Articles
Internet Presence: A case for web 2.0 technology in the University of Cape Coast
Kofi Ayebi-Arthur
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to explore how the University of Cape Coast, Ghana can improve its web presence by utilising web 2.0 tools such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), micro blogging sites such as Twitter, social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube, Flickr to create online communities. The Technology Acceptance Model is used in making the case for the adoption of web 2.0 tools. Increasing computer literate students, internet penetration and Facebook user rates are cited good indicators for adoption of web 2.0 tools. The possible use of web 2.0 tools such as VoIP, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr are examined. It is concluded that Web 2.0 technologies have come to stay and the members of the University who are Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants have come to live with them. The University of Cape Coast should take advantage of these tools to incorporate web 2.0 tools in the university communication system.
Keywords: Web 2.0, university, drawback, internet
Design of Remote Security System Using Embedded Linux Based Video Streaming
Nagaraja G. and Sharada P.N. and Chetan Pritam
Abstract:
This paper presents a design and realization method for remote video monitoring system based on embedded Linux and wireless technology network. Monitor terminal hardware takes ARM9 S3C2440 processor and ARM higher version for centralization, in virtue of SDRAM, USB etc. Software system adopts embedded Linux, the main function realized by C programming to achieve real-time camera data acquisition, image compression and network transmission through Wi-Fi module. Monitoring center receives image data and displays after connects with the terminal. It is easier to be used in windows system. Image data can be transmitted to the monitoring center in3-6 seconds after JPEG compression. The results showed that the monitoring system has the advantage of high reliability, high efficiency and low cost with ARM9 and wireless network, and it provides a feasible method for remote video monitoring. Aim at the environment for the lack of power, the paper adopts S3C2440 to design emergency remote security monitoring and control system based on ARM processor, and introduces detailed hardware structure and software design. The system encodes the video of client by H.264. In this paper the design and implementation of security system by using Wireless Technology based video streaming is proposed. The realization of both wired Ethernet and the wireless accesses of internet are implemented. In this project one can monitor a particular place from any remote location by using the Wireless network.
Keywords: ARM9-S3C2440, MINI 2440, MJPG-streamer, JPG, IP address
Email policy for tertiary institutions – A study of University of Cape Coast
Eli Franco and Khushwant Tagore
Abstract:
The paper sought to look at the issues that affect the way an institution like UCC should deal with email and how best UCC can improve the usage of its email system by implementing an email policy. An evaluative research design was used to investigate the use of email system in UCC. Content analysis approach was used to study documents such as the ICT policies of the university. This was to find a policy relating to the use of email in the university. An email policy for the UCC guiding the use of email does not exist. However, there is an ICT policy for UCC that has scanty information relating to the use of email in UCC. An inference can be made from the ICT policy that the issue of email use in the university has not been adequately addressed. In the spirit of constructive criticism, it is the belief of the author that attending to the problems identified and recommendations offered in this study would help improve the use of the email system in University of Cape Coast significantly.
Keywords: email use, email system, email policy, University of Cape Coast.
Performance Analysis of Hybrid Protocols in MANETs
Leslie Byrd & Brice Butler
Abstract:
A Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) is a self-starting dynamic network made up of mobile nodes where each and every participation node willingly transmits the packets destined to some remote node using wireless transmission. One of the key features of MANET is that it can be formed without any pre-existing infrastructure. One of the types of routing protocols used in MANET is the hybrid protocol which combines the advantages of the proactive and the reactive protocols. In this paper, three Hybrid routing protocols in MANET were examined, namely: Adaptive Distance Vector routing protocol, Zone Routing Protocol (ZRP) and Sharp Hybrid Adaptive Routing Protocol (SHARP). Simulation was carried out on the aforementioned protocols using some parameters. After obtaining the results of the simulation tests, the three hybrid protocols were then compared with one another using the metrics of throughput, packet delivery ratio and average end-to-end delay. Based on the result of the performance comparison we were able to ascertain which protocol is better than the others in terms of the metric in question.
Keywords: MANET, ADV, ZRP, SHARP, Throughput, Packet Delivery Ratio, Average End-to-End Delay.
Use of Information and Communication Technology for Teaching and Learning in Ghanaian Universities
Carissa Gibbs
Abstract:
The advent of ICT and its integration into our educational system especially at the tertiary level aims to improve the process of teaching and learning and yet it has been very difficult for lecturers to do this. The current study therefore focuses on the use of ICT in the teaching and learning process in Ghana. This study, employing the case study design, sampled 237 respondents comprising 37 lecturers and 200 undergraduate students using multiple sampling procedures. Survey instruments were used to collect data from the University of Cape Coast to ascertain the use of ICT in the university. The study results showed that the university provides some ICT teaching and learning resources even though these resources are not adequate. It also showed that lecturers‟ prior knowledge and skills in ICT best predicted the extent of ICT integration (by lecturers) in the teaching process (β= .593, p = 0.010). Finally the study revealed that there is a positive significant relationship (r = 0.713; α = 0.05 > p = 0.005) between ICT related courses (ICTRCs) and students‟ competencies in ICT. The findings suggest that on the part of students, ICTRCs are helping them to improve their ICT skills and knowledge even though the relationship between the variables was found not statistically significant. Based on these findings, it was suggested, among other things, that the computer centre of the university of Cape Coast be adequately resourced to develop instructional materials, and provide computer-based tutorials for lecturers and students to equip them effectively to be able to integrate ICT into their teaching.
Keywords: UCC, ICT, ICTRC, Integration.
Evaluating the Awareness and Perceptions of Lecturers in using E-Learning Tools for Teaching in Universities
Anastasia Morrison & Wisdom Tamakloe
Abstract:
The advent of ICT and its integration into our educational system especially at the tertiary level aims to
E-learning has become increasingly important in the contemporary universal-access of education especially at the tertiary level, and can provide a strategic and competitive advantage to a university such as the University of Cape Coast (UCC). The objective of the study was to assess the awareness and perceptions of lecturers in using e-learning tools for instructional delivery in the University of Cape Coast. Specifically, the study sought to investigate the state of the awareness and perceptions of lecturers in incorporating e-learning tools in their lesson preparation and delivery. The target population was lecturers of UCC and responses were obtained from 128 lecturers who were randomly sampled for the study. The study revealed among other things that, many lecturers fail to use e-learning tools because they are not proficient in using them. Nevertheless, they are ready or willing to participate in programmes to equip them with the requisite skills that will make them proficient in using the e-learning tools. The study recommends among other things that the Computer Centre of the University should educate the lecturers on e-learning and give them the necessary training that will equip them in using the e-learning platform (Moodle) that the university had installed since 2007. Also, the University should provide reliable Internet and computer access coupled with adequate technologically enhanced classrooms and laboratories to facilitate the integration and use of e-learning tools by lecturers in their instructional delivery.
Keywords: Awareness, Perceptions, Lecturers, e-learning, Moodle, instructional delivery.
Applying Information Communication Technology in Teacher Education and the Practice Issues
Frankie Monroe and Benjamin Pennington
Abstract:
Traditional teaching methods have been used in teaching and learning since the advent of formal education. However, their limitations in different circumstances vary depending on student and instructor needs, where they are and who they are. This study looks at the issues and implications of integrating ICTs into teacher education with a focus on instructors‟ pedagogical practices. This study used a blend of qualitative and quantitative methods to collect empirical data from instructors of teacher education institutions in Ghana. Using stratified and convenience sampling, 16 instructors were interviewed whiles 100 closed-ended self-answering questionnaires were administered to the instructors of which 75 were returned. The quantitative data was analysed using simple means, frequencies, standard deviation, and cross-tabulation. Responses to the open-ended questions were analysed according to themes. Findings from the study showed a substantial difference of technology usage in teaching and level of technology proficiency among instructors. The main findings of the study are: 1. In spite of the huge investment made by stakeholders in education, technology use and literacy level among instructors is still low; 2. Some instructors used technology to support their pedagogical practices; 3. A number of the instructors were inept and lacked innovative ideas to use technology; 4. Some instructors still depend heavily on the Victorian methods of teaching; 5. Some of the instructors encourage students to use technology to do group work. The lessons drawn from the study could be used to formulate ideas in the deployment of ICT tools and facilities. Efforts should be made to provide continuous training for practicing teachers. It is hoped that this study will provide information to support teacher’s pedagogical practices. The results could be a useful reference for the design of ICT curriculum for Teacher Training programmes.
Keywords: Pedagogical practices, ICT integration, teacher education, qualitative data, cross-tabulation
Reassessing Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks
Henry Thomson
Abstract:
Traditional teaching methods have been used in teaching and learning since the advent of formal education. However, their limitations in different circumstances vary depending on student and instructor needs, where they are and who they are. This study looks at the issues and implications of integrating ICTs into teacher education with a focus on instructors‟ pedagogical practices. This study used a blend of qualitative and quantitative methods to collect empirical data from instructors of teacher education institutions in Ghana. Using stratified and convenience sampling, 16 instructors were interviewed whiles 100 closed-ended self-answering questionnaires were administered to the instructors of which 75 were returned. The quantitative data was analysed using simple means, frequencies, standard deviation, and cross-tabulation. Responses to the open-ended questions were analysed according to themes. Findings from the study showed a substantial difference of technology usage in teaching and level of technology proficiency among instructors. The main findings of the study are: 1. In spite of the huge investment made by stakeholders in education, technology use and literacy level among instructors is still low; 2. Some instructors used technology to support their pedagogical practices; 3. A number of the instructors were inept and lacked innovative ideas to use technology; 4. Some instructors still depend heavily on the Victorian methods of teaching; 5. Some of the instructors encourage students to use technology to do group work. The lessons drawn from the study could be used to formulate ideas in the deployment of ICT tools and facilities. Efforts should be made to provide continuous training for practicing teachers. It is hoped that this study will provide information to support teacher’s pedagogical practices. The results could be a useful reference for the design of ICT curriculum for Teacher Training programmes.
Keywords: Pedagogical practices, ICT integration, teacher education, qualitative data, cross-tabulation