VOL. 11, NO. 5; SEPTEMBER

Articles

Adaptable shipping questions: South Pacific University case

Olivia Baxter†, Yasar Kaseeb Gaber


Abstract:

Flexible delivery has become an essential model for teaching and learning as its methods are closely aligned to the constructivist theories catering for diverse learners’ needs and lifestyles. In the South Pacific, where islands are geographical scattered over the vast areas of the world’s largest ocean, development, delivery, evaluation and communication of the flexibly delivered courses remain problematic. This paper focuses on the problems, challenges and barriers of offering flexibly delivered courses in the Pacific from the context of the University of the South Pacific, a leading premier regional university serving 12 island nations in the Pacific. It explores the following problematic issues, (a) inflexible curriculum, (b) access to support services, (c) level of infrastructure, and (d) ICT developments, and proposes possible solutions to these issues.

Keywords: Flexible delivery, flexible learning, flexibly delivered course, distance and flexible learning, distance and flexible learners, University of the South Pacific, ICT.

E-journals and academic communication: a reference and quotation study

Mahrus Abdul-Muqaddim Shadid


Abstract:

The newspaper is essential for formal communication with scholars. This research highlights the findings of an empirical study on scientific journals and the preliminary findings. The aim of the research is to assess the impact on academic communication of electronic journals through the measurement of the degree to which they are cited in print and electronic literature. The aim is to provide a quick picture of the impact e-journals had on scientific communication around the end of 1995. This study offers a measure of this impact, particularly on the formal communication process rather than on informal communication. The study also examines the forms of e-journals quoted by scholars, the accuracy of quotations from e-journals and the practical problems faced by researchers who wish to access e-journals in the networks.

Students’ Perceptions of E-learning platforms (Moodle, Microsoft Teams and Zoom platforms) in The University of Jordan Education and its Relation to self-study and Academic Achievement During COVID-19 pandemic.

Jehad Alameri, Raja Masadeh, Elham Hamadallah, Haifa Bani Ismail and Hussam N. Fakhouri 


Abstract:

Today, the main focus of education during COVID-19 pandemic is to teach students using E- Learning platforms such as Moodle, Microsoft teams and Zoom platforms, which primarily aim to reach students and teach them at their home during the quarantine, and to give them easy access to education materials 24 hours a day.  May platforms have been used to achieve this aim, this paper examines students’ perceptions of e-learning Using Moodle, Microsoft teams and Zoom platforms digital learning platforms in the University of Jordan It also examines students’ knowledge about Moodle, Microsoft teams and Zoom platforms and how it contributes to self-study and academic performance. The students had experiences from three months during COVID-19 pandemic quarantine of using e-learning. Students (n =450) led in a questionnaire with closed questions.  The answers have been evaluated in a multiple regression model, which focuses on students ‘ expectations about gender, age, prior computer literacy, attitudes towards emerging technology, modes of learning and the way e-learning is applied at the university. The advantages and drawbacks of e-learning in quality content analysis were listed. The study’s key finding was that the strategic design of the university’s e-learning program using Moodle, Microsoft teams and Zoom platforms was more important than individual context variables in assessing student perception. Students consider e-learning connectivity on campus very efficient. The positive attitude of students with previous computer knowledge and students in the fields of new technologies to e-learning was very optimistic. their self-studying and academic performance were significantly affected by the use of e-platforms during COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: Moodle, Microsoft teams and Zoom platforms, E-learning, Education, University, Blended Learning

Learning to work between IT infrastructures

Emily Winter


Abstract:

This study investigates the implications of the interplay of multiple information infrastructures to learning and conducting work and to its related information work practices, and how the materialities of work and its infrastructures play into their intermingling. Method. The present study is based on an ethnography of a week-long archaeological teaching excavation conducted by the author. The excavation took place on a stone-age site in a Nordic country Analysis. The analysis of the ethnographic data was based on constant comparative method and close reading. Results. Four major information infrastructures were identified in the empirical setting. They and their diverging materialities were intimately linked to how information work was conducted at the excavation. The presence of two infrastructures designed for the same purposes of documenting the site and excavation process caused problems with scheduling and managing the work, but did at the same time make their associated premises and infrastructural obligations visible for the participants of the excavation. The older of these two infrastructures played a potentially important role as an infrastructural stalwart, an infrastructure that stabilised another infrastructure. Conclusion. The presence of parallel, overlapping information infrastructures makes them visible and potentially less effective but also unveils their underpinnings for learning and insights in their role in information work.

Online Editor: perceived roles and duties of Wikipedia editors

Amber Collingridge de Tourcey , Audrey Ziesemer


Abstract:

We report on the experiences of a group of people as they become Wikipedia editors. We test Benkler’s theory that commons-based production processes accelerate the creation of capital, questioning what knowledge production processes do people engage in as they become editors? The analysis positions the development of editing expertise within broader social contexts to explore how the act of editing supports other types of commons-based production that foster and support and counteract issues of empowerment, equality and social justice. Method. Nine editathon participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview transcript. Analysis. In a first round of analysis, data was coded into content areas. Then thematic coding examined: (1) the actions of participants as they became Wikipedia editors and the values and sentiments they ascribed to the role; (2) the emerging beliefs and emotions around becoming an editor and the agency and actions triggered by perceived responsibilities. Results. The study surfaced a range of emotions and beliefs editors developed as they took on editing responsibilities and ascribed different values to their new role. These distinct values and beliefs perceived led editors to engage in distinctive forms of action. Some participants developed a sense of empowerment to shape societal agendas, viewing editing as a form of continued activism. Conclusion. The findings pinpoint actions people engage in as they move into the editing role, highlighting the values they ascribe to editing. The study also surfaced the perceived responsibilities associated with editing as well as the emotions and beliefs associated with these obligations.

The Effect of Therapeutic Program in Improving Victim’s Mentality in a Sample of Female Students in the Education College for Girls –  University of Baghdad (sample)

Asmaa Abdulhussain Mohammad


Abstract:

The research aims to identify the impact of a therapeutic program on improving the victim’s mentality in a sample of female students of the College of Education for Girls / University of Baghdad, to achieve research objectives, a scale of the victims mentalities, where sincerity and persistence was extracted and was applied to students of the College of Education for Girls at the University of Baghdad.

A group of female students were identified of which they obtained the highest grades according to the victim’s mentality scale, and divided into two groups control and experimental, the experimental group underwent a therapeutic program that was built according to the behavioral cognitive theory.

The program consists of (14) treatment sessions applied over (7) weeks. Statistical analysis of research hypotheses showed the effectiveness of the therapeutic program in improving the mentality of the victims in a sample of students of the College of Education for Girls / University of Baghdad.

Extreme protection of long-term records — who cares? Swedish opinion on data on nuclear waste

Ramiro Bodrov , Nick Frolova


Abstract:

Knowledge on the proposed nuclear waste repository in Sweden must be protected for future generations in such a way that it is accessible and understandable until 100,000 years from now. This paper discusses existing plans for the protection of knowledge and perspectives on a range of stakeholders.  An review of literature outlines the key methods for protection of the knowledge in international research on nuclear waste. Documents were collected concerning the protection of knowledge plans of the industry. Responses were also obtained and reviewed to the consultation on applications submitted by universities , government departments and environmental bodies. Testing. The first paper analysis clarifies the requirements of the industry and aims to retain knowledge in the sense of current field research. In the second paper the views of the different participants in the consultation process are explained. Outcomes. The Swedish nuclear industry knows the knowledge protection techniques of researchers reasonably well. However, planning is limited to keeping decision-making informed. Some stakeholders have few exceptions and only make statements on technical issues. Findings. In general, the social interest in the issue of preserving long-term knowledge is low. One preliminary reason is that the intense time scale makes it hard to grasp the issue. The technical and geological challenges, similarly long-term, are easier to speak about as they are lacking awareness about human society’s future growth.

The Development of Mobile Application to Aid and Educate Healthcare Practitioners and Women to Select the Most Appropriate Method of Contraception


Abstract:

There are several applications in use worldwide which improve sexual and reproductive health (OCP) among young people using mobile technology but none of these applications are in Arabic language. Mobile apps reflect a feasible and productive way to improve access in low and middle income countries to OCP services and resources. This paper describes the development of mobile application to help women to choose the best contraception, a responsive and distribution application for mobile sexual and reproductive health services aimed at raising the demand for HRS services for women in Jordan. Methods: The research uses robust measurement techniques to determine the effect of the mobile app. In order to detect the causal influence of the mobile app to raise awareness and increase usage of sexual and reproductive health services, we recommend a randomized control sample. The principal consequence of the impact assessment is the improvement in the percentage of OCP and instruments, OCP and sexual behavior. The app model is also tested and results were recorded. Aim: The study aims to illustrate the idea that a mobile application can be used to guide women to choose the best contraception and to raise awareness among Women in Jordan and increase the use of OCP resources and services. The results of the study will lead to the creation of a demand-based, cultural and user-friendly mobile app that enhances OCP services for Women in Jordan and worldwide.

 Keywords: Contraception, Mobile Applications, Women, Reproductive health.