemes increase the retention of theme-based information. By acting as memory catalysts, audemes can play an important role in enhancing the aural interaction and navigation in future sound-based user interfaces. For this dissertation, I designed an Acoustic EDutainment INterface (AEDIN) that integrates audemes as a way by which to vividly anticipate text-to-speech theme-based information and, thus, act as innovative aural covers. The results of two iterative usability evaluations with total of 20 blind and visually impaired participants showed that AEDIN is a highly usable and enjoyable acoustic interface. Yet, designing well-formed audemes remains an ad hoc process because audeme creators can only rely on their intuition to generate meaningful and memorable sounds. In order to address this problem, this dissertation presents three experiments, each with 10 blind and visually impaired participants. The goal was to examine the optimal combination of audeme attributes, which can be used to facilitate accurate recognitions of audeme meanings. This work led to the creation of seven basic guidelines that can be used to design well-formed audemes. An interactive application tool (ASCOLTA: Advanced Support and Creation-Oriented Library Tool for Audemes) operationalized these guidelines to support individuals without an audio background in designing well-formed audemes. An informal evaluation conducted with three teachers from the ISBVI, supports the hypothesis that ASCOLTA is a useful tool by which to facilitate the integration of audemes into the teaching environment.