E-learning implementation strategies for an ICT-challenged environment : case of the University of Ghana, Legon

E-learning implementation in higher education continues to gain prominence in both developed and developing countries, and while most universities in ICT-rich environments are exploring different ways of using ICT and multimedia resources to enhance teaching and learning, the same cannot be said about ICT-challenged environments. Nevertheless, the question of successful and sustainable e-learning implementation continues to remain a challenge, particularly in ICT-challenged environments. The primary purpose of this research was to examine policy and strategy issues that have influenced the process of e-learning implementation at the University of Ghana (UG), given that previous ICT and e-learning initiatives failed to improve teaching and learning. The argument underlying this research is that successful e-learning is based on an institution’s capacity and how effectively the available resources are mobilised, coordinated and managed to develop skills and competencies. Synthesising the theoretical models of Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation Adoption Model (2003), Collis and Moonen’s 4-E model (2001), and other institutional experiences of e-learning implementation, this thesis argues that there are three thematic domains (Institution, People, and Technology) that e-learning implementation must focus on. The results of this research show that acquiring technology infrastructure, organising workshops, and asking users to accept and adopt e-learning is not enough to promote and achieve a successful e-learning implementation. Policies, objectives, and strategic level checklists are critical for success using the framework developed in this thesis for ICT-challenged environments

An Evaluation of the Impact of Digital Technology Innovations on Students’ Learning: Participatory Research Using a Student-Centred Approach

In this paper we report on a study of the impact of digital technology (DT) innovations on students’ learning in a Western Australian University. The innovations were implemented by 42 course coordinators (CC) following two days of learning design workshops. In collaboration with nine CCs, we conducted an evaluation of their innovations. Data were collected through two structured interviews with each CC and an online questionnaire for 1500 students. Elements of students’ course feedback were incorporated into the final analysis of the data. A model for improving students learning in a digital environment was used as a guide to the evaluation process. The findings indicated that DT interventions helped students prepare for laboratory activities and class participation, increased their levels of interaction and collaboration, and provided effective and timely management of feedback from lecturers. Students also reported greater access to learning resources, plus more motivation and engagement. CCs were generally pleased with their innovations; however, in their second interview, at the end of the semester, CCs identified several aspects of their course design that warranted improvement, including the need for more professional support in making those improvement

Using online critical reflection to enhance students’ confidence, motivation, and engagement in higher education

This research examines the effect of critical reflection activities in an educational environment that uses active and blended learning experiences for students to develop confidence, motivation, and engagement with their learning. A mixed-methods research approach was adopted on a sample of 137 Communications and Media students, who were involved in a game-based project. Using a validated survey instrument to measure the students’ perceptions of their experiences, Pearson Correlation coefficient was used to estimate the relationship between the learning activities and students’ perceived confidence, motivation, and engagement. Finally, multiple linear regression was used to determine the effect of the critical reflection activities. This study identifies several variables that significantly contribute to student confidence, motivation, and engagement with learning. Yet, some variables were identified that also diminish students’ confidence, motivation, and engagement. Learning activities that show statistically weak and strong significant relationships were also identified. Some factors that significantly impacted students’ confidence, motivation, and engagement include better understanding of course topics; direct relevance of an online critical reflection; students’ motivation to learn more about the subject; clear, timely, and in-depth feedback; and the use of some pedagogical triggers

Educational partnership in action: Insights from Western Australia

Governments and educational institutions are increasingly recognising the importance of collaboration and partnerships with stakeholders in achieving good educational outcomes for students and communities. In Australia, the need for such partnerships influenced the establishment of the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program in 2003 to ensure that Australians from low socio-economic status backgrounds who can study at university can access the opportunity. In this paper, we discuss the positive outcomes of a partnership arrangement between Edith Cowan University and the Organisation of African Communities of Western Australia on an educational outreach programme to inspire African communities in Perth to pursue higher education

The Effects of Selling Property at Auction by Ordinary Creditor Barrier on Mortgagee Creditor Rights Analytical Study in Jordan Execution Law

The study titled The Effects of Selling Property at Auction by Ordinary Creditor Barrier on Mortgagee Creditor Rights has toke place under the provisions governing the sale of ordinary creditor barrier contained in Execution law. The study has concluded that the Jordanian legislature did not take into account in organizing the sale of real estate by auction by the ordinary creditor barrier guarantees that in law of an immovable security for debt, including minimum bidding began. So does the creditor, if the mortgagee creditor and debtor collusion only recourse to annul the sale, leading to wasted time, effort and money.  The legislature did not indicate a situation which action of contract or by auction and the impact on the debt secured by the mortgage, which affects the result on the right of the mortgagee creditor intervention or further implementation. The study concluded that a set of recommendations that wished the Jordanian legislature to be adopted

Current and Future Trends in Computer Use in Elementary School Settings

The study examined current and future trends in computer use in elementary school settings. A survey instrument was developed and validated for distribution to a random sample of 200 technology coordinators in the public school districts in the state of Texas from whom 95 responses were received. The survey instrument was used to obtain information about five areas of computer use in elementary schools. These areas are: physical configurations, instructional uses, implementation issues, training and staff development, and Internet use. The study found that all public school districts that participated in the study have acquired computer hardware in their elementary schools. In addition, some other advanced computer technology components are starting to be found in elementary schools, such as teacher workstations, CD-ROM, interactive video, computer multimedia, LCD panels, and laser printers. Respondents reported that elementary school teachers in their districts have incorporated computers into their classrooms as an instructional tool and many changes have occurred in teachers teaching styles due to computers. However, there are some problems that hinder the effective use of computers. The major problem is lack of training. A high percentage of respondents, 81.3%, indicated that the majority of their elementary school teachers had completed less than 30 hours of technology related professional development. Another problem was lack of funding which prevents most school districts from acquiring computer hardware and software. Currently, elementary schools in 87% of districts that participated in the study are connected to the Internet and the plan is that by the year 2001 all elementary schools will be connected

Physicochemical and Microstructural Characterization of Injectable Load-Bearing Calcium Phosphate Scaffold

Injectable load-bearing calcium phosphate scaffolds are synthesized using rod-like mannitol grains as porogen. These degradable injectable strong porous scaffolds, prepared by calcium phosphate cement, could represent a valid solution to achieve adequate porosity requirements while providing adequate support in load-bearing applications. The proposed process for preparing porous injectable scaffolds is as quick and versatile as conventional technologies. Using this method, porous CDHA-based calcium phosphate scaffolds with macropores sizes ranging from 70 to 300 μm, micropores ranging from 5 to 30 μm, and 30% open macroporosity were prepared. The setting time of the prepared scaffolds was 15 minutes. Also their compressive strength and e-modulus, 4.9 MPa and 400 MPa, respectively, were comparable with those of the cancellous bone. Finally, the bioactivity of the scaffolds was confirmed by cell growth with cytoplasmic extensions in the scaffolds in culture, demonstrating that the scaffold has a potential for MSC seeding and growth architecture. This combination of an interconnected macroporous structure with pore size suitable for the promotion of cell seeding and proliferation, plus adequate mechanical features, represents a porous scaffold which is a promising candidate for bone tissue engineering

Estimasi Fixed Effect Model dari Likuiditas Aset, Financial Leverage dan Likuiditas Saham di Indonesia

In investing, investors don’t assess the expected return, but also liquidity in shares. Because the aspect of liquidity is very important for investors to decide which stocks are attractive investments. This study aims to examine the effect of asset liquidity and financial leverage on stock liquidity. The population is all companies which are listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2013-2017 periods. The sampling technique uses a purposive sampling method with predetermined criteria and obtained a sample of 58 companies with 290 observations. The data of the financial statement of the companies has been obtained from the official website of IDX. The analytical method used is regression analysis of panel data with the help of application E-Views 8. Panel data regression can be estimated using three models, namely Common Effect Model (CEM), Fixed Effect Model (FEM), and Random Effect Model (REM). From the results of the estimation model, it is found that FEM is the best model in this study. Furthermore, the results of the study show that asset liquidity has a positive and not significant effect on stock liquidity, while financial leverage has a negative and significant effect on stock liquidity.Dalam berinvestasi, investor tidak hanya menilai dari return yang diharapkan, namun juga likuiditas pada saham. Karena aspek likuiditas sangat penting bagi investor untuk memutuskan mana saham yang menarik investasi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh likuiditas aset dan financial leverage terhadap likuiditas saham. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah perusahaan yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) periode 2013-2017. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan metode purposive sampling dengan kriteria yang telah ditentukan dan diperoleh sampel sebanyak 58 perusahaan. Data laporan keuangan diperoleh dari website resmi BEI. Metode analisis yang dipakai adalah analisis regresi data panel dengan bantuan aplikasi E-Views 8. Regresi data panel dapat diestimasi menggunakan tiga model, yaitu Common Effect Model (CEM), Fixed Effect Model (FEM), dan Random Effect Model (REM). Untuk mendapatkan model terbaik digunakan uji lanjut, yaitu Uji Chow dan Uji Hausman. Dari hasil estimasi model diperoleh bahwa FEM sebagai model terbaik dalam penelitian ini. Lebih lanjut, hasil penelitian menemukan bahwa likuiditas aset berpengaruh positif dan tidak signifikan terhadap likuiditas saham, sedangkan financial leverage berpengaruh negatif dan signifikan terhadap likuiditas saham