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

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE UTILISATION OF SOCIAL MEDIA TO FOSTER TEAM COLLABORATION IN A HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new challenges with subsequent opportunities to teach innovative ways of team collaboration. One example is the utilisation of social media to foster online team collaboration. This study investigates the use of Discord by students, a social media platform originally developed for online gamers, to collaborate virtually to complete project team tasks. The research question – what role a social media tool, namely Discord, plays in fostering team collaboration – was investigated using a qualitative, interpretative approach. Topic modeling identified ten themes, with the most vital theme indicating that students initially used Discord due to the academic requirement but later extensively used the platform because of its convenience and usefulness. Most students continued to use Discord even after completing their studies. While the main reason for adopting the tool was convenience due to peers using the platform, it became a logical and practical platform to communicate with friends, work on completing tasks together, and as a result, create a strong sense of belonging

Benefits of adopting micro-credentials for skills development

Micro-credential providers are increasing both in diversity and volume. However, employers are still concerned about their role in skill development. This study aimed to understand how micro-credentials can assist employees in skills development. A systematic literature review was conducted for studies published between (2016 to 2023). Thirty-two sources were included in the final review. After that, five recommendations for employers when adopting micro-credentials were constructed first by (1) defining the value of formal and informal education. (2) exploring micro-credentials as a tool for skills development. (3) encouraging organisations to collaborate with other institutions. (4) encouraging continuous personalised learning, known as lifelong learning. Finally, (5) acknowledging the skills acquired by employees through micro-credentials. Therefore, lifelong learning can assist the workforce in preparing for rapid technological developments

A conceptual framework for guiding SMEs in the application of IT from a South African point of view

Companies cannot keep up with the change occurring in the ICT arena. As a result of companies being chased by an untamed animal namely IT evolution, they fear that they cannot run, as running feels like floating in air. This ICT evolution has become a fearful sight for Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This research project acknowledges this fear and provides a conceptual framework whereby SMEs can familiarise themselves when engaging in ICT investments from a South African point of view. The data collected in this qualitative study is based on ten different SMEs as well as one larger company, to try and obtain a benchmark which SMEs can strive towards. The outcome of this research project allows SMEs to be less fearful when deciding on ICT and seeing how ICT can benefit these organisations. CopyrightDissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2010.Informaticsunrestricte

Student-faculty partnership in design : evaluating a co- creation practice and sharing of findings within the South African Higher Education context

Creation of content in the higher education context has long been considered as a faculty responsibility. However, a drive towards inclusive curriculum transformation was requested by both students and professional accreditation bodies. Teamwork, as part of partnerships and cocreation, is seen as a critical skill for socio-economic development throughout the world, with the industry expecting competent team players. Faculty has long been incorporating teamwork into modules; however, teaching teamwork and tracking these skills remain challenging. Thus, leaving a gap where students form groups and work in teams without the cognisance to improve their teamwork skills or increase the reliability and validity of evaluating team members' participation and contributions. In the absence of a comprehensive institutional resource on teamwork fundamentals, this study explores the co-creation of such a resource by post-graduate students at a higher education institution in South Africa. As higher education institutions, we assess students on teamwork skills, but we never specifically teach this to students, this resource is addressing this specific need. This will enable higher education institutions to report on assurance of learning where students can demonstrate the competency to effectively work in teams. A project approach was followed in the design of the teamwork resource based on Mayer's Principles for designing multimedia for elearning. Tuckman's five stage development process informed the content design. The project ran over three weeks with weekly scrum meetings monitored by faculty. The study found that cocreating content with students is possible. However, student partnerships can enable quality improvement of teaching and assessing teamwork skills. Finally, the researchers will outline how the practical strategies for enacting partnership, as suggested in the literature, were considered in their practice.http://www.journals.ac.za/index.php/sajhehj2020Education InnovationInformatic

A conceptual model of entrepreneurial competencies needed to utilise technologies of Industry 4.0

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0 (I4), has provided an unprecedented platform for innovation in various spheres. For entrepreneurs then, who are known to drive innovation and progress in various fields, I4 offers a wide scope of opportunities. The purpose of this article is to provide a conceptual model of needed entrepreneurial competencies to effectively utilise novel technologies I4 has to offer. To develop the model, this exploratory study adopts an action research approach. Using predefined questions developed from previous literature, a representative sample was obtained from 17 in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs. From the data analyses, where machine learning technologies were used, it was found that to respond and navigate the layers of I4 technologies and enable new possibilities, entrepreneurs require certain competencies in this globally connected and technology-fuelled world. This article advances entrepreneurial research as it provides a platform to guide and support their development, which has been a key focus area both internationally and in South Africa, to address one of the key sustainable development goals, economic growth. Despite this contribution, further investigation is required on how to develop these competencies through supportive mechanisms and corresponding education relating to I4.http://journals.sagepub.com/home/ieihj2021Informatic

Developing breakthrough innovation capabilities in university ecosystems : a case study from South Africa

DATA AVAILABILITY : Data will be made available on request.The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) paradigm, whilst posing challenges, also presents significant opportunities to bolster research capabilities and pioneer breakthrough innovations that can stimulate economic growth across various sectors. However, the realisation of these benefits relies heavily on the ability of countries and their constituents to innovate effectively in this new landscape. The purpose of this study is to explore how innovation mechanisms can be employed to foster stronger innovation capabilities within a university ecosystem, particularly in the African context. To do so a case study methodology is used, where cross-sectional data gathered over six months is assessed using the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) as a theoretical lens. The findings reveal that such innovation mechanisms, like a makerspace within a university ecosystem, provide critical support for design phase innovation and collaboration. We illustrate this by employing a conceptual framework that explains the process by which innovations evolve from ideas into valuable outcomes.https://www.elsevier.com/locate/techforehj2023InformaticsSDG-08:Decent work and economic growt

Lessons Learnt from Online Teaching and Beyond: What now? Three Countries Speak

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges and changes to higher education. More than 100 countries went into lockdown, severely affecting education systems worldwide. There was an expectation that higher education institutes would “find solutions” — and fast. Many questions arose concerning the role of online courses, technology-mediated learning resources and the long-term effects of the pandemic on students, faculty, and institutions. Information systems educators from Southern Africa came together at the 51st Annual Conference of the Southern African Computer Lecturers’ Association (SACLA 2022). The panel reported on here was part of that conference and brought together information systems educators from three countries, South Africa, Mexico, and the United States to share their experiences and reflections regarding the effects of the COVID-19 transition and its aftermath. A wide-ranging discussion ensued, that ran the gamut from micro-level individual experiences to macro-level effects and challenges. These perspectives cover “big picture” challenges and observations, inclusion and exclusion considerations, threats and opportunities, and two reports of experiences and the resulting modifications in COVID-19-classrooms. This panel report also focused on the lessons learned from the conference attendees\u27 discussion and suggested a possible future research agenda

Is a picture truly worth a thousand words? Infographics for undergraduate teaching

Infographics, have emerged as an appealing academic tool. Supplementing traditional learning material such as textbooks, or PowerPoint slides, infographics allow for summarised versions of the same material. Millennials want access to relevant information literally at the click of a button. As educators, we have to find a way of engaging these students with new teaching practices and new learning styles. The researchers commenced on a quest to see how they could engage these students, not only by teaching them the relevant knowledge, but also by allowing these students to use a simple infographic, which covers an entire study theme, and testing the students’ perception of the use of infographics as a substitute for or even to replace “traditional” PowerPoint slides. The infographic was guided based on the 5 principles of the Gestalt theory. The study was conducted on 210 student participants, with limited prior experience of infographics. The infographic was perceived as a great tool and of good quality, which they would prefer to use as a study method over PowerPoint slides. As educators, we need to find ways in which to incorporate infographics as a learning approach, to enhance the learning experience of students. It is recommended that educators explore visual tools to enhance the learning experience and to retain the knowledge to which our students have been exposed. It is further recommended that infographics should be evaluated based on the five principles of Gestalt to not only improve designs, but also student experience.http://link.springer.combookseries/558hj2019Informatic

Guidance for SMEs with the adoption of technology : a conceptual framework

When starting up a new small or medium sized company, it is crucial to understand what the requirements are in terms of Information and communication technologies (ICT). Bentellis and Boufaïsa (2008) note that over the last twenty years the markets have been changing fast, which has led to the evolution of the business environment. In many instances companies cannot keep up with the change occurring in the ICT arena. Entering the market as a small competitor, you need to ensure that you implement ICT that will support your business strategies. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative research study done to determine how SMEs cope with the adoption of technology. The paper explores the typical problems and challenges faced by SMEs, within South Africa, with regard to ICT and propose a conceptual framework to support managers in their decision making on ICT implementation. As such, this framework supports them in choosing the relevant technology, as well as supporting them with the effective application of the chosen technologies.http://sajesbm.com/am201