scholarly journals Embarking digital learning due to COVID-19: Are teachers ready?

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 104
Author(s):  
David Sulistiawan Aditya
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Digital Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learning Problem ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Learning Success ◽  
Technology Affordances ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
Voice Calls ◽  
Choice Of Technology

The COVID 19 pandemic insists schools to close and embark on the digital environment to keep learning to happen. Implementing this learning in educational settings faces challenges related to human resources and infrastructure issues particularly in developing countries. This study investigated the teachers’ readiness in conducting digital learning in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This exploratory study employed an online questionnaire and semi-structured interviews via either voice calls or video calls to safely gather both quantitative and qualitative data from 62 teachers of 27 different schools in the middle of social distancing regulation in Yogyakarta. The study revealed that the majority of teachers were psychologically, technologically, and pedagogically ready to conduct digital learning. However, the digital learning problem was mostly coming from teachers who teach in rural areas. Students’ technology affordances mainly caused a disparity of digital learning success. The findings suggest that the choice of technology adoption and methodology adjustment can be viewed as a solution to the current digital learning problem. Finally, instead of the teachers’ readiness, the students’ readiness and teachers’ technological pedagogical knowledge are other key aspects of the digital learning success. Thus, these two issues are suggestive for further studies.

scholarly journals Promoting Metacognitive and Linguistic Skills: Digital Learning Logs in Pre-Service Teacher Training

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 117-126
Author(s):  
Ana Otto ◽  
Beatriz López-Medina
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Training ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Digital Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Linguistic Skills ◽  
Learning Logs ◽  
Pre Service Teacher ◽  
Learning Log

This paper reports on the implementation of digital learning logs in the context of pre-service teacher training in a distance university in Madrid. The learning log, which had been previously implemented in the subject as a learning tool, has proven to be especially useful in Covid-19 times since the students had to work more independently and could use it to reflect upon their learning without the conventional teaching they were used to. The paper has a two-fold aim: first, to analyze whether the learning logs helped in promoting students’ autonomy and self-reflection, and second, to observe whether they contribute to the development of their linguistic competence in English as a foreign language. Participants of the study (n= 47) are students of the Primary and Infant Education degrees, specializing in English teaching, whose L2 level ranges between B1 and C2. At the end of half term, they were given the possibility of completing a learning log to record their learning process, review concepts and be aware of potential learning gaps and needs, and act accordingly. For this purpose, and to encourage participation, L1 or L2 could be chosen as vehicular languages. Participants were asked to complete an online questionnaire on their experience using the logs, answering questions regarding the suitability of this tool to enhance their language skills and promote effective strategies to become independent learners. The data drawn from the questionnaires submitted (n=29) were later analyzed through SPSS. In addition, individual semi-structured interviews were carried out to collect information on those participants who had not completed the learning log (n=11). The findings of the study show that the vast majority of participants agree on the potential of learning logs as a useful tool to keep track of their learning process and to develop metacognitive awareness and linguistic skills.  

scholarly journals Current status of family medicine in Kenya; family physicians’ perception of their role

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaja Momanyi ◽  
Geert-Jan Dinant ◽  
Marlieke Bouwmans ◽  
Simone Jaarsma ◽  
Patrick Chege
Keyword(s):  
Family Medicine ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Healthcare Team ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Questionnaire Response ◽  
Suitable Definition ◽  
Definition Of

Background: Family medicine (FM) was introduced in Kenya in 2005. Up to date (August 2019), 42 family physicians have graduated from Kenyan Universities.Aim: The aim of the study was to establish the current state of FM in Kenya and identify areas for more research and actions to support and improve FM in Kenya.Setting: Interviews were conducted at the different work sites of the participants, four of them in hospitals, one at a University and one in a hotel where a FM conference was held.Methods: An online questionnaire (response rate = 56%) and six semi-structured interviews were conducted amongst family physicians who completed their studies in Kenya. However, the focus was on the interviews.Results: Family physicians have different ideas of how FM should look like ideally, but all agree that family physicians should be team leaders of a primary healthcare team, taking care of a defined population. Lack of policies, low numbers of family physicians and the misunderstanding of FM by all stakeholders are the major challenges. Sixty-four percent of the participants work in rural areas, and 77% perceive their current work as FM.Conclusion: Family medicine must be defined and properly promoted. Various areas have been identified that require further research: assessing required number of family physicians, reasons and solutions for the low number of family physicians, funding possibilities, and research the most suitable definition of a Kenyan family physician.

scholarly journals LIFE WITH COVID-19: SWOT ANALYSES FOR TRANSFORMATIVE DIGITAL LEARNING IN EDUCATORS’ PERSPECTIVE

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 249-259
Author(s):  
Olga Vindača ◽  
Velta Ļubkina ◽  
Anda Abuže ◽  
Svetlana Ušča
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
Educational Institution ◽  
Strategy Development ◽  
Digital Learning ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Key Aspects

Covid-19 pandemic has influenced all fields of life, including education, teaching and learning procedure. Initially the situation seemed vague and uncertain, but still challengeable, by moving almost all processes online and offering the digital or distance learning. The aim of the article to identify key aspects of distance learning from educator’s perspective following Covid-19 and basing on the research results to offer transformative digital learning strategy for educational institution. The authors draw attention to the procedure how to re-direct weakness and threats into strengths and opportunities, by implementing necessary changes at four indicated levels: individual, institutional, local government and state one. An important part for any strategy creation, including transformative digital learning (TDL) strategy for educational institution, is the detailed situation analyses. SWOT analysis structure has been offered by analyzing respondents’ views for the conducted online questionnaire for educators and experts’ interviews Additionally literature review has been made to create the list of key elements necessary for the TDL strategy development, including global networking providers and nowadays paradigm shift –the transformative one 

scholarly journals Mobile Technology in Indonesian Nursing Education: Potential and Challenge

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Sulistiawan Aditya ◽  
Edy Suprayitno
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Education ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Pedagogical Knowledge ◽  
Nursing Schools ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Ubiquitous Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Technology Affordances

Introduction: Mobile technology such as smartphones and laptops have been a potential learning tool in both academic and clinical facets of nursing education. However, potentials and challenges of m-technology vary depending on individual, social, technological, and pedagogical conditions. And, studies of this issue in developing countries are lacking. Objective: This study aims to explore the potentials and challenges of m-technology integration in Indonesian nursing education. Method: 25 nursing faculties from three different nursing schools in Yogyakarta participated through an online questionnaire. 8 of them were purposely taken for semi -structured interviews. The data were presented cross-sectionally through descriptive statistics and ascertained with participants voices.  Results: The findings delineated how mobile technology leveraged in both academic and clinical of nursing instructions. Three main potentials identified were to promote ubiquitous learning, build autonomous learning, and enhance technological knowledge. Technology affordances, psychological aspects, and nursing students attitude emerged as challenges in the current nursing education context. Social, individual, technological, and pedagogical aspects were discussed. Conclusion: Mobile technology is potential to mediate and provide better learning for nursing students in academic and clinical settings. However, faculties’ pedagogical knowledge and learning regulation of online learning are required to be analysed further.

scholarly journals Loneliness Among the Elderly in Rural Contexts: A Mixed-Method Study Protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 160940692199686
Author(s):  
Borja Rivero Jiménez ◽  
David Conde-Caballero ◽  
Lorenzo Mariano Juárez
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Population Group ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Interaction Patterns ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Strict Adherence ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Technological Tools

Loneliness among the elderly has become a pressing issue in Western societies. In the Spanish context, the problem of the so-called “empty” Spain disproportionately affects this population group—elderly individuals living in rural areas with low population density, and therefore at higher risk of social exclusion and isolation. We introduce here a mixed-method, quantitative-qualitative research protocol, triangulated with technological tools, designed to improve both data acquisition and subsequent data analysis and interpretation. This study will take place in a rural locality in the Extremadura region (Spain), chosen according to a particular socio-demographic profile. The De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale will be used on a cohort of 80 people over 65 years old. Within this cohort, a smaller sample of 20–30 individuals will be selected for semi-structured interviews about their beliefs and experiences of loneliness. Finally, data gathered from technological tools (smartbands, Bluetooth sensors) will allow us to monitor social interactions and to map daily loneliness/interaction patterns. Data will be triangulated by analyzing and comparing the empirical material gathered through these different methods and tools. Strict adherence to ethical standards for data protection and handling will be essential through data collection and analysis. As well as providing insights into the phenomenon of loneliness in old age, the use of different methods and tools for data collection will provide the basis for an epistemological reflection on the scope and limits of each one of these methods.

scholarly journals Homeless on Main Street: Using Photovoice to Highlight Older Adults Among the Hidden Homeless

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 728-728
Author(s):  
H Shellae Versey
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Small Towns ◽  
Photo Elicitation ◽  
Service Agency ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Formerly Homeless

Abstract Homelessness is a reality for a growing number of Americans living in small towns and rural areas. However, unlike in cities, housing instability may be less visible. Using a photo-elicitation method (i.e., Photovoice), this study explores the meaning of place and obscured visibility to currently and formerly homeless older adults living in a small town in central Connecticut. Participants (N = 27) were recruited from a local service agency, given cameras and asked to photograph areas around town that were meaningful to them. Photographs were developed and followed by in-person, semi-structured interviews with participants in which photos and experiences during the project were discussed. Primary themes included belonging, generativity, social isolation, and place-making as meaning-making. The study culminated in a community photography exhibition in which photographs from the project were displayed in public spaces around town. Implications for community-based interventions to reach homeless groups in rural areas are discussed. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Qualitative Research Interest Group.

scholarly journals Homegarden agroecosystems managed by Salar people on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingjing Zhu ◽  
Binsheng Luo ◽  
Ben La ◽  
Ruijie Chen ◽  
Fenggui Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Field Investigation ◽  
Tibet Plateau ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Services Research ◽  
Qinghai Tibet Plateau

Abstract Background Salar is a Turkic-speaking Islamic ethnic group in China living mainly in Xunhua Salar Autonomous County (Xunhua or Xunhua County), Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Salar people are skilled in horticulture and their homegarden (HG) management. They are regarded as the first people on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to practice horticulture, especially manage their HGs, traditional farming systems, and supplementary food production systems. Traditional knowledge of Salar people associated with their HGs always contributes significantly to the local livelihood, food security, ornamental value, and biodiversity conservation. The cultivation of different plants in HGs for self-sufficiency has a long tradition in China’s rural areas, especially in some mountainous areas. However, Salar traditional HGs have not been described. The present paper aims to report the features of Salar HGs mostly based on agrobiodiversity and its ecosystem services. Methods The methods used in this work included semi-structured interviews and participatory observation. A total of 60 households in three townships, 9 villages were surveyed. There are 4–12 family members in each household, aged from 20 to 86 years old. The homestead size is between 200 and 1200 m2. Plant species cultivated in Salar HGs were identified according to Flora of China. Based on a comprehensive survey of Salar HGs and related to background data, we identified and characterized the most important services and functions provided by Salar HGs. Results According to primary production systems, there are 4 different types of Salar HGs, including ornamental focus, product focus, dual-purpose and multi-purpose. In total, 108 (excluding weeds and bonsai) plant species were recorded in Salar HGs, within 43 plant families. The most important and frequently used plants are Rosa chinensis, Armeniaca vulgar, Prunus salicina, and Ziziphus jujuba. About 4 to 32 plant species were recorded in each homegarden. We found that the Salar HGs, as a typical agroecosyste, prossess multiple servcices and functions that directly benefit households according to the field investigation. Conclusion This paper reveals the floristic diversity of Salar HGs. It presents useful information in the homegarden agroecosystem of Salar people, such as HG types and species diversity in Salar HGs. Ecosystem functions and services research suggested that the Salar HG agroecosystem provides agroecosystem services mainly related to supply and culture services. Salar HGs are important as food supplement resources, aesthetics symbol, and cultural spaces.

scholarly journals Immigrant entrepreneurs in rural England – An examination of the socio- cultural barriers facing migrant small businesses in Lincolnshire

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 676-694
Author(s):  
Dieu Hack-Polay ◽  
Justice Tenna Ogbaburu ◽  
Mahfuzur Rahman ◽  
Ali B Mahmoud
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
Entrepreneurial Success ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Language Differences ◽  
Institutional Embeddedness ◽  
Immigrant Entrepreneurs ◽  
Relational Embeddedness ◽  
Rural England

A growing body of literature recognises the crucial role played by immigrant entrepreneurs. However, certain socio-cultural barriers adversely affect their businesses in rural areas. Thus, this article examines the socio-cultural barriers facing immigrant entrepreneurs in Lincolnshire. Eleven semi-structured interviews were held with businesses owned by immigrants from diverse ethnic backgrounds. The findings identified migrant ethnocentrism, stereotypes, cultural differences and language differences as key socio-cultural barriers adversely affecting immigrant businesses in Lincolnshire. The research found that immigrant enterprises experienced growth issues, not just owing to the size of the market but also due to issues of embeddedness in the socio-economic nomenclature. The study found mixed embeddedness to be key to immigrant entrepreneurial success. This involves immigrant adaptation to develop relational embeddedness with the hosts, involvement with its social, structural and institutional frameworks. The study contributes to our understanding of the role of social, relational, structural and institutional embeddedness in steering fertile approaches to immigrant entrepreneurship in rural England which has been under-researched.

scholarly journals Student engagement with sustainability: understanding the value–action gap

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 404-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gareth Chaplin ◽  
Paul Wyton
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Sustainable Living ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Significant Barrier ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of research that aimed to determine what university students living in Unite accommodation in the UK understand about the concept of sustainable living. It considers what barriers they perceive to be standing in the way of following sustainable living practices. In particular, the research aimed to explore any value–action gap for the student population with a view to informing future actions to help close any gap. Design/methodology/approach – The study was completed through an online questionnaire survey of students living in halls of residence operated by provider The Unite Group Plc. The survey informed semi-structured interviews and focus groups that explored the issues raised in greater detail. Findings – It was found that students living in Unite properties believed sustainable living to be important, yet levels of understanding were very low and there appeared to be a wide value–action gap. Reasons for this are varied; however, an unexpected theme emerged around the association of effort and importance. There was a very strong association between sustainable living and recycling, which, therefore, saw the lack of adequate recycling facilities as a significant barrier to sustainable living. There were also issues around a lack of information, cost and respondents’ flatmates as further barriers. However, the most significant barrier was the displacement of responsibility for sustainable living to other people or organisations. Originality/value – Gaining an insight into the complexity of attitude and behaviour of students with the sustainability agenda will enable understanding that can be applied to activities that promote sustainability.

Rural Neighborhood Walkability: Implications for Assessment

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (s1) ◽  
pp. S40-S45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle C. Kegler ◽  
Iris Alcantara ◽  
Regine Haardörfer ◽  
Alexandra Gemma ◽  
Denise Ballard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Walking Distance ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Neighborhood Walkability ◽  
Bodies Of Water ◽  
Active Adults

Background:Physical activity levels, including walking, are lower in the southern U.S., particularly in rural areas. This study investigated the concept of rural neighborhood walkability to aid in developing tools for assessing walkability and to identify intervention targets in rural communities.Methods:Semi-structured interviews were conducted with physically active adults (n = 29) in rural Georgia. Mean age of participants was 55.9 years; 66% were male, 76% were white, and 24% were African American. Participants drew maps of their neighborhoods and discussed the relevance of typical domains of walkability to their decisions to exercise. Comparative analyses were conducted to identify major themes.Results:The majority felt the concept of neighborhood was applicable and viewed their neighborhood as small geographically (less than 0.5 square miles). Sidewalks were not viewed as essential for neighborhood-based physical activity and typical destinations for walking were largely absent. Destinations within walking distance included neighbors’ homes and bodies of water. Views were mixed on whether shade, safety, dogs, and aesthetics affected decisions to exercise in their neighborhoods.Conclusions:Measures of neighborhood walkability in rural areas should acknowledge the small size of self-defined neighborhoods, that walking in rural areas is likely for leisure time exercise, and that some domains may not be relevant.

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