Research Articles (COES)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/97070

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Public health practice and artificial intelligence : views of future professionals
(Springer, 2024) Mwase, Nandi S.; Patrick, Sean Mark; Wolvaardt, Jacqueline Elizabeth (Liz); Van Wyk, Mari; Junger, Washington; Wichmann, Janine; u17242496@tuks.co.za
BACKGROUND : Globally, artificial intelligence (AI) is expanding in healthcare and public health and AI education for students in these fields will be essential. It is therefore important that future public health professionals are aware of opportunities and challenges linked to AI. AIM : The aim of the study was to assess the perceptions and attitudes regarding AI among one such group of future public health professionals – Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health students – in South Africa. METHODS : An online survey was sent to students enrolled for the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health programme from 13 June 2022 to 17 June 2022. RESULTS : Six hundred and eighteen respondents completed an online survey (81.5% response rate). Generally, respondents thought AI would be capable of performing various tasks that did not provide direct care to individuals. Most (69%) agreed that introduction of AI could reduce job availability in public health fields. Respondents agreed that AI in public health could raise ethical (84%), social (77%) and health equity (77%) challenges. Relatively few respondents (52%) thought they were being adequately trained to work alongside AI tools, and the majority (76%) felt training of AI competencies should begin at an undergraduate level. CONCLUSION : Respondents expect AI to eventually carry out specific functions in public health and had reservations that AI may cause ethical challenges and increase unemployment in the country. Further exploration is needed regarding the perceptions about AI and its integration into the health system and the implications for undergraduate and postgraduate curricula.
Student retention in fully online programmes at two South African universities
(IGI Global, 2023-09) Moodley, Kimera; Van Wyk, Mari; Tive, Donald; Van Zyl, Izak; Cronje, Johannes; mari.vanwyk@up.ac.za
Literature indicates that low retention rates are evident in online modules and programmes. However, a much higher student retention rate than anticipated was observed in two fully online programmes at two South African universities. To explore this retention phenomena, a non-experimental quantitative study was done. The study uses descriptive statistics to identify trends and patterns in student retention and applies non-parametric statistics to test the significance of the observed patterns. Typically, students in a fully online carousel model programme drop out after the first module, specifically in the first two weeks of the module. After the third module, student retention stabilises. Similar patterns are visible in the year model, where students typically drop out within the first three months of their first year. Dropout continues in the second year, resulting in two distinct linear phases of dropout. However, in year 3, approximately 50% of the retained students continued. Findings reveal critical dropout periods. Further studies can be conducted to determine the causes of dropout so that measures can be implemented to improve student retention in higher education.
Grade 9 teachers’ experience of digital technologies in the classroom
(South African Institute of Computer Scientists and Information Technologists, 2023-07-31) Molotsi, Abueng R.; Moodley, Kimera; Van Wyk, Mari; mari.vanwyk@up.ac.za
The use of digital technologies in the classroom has escalated, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although technology and teacher development centres are available for teachers to use, they are often not optimally utilised. This study used explorative qualitative case study methodologies to understand Grade 9 teachers’ use of digital technologies as they integrate it into their lessons and classrooms. Seven teachers were purposely selected to be sources of data collection. Framed by the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework, data was generated using semi-structured interviews to explore the Grade 9 teachers’ experiences and views on the integration of digital technology post the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. To analyse the data, a thematic analysis was conducted. Although the findings show limited digital technology integration, some teachers are found to be using videos, projectors, and laptop computers in their classrooms. Inadequate infrastructure and lack of support contribute and impact teachers’ experience of integrating digital technology in the Grade 9 classroom.
Using a game-based learning environment to develop the 4Cs
(Unisa Press, 2022-12) Robberts, Anna Sophia; Van Ryneveld, Linda; linda.vanRyneveld@up.ac.za
It is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the disparity between learning environments, the needs of students, and the expectations of the ever-evolving workplace in South Africa. This study investigated the influence of a gamebased learning environment on the development of the 4Cs (communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking) that students need to be successful in their studies and subsequently in industry. The data for the study was collected by means of reflective essays that were written by 145 first-year engineering students only one month after the completion of the game-based activity. A focus group interview was conducted with six participants and it shed further light on the students' experiences. Their comments, harnessed by analysing their essays qualitatively, confirmed that a game-based learning environment provided opportunities to develop the 4Cs. Thus, the implementation of game-based learning environments in higher education should be further investigated.
A paperless classroom : importance of training and support in the implementation of electronic textbooks in Gauteng public schools
(Academic Publishing International Limited, 2022-03) Masango, Michack Mandla; Van Ryneveld, Linda; Graham, Marien Alet
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is responsible for managing and administering public and registered private educational institutions within this South African province. The GDE has introduced a Paperless Classroom project where prioritised schools are provided with smartboards, laptops and tablets to teachers and learners in targeted grades. This study aims to add to the corpus of knowledge on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in education by establishing whether schools in Gauteng are ready to adopt and implement electronic textbooks in their classrooms in terms of support and training. The focus of this study is on the training and support, as the GDE received an influx of requests from these teachers on receiving additional training and better support shortly after receiving the ICTs. The study followed a pragmatic approach using a parallel concurrent mixed-method design where quantitative and qualitative data were collected using an online questionnaire and an interview protocol. Purposively sampling was used to collect quantitative data and 55 responses were received, whereas both purposive and convenience sampling were used to collect qualitative data and 20 participants were interviewed. The study used the Technology Acceptance Model as a theoretical framework through which the study was conducted. The Perceived Usefulness construct focused on the usefulness of electronic textbooks, while the Perceived Ease of Use and the External Factors are constructs facilitating and enabling the use of electronic textbooks. Quantitative data analysis was done using SPSS. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed. Most respondents were not satisfied with the training they received. It was entry-level basic training and did not help schools use ICTs and address the technical glitches they experienced pedagogically. The quality of the devices was not up to standard. The e-textbooks had licensing issues, and only a limited number were available. Although technical support was provided, it was not adequate. Many systemic issues such as maintenance and replacement plans of the devices, safety, update, and the licensing of the electronic textbooks should still be addressed for successful implementation. The results of the study may offer some insights before the roll-out of electronic textbooks is done to the whole province. Furthermore, the study may also provide clues to the South African provinces that may envisage introducing ICT in education. Within the nine provinces in South Africa and in the education community worldwide, the information provided by this study can be of great significance for the envisaged training and the support needs of the schools on the use of ICTs in education.
Design principles for introducing 21st century skills by means of game-based learning
(Sage, 2022-12) Robberts, Anna Sophia; Van Ryneveld, Linda; ankie.robberts@up.ac.za
Educators are drawn into a battle for student attention and engagement in any learning environment. This article describes how a learning environment can be changed into a game-based activity to ensure student engagement. Modules aimed at the professional development of students present numerous challenges in the structuring of learning environments that develop communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking skills, the 4Cs of 21st century skills. This article is based on an activity designed for 145 engineering students and intended to habituate them to the university while simultaneously exposing them to opportunities for the development of the 4Cs. During the design, execution and refinement of the learning environment in five consecutive years, 15 design principles that could be employed to facilitate the implementation of a game-based learning activity emerged. Student reflection essays, lecturer observations, field notes and a focus group interview conducted with tutors and colleagues were analysed qualitatively to inform the investigation into students’ experiences of a game-based learning environment aimed at their professional development. The voices of the students were used to confirm the value of this environment. The design principles can be employed in other learning environments to support practitioners’ game-based learning efforts.
Promote learning survival skills through technology integration in course design
(IGI Global, 2022-06) Van Wyk, Mari; Moodley, Kimera
In an integrated, dynamic and ever changing world, it is imperative that students are able to transition between jobs irrespective of qualifications. Studies show that graduates are inadequately prepared for the working world. In an attempt to address this need a postgraduate certificate course was redesigned to follow a constructionist approach integrated with mobile technology. Data was collected from 2 learning designers and 29 students, forming a qualitative study. An evaluation of the activities and learning survival skills in the course was done using the Technology Integration Matrix (TIM). The results indicated that technology was integrated on various levels and students achieved a multitude of skills, making them more confident in their use of technology. Feelings of anxiety, incompetence and resistance were transformed to resilience, motivation and comfort. The art to address graduate preparedness for work lies in effective course design and a constructionist forward thinking approach to learning.
Comparing the relationship between using educational technology in mathematics and student achievement in South Africa and Germany
(Routledge, 2022) Saal, Petronella Elize; Van Ryneveld, Linda; Graham, Marien Alet
This study explored the relationship between educational technology and the mathematics achievement of South African and German students. Hierarchical Linear Models (HLM) showed that the availability of computers at school and using computers in the mathematics classroom in South Africa positively associated with the mathematics achievement of students. In Germany, the shared use of a computer/tablet with others at home and internet connection correlated positively with students’ mathematics performances while students who owned mobile phones achieved lower mathematics results than their counterparts. Similarly, in both countries, students owning a computer/tablet, students using computers/tablets “every or almost every day” for schoolwork at home, school and other places achieved lower mathematics results than their counterparts.
Student-generated videos as a learning tool in veterinary education
(Unisa Press, 2021) Van Wyk, Mari; Van Reyneveld, Linda; mari.vanwyk@up.ac.za
In spite of reported benefits of mobile devices, educational institutions criticise the use of mobile devices for learning because they are considered a distraction in class. Furthermore, researchers claim that the apparent mechanistic use of videos in classes does not contribute to deeper learning. To explore the affordances of videos and the possibility of deeper learning, a group of veterinary science students volunteered to explore the use of videos while attending theoretical and practical lectures. In this qualitative study, the participants tried out a variety of devices to take short videos of procedures and were actively involved with the learning content as they organised and reflected on the self-made videos. In spite of the critique against the use of mobile devices and the apparent shallow learning contribution of videos, participants self-reported that watching the videos again and the processes that took place after the videos were made contributed hugely to their learning experience. Participants demonstrated that mobile devices can be used constructively, and through a process of reflection deepen their learning experience. How the participants use the videos for learning can give lecturers new ideas on how they can use videos in their classes.
A cross-country comparison of mathematics teachers' beliefs about technology in education
(IGI Global, 2021) Mothobi, Neo Jack; Van Ryneveld, Linda; Graham, Marien Alet
The purpose of this study was to determine how South African learners compared with their selected international counterparts according to their teachers’ views. The analysis was based on predictor variables that are related to the use of computer activities in teaching and learning. These variables were extracted from the 2011 Trends in Mathematics and Science Study teachers’ datasets and linked to the learners’ data. The results revealed that regardless of the socio-economic status between South Africa and each of the countries, it could be claimed that some similarities can be fostered. Similarity does not imply being totally identical, but rather demonstrates which teacher responses between South Africa and each of the countries might have the same structure after the statistical analysis. The differences in teachers’ beliefs between South Africa and all the countries provided vital information about the scope of possible classroom practice and teachers’ inclinations to different teaching approaches.
Barriers to the implementation of electronic textbooks in rural and township schools in South Africa
(Routledge, 2020) Masango, Michack Mandla; Van Ryneveld, Linda; Graham, Marien Alet; marien.graham@up.ac.za
The use of information and communications technology (ICT) is gradually increasing in South African schools. In the Gauteng province, the Department of Education has prioritised the provisioning of electronic textbooks (ebooks) to public schools since 2014. However, to this day, there seem to be multiple barriers that hamper the adoption and use of digital technologies, and specifically ebooks. This study was premised on the technology acceptance model, and a mixed-method approach was used with an online questionnaire and a semi-structured interview protocol as the data collection instruments. For the qualitative data, thematic analysis was used to identify themes and patterns. For the quantitative data, descriptive statistics, such as frequencies and percentages, and inferential statistics, such as the two-proportions z-test and the chi-square test of independence, were utilised. Results indicated that although portable electronic devices that facilitate the reading of ebooks are readily available at public schools in Gauteng, the availability and use of ebooks are still very limited. The results also show that the participants found digital resources easy to use and easy to navigate and indicated that teachers would like to have more training to fully develop the necessary skills required to implement the ebooks effectively. Teachers do not seem to have adequate time to prepare teaching materials and learning activities using these ebooks. In this article, the barriers to the successful implementation of ebooks are explored, and the article culminates in putting forward some guidelines to create an enabling environment to support the successful adoption of ebooks in schools.
The relationship between integrating educational technology in mathematics education and the mathematics achievement of German students
(Modestum, 2020) Saal, Petronella Elize; Graham, Marien Alet; Van Ryneveld, Linda
The Education system in Germany recently invested five billion euro in digital infrastructure for about 40 000 schools. Therefore, this mixed-method study explored the relationship between integrating educational technology in mathematics education and the mathematics achievement of Grade 4 German students. Descriptive statistics and two-level Hierarchical Linear Models (HLM) were used to analyse the Trends in Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2015 questionnaire data of students, their parents, mathematics teachers and principals. Semi-structured interviews and classroom observations were also used to collect data at two schools, which were conveniently and purposefully selected. Findings from HLM revealed that students who owned a mobile phone, a computer/tablet as well as those who used computers/tablets ‘every or almost every day’ at home, at school and other places for schoolwork, achieved lower mathematics scores than their counterparts. While the shared use of a computer/tablet and an internet connection positively and significantly predict student performances.
Integrating educational technology in mathematics education in economically disadvantaged areas in South Africa
(Routledge, 2020) Saal, Petronella Elize; Graham, Marien Alet; Van Ryneveld, Linda
This qualitative case study adopted the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) created by Venkatesh, Morris, Davis, and Davis (2003) to investigate the elements that facilitate and hinder the integration of educational technology in mathematics education in economically disadvantaged areas of South Africa. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with two school leaders and three Grade 5 mathematics teachers from two smart schools, one in Gauteng and the other in the Western Cape Province, which were conveniently and purposefully selected. Additionally, one mathematics lesson was observed at each of these schools. To analyze the responses from interviews, content analyses were used. Findings showed that facilitating conditions such as adequate technological infrastructure and qualified information technology technicians influenced the actual teacher use of educational technology in mathematics instruction. However, social influence had the largest impact on these teachers’ integration of educational technology in mathematics education. Implications for practice are discussed.
The impact of practical experience on theoretical knowledge at different cognitive levels
(AOSIS OpenJournals, 2020-07-29) Leask, Rhoda; Cronje, Tanita; Holm, Dietmar Erik; Van Ryneveld, Linda; rhoda.leask@up.ac.za
Although theoretical training of veterinary students is uncomplicated even for larger groups, practical training remains a challenge. Much has been said about the value of practical training in curriculum design. Yet, the impact of practical training on theoretical knowledge needs further research. A cohort of 89 students with very limited clinical practical experience completed an assessment at the end of their theoretical training in small ruminants. The scores obtained by the students were compared with those obtained by a group of 35 veterinarians who volunteered to participate in the study. In addition to comparing the scores between students and practitioners, the cognitive level of each of the questions was considered. Overall, veterinarians achieved higher test scores than did the students. The veterinarians outperformed the students in all cognitive levels except for ‘applying’ type questions where there was no difference. Different levels of experience, namely young veterinarians (n = 11), established veterinarians (n = 13) and veterinarians approaching retirement (n = 11), were evaluated against the revised Bloom’s cognitive levels. When modelling congress attendance frequency, years’ experience, proportion of time spent with ruminants and revised Bloom’s levels, congress attendance was not a significant variable, and thus, only the other three variables remained. This investigation found that practical experience has a positive effect on theoretical knowledge. The type of practical experience and where such practical experience is included in a curriculum need further research. Working for a number of years in a specific discipline will provide the best support for theoretical knowledge.
The relationship between using information and communication technology in education and the mathematics achievement of students
(Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Faculty of Education, 2019) Saal, Petronella Elize; Van Ryneveld, Linda; Graham, Marien Alet
In his State of the Nation address on 7 February 2019, the president of the Republic of South Africa. Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, stated that the government would provide digital workbooks and textbooks to every school child in South Africa by 2025. (De Villiers, 2019). This announcement begs the question how effective the incorporation of Information and Computer Technology (ICT) is in Education. This study adapted the comprehensive model of educational effectiveness created by Creemers (1994) to explore the relationship between the use of educational technology in mathematics and mathematics achievement in South Africa. The questionnaire responses from Grade 5 students, their mathematics teachers and school principals, participating in TIMSS 2015 research project, have been utilised in this study. Findings from descriptive statistics showed that almost 90% of the students were taught by teachers who did not have computers in their mathematics classrooms. Consequently, only 10% of students were taught by teachers who utilised computers in the classroom. The minority of these teachers used computers ‘every, or almost every, day’ in order to explore mathematical concepts (8.37%), to search for ideas relating to mathematics (2.14%) or to practice mathematical skills and procedures (6.26%). Hierarchical linear modelling revealed that students that were in mathematical classes with computers generally outperformed those who didn’t have computers.
Electronic textbooks in Gauteng public schools : pros and cons
(IGI Global, 2019-10) Masango, Michack Mandla; Van Ryneveld, Linda; Graham, Marien Alet
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), a basic education department, is responsible for the management and administration of public educational institutions in the largest province in South Africa. The provision of learning and teaching support materials(LTSMs), including textbooks, is one of its core strategic obligations. GDE has introduced an information and communication technology (ICT) project through which schools are provided with LTSM in electronic format (e-LTSM). The first phase entailed the provision of smart-boards, laptops and tablets to grade 12 teachers and learners. This article addresses the research question on the envisaged advantages and disadvantages of electronic textbooks. A mixed method approach was utilised where 356 schools were selected to be given questionnaires and 35 schools would be interviewed. The theoretical framework applied was the technology acceptance model (TAM), with the focus on the perceived usefulness variable. The data analysis shows that the majority of schools regard the use of electronic textbooks as useful.
Affordances of mobile devices and note-taking apps to support cognitively demanding note-taking
(Springer, 2018-07) Van Wyk, Mari; Van Ryneveld, Linda; linda.vanryneveld@up.ac.za
Note-taking is one of the more common and ever-present learning activities that form an important part of all students’ daily lives. The potential of using technology to enhance note-taking activities has recently come under the spotlight. However, while mobile technologies may be applauded for their mobility and the value they can add to students’ learning experience, they could easily become a distracting factor, rather than the improvement they were intended to be. In this qualitative study, eight students volunteered to experiment with various mobile devices for a period of 6 weeks, and to share their experiences in a series of five group interviews. Information found in the literature about note-taking, combined with the students’ feedback on their experiences, provided insight into how students record and process information. The affordances of mobile devices for cognitively demanding note-taking that are regarded as useful in a teaching and learning environment were also discussed in the group interviews. All the students agreed that they would not commit themselves to using only one application or device. They emphasised the fact that they used more than one device, and in some cases multiple applications on those devices, depending on their educational setting. This article gives students, lecturers and software developers insight into the affordances of mobile devices and note-taking applications (apps), in order to support cognitively demanding note-taking.
Developing curricula for English for occupational purposes : a case study at a South African university of technology
(Higher Education South Africa, 2018) Rautenbach, E.; Mann, C.C.; Van Ryneveld, Linda; linda.vanryneveld@up.ac.za
The demand for English for Occupational Purposes (EOP) is growing proportionally to the universal demand for employees, who can function in the lingua franca, English, in their fields of specialisation. Therefore, the training of students at universities of technology, which aim to produce graduates who can perform successfully upon entry into the occupational world, should include the teaching and learning of EOP. This study set out to determine how best to develop EOP curricula, using wants and needs analyses, including all stakeholders at a university of technology, and adopting a case study approach. There was particular focus on: the students, since EOP is learner-centred; the authenticity of learning materials per field of specialisation; and, collaboration between language services-rendering and language services-requesting departments. The main conclusions drawn were that English proficiency plays a central role in the success of learning EOP, and direct feedback from industry on student wants and needs emerged as essential in curriculum planning.
Listening to the student voice to improve educational software
(Taylor and Francis Open, 2017-07) Van Wyk, Mari; Van Reyneveld, Linda
Academics often develop software for teaching and learning purposes with the best of intentions, only to be disappointed by the low acceptance rate of the software by their students once it is implemented. In this study, the focus is on software that was designed to enable veterinary students to record their clinical skills. A pilot of the software clearly showed that the program had not been received as well as had been anticipated, and therefore the researchers used a group interview and a questionnaire with closed-ended and open-ended questions to obtain the students’ feedback. The open-ended questions were analysed with conceptual content analysis, and themes were identified. Students made valuable suggestions about what they regarded as important considerations when a new software program is introduced. The most important lesson learnt was that students cannot always predict their needs accurately if they are asked for input prior to the development of software. For that reason student input should be obtained on a continuous and regular basis throughout the design and development phases.

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