Towards the collaborative design and implementation of an ICT management degree in Uganda

The Uganda Martyr’s University (UMU), with support from the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam (VU) and the University of Pretoria (UP) has initiated a project with one of its aims the development and implementation of a Masters degree in ICT Management at UMU. The project was initiated in 2007 and the first students enrolled in April 2010. VU facilitates the funding for the project whereas the role of the UP in this collaboration is to assist with the development and implementation of the Masters programme in ICT Management, with the focus on capacity building of the UMU staff. Although the project is still in its infancy, differences between assumptions and expectations of UP and UMU stakeholders are becoming apparent. Using the approach of participant observation and Critical System Heuristics as a conceptual framework, the authors critically reflect on the collaboration between UMU and UP. Results from the project initiation phases highlight the need for crafting a collaborative partnership which negotiates different views of quality and quality control and the issue of contextualised knowledge, keeping in mind the importance of an openness to unexpected outcomes and innovation. Results also highlight the importance of a sense of companionship, openness and trust, and ultimately the need to address power relationships in intercultural collaboration in Africa

Using the PSIC Model to Understand Change in an Educational Setting: The Case of an E-Textbook Implementation

This paper reports on an analysis of the change caused by an e-textbook implementation in a school in South Africa. The PSIC model, a change model from ICT enabled change in organisations, was considered because it affirms existing educational research, but also extends it by recognising the episodic nature of change. On a vertical level the model allowed the researchers to identify and distinguish between the factors and events influencing change in the organisation on four different levels. On a horizontal level, the model makes the disequilibrium between the socio-technical system components visible as they happen over time. Data was collected during an interpretive case study and analysed using the PSIC model. It is found that, despite the preparatory events leading to the full roll out, as well as the positive affordances of the new technology, the equilibrium of the socio-technical components of the work system was severely disrupted. The technology infrastructure did not support the e-textbook systems and more than one system was implemented which caused confusion. Teachers’ experienced that support for teachers and learners was not sufficient and that the e-textbooks did not support the learning and teaching task. Consequently, the researchers suggested some interventions of which some have already been implemented

A Framework for Teaching Computational Thinking in Primary Schools: A Namibian Case Study

Several professional development programs have been designed to train in-service teachers on a computational thinking (CT) curriculum, but few researchers have examined how these affect primary school teachers\u27 self-efficacy and knowledge of CT in emerging economies. This study\u27s objective was to create a framework for the professional development of primary school in-service teachers for the teaching of CT (referred to as professional development for primary computational thinking - PD4PCT) to be integrated into teachers\u27 professional development programs. An initial framework was refined after implementing it at a Namibian school with a group of 14 teachers from five different disciplines (social studies, English, natural science, mathematics, and Afrikaans). Literature reviews, pre- and post-intervention questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and self-reporting diaries were used to collect data. The framework was evaluated by experts via an online questionnaire. The findings show that teachers who participated in the professional development program improved their perceived CT knowledge, beliefs, and confidence to teach CT

Cyborgs and the future of the human spirit

This article reports on the influence of an important project of our time, the creation of thinking machines or cyborgs, on the essence of human spirituality. The popular work of Kurzweil was used as a starting point. Kurzweil believes that the cyborgs or man-machine hybrids will not only be a simulation of human cognition but also of consciousness and spirituality. In fact, they will be more than a simulation; they will enhance and alter consciousness and spirituality in a radical, unfathomable way. The basis of Kurzweil's argument is his law of accelerating returns, which predicts such a progress in technology that, if an algorithm for the working of the brain can be formulated, it will be possible to develop software emulating the conscious brain. In this way, current limitations experienced by human beings, including mortality, will be overcome. This assumption was investigated from an anthropological view using Janicaud's concepts. The cyborg is seen as an illustration of people's innate desire to overcome the human condition. Humanity is characterised by a constant struggle to find a balance between the superhuman and the inhuman as the extreme states of human spirituality. This also characterises human liberty - humans are free to choose. Given this characterisation of humanity, the nature of the cyborg as superhuman is then considered. Different possibilities are sketched: the superhuman who will exercise the pure will to power (awakening the inhuman) or a person with a complete naïve freedom. The future is not easy to predict. Janicaud considers the view of the cyborg as superhuman to be a myth. The real danger facing humanity is the inhuman. The growth and progress of technology do not guarantee moral progress. Currently, technology seems to create a sharp divide between a privileged few and the rest. The two world wars in the previous century illustrated ways in which technology could be used to commit cold-blooded barbaric acts on a mass scale. In addition, biotechnology and other technological innovations could give rise to new forms of violence which can effectively be spread by new media. The inhuman is a place from where it is difficult to return. The challenge of our time is to carry the responsibility of our freedom in such a way that we can defend ourselves against our inhumanity; but in a manner that would enable us also to open up to the radical creativity and strangeness of superhumans lying dormant in us. It is clear that now, more than ever before, human spirituality needs to be as alive and rich as possible to rise to the challenge. However, the belief in technology as utopia enslaves the human spirit. We forget that we are the creators of technology and fabricate excuses for moral and intellectual abdications. Furthermore, the assumption that cognition can be mechanised or formalised leads to the disembodiment of intelligence and thought. Humans are placed outside of the world to which they belong. We become estranged from ourselves and each other. The human spirit seems to be wounded by the prevailing metaphors of disembodiment and mechanisation accompanying technological dominance. This article contributes to the call for the struggle for the re-enchantment of the human spirit. It is imperative that thinkers and innovators - leaders - create new metaphors to provide richer descriptions of humanity. Social sciences, having studied the human condition for centuries, might contribute valuable ideas. Technology can be used in this struggle, but only if human beings understand their own paradoxical nature as well as that of technology. The fortified spirit is one that accepts its mortality and fragility but takes responsibility for its freedom. In this way, meaning is re-introduced in the lives of human beings.In hierdie artikel word die invloed van die projek van die bou van denkende masjiene of kuborge op die grondslag van menslike geestelikheid bespreek. Die idee van die kuborge word gebruik om die toekoms te bedink. Die kuborg as supermens word as mite uitgewys, terwyl die ontaarding van die mens as 'n realistiese moontlikheid geskets word. Mense, as geestelike wesens, kom noodgedwonge te staan voor die uitdaging om verantwoordelikheid te aanvaar en die toenemend moeilike balans te bewaar tussen die onmenslike en die supermens wat in ons sluimer. Die onmenslike moet in toom gehou word te midde van 'n openheid vir die radikale kreatiwiteit van die supermens. Dit blyk egter dat die gees verwond en aan bande gelê word deur die onderliggende metafore van meganisering en ontliggaming van die tegnologieë van ons tyd. Die gesprek sluit aan by die stryd om die heropluistering van die gees. Tegnologie kan gebruik word in hierdie stryd maar slegs as mense hulle eindigheid verstaan en aanvaar asook dié van tegnologie. Sodoende sal 'n ryker begrip van menslikheid vorendag kom wat betekenis in mense se lewens bring deur die ontwikkeling en gebruik van tegnologie sinvol te rig.http://www.journals.co.za/ej/ejour_akgees.htmlam201

From Tags to Topic Maps: Using Marked-up Hebrew Text to Discover Linguistic Patterns

The paper discusses a series of related techniques that prepare and transform raw linguistic data for advanced processing in order to unveil hidden grammatical patterns. It identifies XML as a suitable mark-up language to build an exploitable data bank of multi-dimensional data in the Hebrew text of the Old Testament. This concept is illustrated by tagging a transcription of Gen. 1:1-2:3 and manipulating this data bank. Transferring the data into a three-dimensional array allows advanced processing of the data in order to either confirm existing knowledge or to mine for new, yet undiscovered, linguistic features. Visualisation is discussed as a technique that enhances interaction between the human researcher and the computerised technologies supporting this process of knowledge creation. The empirical study is a small experiment that illustrates the viability and usefulness of the proposed expert devices as well as the benefits of applying information system techniques to linguistic databases

The teaching of creativity in information systems programmes at South African higher education institutions

The development of problem solving skills is a shared goal in science, engineering, mathematics and technology education. In the applied sciences, problems are often open-ended and complex, requiring a multidisciplinary approach as well as new designs. In such cases, problem solving requires not only analytical capabilities, but also creativity and the ability to innovate. The development of an information system entails problem solving by means of design, hence creativity is integral to the task of an Information Systems (IS) professional. However, it appears that the teaching of creativity in IS programmes is under-researched and possibly neglected. This study investigates what is being done to foster creative ability of South African undergraduate IS students. At the same time, a theoretical framework for creativity teaching is developed. We find that the fostering of creative ability involves more than just the teaching of creativity techniques, and that creativity can be indirectly nurtured in multiple ways.http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rmse202016-11-30hb201

Factors Determining the Susceptibility of Fish to Effects of Human Pharmaceuticals

This is the final version. Available on open access from the American Chemical Society via the DOI in this recordThe increasing levels and frequencies at which active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are being detected in the environment are of significant concern, especially considering the potential adverse effects they may have on nontarget species such as fish. With many pharmaceuticals lacking environmental risk assessments, there is a need to better define and understand the potential risks that APIs and their biotransformation products pose to fish, while still minimizing the use of experimental animals. There are both extrinsic (environment- and drug-related) and intrinsic (fish-related) factors that make fish potentially vulnerable to the effects of human drugs, but which are not necessarily captured in nonfish tests. This critical review explores these factors, particularly focusing on the distinctive physiological processes in fish that underlie drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET). Focal points include the impact of fish life stage and species on drug absorption (A) via multiple routes; the potential implications of fish’s unique blood pH and plasma composition on the distribution (D) of drug molecules throughout the body; how fish’s endothermic nature and the varied expression and activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes in their tissues may affect drug metabolism (M); and how their distinctive physiologies may impact the relative contribution of different excretory organs to the excretion (E) of APIs and metabolites. These discussions give insight into where existing data on drug properties, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics from mammalian and clinical studies may or may not help to inform on environmental risks of APIs in fish.ServierEuropean Union Horizon 2020European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Association

Building capacity and developing human capital: an exploration of curriculum development in ICT programmes at South African universities

There is a growing consensus on the potential for information and communications technologies (ICTs) to support socio-economic development in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Universities as providers of higher education are critical to developing SSA countries by, amongst others, empowering the region to develop appropriate ICT solutions for local challenges. The purpose of this paper is to describe and discuss how contextual realities influence the development of ICT programme curricula at public universities in South Africa, a developing country in SSA, in order to meet the demand for ICT skills. After a brief discussion of the factors that influence the content and delivery in education systems an overview of the South African public higher education context is provided. Against this background the content and delivery of ICT programme offerings and the rationale behind the programmes at four South African public universities are presented in case study format and concludes with a discussion of the case studies. The paper may be of value to academic departments as examples of how other departments are responding and adjusting their offerings, to government departments and policy makers by engendering a better understanding of the impact of policy on programme development and to industry by illustrating the diverse stakeholders in higher education and academia’s responsiveness to these diverse requirements

Tensions in the adoption of e-Learning in the mining industry of South Africa

The mining industry in South Africa contributes signi cantly to the national economy. Training is an important component in these environments and e-Learning is often used to train the large workforce. In the face of current labour unrest and job cuts in this sector, it is foreseen that e-Learning might play an increasing important role to upskill the remaining work force. However, it appears that low motivation and resistance to e-Learning exist amongst learners. The aim of this research was to examine the factors that may contribute to this resistance and/or adoption as perceived by e-Learning managers and practitioners. An interpretive approach was used to conduct two case studies. Activity theory was used as the theoretical lens and its main elements (tools, subjects, rules, objects, community) were used to analyse interviews with participants from two mining companies. Potential contradictions or tensions were identi ed in order to explore resistance to e-Learning. The main ndings indicate that: 1. proper communication of expectations by di erent stakeholders of e-Learning is imperative, 2. top management support for e-Learning should stem from integration into the organisational goals, 3. quality content is a necessary condition for successful adoption, 4. more attention should be given to interaction between learners and facilitators and also between learners, 5. a focus on people development rather than only compliance may lead to lower resistance, and 6. top management support and involvement should be made visible.http://www.journals.co.za/ej/ejour_comp.htmlam201