Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-27T14:30:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Ana Maria Torres Alvarez.pdf: 9796970 bytes, checksum: 1ce21173e9432840f1a381eb874070b4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-04-18 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This thesis is part of the Education: Curriculum Doctoral Program - field of study New Technologies in Education, presenting itself as a result of studies conducted by this researcher in the last four years about the visual representation, and specifically, the infographics. The objective was to analyze the value of infographics as a teaching and learning strategy considering the hypothesis that reading and production of infographics by the apprentices can provide the enhancement of critical and creative thinking. To validate the hypothesis part of the research was devoted to the theoretical production that passed over areas of Education, Semiotics, Media and Cognitive Sciences. In the second phase of the research were planned and presented two editions of a research-training course for teachers within a context in which they could integrate into my research as collaborators. Both editions of the course were conducted in distance mode by the Instituto Ayrton Senna. For the production of the thesis, we used a qualitative approach, and each stage of the investigation were set out specific research methods. Thus, for the theoretical basis, we chose literature and bricolage method. In planning and development of research-training course was followed the method of action research. The software Implicative and Coesitive Hierarchical Classification (CHIC) and maps of clouds keyword (tag clouds) we found different angles of analysis of the data set collected in the course, which involved testimonials, dialogues and activities. From these data it was possible to know the impressions of the participants about the potential of infographics as a new resource for teaching and learning, and identify possible improvements of the proposed appropriation and dissemination of this practice in schools / A presente tese insere-se no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação: Currículo, na linha de pesquisa Novas Tecnologias em Educação, apresentando-se como fruto dos estudos realizados por esta pesquisadora nos últimos quatro anos sobre a representação visual e, especificamente, a infografia. O objetivo foi analisar o valor da infografia como instrumento de ensino e de aprendizagem considerando a hipótese de que a leitura e a produção de infográficos pelos próprios aprendizes podem propiciar o aprimoramento do pensar crítico e criativo. Para validar a hipótese, parte da investigação foi dedicada à produção do referencial teórico que transitou pelas áreas da Educação, da Semiótica, da Comunicação Social e das Ciências Cognitivas. No segundo momento da pesquisa foram planejadas e apresentadas duas edições de uma formação-investigação, dentro de um contexto em que sujeitos interessados na temática pudessem se integrar à minha pesquisa como colaboradores. Ambas as edições da formação foram realizadas na modalidade a distância pelo Instituto Ayrton Senna. Para a produção da tese, seguiu-se a abordagem qualitativa e, em cada etapa da investigação foram definidos métodos de pesquisa específicos. Sendo assim, para a fundamentação teórica, optou-se pela pesquisa bibliográfica aliada à bricolagem. No planejamento e desenvolvimento da formação-investigação, foi seguido o método de pesquisa-ação. O software Classificação Hierárquica Implicativa e Coercitiva (CHIC) e os mapas de nuvens de palavras-chave (tag clouds) foram utilizados para obter diversos ângulos de análise do conjunto de dados coletados no curso, que envolveu depoimentos, diálogos e atividades. A partir desses dados foi possível conhecer as impressões dos participantes sobre o potencial da infografia como um novo instrumento de ensino e de aprendizagem, bem como identificar possíveis desdobramentos da proposta de apropriação e disseminação dessa prática nas escolas

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-27T14:31:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Heloisa Paes de Barros Arruda.pdf: 2004781 bytes, checksum: 043d64b996b7a193a46c17cb666324e8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-12-14 / Servico Nacional de Aprendizagem Comercial / This study has as its objective to gauge the adequacy and efficiency of class planning done by teachers for the effective use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the classroom, and to present indicators of class planning characteristics that encourage the use of information and communication technology in integration with learning situations. In terms of methodological procedures, the case study type of research was chosen, with the participation of seven high school teachers from three different public schools in the state of São Paulo. Semi-structured interviews were chosen as the data-gathering tool, and content analysis was employed for interpreting the data. It was noted that there is a nascent body of literature on the topic of Class Planning and the Use of Information and Communication Technology. The theoretical references on class planning are based on José Fusari, Henri Wallon, José Libâneo, Celso Vasconcellos, Sacristán and Gómez, while those for Information and Communication Technology draw from authors such as Álvaro Vieira Pinto, Fernando J. de Almeida, Maria Elizabeth Almeida, Maria da G. Silva, and Fernando Costa, among others. Thus, this thesis proves the importance of recognizing, diligently preparing, implementing, and monitoring class planning, and the plan, i.e., the respective document, as fundamental elements in mobilizing teachers towards incorporating ICT into their pedagogical routine and, consequently, achieving ongoing improvement in the quality of student education. It was noted that the class planning process is inadequate and inefficient, owing to a number of variables (inadequate working conditions, lack of time, low pay, infrequent feedback from coordinators, lack of infrastructure), and still without a written record of class plans, since they are registered only in undocumented and informal thought form. We noted rather primitive, non-integrated, and unfocused use of ICT as a support in classes. The study shows that the steps in a rigorous, discerning, and careful class planning process, as well as a written plan, combine into a syncretic whole, regardless of whether the plan is or is not followed during the class. Thus we conclude that the curricular act of class planning, when performed inadequately, without systematic recording, syncretically and without replanning, is inefficient, obscures the sense behind the use of ICTs, and fails in encouraging their integrated and consistent use in teaching and learning situations / A presente pesquisa tem por objetivo verificar a adequação e a eficiência do planejamento de aula desenvolvido pelos professores para o uso efetivo das Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação (TIC) em sala de aula, e evidenciar indicadores de características do planejamento de aula que fomentem o uso de TIC integrado às situações de aprendizagem. No procedimento metodológico, optou-se pelo tipo de pesquisa de estudos de casos, em que participam sete docentes do Ensino Médio pertencentes a três escolas diferentes da rede pública do Estado de São Paulo. Utilizam-se como instrumentos de coleta de dados as entrevistas semiestruturadas, e, para interpretação dos dados, a análise de conteúdos. Constatou-se uma incipiente literatura sobre o tema Planejamento de Aula e o Uso de Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação. O referencial teórico sobre planejamento de aula está baseado em José Fusari, Henri Wallon, José Libâneo, Celso Vasconcellos, Sacristán e Gómez; já o embasamento sobre Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação opta por autores como Álvaro Vieira Pinto, Fernando José de Almeida, Maria Elizabeth Almeida, Maria da G. Silva, Fernando Costa, entre outros. Assim, a presente tese prova a importância de reconhecer, elaborar com empenho, implementar e acompanhar o planejamento de aula e o plano, seu documento, como elementos fundadores da mobilização docente para a incorporação das TICs na sua prática pedagógica e, por consequência, atingir a constante melhoria na qualidade da educação dos alunos. Verifica-se um processo de planejamento de aula inadequado e ineficiente, por diversas variáveis (inadequadas condições de trabalho, falta de tempo, baixa remuneração, baixa frequência no feedback da coordenação, carência de infraestrutura), e ainda sem registros por escrito como planos de aula, pois apenas são registrados em pensamentos não documentados e informais. Constatam-se utilizações das TICs ainda elementares, não integradas e vagas, como suporte nas aulas. A pesquisa evidencia que as etapas do processo de planejamento de aula, rigoroso, crítico e criterioso, assim como a escrita do plano, misturam-se em um todo sincrético para os docentes, sem distinção, inclusive, da execução do plano durante a aula. Conclui-se, assim, que o ato curricular do planejamento das aulas, quando elaborado de maneira inadequada, sem registros sistemáticos, de modo sincrético e sem replanejamentos, mostrando-se ineficiente, obscurece o sentido do uso das TICs e não estimula o seu uso integrado e consistente para as situações de ensino e aprendizagem

Para elaborar um programa de proteção radiológica, as instalações radiativas brasileiras devem considerar normas, diretrizes e recomendações nacionais e internacionais que encontram-se em documentos de diferentes organizações publicados nas últimas décadas: Comissão Internacional de Proteção Radiológica (CIPR), Organismo Internacional de Energia Atômica (OIEA) e Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN). Visando a proporcionar a essas instalações o acesso às informações pertinentes de forma rápida, integrada e eficiente, este projeto propõe informatizar e disponibilizar em um só documento os programas de otimização da proteção radiológica unificados, inter-relacionados e em português, fornecendo ao público usuário um veículo completo para fins de pesquisa, consulta e informação. A partir do discernimento do que deve conter cada programa e seu real dimensionamento, foi trabalhado o inter-relacionamento das informações de maneira a satisfazer as normas e recomendações nacionais e internacionais. O projeto inclui conceitos, definições e teoria necessários, além da pesquisa detalhada do conteúdo do programa de otimização, das técnicas de ajuda para tomada de decisão, das doses de radiação e detrimento e das informações relacionadas aos custos de proteção. O conteúdo permite responder a todas as questões que devem ser colocadas na elaboração de um programa de otimização de forma a possibilitar montagem do plano de Proteção Radiológica conforme a situação específica do usuário. Para a informatização dos programas de otimização foram estudadas as possibilidades de acesso à Tecnologia da Informação e Comunicação nas empresas brasileiras, possibilitando identificar o perfil de utilização do sistema e definir a estrutura funcional adequada para a criação das melhores interfaces de ferramentas e recursos, bem como de um projeto de navegabilidade eficaz facilitando a busca de informações. O poder de processamento dos servidores aliado à tecnologia dos bancos de dados relacionais permite correlacionar informações advindas de diferentes fontes, possibilitando consultas complexas com tempo de resposta reduzido. O sistema segue o padrão WEB 2.0, que possibilita a estrutura organizacional necessária para a adequada informatização da proteção radiológica e considera os corretos critérios de indexação da informação para garantir seu reconhecimento pelos motores de busca da internet. O projeto conta com a combinação de várias tecnologias, potencializando os recursos disponíveis em cada uma delas para alcançar os objetivos propostos. Este trabalho experimental lança um cerne inicial para a informatização dos programas de proteção radiológica, informatizando inicialmente os programas de otimização. A investigação do perfil de utilização durante um período de cinco meses possibilitou o levantamento de dados importantes que apontam novas possibilidades para o desenvolvimento da informatização dos programas de proteção radiológica. Pretende-se, a partir dos resultados deste projeto, aprofundar o trabalho de investigação e completar a execução do sistema de informatização. / In order to establish a Radiation Protection Plan or a Radiation Emergency Plan, Brazilian facilities should take into account all procedures based on both national and international standards, guidelines and recommendations. This information can be found in several documents published by different organizations over the past decades, namely: the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN). This project aims the informatization of the radiological protection optimization programs in a single system in order to offer unified programs and inter-related information in Portuguese, providing Brazilian radioactive facilities a complete repository for research, consultation and information. In order to meet both national and international recommendations within the scope of this work, we conducted a comprehensive job of perception about each program contents as well as its real dimension, identifying and detailing the vital parts of programs. The content includes concepts, definitions and theory in addition to the optimization programs, help decision making techniques, information related to protection costs, radiation doses and detriment. The content allows to answer to every question when an optimization program is elaborated, according to decision maker´s specific situation. For dimensioning the work of informatization and developing the WEB platform according to the needs of the target public profile, we have conducted an extensive research regarding the possibilities of Information and Communication Technology access in companies throughout the country. That allowed us to define the best interfaces tools and resources. The servers processing power added to the technology of relational databases allow to integrate information from different sources, enabling complex queries with reduced response time. The project was implemented in a web environment, using the Web 2.0 tools and resources that allow the entire organizational structure, that would enable the inter-relationships and joints needed for proper use of information technology in radiological protection. The correct indexing of contents guarantees that search engines will find the desired information in the shortest time possible. This project uses the combination of multiple technologies, maximizing the resources available in each one of them in order to achieve our goals. For now we intend to begin an initial core working only the optimization program, which in the near future could be extended to other fields of radiological protection. The investigation of the usage profile for five months enabled important data that suggest new possibilities for the development of computerization of radiation protection programs. According to the results of this project, we intend to lead a further research work and complete the informatization system.

Submitted by Maicon Juliano Schmidt (maicons) on 2015-04-28T13:01:35Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Maralice Staniecki Proszek Ribeiro.pdf: 4493357 bytes, checksum: ed260e31e6f941f58f69c5b546351fa3 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-04-28T13:01:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Maralice Staniecki Proszek Ribeiro.pdf: 4493357 bytes, checksum: ed260e31e6f941f58f69c5b546351fa3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-07-26 / Nenhuma / Ao seguir os passos da iniciativa privada que investe em tecnologia da informação, e guiado pela teoria institucional, o governo também concentra esforços no desenvolvimento de políticas de comunicação, bem como no uso das novas tecnologias para aprimorar a gestão pública e facilitar o relacionamento com a sociedade. Através dos conceitos e aplicações da New Public Management a tecnologia da informação e comunicação revolucionou o relacionamento do governo com o cidadão, e permanece contribuindo para a qualidade e satisfação, ampliando de forma significativa a oferta e demanda de serviços totalmente eletrônicos. Especialistas em gestão pública elegeram o Governo Eletrônico como um instrumento de desenvolvimento da transparência, da oferta de informações, de melhores serviços e de redução de custos por meio da utilização da internet. Nesse sentido, o objetivo da presente pesquisa buscou aprimorar a transparência dos serviços prestados pela gestão pública através da relação governo e cidadão com o uso da tecnologia da informação e comunicação, identificando a importância do governo eletrônico onde a gestão pública possa proporcionar satisfação à população e buscar o aperfeiçoamento de suas práticas e rotinas através da internet. Para tanto, considerou-se que a gestão pública deve se estruturar para prestar serviços com qualidade à sociedade se adequando periodicamente às solicitações advindas da população. A metodologia para identificar a importância das tecnologias de informação e comunicação junto à Gestão Pública foi embasada a partir da revisão teórica e da realização de um estudo de caso, onde foram questionados munícipes e entrevistados gestores públicos da Prefeitura de Cachoeirinha-RS cuja proposta foi entender a comunicação e o relacionamento Governo Cidadão e ainda a absorção dessa relação, por parte da gestão, no aprimoramento da transparência na prestação de seus serviços. Com análise de conteúdo e cálculos estatísticos se avaliou a dimensão da importância e da satisfação na utilização da tecnologia da informação para o aprimoramento da transparência na prestação do serviço público através da relação G2C. Os resultados obtidos revelaram que a Prefeitura de Cachoeirinha-RS possui ações de gestão que se concentram prioritariamente na adequação da infraestrutura de rede, de operações internas, diretrizes tecnológicas, legislação e serviços ao cidadão. Também foi possível perceber que a usabilidade do portal se situa aquém da imagem veiculada e há despreparo do cidadão na comunicação com a prefeitura através da internet, e, esta utilização demanda da divulgação de conhecimentos e da otimização dos serviços públicos existentes, bem como maior participação da comunidade na integração de políticas governamentais. Concluiu-se que a relação entre governo e cidadão através da tecnologia da informação e comunicação apresenta pontos passíveis de aprimoramento na prestação dos serviços públicos transparentes. / By following private initiative steps that invests in information technology and led by institutional theory the government also concentrates efforts on communication policy development as well as the use of new technologies in order to improve public management and make the relationship with the society easier. Information and communication technology revolutionized the relationship between the government and citizen through the concepts and application of New Public Management. It keeps contributing to the quality and satisfaction by a meaningful and full enhancement of electronic service offer and demand. Experts in public management have elected the Electronic Government as a transparency development instrument, information offer, better services and cost reduction by using the internet. In this regard, such study aims at improving the delivered services transparency by public management through the relation between government and citizen by using information and communication technology and identifying the importance of electronic government in which the public management is able to prompt satisfaction to the population and search for the enhancement of practices and routines through the internet. Therefore, it is taken for granted that the public management must be structured in order to deliver high quality services to society and periodically adapt to population requests. The methodology to identify the importance of information and communication technologies along with public management has been based on a theoretical review and a case study in which residents were enquired and Cachoeirinha City Hall public administrators were interviewed where the proposal was meant to understand the communication and the relationship Government-citizen as well as the absorption of such relationship by the management and service deliverance transparency enhancement. Through content analyzes and statistics calculus the size of importance and satisfaction of information technology use to service deliverance transparency enhancement have been assessed by using G2C relationship. The outcome reveals that Cachoeirinha City Hall-RS has management actions which are mainly concentrated on network infrastructure adequacy, internal operations, technology guidelines, legislation and citizen services. It was also possible to notice that the portal usability is below expectations of advertised picture and the citizen is not prepared to communicate with the city hall through the internet. This use requires knowledge promotion and the existing public services optimization as well as community participation to government policies integration. It has been concluded that the relationship between government and citizen through information and communication technology shows aspects to be improved regarding transparent public service deliverance.

Avec le développement des nouvelles technologies de l’information et de la communication, les procédures de travail sont de plus en plus informatisées. Cette informatisation croissante des procédures pose la question de leur acceptation par les travailleurs qui doivent s’approprier de nouvelles manières de faire leur travail. La présente thèse vise à examiner les conditions de l’adoption de technologies véhiculant des procédures de travail par des techniciens de maintenance. Quatre études sont réalisées sur deux terrains de recherche (maintenance aéronautique et maintenance industrielle) avec comme objectif de comprendre comment des techniciens de maintenance perçoivent et utilisent ces procédures de travail informatisées. Deux études sont réalisées dans le domaine aéronautique et visent à investiguer l’acceptabilité sociale ainsi que l’usage de trois nouveaux formats de procédures (animation 3D, 2D et photos) avant leur mise en place au sein des ateliers. L’étude 1 porte sur la perception des nouveaux formats de procédures par des techniciens (N=136). Les résultats de cette étude montrent que les croyances liées à l’utilité et à la facilité d’utilisation sont les principaux prédicteurs de l’intention comportementale. De plus, il semble que les croyances diffèrent en fonction du type de comportement d’utilisation des procédures (utilisation quotidienne ou exceptionnelle). Afin de comprendre les difficultés possibles lors de l’utilisation de ces nouveaux formats, l’étude 2 porte sur la réalisation de tests utilisateurs (N=41). L’objectif est d’étudier l’utilité et l’utilisabilité des nouveaux formats de procédures en comparaison avec le format actuel (texte + image). Les résultats montrent que tous les techniciens réussissent la maintenance, peu importe le format utilisé. De plus, d’une manière générale, les nouveaux formats permettent aux techniciens d’être plus efficients car ils mettent moins de temps avec les nouveaux formats (animation 3D et photos) qu’avec les formats de référence et les erreurs commises au cours de la maintenance sont réduites. Les nouveaux formats, avec la présence d’informations visuelles, facilitent la localisation des informations sur le matériel. Enfin, une grande majorité des techniciens a l’intention d’utiliser les nouveaux formats. Deux autres études sont réalisées dans le domaine de la maintenance industrielle sur l’acceptation et l’usage d’un logiciel de gestion de procédures par les techniciens. Dans ce cadre, l’étude 3 porte sur la perception d’un logiciel en cours d’utilisation par des techniciens de maintenance (N=61). Les résultats font ressortir la croyance liée à la compatibilité perçue comme principal prédicteur de l’attitude, de l’intention comportementale et de l’utilisation effective du logiciel. Afin d’investiguer l’usage réel du logiciel, l’étude 4 porte sur l’analyse de l’activité de 8 techniciens issus de quatre ateliers (observation filmée et entretien). Les résultats montrent que le logiciel est adapté pour une partie seulement des techniciens. En effet, il semble représenter un frein pour les techniciens expérimentés et moyennement expérimentés dans le sens ils sont contraints dans l’utilisation du logiciel (impossibilité de naviguer librement entre les étapes). Cependant, le logiciel se révèle être une aide précieuse pour les techniciens inexpérimentés (support d’aide, aide à la formation…). Des recommandations sont émises en vue d’améliorer la conception des logiciels étudiés. Notamment des améliorations dans la conception des trois nouveaux formats de procédures de maintenance aéronautique sont suggérées (adapter le format à la tâche réalisée, améliorer l’ergonomie de la tablette tactile…). Dans le deuxième cas, nous formulons des recommandations afin de modifier le logiciel de gestion de procédures et de le rendre plus compatible avec le travail des techniciens (mise en place d’un mode expert, faciliter la recherche d’information, naviguer librement entre les étapes…). / With the development of new information and communication technologies, working procedures are increasingly computerized. This increasing computerization of working procedures raises the question of their acceptance by workers who have to appropriate new ways of doing their work. The present thesis aims to examine the conditions for the adoption of technologies conveying work procedures by maintenance technicians. Four studies are carried out on two fields of research (aeronautical maintenance and industrial maintenance) with the aim of understanding how maintenance technicians perceive and use these computerized working procedures. Two studies are carried out in the field of aeronautics and aim to investigate the social acceptability and the use of three new formats of procedures (3D animation, 2D and photos) before they are set up in the workshops. Study 1 examines the perception of new procedure formats by technicians (N = 136). The results of this study show that beliefs related to usefulness and ease of use are the main predictors of behavioral intention. In addition, it appears that beliefs differ depending on the type of use behavior of the procedures (daily or exceptional use). In order to understand the possible difficulties in using these new formats, Study 2 concerns the realization of user tests (N = 41). The aim is to study the usefulness and usability of the new procedural formats compared to the current format (text + image). The results show that all technicians succeed in maintenance, regardless of the format used. In addition, in general, new formats allow technicians to be more efficient because they take less time with new formats (3D animation and photos) than with reference formats and so errors made during maintenance are reduced. The new formats, with the presence of visual information, facilitate the location of the information on the equipment. Finally, a large majority of technicians intend to use the new formats. Two other studies are carried out in the field of industrial maintenance on the acceptance and use of a management of procedures software by the technicians. In this framework, study 3 concerns the perception of software in use by maintenance technicians (N = 61). The results highlight the belief in perceived compatibility as the main predictor of attitude, behavioral intention, and actual use of the software. In order to investigate the actual use of the software, study 4 deals with the analysis of the activity of 8 technicians from four workshops (filmed observation and interview). The results show that the software is suitable for only some of the technicians. Indeed, it seems to represent a brake for experienced technicians and moderately experienced technicians in the sense they are constrained in the use of the software (impossibility to navigate freely between the steps). However, the software proves to be a valuable help for inexperienced technicians (help support, training aid ...). Recommendations are made to improve the design of the software studied. In particular, improvements in the design of the three new formats of aeronautical maintenance procedures are suggested (adapting the format to the task carried out, improving the ergonomics of the touch pad...). In the second case, we make recommendations to modify the procedure management software and make it more compatible with the work of the technicians (setting up an expert mode, facilitating the search for information, navigating freely between steps …).

Is it Smart to Use Smartphones in School? A Quantitative Research on Using Smartphones as English-Teaching & Learning Tools in Lower & Upper Secondary School. By: Ludvig Björk This study aims to examine how the smartphone, when used as a tool in the Swedish EFL classroom, is viewed and used by educators in both upper and lower secondary schools. Through a survey, 23 teachers were asked questions regarding how they view the smartphone as a teaching & learning (T&L) tool. This survey was sent to four different schools. The survey consists of ten questions. The results show that most teachers are positive towards the use of smartphones as teaching & learning tools, with some reservations. They find it hazardous to use the device too often. Through this, the smartphone is not used as much as some teachers would like. The device is also used twice as much in lower secondary school compared to upper secondary school. The results of the present study corroborate with previous findings that indicate that the smartphone is used as a supplement rather than an active tool in the classroom. Even though teachers may find the tool risky to use, they also consider it an effective tool since it can be used in several ways.

This research was conducted to investigate the Saudi science teachers' perception of the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools to enhance teaching and learning and undertake a small and groundwork examination of these teachers current use of ICT. It draws on the interpretive paradigm (Cohen Manion, 1994), where the focus is on how people interpret and make sense of their world. From this interpretive perspective the beliefs of Saudi secondary school science teachers, in relation to the benefits of ICT, their current use of ICT and their perceived needs for improvement in the use of ICT in the classroom were investigated. Saudi secondary schools science teachers from both girls' and boys' schools in three different types of schools have been involved in this study. There were 28 government schools (9 girls' and 19 boys' schools), four small schools in rented premises (2 girls' and 2 boys' schools) and four Aramco schools (1 girls' and 3 boys' schools). These schools were in different districts: Aldammam city, Alkhobar city, Aldahran city, Alqateaf city and Sufwa city. The teachers were asked to voluntarily participate in the study and 131 teachers out of 200 (86 male and 45 female, 65 %) completed the questionnaire. Analysis of the data, together with the relevant literature builds a picture of the use of ICT in science education. Providing ICT hardware and software resources to a school is not enough to ensure significant developments in use of ICT for teaching and learning in Saudi science classrooms. Access to working ICT continues to be an issue for these teachers. Although teachers identified many benefits to teachers and students from using ICT and had made individual efforts to develop their use of ICT for admin planning and lesson preparation, they also identified barriers. These barriers focused on a lack of appropriate professional development and technical support. The findings have implications for future development in the area of ICT. It is expected that the results of the research will guide future research and development in the country and outline the importance of the use of information and communication technology in education for teachers, students, parents and decision-makers. It will contribute information towards decision-making and planning in future projects.

<p>The use of external providers for the provision of information and communication technology (ICT) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is expected to increase. At the end of the 1990s the concept of Application Service Provision (ASP) and Application Service Providers (ASPs) was introduced. This is described as one way for SMEs to provide themselves with software applications. However, it</p><p>can be stated that the concept has not taken off. This study examines what reasons influence the decision-making when deciding to use or not use ASP. The research question is: How do SMEs decide on using an Application Service Provider for the provision and maintenance of ICT? In order to answer the question decision-making processes in SMEs have been investigated in an interpretive case study. This study</p><p>consisted of mainly semi-structured interviews that were done with three different ASPs and customers related to them. It also consisted of a questionnaire to the customers of one of the service providers. The analysis was then made as a withincase analysis, consisting of detailed write-ups for each site. The interviews and a literature survey of the ASP concept and theories that have been used to explain the ASP decision-making process generated seven constructs. From the presented and discussed theories, models and proposed constructs seven propositions were formulated. These propositions were used for the analysis and presentation of the findings in the study. The main conclusion of the study is the disparate view of what affects the adoption or non-adoption of the ASP concept. The service providers express the decision as a wish from the prospective customer to decrease costs and increase the predictability of costs. The customers on the other hand express it as a wish to increase accessibility; the cost perspective is found to be secondary.</p>

<p>This mini-thesis attempts to explain the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure in public schools in the Western Cape. The mini-thesis uses the case study as research design to explore aspects such as the motivation for using ICT, funding models, infrastructure models, ICT curriculum integration and teacher development. In order to gather data on the above, interviews and observations are used as research tools. The study begins with the exploration of the history of ICT infrastructure in South African schools and subsequently an international perspective is added through the literature review. Officials and teachers of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) were interviewed to obtain their perspectives and a school was visited to observe procured ICT infrastructure. The results revealed that the WCED is using the Khanya project to deliver an ICT infrastructure to schools and to provide facilitation in the integration of ICT into the curriculum. It further showed that due to the rapid change in technology, Khanya had to adapt the hardware configuration on a regular basis and that this put considerable strain on and already small budget for ICT. The challenge that emerged is the lack of adequate ICT training for teachers. This could potentially hamper the integration of ICT and if not addressed, could serious hamper the WCED in its quest to deliver a technology based curriculum. The study concludes with conclusions drawn for the data as well as recommendations for effective ICT integration.</p>

<p>This research was undertaken to propose a model for eLearning adoption in Higher Education in Africa and to identify and empirically test measures to assess the model. The model identified eLearning, individual and organisational factors affecting eLearning adoption in higher education. eLearning factors were deemed to be aligned with the individual and organisational factors and therefore, the measurement of individual and organisational factors of eLearning adoption is essential in determining the current state, and future development that could enhance eLearning adoption in higher education. This study is a first attempt in Africa to define and present a conceptualization of an eLearning adoption framework. The framework is a combination of frameworks and models from various disciplines, including social psychology, information systems, anthropology, sociology, education, communication, marketing, management, geography, economics and cognitive psychology. These frameworks for eLearning adoption in Higher Education are synergised and contextualised in the study.</p>