Context is key in ICT4D: A longitudinal case study of the Eswatini livestock traceability system implementation - 2012 to 2022

All Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) research has a contextual aspect. However, there is no specific theory used to describe the context. This article explores Eswatini’s context with their implementation of the Swaziland Livestock Information and Traceability System (SLITS). Two frameworks are combined to emphasize the role of the project’s context, specifically the cultural context, as the community is highly-contextualized. Hall’s Theory of High-Context/Low-Context (HC/LC) is combined with the Context and Implementation of Complex Interventions (CICI) framework. The longitudinal case study leans toward a rich contextual analysis, with the data collected presented as six distinct themes. The main findings suggest the contextual setting of an ICT4D project leads to unique findings, with the cultural aspects of the context needing greater emphasis. Future research will include identifying similar constructs in longitudinal ICT4D projects to derive a widely-used framework applicable to more such projects

Using YouTube Videos to Explain Difficult Database Concepts in the Classroom

We as lecturers have to adapt to a changing student audience. It is no longer good enough to teach without technology, especially in technology-driven subjects, such as advanced databases. Students learn best with a diverse teaching approach, and as part of improving our students’ capabilities, YouTube videos, custom-made with the course content, were introduced in an advanced database course. The YouTube videos were aimed at improving student understanding by practically illustrating database scenarios where the main topics of the lectures were addressed. Students were asked to complete an anonymous survey based on their experiences. The groups’ responses clearly showed that the majority of students benefited from the videos, with 64% of students indicating that the videos were helpful in understanding difficult concepts, and that 77% of students watch YouTube videos when they need a step-by-step approach to grasp difficult concepts. The overall results indicate that the future of academic teaching no longer only lies in formal lectures, but also adding technology to enhance students’ experiences

The exploitation of South African Social Security Agency grant recipients’ data

Data is power in today’s society, but not all access to data is ethical or legal. When individuals or organizations are able to access unauthorized data, they can manipulate it or profit from it. In this article, the emphasis is on the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant account holders and how their data is being used. The SASSA grant holders are vulnerable and poor, often with no one to assist them if they do not receive their full grant pay-out. A survey was done where 1000 questionnaires were given to helpers who visited SASSA pay-out points in Moloto in Pretoria and Katlehong in Johannesburg, who then assisted the grant holders with completing the questionnaire. A total of 534 completed questionnaires was then used to perform cross-tabulations and Pearson Chi-square analyses. The findings include that not all grant holders are sure of exactly the amount of money they should receive and discrepancies exist, especially in banking charges and unauthorized debits. The age groups of 70 and older and the females tend to receive less than their total SASSA grant pay-out more often compared to younger age groups and males. Future research can include expanding the survey to other provinces and more rural areas as well as to identify if there are similar trends in other countries where there are social grant programs and grant holders who do not receive their full payments

Reflections and Experiences In a Fundamental Digital Literacy Course: A Study During the Covid-19 Pandemic

When Covid-19 forced universities in 2020 to close the doors from face-to-face education and welcome an online hybrid approach, academics had to adjust all educational practices to ensure quality and proper education continued successfully. An introductory Academic Information Management course that deals mainly with computer literacy and has a cohort of over 9000 students had to find ways to help bridge the digital gap using online digital technology. The issues with internet connectivity, load shedding, and students not having compatible devices were just the start of the problems. Many students could cheat the online systems because assessments were not set for online learning; facilitators were not adequately prepared for this new shift to online education, and many felt stressed and overwhelmed. This study discusses the strategies implemented and the lessons learned after universities\u27 shutdown in 2020 and the new approach in 2021. Digital technology plays a critical role in online education, and the assumption that students are ready to use any technological system for online learning is considered. Learner-centred teaching and learner engagement is one of the goals the module aims to satisfy. Online collaborative learning theories that deal with constructivism, behaviourism, and cognitivism were explored and implemented to improve teaching and learning. The reflections of this study can help academics in a similar environment adjust to online education and adopt the learning strategies that have proved to be successful. Further investigation is needed to explore approaches to engage and innovate large cohorts of students

The Impact of Mobile Technology on Micro and Small Enterprises in Zimbabwe in the Post-Hyperinflation Economic Era

This paper investigates the impact of mobile technology on Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the developing world in the post-hyperinflation era. Data was collected from a multi-staged sample of 114 MSE owners within the capital province of Zimbabwe, namely Harare. The data was collected and analysed using descriptive quantitative survey methods, which comprised of hard-copy questionnaires, structured interviews and online questionnaires. The findings suggest that mobile technology has incremental, transformational and production influence on MSEs in Zimbabwe. The findings show that mobile technology amplifies communication and relations with customers, MSE’s productivity and MSE’s revenues. Mobile technology is also spurring new and innovative offerings such as mobile money, mobile banking and mobile advertising for the MSEs. The paper also provide the evidence that mobile technology is contributing to the creation of jobs in the indirect mobile industry sector, such as mobile money service and mobile application development. The paper generates insights that inform and compel creation of policies that enable and support the creation and growth of business in the mobile money, mobile retail services and mobile application development sectors

The Socio-Economic Benefit of the Livestock Traceability System on Communal Beef Farmers in Swaziland

In this article, Swaziland is placed in the forefront as a small African country that implemented a livestock traceability system to benefit both communal and commercial farmers. The communal farmers are also able to export beef to European countries, markers that were previously unavailable to them, due to the successful implementation of the Swaziland Livestock Information and Traceability System (SLITS).  Livestock traceability is briefly explained to align it with the importance of safe food production for human consumption and a few aspects are highlighted. The traceability systems is further explained in terms of its benefit to the rural economy, its role in growing the GDP and the realization of its aims as was initially expected by the Swazi Government. The data collection methods used were a document review, a case study and five interviews. It is concluded that livestock traceability systems should be adopted wider by other developing countries as it has a direct effect on the improvement of the socio-economic conditions of the rural poor. Its development and implementation remains very expensive, but Swaziland can be used as an example of a country that is able to reap the rewards from a commodity that is ample in their country, but scarce globally, leading to wider food sustainability

Using the Gartner hype cycle to evaluate the adoption of emerging technology trends in higher education – 2013 to 2016

The landscape of higher education is changing, with more techno-savvy students entering these institutions. The aim of this paper is to identify the trends of the Gartner Hype Cycles for Emerging Technologies for 2013 and 2016 and to compare the rate of adoption by higher education institutions worldwide. The research approach is a quantitative meta-analysis. Results indicate that higher education institutions are slow to adopt emerging technologies and rather adopt technologies once they have become common in the everyday lives of people. A possible solution is to find innovative and cheaper ways of incorporating the emerging trends in higher education.http://link.springer.combookseries/5582018-11-18hj2018Informatic