43 research outputs found
A systematic review on mobile learning in higher education: The African perspective
The spread and popularity of mobile devices has led to their increased application in higher education. While studies have reviewed mobile learning initiatives in different contexts, none has explored this subject in Africa. This systematic review collates and compares studies published between 2010 and 2016 on mobile learning in higher education in the African context to explore the application, impact and challenges of mobile technology-supported learning. Findings show that mobile learning within higher education institutions in Africa increased student and lecturer collaboration and, provide dinstant communication, increased student participation and engagement, facilitating authentic learning and reflective practice, as well as fostering learning communities. A change in the lecturers’ approaches to teaching also occurred. The findings also indicate significant challenges in integrating mobile learning in higher education institutions within Africa: poor technological infrastructure, lack of access to modern mobile devices, lack of mobile learning pedagogical skills among lecturers, poor attitudes among students and lecturers, and incompatibility of mobile devices with the university online management systems. Policies to guide the implementation of mobile learning were also lacking.
Large-scale studies assessing the effectiveness of mobile learning within African higher education institutions are lacking and existing studies lacked a theoretical framework. The review highlights enabling conditions for successful integration of mobile learning in African institutions addressing access, training, curriculum design, support and technical requirements. The absence of studies reporting on existing mobile learning projects reflects the limited penetration of this technology and associated pedagogies and a need to strengthen research in this emerging field
Mixed methods with social network analysis for networked learning: Lessons learned from three case studies
In our research we study small group interaction and meaning making in the context of a larger community of people and artifacts. Our research methodology combines social network analysis and content analysis in different ways. The primary purpose of this paper is to explore approaches and demonstrate the feasibility of mixed methods research combining network-level and content-level methods. We report our experiences from three case studies (Get Satisfaction, Canvas, r/place), which include individual variation (innovative approaches toward integration) and a common approach of “zooming in,” or shifting perspective between bird’s eye and detailed levels of interaction data during analysis (message content, dialogic structure, or visual artifact vs. patterns of users and their interactions). We show that the two sets of methods in combination can eliminate shortcomings of the separate methods used independently
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Social Learning Analytics in Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning Environments: A Systematic Review of Empirical Studies
Social learning analytics (SLA) is a promising approach for identifying students’ social learning processes in computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) environments. To identify the main characteristics of SLA, gaps and future opportunities for this emerging approach, we systematically identified and analyzed 36 SLA-related studies conducted between 2011 and 2020. We focus on SLA implementation and methodological characteristics, educational focus, and the studies’ theoretical perspectives. The results show the predominance of SLA in formal and fully online settings with social network analysis (SNA) a dominant analytical technique. Most SLA studies aimed to understand students’ learning processes and applied the social constructivist perspective as a lens to interpret students’ learning behaviors. However, (i) few studies involve teachers in developing SLA tools, and rarely share SLA visualizations with teachers to support teaching decisions; (ii) some SLA studies are atheoretical; and (iii) the number of SLA studies integrating more than one analytical approach remains limited. Moreover, (iv) few studies leveraged innovative network approaches (e.g., epistemic network analysis, multimodal network analysis), and (v) studies rarely focused on temporal patterns of students’ interactions to assess how students’ social and knowledge networks evolve over time. Based on the findings and the gaps identified, we present methodological, theoretical and practical recommendations for conducting research and creating tools that can advance the field of SLA
Manual: fresh cassava roots handling for waxing and relative humidity storage
European Union and technical support of International Fund for Agricultural DevelopmentPeer Revie
Training report: capacity building in entrepreneurial and business skills for operationalizing fresh cassava roots packhouse.
This report describes the capacity building process and activities that were done to enhance the business and entrepreneurial skills of packhouse operators
Technical report: Postharvest Physiological Deterioration (PPD) tolerance of selected Ugandan cassava varieties. Extending the shelf-life of fresh cassava roots for increased incomes and postharvest losses reduction
The purpose of this study is to screen cassava varieties for their level of tolerance or susceptibility to Postharvest Physiological Deterioration (PPD). Specifically, it aims at collecting varieties of fresh cassava roots preferred by consumers in Ugandan. The study targets the two major fresh cassava supply axes, i.e., Masindi/Kiryandongo and Kyenjojo/Kabarole. Fresh cassava roots were screened for tolerance or susceptibility to PPD. The study also aims at determining the effect of pruning on the deterioration of cassava roots over time and the changes in root biochemistry during storage of both pruned and non-pruned cassava varieties
Training report: capacity building in agronomic practices, waxing and relative humidity storage technologies for shelf-life extension of fresh cassava roots.
This report describes the capacity building process and activities that were done to enable the value chain actors adopt and adapt the pre-and post-harvest practices, and waxing and high relative humidity storage technologies in order to run a successful business enterprise
Technical Report: Market opportunities and value chain analysis of fresh cassava roots in Uganda.
European UnionInternational Fund for Agricultural Developmen
Technical report: efficacy of pruning, waxing and relative humidity storage in extending shelf-life of fresh cassava roots. Extending the shelf-life of fresh cassava roots for increased incomes and postharvest losses reduction.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate waxing and high relative humidity treatments for efficacy on Postharvest Physiological Deterioration (PPD) reduction. Specifically, it aimed at evaluating effect of waxing and relative humidity storage on PPD, reducing sugars, dry matter content, cyanide content and starch yield as well as acceptability of treated roots
Manual: setting up a packhouse for waxing and relative humidity storage of fresh cassava roots
European UnionPeer Revie