Investigating the implementation of blended provisions for an introductory computer module

This thesis describes a qualitative single exploratory case study whose purpose was to explore the potential transition of an introductory computer module of College X to a blended learning mode; this was implemented by investigating the perceptions of instructors and students regarding this potential transition, analysing these perceptions using thematic analysis, and framing these within the conceptual framework suggested by Passey (2019). In this respect, integrating ‘new’ ways of teaching and learning for implementing blended learning provision for higher education followed the steps suggested by Passey (2019). The process involved: (1) identifying the elements of the module under investigation that need to remain on-site; (2) associate the remaining elements to suitable ‘new’ ways of learning; (3) associate these elements to appropriate forms of interaction; (4) match these elements to relevant educator modes; and (5) identify the appropriate technology resources to support these elements. This process produced a set of tools that may serve as conceptual frameworks related to the relationships between online elements, educator modes, ‘new’ ways of learning, and interaction forms. Finally, the study’s findings include identified benefits and challenges related to blended learning provisions, as perceived by this study’s participants, aligned with evidence from the prevailing literature. The findings will be used to inform the eventual implementation of a blended learning provision for the said module

Building the Plane as We Fly It: Experimenting with GenAI for Scholarly Writing

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic that forced universities to shift to online learning, the need for proper training and support for faculty to ensure effective online teaching and positive student outcomes has resurfaced and gathered momentum. This paper experimented with a GenAI tool (Perplexity) toward generating content on the effects of a lack of online teacher training on teaching, cognitive, and social presence in online university courses, specifically discussing how each presence is affected according to the Community of Inquiry extant literature. The authors’ reflection on the adopted process and GenAI content yielded mixed results and proposed future strategies for improved outcomes of similar research endeavors. Implications for education stakeholders and the field at large were discussed culminating in a shared perception of the value of Critical AI Literacy skill development while thoughtfully leveraging the vast capabilities of GenAI to bring about a profound transformation of teaching, learning, and scholarship

Towards Functional Insect Feeds: Agri-Food By-Products Enriched with Post-Distillation Residues of Medicinal Aromatic Plants in Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Breeding

Sustainability, circular economy and alternative production systems are urgent imperatives for humanity and animal husbandry. Unless wasted, agri-food by-products can offer a promising source of high value. We evaluated the effect of rice bran (RB), corncob (CC), potato peels (PP), solid biogas residues (BR), and olive-oil processing residuals (OR), as alternative substrates to wheat bran (WB as control), on the growth and nutritional value of Tenebrio molitor during its breeding for animal feeds and/or human consumption. Innovation-wise, we further investigated the substrate supplementation (0, 10, 20%) with post-distillation residues of Mediterranean aromatic-medicinal plants (MAPs: lavender, Greek oregano, rosemary, olive; 1:1:1:1 ratio). Tenebrio molitor larvae (TML) were reared in all the studied substrates, and TML and diets’ proximate and fatty acid compositions as well as total phenol and flavonoid content and antioxidant potential were assessed using standard procedures. After statistical analysis of correlations, we observed that CC promoted oviposition and progeny survival; larval weight and dry matter were positively affected mainly by dietary energy and fat content; number of TML and/or larval weight increased using 10% MAPs inclusion in WB, RB and OR or RB, OR, BR and PP, respectively, which did not affect protein content; TML fatty acid composition decreased the content of saturated ones and increased that of mono-unsaturated ones; MAPs residues had an apparent favorable impact on total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of each substrate, with RB displaying the highest capacity and content. These findings indicate that alternative substrates can be exploited and their enrichment with natural phenolics is able to influence T. molitor growth, offering highly beneficial and nutritional value