scholarly journals The Dynamics of social and technological change: COVID-19 and online learning at the University of Botswana

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 45-62
Author(s):  
Motsomi Marobela ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Technological Change ◽  
University Of Botswana ◽  
The University

Integration of Digital Preservation Knowledge, Skills and Competencies in the Teaching Curricula of Library and Information Studies at the University of Botswana

Mousaion ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thatayaone Segaetsho ◽  
Julie Moloi
Keyword(s):  
Digital Preservation ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
University Of Botswana ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
Teaching Content ◽  
Library And Information Studies ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
The University

In the past few decades, digital technology has found a place in the acquisition, arrangement, description, preservation, and dissemination of information. However, heritage institutions are perturbed by the challenges of digital preservation strategies particularly for education. Despite continuous investment in digital preservation, there are limited skilled professionals to equip learners with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to drive digital preservation in Botswana. Therefore, this paper investigated the knowledge, skills and competencies related to digital preservation in the teaching curricula of the Department of Library and Information Studies (DLIS) at the University of Botswana. Data collection was done through intensive structured interviews with specific educators who teach courses on digital preservation in the archives and records management stream. The study revealed that despite the fact that the educators in preservation courses are aware of current trends in digital preservation, most of them have not obtained formal degree certification specific to digital preservation. The findings further revealed that minimal digital preservation competencies are observed in the teaching curricula. A significant number of challenges observed illustrated mainly a lack of resources and limited skills in terms of practical demonstrations by educators. The curricula mostly lacked clarity on long-term and short-term digital preservation. The study recommends that DLIS and other institutions should conduct surveys or curriculum auditing on digital preservation in order to improve the teaching content. A significant number of shortcomings regarding digital preservation that could motivate further studies are also discussed under the conclusion and recommendations section of this study.

scholarly journals eLearning Tools at the University of Botswana: Relevance and Use Under COVID-19 Crisis

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 142-154
Author(s):  
Poloko N. Ntshwarang ◽  
Tumani Malinga ◽  
Nonofo Losike-Sedimo
Keyword(s):  
Social Constructionism ◽  
Social Constructivism ◽  
Computer Literacy ◽  
University Of Botswana ◽  
Information Communications Technology ◽  
Poor Access ◽  
Learning Platforms ◽  
Excess Number ◽  
Instruction And Learning ◽  
The University

Information communications technology (ICT) is currently a highly sought component of every higher learning institutions, especially universities and colleges gravitate towards eLearning mode of instruction and knowledge acquisition. eLearning encompass multiple technology and Internet-based learning platforms that requires computer literacy from both learners and instructors. eLearning has been upgraded such that it offers more flexibility and comfort as instruction and learning occurs any time and at the users’ preferred environment. However, for most African Universities, the challenge in the use of eLearning is expedited by excess number of students, poor infrastructural development and poor access to the Internet off campus. At the University of Botswana, the need and urgency to address aforementioned difficulties was exposed in the era of COVID-19 pandemic where the use of eLearning was a dare situation for both instructors and learners. In this article, the authors discuss the background of eLearning tools at the University of Botswana, types of eLearning tools, their relevance, use, advantages and the challenges encountered. Prospects are also discussed. The article is based on the experiences of the authors, their observations, as well as the literature review and the use of the social constructionism or social constructivism theory.

scholarly journals Development and launch of the first obstetrics and gynaecology master of medicine residency training programme in Botswana

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Luckett ◽  
M. Nassali ◽  
T. Melese ◽  
B. Moreri-Ntshabele ◽  
T. Moloi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Training Programme ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Subspecialty Training ◽  
Continuous Assessment ◽  
Curricular Development ◽  
Apprenticeship Training ◽  
University Of Botswana ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The University

Abstract Background Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces a severe shortage of Obstetrician Gynaecologists (OBGYNs). While the Lancet Commission for Global Surgery recommends 20 OBGYNs per 100,000 population, Botswana has only 40 OBGYNs for a population of 2.3 million. We describe the development of the first OBGYN Master of Medicine (MMed) training programme in Botswana to address this human resource shortage. Methods We developed a 4-year OBGYN MMed programme at the University of Botswana (UB) using the Kern’s approach. In-line with UB MMed standards, the programme includes clinical apprenticeship training complemented by didactic and research requirements. We benchmarked curriculum content, learning outcomes, competencies, assessment strategies and research requirements with regional and international programmes. We engaged relevant local stakeholders and developed international collaborations to support in-country subspecialty training. Results The OBGYN MMed curriculum was completed and approved by all relevant UB bodies within ten months during which time additional staff were recruited and programme financing was assured. The programme was advertised immediately; 26 candidates applied for four positions, and all selected candidates accepted. The programme was launched in January 2020 with government salary support of all residents. The clinical rotations and curricular development have been rolled out successfully. The first round of continuous assessment of residents was performed and internal programme evaluation was conducted. The national accreditation process was initiated. Conclusion Training OBGYNs in-country has many benefits to health systems in SSA. Curricula can be adjusted to local resource context yet achieve international standards through thoughtful design and purposeful collaborations.

scholarly journals Students’ opinions about studying from home during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 499-510
Author(s):  
Hermanto Hermanto ◽  
Ni Gusti Made Rai ◽  
Arfan Fahmi
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Teaching Methodology ◽  
Motivation To Learn ◽  
Learning Attitude ◽  
Traditional Mode ◽  
Attitude Learning ◽  
The University ◽  
Attitude And Motivation

The implementation of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic may affect students’ learning attitude and motivation to some extent. This paper aims to describe the university students’ opinions about learning attitude and motivation while studying from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. A non-experimental research design was used with an exploratory quantitative method. A total of 238 respondents participated in the online survey from April 22 to 29, 2020. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the collected data by using SPSS 23. The results showed that 52.5% (n = 125) of the respondent did not enjoy studying from home and 91.5% (n = 218) did not gain as much knowledge as in the traditional mode, although they still had a higher motivation to learn and had a better relationship with their family members. Interesting materials and enjoyable teaching methodology and interaction are therefore suggested.    Keywords: Covid-19; studying from home; online learning attitude; learning motivation

scholarly journals An Overview of Chemistry Teaching Transformation during COVID-19 Pandemic: An Experience from University of Botswana

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Girija S. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Mechanisms ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Chemistry Education ◽  
Chemistry Teaching ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
University Of Botswana ◽  
National University ◽  
The University ◽  
Teaching Transformation

COVID-19-related disruption in teaching in the University of Botswana led the school to prepare new strategies for running classes and to design innovative way of instruction.  The most notable change was to replace face-to-face lectures with online teaching at least partially (blended teaching and learning). This posed many challenges, especially in the teaching of science and technology subjects. In a laboratory-based discipline such as chemistry the problems encountered were especially daunting.  Moreover, writing mathematical equations, chemical reactions and reaction mechanisms posed their own difficulties.  The present communication provides a brief overview of how chemistry education at the University, the premier national university of Botswana, has been transformed during the last three semesters.  It is based on experience of the author and as judged by the feed-back received from colleagues and the students. Admittedly, the experience is limited and much discussion is still in progress to meet the unresolved challenges. Theory classes at undergraduate levels are now mostly taught online using packages such as Moodle and MS Teams. The tutorial and laboratory sessions have faced the greatest disruptions and the instructors continue to explore ways to conduct these virtually.  Online examinations were found to be limited in their effectiveness, especially in the assessment of drawing chemical structure and reaction mechanisms as well as the students’ ability in scientific writing.

scholarly journals Possibilities of gamification in online learning at the University of Žilina

2021 ◽  
Vol 129 ◽  
pp. 02004
Author(s):  
Lubica Gajanova
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Classical Education ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
European Education ◽  
The Right ◽  
The University ◽  
One Way Anova ◽  
Modern Technologies

Research background: The current classical education system also used at the University of Žilina has certain gamification elements. However, it does not meet needs of most students, and is even very demotivating for a large proportion of students. Students perceive studying only as their duty, instead of perceiving it as something they enjoy and like to do. With the advent of modern technologies, the way of teaching without them is beginning to seem uninteresting and often ineffective. Purpose of the article: The COVID-19 global pandemic and the necessary national measures taken to combat the spread of the virus can significantly disrupt the provision of education. According to Resolution on the future of European education in the context of Covid-19 now is the right time to rethink and modernize curricula and procedures and accelerate change, by promoting digitization and innovation through gamification as well. The purpose of the paper is detect the possibilities of gamification in online learning at the University of Žilina. Methods: The survey was conducted to obtain the necessary primary data. It was statistically tested by one-way ANOVA, which represents the option of analysis of variance. Findings & Value added: The aim of the paper is to find a statistically significantly different segment of students from the University of Žilina, who have greatly expressed interest in gamification in online learning in order to increase their motivation.

scholarly journals Teacher Education Freshmen Applicants’ Current State in the New Normal’s Learning Delivery Platforms

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 1528-1536
Author(s):  
Mark Angelo C. Reotutar
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
New Normal ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
Current State ◽  
Learning Platforms ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
The University

The online learning platform (OLS) is currently the new normal learning setting amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Teachers need to look on the other side of the traditional classroom-based learning mode to make teaching and learning in the new normal possible. It aimed to analyze the current state of the teacher education freshmen applicants concerning the new normal learning platforms. This study employed a descriptive method of research and considered a sample of 85 freshmen applicants in the College of Teacher Education in the academic year 2020-2021. The frequencies and percent value was used to analyze the data gathered. The following are the verdicts of the study, the bulk of the respondents belong to low-income families with farming as their family source of income. Most of the respondents have their mobile phones while the great majorities are using mobile data only. All of the respondents do not have any idea about the different platforms in online learning. Based on the findings, the researcher concluded that the freshmen applicants in the College of Teacher Education cannot totally survive and are not yet ready to embrace the new normal learning platforms due to poverty and lack of resources. It is therefore recommended that the University administration needs to open other sources of learning platforms such as the use of printed learning materials of which will be delivered door-to-door to the students. Besides, the College of Teacher Education should plan and initiate on how to make learning flexible and more engaging.

scholarly journals The Humanities And The University: Craig Calhoun Interviewed

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-100
Author(s):  
Peter Vale
Keyword(s):  
Technological Change ◽  
Human Development ◽  
Research Universities ◽  
Global Capitalism ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Face ◽  
The University

In this interview Craig Calhoun talks about universities, the Humanities and his own research. Universities reinvent themselves in the face of societal and technological change. In the midst of this change, however, universities are charged with maintaining old ideals, with informing the public and creating opportunities for human development. The Humanities often bemoan these changes but they are ideally positioned to contribute to the changing university – especially through teaching – and so protect the traditional place of the university in society. The Humanities must help to defend the canon but, at the same time, be open to new rethinking the canon by embracing alternative epistemologies. One means to do this is to opening knowledge up by embracing languages other than English. Calhoun’s own research is focussed on those ‘parts of globalisation’ that are not commonly investigated: Belonging and Identity, Social Emergencies as an exception; the fragility of Global capitalism.

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