Academic literature on the topic 'Cultural education of free time'

The purpose of this paper is to present the issue of education for a healthy lifestyle based on examples of the Polish society cultural behaviours as the ideation foundation of actions applied in the post-modern culture at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. The problem of research is set in the interpretative paradigm of humanistic, social sciences. A qualitative method was applied in the process of scientific research (the qualitative analysis of a text/qualitative analysis of documents), in which a hermeneutic understanding and source text interpretation is relevant. The analyses are based on historical printed sources (original materials) and scientific works concerning the issue indicated in the title.

In the last years, teenagers have experienced an evolution towards novelty, diversity, complexity and satisfaction of their wishes, fashions and free time activities. The change is bound to the new industry of leisure and the digital revolution, and it is reinforced by the great number of empty hours due to the progressive absence of parents and school. The latest teenagers have been introduced into a parallel world (known as «virtual reality») which is increasingly detached of reality. The author thinks that this parallel world creates big problems to the teenager: lack of formal thought, affective instability, emotional coldness, fears, anxiety and, finally, a kind of dispair. En la última década los adolescentes han experimentado una evolución en la novedad, diversidad, complejidad y sofisticación de sus gustos, moda y tiempo libre. El cambio está ligado a la nueva industria del ocio, la revolución digital y el descrédito de la enseñanza media: del estudio, prestigio de los profesores, presión del grupo de iguales. Los últimos adolescentes se han introducido en un mundo paralelo cada vez más ajeno a la realidad real. El autor se adentra en ese mundo de claves y lenguaje difíciles de ser captados por los educadores y por los padres.

The Slovak educational system went through several changes the last 20 years, and these changes affected also the structure of music education. The aim of this paper is to point out the changes in educational system, stated in different national school documents, in the context of innovations and changes in musical education. The author analyses predominantly music education in the specialized primary school system, namely in primary art schools. They are positively evaluating as favourable influence of music education on meaningful exploitation of free-time, in connection with prevention of socially unwanted phenomena, its influence on full-value exploitation of children´s free-time, observation and extension of components of regional culture in teaching and active share on cultural life of cities or villages, presentation in cultural undertakings, activity of various chamber ensembles in which pupils exploit and improve acquired abilities when practically playing in collective. Key words: educational system in Slovakia, music education, music therapy, primary art schools.

AbstractIn the paper, previous conceptions of free time and the various definitions that are connected with it are challenged. The author assumed that the subject might not have free time at his/her disposal, because that time does not concern the subject at all. The subject did not have free time in the past; the subject can neither shape it in the present nor in the future. Free time does not concern him/her at all, because free time as such does not exist at all. We have only to do with occupied and unoccupied time. The first form of time concerns the past and the present. Future time is not occupied both in that sense that it does not exist yet and that it never exists. Moreover, the author considers the existence, understanding, and possibility of the cognition of time as such. Thus, he rejects various common theories of time. He refers to the Kantian, subjective, “self-related” conception of time and he attempts to strengthen it with the Heideggerian transcendental theory of time. According to the author, it is derived from, among other things, the considerations on being done by some of the ancient philosophers: Anaximander, Pythagoras and his followers, Parmenides, Plato, and Aristotle.

AbstractThe text presents the assumptions of cross-cultural education, emphasizing that in the multicultural world it is necessary to look for solutions used in the past as regards the formation and functioning of supranational communities. The author believes that currently, in light of increasing nationalisms, cross-cultural competence that enables the formation of supranational communities is indispensable.He points out that we should refer to the tradition of the Commonwealth of many nations in this respect. He considers the functioning of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, experiences of the multicultural policy of that time, where other nations were treated with appreciation and respect, as something that should be accomplished by contemporary cross-cultural education. He highlights the need to draw on that multicultural experiment, to reflect on it and analyze it in order to realize the essence of tradition of civil liberties and relationships between free people and communities based on freedom.

The review describes the successive stages of work on the production of virus-free apple planting stocks using biotechnology methods. Compositions of nutrient media, duration and temperature regime of plant material treatment, and other details for all stages of cryopreservation (cryotherapy), chemotherapy, detection of viruses are presented, methods of in vitro initiation, micropropagation, in vitro rooting and adaptation of plant material to the soil substrate are discussed. Virus-free collection of Malus domestica Borkh. and M. sieversii Ledeb. M. Roem. is preserved by in vitro culture and cold storage (+4 °C). Cryopreservation of shoot tips of apple historic cultivars and wild forms in liquid nitrogen at -196° will preserve this valuable material for a long time and, if necessary, can be used in breeding. Virus-free apple rootstocks and cultivars will be available to provide planting material of a super-elite class for local nurseries and in general will promote the development of the domestic nursery.

Controversial Reflections on the Theme "Leisure": from Free Time to LifestyleToday there is more of a dialectical approach to the meanings of leisure. In earlier times there was more of a consensus or similar understanding of one's free time. The purpose of this paper is to explain today's various meanings of leisure. We discuss the meaning of time and space and its relation to leisure. In addition we have focused on a discussion of free time, work and not work, as well as one's lifestyle. In particular we will introduce the ideas of Dumazedier. In summary we concur with other authors, especially Dumazedier, that leisure is more than free time: it is best understand as a way of life, as a lifestyle.

This article is dedicated to the free independent tourism as an effective tool of personal inculturation that considers being facultative learning of domestic culture and other cultures’ values. An accumulation and translation of personal ideas about the society, historical events, and cultural heritage takes place during an inculturation. In the same time, the culture in all variety of forms of its expression is one of basic elements of traveler’s interest and the dominating idea of tourists’ activity. Free independent tourism as a kind of social and cultural activity reflecting the individual human interests, including the interests of learning the domestic and world cultural values, and ensures the process of personal inculturation. The main social and cultural functions of independent tourism, that permit to realize the key aspects of inculturation, are defined in this article. The specific features of realization of these functions in different kinds of independent tourism are also showed. During empiric research, which results are presented in this article, the demographic characteristics of independent tourism are revealed. The structure of tourists’ motivation in organized independent trips is defined; the complex of social and cultural demands of independent tourists and the grade of their participation during inculturation are investigated. The empiric data permit to conclude that the inculturation which is ensured with different kind of human participation in the different forms and kinds of social and cultural activity is rather well realized through independent tourism. Free independent tourism which is being actually dynamically developed, ensures the following aspects of inculturation, such as the continuous education in its facultative forms; learning of variety of cultural heritage interpretations; the realization of all spectrum of leisure’s demands (including cognitive, creative, communicative and others) by the independent tourists, the stimulation of travelers activity during learning, translation and saving of cultural values.

Smart Education is the most advanced stage of the evolution in education associated with new information and communication technologies. The world is forming a new technical and technological reality. Digital media technologies (smartphones, wi-fi connections) penetrate into open spaces of cities and towns (parks, gardens, etc.). Modernity dictates the need for a person to acquire such knowledge and skills that should allow him not only working effectively, but also spending his free time productively. This situation is not entirely new, but it makes researchers find solutions for further implementation of smart technologies in the education system in order to search for the most appropriate answers to this challenge. Russia needs to accelerate the transition to education of the future, which involves the modernization of all educational processes. The presented research touches upon the issue of the development of Smart Education in Russia. The paper reveals the current state and identifies the key barriers in the development of smart education in the world. The empirical basis of the work is a sociological survey conducted in March-June 2018. The survey used the technique of semi-formalized interviews with representatives of five groups of stakeholders: government officials, heads of organizations, teachers, students and researchers. The educational system of Tomsk (Russia) affects the interests of all above mentioned stakeholders. The survey was aimed at the determination of the role of Smart technologies in education, their importance, barriers and prospects of implementation. The article presents the results of a sociological study that revealed the position of stakeholders in relation to various aspects of the socio-cultural environment that has an impact on the formation of smart education in Russia. The evaluation of the results of the implementation of smart city and smart education projects in Europe, America and Asia shows the presence of private success, which has not led to the formation of unambiguously positive examples of their implementation. Synergy, which unites the efforts of many participants of these projects, has not yet led to the realization of the ultimate goal – significant indicators in improving the quality of life of citizens. The comparative analysis of barriers to further development of smart education identified in the studies of foreign authors with the assessment of Russian stakeholders shows the existence of significant differences between them. The introduction of smart technologies in the life of Russian society is catching up. This leads to a rather superficial nature of acquaintance of Russian society of smart education and a lack of reflection on the barriers to its implementation.

The main condition as well as the constituent element of a person interest of a modern human is the health because a part absence of health is a hindrance for realization of dreams of a person. A question of a person’s health namely young person has the important meaning. The medical and biological or hygiene factors are important as well as we change our relation to our health. It is proved that a person’s health is the whole systematic phenomenon; nature of this phenomenon is conditioned both natural external factors and internal factors which determine psycological relation of person to himself or to herself as well as to environment where this person realizes own life. The advantage of forming adequate relation to a student’s health is determined that fact that it is the one of the most important factors ar creating healthy generation. The National Directive of education development of Ukraine determines “…learning person of responsible relation to own health and health of other persons as the highest social and individual value”. It is possible to change a relation of student to own health when understanding this student the values as well as priorities of saving physical and psychological health with the help of education. The use of free time is especially problematic for many students. Free time attracts students by irregularities, independent choice of different occupations, the opportunity to combine different activities: entertainment, creative. However, the powerful pedagogical potential of free time for a significant number of students remains unconscious, unrealized. Free time is perceived as a time of entertainment. Young people perceive, and therefore choose, different activities for recreation, depending on the type of needs of recreational facilities, which determine the form of leisure. All these classes indicate the achieved level of culture of individual leisure. Culture of leisure is, first of all, the inner culture of a person, which presupposes the presence of certain personal qualities that allow to spend free time meaningfully and usefully. Mental abilities, character, organization, need, interest, skills, tastes, life purpose, desire - all this is a personal, individual-subjective aspect of leisure culture. There is a direct relationship between a person's spiritual wealth and the content of his leisure time. At the same time, the culture of spending free time is the result of the efforts of the individual himself, his desire to turn leisure into a means, to acquire not only new impressions, but also knowledge, skills, abilities. The knowledge and skills that students acquire in their free time are implemented in the educational, scientific and social activities of the institution where they study. A higher pedagogical educational institution is a special educational institution because it trains teachers who will nurture the nation, the population of the country. Remember that a student has the right to his her personal free time. Therefore, the requirement to train a teacher who is aware of his responsibility to the child's personality and is ready to help him in self-determination, self-development and self-realization increases. Thus, the formation of the personality of the student, the future specialist, is a continuous process. It contains both the learning process and leisure time. It should be borne in mind that in the first place, together with a set of professional knowledge - a set of professional abilities of the individual, as well as the level of development of the general culture of the future specialist. Therefore, in higher pedagogical educational institutions to obtain positive results of the educational process it is necessary to create certain conditions for the organization of leisure activities of students. That’s why the social bringing up is the important element on various levels of social life. The social bringing up can effectively form for young generation mental values and ideals as well as individual vision of a world together with behavioral stereotypes and certain actions.

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Esta tese “investiga o lazer dos jovens da Liberdade, em termos do uso do tempo, espaço/equipamentos, manifestações e conteúdos artístico-culturais no âmbito da educação formal, não formal e informal”; visando traduzir os sentidos e significados atribuídos pelos sujeitos ao lazer / “tempo livre”. Esse objetivo norteia-se na “pergunta – síntese”: como se configura o usufruto do lazer / “tempo livre” dos jovens da Liberdade, em termos de tempo, espaço/equipamentos, manifestações e conteúdos artístico-culturais” e que sentidos os jovens atribuem a essas manifestações? Sob o ponto de vista teórico-metodológico a pesquisa está fundamentada nos estudos do cotidiano de Lefebvre, em cujos pressupostos se situam também os estudos do espaço urbano e do lazer. A pesquisa de campo tomou como base alguns pressupostos da etnografia urbana, utilizando-se os seguintes instrumentos de coleta de dados: observação participante, entrevistas, questionários, analise documental e registro fotográfico. As conclusões da pesquisa trazem os seguintes destaques e “achados”: o lazer dos jovens se manifesta na perspectiva da educação formal (Colégio Estadual Duque de Caxias), espaço que constitui a referência para projetos, programas e eventos ligados a manifestações e conteúdos artístico-culturais da própria escola e dos grupos e movimentos sociais que se situam no bairro e no entorno. Os jovens, apesar da “pobreza do cotidiano” (carência de políticas efetivas de lazer, trabalho, educação, saúde, e outras), conseguem recriar e resignificar os limites das políticas educacionais e de lazer, também chamadas de “inclusão precária, marginal e perversa”. Os seus depoimentos ambíguos apresentam, ao mesmo tempo, conformismo em relação à escola, ao lazer / “tempo livre”, aos programas sociais, ao cotidiano, aos espaços e equipamentos para o lazer; mas também sinais de transgressão, rebeldia e resistência sociopolítica e cultural, visando à superação das desigualdades (socioculturais e econômicas). Por fim, a tese conclui sobre a necessidade da realização de novas pesquisas que possam, de forma articulada ao conceito de lazer (“lazerania”), aprofundar as diversas categorias empíricas não abordadas, tais como: gênero, raça/etnia; além das categorias empíricas ligadas à relação lazer e juventude: violência, drogas, religiosidade e outras.
Salvador

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O desenvolvimento infantil é impulsionado por meio de situações sociais nas quais a atividade da criança é privilegiada, mobilizando nela as ações de pensar, sentir e agir de modo cada vez mais elaborado. Por isso, o trabalho docente em escolas de Educação Infantil envolve a criação de condições objetivas para que ela brinque, se relacione, expresse suas ideias e exteriorize suas aprendizagens, tornando-se, assim, cada vez mais humana. Tais condições exigem a organização dos espaços, da utilização do tempo, dos materiais usados e dos relacionamentos em que a participação ativa da criança atua como elemento principal. Dessa forma, o problema norteador deste trabalho foi: como propor o tempo livre das crianças na Educação Infantil, tendo em vista seu pleno desenvolvimento? Buscando o objetivo geral da presente pesquisa de caracterizar os elementos que compõem o tempo livre na escola de Educação Infantil, foram abordadas questões relativas à gestão do tempo livre pelas crianças e a influência desse tempo para sua humanização sob a ótica da Teoria Histórico-Cultural. Além disso, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo específico discutir as contribuições do tempo livre para o desenvolvimento de capacidades humanas, em especial, a apropriação do autocontrole da conduta pela criança. A hipótese que norteou o estudo foi a de que o tempo livre na Educação Infantil possibilita à criança vivências que promovam o seu desenvolvimento humano. Com abordagem qualitativa, a pesquisa de tipo exploratória envolveu revisão bibliográfica em diversas fontes digitais para conhecimento da produção na área, entrevistas semiestruturadas com professoras e coordenadoras, e a observação de vivências do tempo livre propostas às crianças de quatro e cinco anos, em duas escolas municipais. Da análise de fundamentos teóricos derivaram implicações pedagógicas, tais como a possibilidade do tempo livre promover o exercício de diferentes capacidades humanas nas crianças e o acesso à cultura mais elaborada a fim de motivar, nos docentes, reflexões sobre o valor do tempo livre intencionalmente organizado para a formação e o desenvolvimento integral das crianças. As análises apontaram a necessidade de o professor reconhecer, no processo de desenvolvimento infantil, a importância do tempo livre para o protagonismo das crianças, promovendo propostas capazes de desenvolver e exercitar habilidades humanas fundamentais, tais como: a capacidade de escolher, de tomar decisões, de planejar, de buscar soluções e de trabalhar de forma colaborativa, gradativamente exercitando e apropriando-se do autocontrole em sua conduta.
Child development is achieved by means of social situations in which the child's activity is privileged, mobilizing her actions to think, feel and act in an increasingly elaborate way. For this reason, the *teacher`s work in a early childhood Education involves creating of objective conditions for children to play, to relate, to express ideas, to externalize learning, thus becoming more and more human. Such conditions require the organization of spaces, the use of time, materials used and relationships in which active participation of the child acts as the main element. Thus, the guiding problem of this work was: how to propose children's free time in Early Childhood Education, with a view to their full development? Seeking the general objective of the present research to characterize the elements that make up the free time in the School of Infant Education, questions were approached regarding the management of free time by the children and the influence of this time for their humanization from the perspective of Historical-Cultural Theory. In addition, this research had the specific objective of discussing the contributions of free time to the development of human capacities, in particular, the appropriation of the child's self-control of behavior. The hypothesis that guided the study was that the free time in Early Childhood Education enables children to experience their human development. With a qualitative approach, the exploratory research involved a bibliographical review in several digital sources for knowledge of the production in the area, semi-structured interviews with teachers and coordinators, and the observation of free time experiences offered to children of 4 and 5 years of age in two municipal schools. From the analysis of theoretical foundations derived pedagogical implications, such as the possibility of free time promoting the exercise of different human capacities in children and access to the more elaborate culture in order to motivate, in the teachers, reflections on the value of free time intentionally organized for training and development of children. The analyzes pointed out the need for the teacher to recognize in the process of child development the importance of free time for children to play a role, promoting proposals capable of developing and exercising fundamental human skills such as: the ability to choose, to plan, to seek solutions and to work collaboratively, gradually exercising and appropriating self-control in their conduct.

Orientador: Dirce Djanira Pacheco e Zan
Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Educação
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Resumo: Esta dissertação resultou da pesquisa sobre um grupo de jovens que vive em comunidade rural na cidade de Campinas (SP). O estudo teve como objetivo central identificar as especificidades das práticas de sociabilidade nessa comunidade. A história oral foi a metodologia utilizada, a fim de oportunizar que os jovens desta pesquisa narrassem suas memórias. Alguns resultados referem-se à compreensão de juventude para além da faixa etária, à preservação de ritos de passagens demarcados pela tradição cultural (maternidade/paternidade, matrimônio), bem como a permanência de brincadeiras consideradas infantis e próprias do meio rural. Ao mesmo tempo, é possível identificar o acentuado prestígio atribuído ao espaço urbano e as marcas da cultura contemporânea no cotidiano deste grupo. Essas questões evidenciam a necessidade de conceber a juventude em sua diversidade cultural e na sua multiplicidade de sentido
Abstract: This essay was a result from the research about a group of youngsters who live in a rural area in Campinas (SP). The central goal of this study was identify the specificities of the sociability practices in this society. The oral interview was the methodology used in order to give the opportunity for the interviewed to describe their memories. Some results refer to understanding the youngsters beyond their age group, to the transitional rites preservation, demarcates by the cultural tradition (motherhood/fatherhood, marriage), as well as the behavior with some attitudes, like games regarded childish and characteristics from the rural environment. At the same time, it is possible to identify the prestige accredit to the urban areas and the modern culture stamps in the group¿s quotidian. These questions are evidence of the need to understand the youngsters considering their cultural diversity and multiplicity of senses
Mestrado
Ensino e Práticas Culturais
Mestre em Educação

Pesquisa sociocultural qualiquantitativa descritiva sobre o lazer, educação informal e traços culturais de brasileiros que permaneceram temporariamente no Japão, em busca de melhores condições de vida. Inicia-se elaborando uma discussão conceitual e teórica do lazer e de suas funções, tempo livre, tempo liberado e desemprego, educação não formal e informal, e faz um recorte de traços culturais. Apresenta aspectos do desemprego no Brasil e na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, nas décadas de 1980 e 1990, com breve relato circunstancial do movimento migratório de brasileiros para o Japão. Caracteriza o público alvo da amostra, com base na aplicação do questionário, e aborda a história de vida de brasileiros, mediante entrevistas gravadas, em fitas cassetes, com questões abertas padronizadas e estudo bibliográfico. Analisa as informações colhidas, apontando contribuições e impactos socioculturais de brasileiros na vida de japoneses. Esses resultados compõem o fio condutor nutrido com fatos semelhantes vivenciados pelos imigrantes japoneses no Brasil, anteriormente explanados na dissertação de mestrado, elaborando um diálogo sincrônico. Conclui-se que há evidências do imbricamento do lazer e educação informal na formação dos traços culturais dos migrantes brasileiros no Japão, assim como ocorreu com imigrantes japoneses no Brasil.
This research encompasses qualitative and quantitative social-cultural aspects as to leisure, informal education and cultural features of Brazilians who lived temporarily in Japan in search for better living conditions. Firstly, a conceptual and theoretical discussion deals with issues such as leisure and its roles, free time, liberated time and unemployment, non-formal and informal education, and it outlines those Brazilians cultural features. Additionally, it addresses unemployment in Brazil and in the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo in the 80s and 90s, with a short circumstantial report on Brazilians migration to Japan. The target public which comprises the sample is assessed with basis on questionnaires, and their history is approached through interviews consisting of standardized open questions recorded in cassettes, and through a bibliographical study. An analysis of the information gathered is provided, showing the Brazilian contribution to the Japanese life and what its social and cultural impacts on the local people were. Such findings make up this study guideline, furnished with similar situations faced by Japanese immigrants in Brazil formerly reported in a master s thesis*, resulting in a synchronic dialog. It is apparent that both leisure and informal education have wielded considerable influence upon the cultural features of Brazilian migrants in Japan, likewise it happened to Japanese immigrants in Brazil.

Adolescents today have more unsupervised and unstructured free time than ever before. Poor decisions by youth during periods of free time may lead to substance abuse, teen pregnancy and juvenile delinquency. The highest frequency of juvenile crime, a major social problem, occurs during the 2-4 hours following the end of the school day. Research has demonstrated the benefits of engaging adolecents in prosocial leisure activity. However, no research has studied the issues of free time and leisure education with a delinquent population. This paper documents the impact of a leisure education curriculum on a population of delinquent youth in a randomized experiment. The delinquent youths who received the leisure education reported higher intrinsic motivation and better use of free time. The delinquent youths also reported improved decision making related to their involvement in healthy, prosocial free time activities. Finally, the improvement in the delinquent youths' motivation influenced a significant decrease in the delinquent youths' proneness to boredom during their free time.
Ph.D.
Department of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies
Health and Public Affairs
Public Affairs: Ph.D.

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A feira livre de Bodocà compÃe espaÃo de comÃrcio, sociabilidade e manifestaÃÃes culturais, que tambÃm sÃo afrodescendentes, no sertÃo de Pernambuco. Esta constitui o locus da presente pesquisa que observa as prÃticas educativas relacionadas as africanidades bodocoenses no cotidiano das atividades semanais desse comÃrcio ao ar livre. AtravÃs de documentos e tÃcnicas diversas buscou-se responder ao problema: Como a feira de Bodocà pode ser compreendida enquanto espaÃo educativo para a aprendizagem da HistÃria e do PatrimÃnio Cultural material e imaterial Afrodescendente? Dessa forma em nossa metodologia nos pautamos na abordagem qualitativa e recorremos à pesquisa bibliogrÃfica e de campo onde foram realizadas observaÃÃes in loco, registros em caderno de campo, gravaÃÃes de Ãudio, registros fotogrÃficos, entrevistas semi-estruturadas e a memÃria como fonte. Nossas anÃlises tiveram o aporte teÃrico de autores diversos acerca da educaÃÃo enquanto um conceito amplo que transcende as salas de aula e ocorre no dia a dia, nas relaÃÃes sociais, de trabalho, na vivÃncia com o grupo social e na cidade que educa (BRANDÃO, 2007; FREIRE, 2001; GADOTTI, 2007; GÃMEZ-GRANEL e VILA, 2003). Aqui destacamos a prÃtica educativa na perspectiva da africanidade que ocorre em conexÃo com o cotidiano, sem estar separada em um espaÃo e/ou horÃrio, pautada na cosmovisÃo africana e ocorrendo atravÃs de metodologias diversas como a tradiÃÃo oral, as cantigas, provÃrbios, prÃticas religiosas, etc., (CUNHA JR, 2013; LUZ, 2013; CALVET, 2011;DOMINGOS, 2011). Assim, o presente trabalho traz como objetivo geral: evidenciar a feira bodocoense enquanto espaÃo educativo que possibilita a aprendizagem da HistÃria e do PatrimÃnio Cultural material e imaterial Afrodescendente. Como objetivos especÃficos buscou-se: 1) Contextualizar historicamente a presenÃa africana e afrodescendente no sertÃo pernambucano e a feira enquanto espaÃo de exposiÃÃo da histÃria e do patrimÃnio cultural afrodescendente em BodocÃ; 2) Observar as potencialidades da feira bodocoense que nos levem a enxergÃ-la enquanto espaÃo educativo; 3) Verificar as possibilidades da feira bodocoense constituir espaÃo educativo em relaÃÃo a HistÃria e ao patrimÃnio cultural material e imaterial afrodescendente. Ao mergulharmos no exercÃcio da pesquisa pudemos notar a riqueza cultural e de transmissÃo de conhecimentos diversos que a feira possui. Constatamos que à um espaÃo mÃltiplo e multiplicador constituÃdo de vÃrios universos, interesses e representaÃÃes. E, em meio a essa riqueza e imensidÃo, nota-se vÃrias prÃticas educativas com intuitos diversos onde a heranÃa ancestral africana e afrodescendente à transmitida atravÃs de vÃrias prÃticas algumas intencionais a maioria nÃo intencional. A aprendizagem desse legado assim tambÃm acontece de maneira sutil, consciente e inconsciente sendo preservado e reelaborado no cotidiano da feira.

Syftet med studien är att få djupare insikt i sångpedagogers syn på Time och Sväng samt hur de didaktiskt arbetar med dessa aspekter. Det saknas mer omfattande forskning inom området. Med detta i behåll har jag för avsikt att få djupare insikt i frågeställningar som rör olika förhållningssätt till hur sångare kan öva upp Time och Sväng samt vad Time och Sväng innebär, generellt och i ett undervisningsperspektiv. Studien har som sin teoretiska utgångspunkt ett sociokulturellt perspektiv med fokus på hur människor använder olika redskap för att kommunicera med sin omgivning. För att få svar på mina frågor har använt mig av en halvstrukturerad intervjuform när jag samtalat med informanterna. Alla informanter i denna studie arbetar idag som sångpedagoger; två av dessa är mer inriktade på jazz medan de andra två är mer inriktade på populärmusik. Resultaten visar att alla informanter anser att Time och Sväng är otroligt viktigt i musik. Tillvägagångssättet för hur de hanterar Time och Sväng skiljer sig däremot något, vilket visar sig i deras användning av en variation av olika redskap för att träna, undervisa i samt lära sig Time och Sväng.
The purpose of this study is to attain a deeper insight in how vocal coaches view Time and Groove and in what way they use these aspects didactically. Extensive research in this area is lacking, only a few papers and research studies exist. With this in mind, my intention is to acquire a deeper insight in questions concerning various methods in how vocalists can develop their abilities in Time and Groove, and what Time and Groove, both generally and from an educational point of view, is. The theoretical starting point of this study is a socio-cultural perspective focused on how people use various tools to communicate. I have worked with the semi-structured interview method when speaking to the informants. The informants work as vocal teachers; two are primarily teaching jazz music, whereas the other two are more oriented towards pop music. The results demonstrate that all of the informants believe that Time and Groove in music is very important. Their approach on how to work with Time and Groove differ slightly, which can be seen in their use of a variety of tools for practicing, teaching and learning Time and Groove.

In South Africa, the staff of higher education institutions experiences several stressors in their work and home domains. Therefore, it is important to understand how these two life domains are in interaction with each other. The general objective of this study was to investigate how higher education staff experienced work-personal life interaction (WPLI). A sample of 24 higher education staff that was willing to participate in the study was taken from different faculties and departments from a higher education institution in the Free State Province. For the purpose of this research, a qualitative design from a phenomenological approach was used. The specific objectives of this study were to determine the experiences, main dimensions, antecedents, consequences, and strategies in the lives of higher education staff. The results obtained indicated that Afrikaans and African women and men experienced time and strain-based conflict. Their work environment was characterised by a heavy workload, long working hours, resulting in work being taken home, and their home environment was characterised by a demanding family (spouses and children) and household duties. Men and women also thought about things in the family domain (e.g., when their children were sick) while they were at work. This caused a constant spill over, leaving employees tired and stressed. Strategies (e.g., prioritising, planning and time management) and support (e.g., spouses, division of family and household duties, friends and colleagues, as well as the flexible working hours) helped them to cope with this interaction. Recommendations were made for future research and the organisation.
Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Syftet med studien är att få en fördjupad kunskap om innebörden av Time som begrepp samt att ge en bild av hur erfarna lärare hanterar ämnet i sin undervisning. Denna studie har sin teoretiska utgångspunkt i det sociokulturella perspektivet och hur medierande redskap används i undervisningen. Den kvalitativa forskningsintervjun användes som metod för att få svar på mina frågor. De fem informanterna arbetar i antingen Värmlands eller Örebro Län. De är alla verksamma pedagoger på nivåerna från gymnasium upp till musikhögskola och de undervisar i olika musikämnen. Resultatet visar att ämnet handlar om hur man, som musiker, placerar sina toner i förhållande till en given puls samt att alla informanter understryker att Time är viktigt och bör undervisas i. Flera redskap används för att lära ut ämnet Time, och i de fall val av redskap sammanfaller mellan informanterna, är det ändå uppenbart att de används på olika sätt.
The purpose of this study is to acquire a deeper knowledge of the concept, Musical Time, and to show how experienced teachers apply this in their teaching. This study has its theoretical base in how the sociocultural perspective tools are used in teaching. The method used to attain the results is the qualitative research interview. All of the five informants work in either Värmlands Län or Örebro Län. They are active teachers who teach in different levels from high school up to music academy. The results show that Time is about how musicians place their rhythms in relation to the pulse and that all of my informants view the topic as being important and should be taught in all forms of musical education. The tools applied are many and it is not uncommon, in cases where only one tool is used, that the teachers use it in several different ways.

In the conviction that cultural itineraries must assume a growing importance in a tourism based on the criteria of sustainability, three examples of the valorisation of local culture have been elaborated. This is effectively an important component of sustainable development, one of the fundamental aspects of which is the historic memory of the territory. The growth of the tourist and free time market provides an efficacious stimulus for the development of proposals aimed at prospecting new itineraries and alleviating the more consolidated tourist flows, inserting a vast heritage of landscape and cultural resources within significant territorial fabrics. This is also true from the point of view of growing synergies between economy and culture. The three proposed itineraries unwind through areas of great interest in terms of historical traditions and of specific territorial resources which deserve cultural valorisation, particularly in view of the fact that Tuscany offers an enormous wealth distributed in a capillary manner, but much of which is little known.

AbstractIn kindergarten, outdoor playtime is usually a break from more structured activities. It is leisure time and an opportunity for children to engage in free play with friends. Previous research indicates that time spent outdoors facilitates playful physical activity and that playing in nature inspires children’s creativity, imaginations and play across age and gender. In short, play and social relations are crucial for young children’s development and cultural formation. This study investigated children’s play activities during outdoor playtime in nature and on kindergarten playgrounds. Its empirical materials consisted of video observations of 12 four-year-old’s activities in nature and on a kindergarten playground and interviews with two kindergarten teachers. One child, Benjamin was the primary focus, and five more were also included. Two examples of one child’s social play in nature and on the playground were analysed to illuminate the different conditions and challenges he encountered. The findings indicate that children’s play in nature tends to be more creative and inclusive than that on kindergarten playgrounds, that kindergarten teachers participate more in children’s play in nature than on playgrounds and that children are sensitive to and try to engage in what they view as a correct form of discourse with their teachers. The author argues for further research on the subject to learn more about children’s social relations, creativity and cultural formation during outdoor playtime in nature.

AbstractAlthough no one was fully prepared for a pandemic in 2020, Arizona State University was ready and able to respond. As the COVID-19 virus began to spread across the world, ASU began moving university students to remote learning environments. As K-12 schools began to close across the nation, ASU disseminated elementary- and secondary-level educational resources and created hybrid learning opportunities for students of all ages.Three distinct categories of action defined the university’s response to COVID-19: Direct provision of education to P-12 learners Provision of human and intellectual capital (people and ideas) to P-12 schools Curation and provision of free educational resources to learners, families, and schools Many of the existing long-term commitments being pursued by various ASU units had helped the university develop capabilities that could immediately be applied to help elementary and secondary learners and the education professionals serving them during the pandemic. Some of the immediate responses accelerated the university’s efforts to pursue long-term actions that could help both schools and P-12 students and families integrate remote learning and instruction into effective education models.ASU responded rapidly to the educational challenges COVID-19 presented because the university had a high degree of institutional readiness in at least three key areas of operational excellence and organizational culture: A core set of preexisting commitments and functional capabilities in the area of technology-enhanced instruction Strong existing partnerships with P-12 schools An institutional vision to universal learning that demands a university be ready and able to deliver instruction to all learners across many modalities This chapter only represents a moment in time, the beginning of the pandemic, and the actions taken to support and ameliorate consequences. Since this time, much has happened.

AbstractAlthough no one was fully prepared for a pandemic in 2020, Arizona State University was ready and able to respond. As the COVID-19 virus began to spread across the world, ASU began moving university students to remote learning environments. As K-12 schools began to close across the nation, ASU disseminated elementary- and secondary-level educational resources and created hybrid learning opportunities for students of all ages.Three distinct categories of action defined the university’s response to COVID-19: Direct provision of education to P-12 learners Provision of human and intellectual capital (people and ideas) to P-12 schools Curation and provision of free educational resources to learners, families, and schools Many of the existing long-term commitments being pursued by various ASU units had helped the university develop capabilities that could immediately be applied to help elementary and secondary learners and the education professionals serving them during the pandemic. Some of the immediate responses accelerated the university’s efforts to pursue long-term actions that could help both schools and P-12 students and families integrate remote learning and instruction into effective education models.ASU responded rapidly to the educational challenges COVID-19 presented because the university had a high degree of institutional readiness in at least three key areas of operational excellence and organizational culture: A core set of preexisting commitments and functional capabilities in the area of technology-enhanced instruction Strong existing partnerships with P-12 schools An institutional vision to universal learning that demands a university be ready and able to deliver instruction to all learners across many modalities This chapter only represents a moment in time, the beginning of the pandemic, and the actions taken to support and ameliorate consequences. Since this time, much has happened.

AbstractIn education, the ‘Nordic model’ refers to the similarities and shared aims of the education systems developed in the five Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and Norway—after World War II. Traditionally, there have always been many similarities and links between the Nordic countries through their historical connections and geographical proximity. The common experience of solidarity and political oppression during World War II also created the basis for a common political orientation in the postwar period, which was also reflected in the education systems during the development of the countries’ economies and their establishment of welfare states. At the same time, this very process has been strongly supported by social-democratic governance in these countries in the 1960s and 1970s (Blossing, Imsen, & Moos, 2014). The model is based on a concept ofEducation for All, where equity, equal opportunities and inclusion are consistently cited as the goal of schooling and orientation (Blossing et al., 2014; Telhaug, Mediås, & Aasen, 2006). This corresponds to the egalitarian idea of a classless society, which is characterised by individual democratic participation, solidarity and mutual respect and appreciation for all. This idea was manifested in, for example, major reallocations of economic resources through the tax systems and free schooling for all, which arose out of the principle that parents’ lack of economic resources should not prevent children from obtaining a good quality education. The equalisation of structural inequalities and creation of equity was—and still is—the task of the education system in the Nordic countries. Worldwide, especially within the Nordic countries, the view is being shared that the education system should be fair and provide access and opportunities for further education, regardless of where someone lives, the status of the parental home, where someone comes from, what ethnic background someone has, what age or gender someone is, what skills one has or whether someone has physical disabilities (Blossing et al., 2014; Quaiser-Pohl, 2013). Some special features of the Nordic system are therefore deeply embedded in the school culture in the countries, for example, through the fact that access to free and public local schools and adapted education is statutory, which is in contrast to many other countries, even other European ones (further developed and discussed in Chap.10.1007/978-3-030-61648-9_2). The Nordic model is widely considered a good example of educational systems that provide equal learning opportunities for all students. Achieving equity, here meaning the creation of fairness, is expressed concretely in political measures to distribute resources equally and strengthen the equality of marginalised groups by removing the barriers to seize educational opportunities, for example, when mixed-ability comprehensive schools are created or the educational system is made inclusive regarding students with special needs (UNESCO, 1994; Wiborg, 2009). Equality is roughly connoted with ‘sameness in treatment’ (Espinoza, 2007), while equity takes further in consideration also the question of how well the requirements of individual needs are met. Thus, the goal of equity is always linked to the concept of justice, provided that an equality of opportunities is created. If, however, one looks at individual educational policy decisions on the creation of educational justice in isolation, one must weigh which concept of equity or equality is present in each case. For example, it is not enough to formally grant equal rights in the education system to disadvantaged groups, but something must also be done actively to ensure that marginalised groups can use and realise this equality. The complexity of the terms becomes even greater when one considers that to achieve equality, measures can be taken that presuppose an unequal distribution of resources or unequal treatment and, therefore, are not fair e.g., when resources are bundled especially for disadvantaged groups and these are given preferential treatment (will be further developed and discussed in Chap.10.1007/978-3-030-61648-9_2). Thus, equality and equity rely on each other and are in a field of tension comprising multiple ideas (Espinoza, 2007).

The natural and cultural wealth of a particular place or locality plays an important role in rural tourism. The choice of the final destination is determined by several criteria, which merge with each other, such as landscape culture, natural potential, culture, history, opportunities for spending free time in an active way, genius loci of the locality, etc. In recent times, visiting the educational public footpaths is one of the popular free time activities. The object of the study, based on ethnological point of view, is to present existing initial information on the topic of educational public footpaths, analyze them as a specific form of tourism presenting natural and cultural wealth. The object of the study is educational public footpaths in the village of Oravská Lesná. With regards to methodology, the basic ethnographic methods, the study of literature, materials and documents were used. The educational public footpaths demonstrate not only natural and cultural values, but undoubtedly also reflect the identity of local society and they are strongly representative of the local area. The visitors to the educational public footpaths have the opportunity to perceive a relationship between the natural, landscape, cultural and historical phenomena in a more complex way directly in authentic environment. The study highlights the natural and cultural potential of the village and forest environment, serving as an initial determinant for domestic tourism in the village. The specific example of two educational public footpaths highlighted the sense of harmony between the local community and nature, with the specific type of cultural landscape reflecting history and spiritual values of local society.

[This Proceedings paper was revised and published in the 2019 issue of the journal Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology, Volume 16] Aim/Purpose: This paper explores the benefits and challenges of experiencing virtual multi-cultural teamwork in order to learn entrepreneurship. Background: Entrepreneurial eco-system usually requires working in international, virtual multi-cultural diverse teams. Higher education institutes are trying to educate future generation of entrepreneurs, coping with challenges derived from the virtual work and cultural diversity. Prior research shows that traditional learning is not effective for entrepreneurial education. Methodology: An explorative study was conducted based on the BIPA project, a Bavarian (German)-Israeli Partnership Accelerator, which was held four times between 2015 and 2017. The project aims to experience entrepreneurial virtual multicultural teamwork via co-creation of tailored-solutions for challenges of German or Israeli corporates. Retrospective interviews with participants were held after finishing their mission, and analyzed. Contribution: This research contributes to the body of knowledge about multicultural diverse participants in virtual entrepreneurial environments, in order to work together. This situation raises new challenges, due to the combination of multicultural teamwork and the use of virtual communication. Findings: The multicultural teamwork was a trigger to participate, specifically in the con-text of entrepreneurship studies with those two cultures, German and Israeli, which were found by participants as complementary, stimulating and fruitful, although challenging. Through experience, participants improved their entrepreneurial skills and mindset. The major teamwork challenges that were found included conflicts concerning free-riding, as well as communication challenges, due to virtual, language and cultural communication competencies. Recommendations for Practitioners: At a practical level, results can be useful for global companies, showing the benefits of virtual teamwork of employees in different locations, both in terms of reducing expenses and improving innovation. Moreover, managers can motivate employees by highlighting personal benefits, such as cultural awareness and improving their entrepreneurial skills and mindset. In addition, faculty may use this kind of experience to enhance entrepreneurial learning skills and mindset. Recommendations for Researchers : At the theoretical level, this research advances the body of knowledge of entrepreneurial multicultural teamwork in a virtual environment. In this research, the teams worked for a short time together (14 weeks) and had a week of face-to-face interaction with their team members. It is recommended to examine long-term teamwork, and how it affects teamwork challenges, as well as entrepreneurial learning. This research found the combination of German-Israeli cultures as stimulating entrepreneurial teamwork. It is recommended to examine other cultural combinations in teams, in order to be able to generalize findings. Impact on Society: Understanding the needs, benefits, and challenges of entrepreneurial multicultural teams working in a virtual environment can be useful to current global entrepreneurial eco-system, which is commonly using this kind of teamwork. Future Research: ‎This study included teams from two cultures: German and Israeli. Research must be expanded to different cultures and to groups compounded from more than two cultures. Moreover, the combination of virtual communication and face-to-face meetings in different milestones during the timeline of the teamwork must be further examined, especially in longer projects.

The spread of novel Corona Virus and the resulting Covid-19 Pandemic has had a profound impact in our lives and most of daily activities have been upset. Negative effects crushed education and all around the world schools, universities and tertiary institutions had to shut down moving to Distance Learning. Distance Learning was in fact the global answer to continue educational activities and preserve students’ right to education. The United Nations Organization for Culture and Education (UNESCO) reports that ten months after rising pandemic, more than 331 million students worldwide are affected by the Pandemic and in 28 countries the schools are still closed (updated 09.12.2020). During the months of the first contagion curve, only 15% of teaching activities were delivered remotely, globally, thanks to Distance Learning. More than 1.5 billion students worldwide are or have been touched by the closure of schools and universities due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Teachers and instructors world-wide had to find the best solution to fix the pedagogical challenge. For this reason, teaching strategies, methods and materials have been adapted to the online learning environment. Distance Learning refers to an electronic learning environment; generally, it is used if time and/or geographic conditions do not allow a direct contact between educators and students (King, Young, Drivere-Richmond & Schrader, 2001). UNESCO (2002) asserts that Distance Learning includes learning process carried out separately in time and space, through artificial electronic or print media; this holds also for a part of the educational process. Distance Learning requires specific evaluation procedures throughout qualitative and quantitative methodologies, focusing the performance assessment and the learning process (Benigno & Trentin, 1999). This article is a part of a wider research that wants to investigate the students’ experience about online Laboratory classes during Pandemic crisis. Based on a quantitative, non- experimental and ex-post-facto research, this article specifically investigates the strategies used during remote Labs students attended during the sanitary emergency. Data was collected through a no-tested research survey administered with an online free app. A voluntary response sample from 749 Single-cycle Primary Teacher Education students, from first year course to the fifth, attending university in one of the most important athenaeums in Southern Italy, at the end of their last second semester. Results from the closed-response questions show the use of a variety of strategies whose effectiveness should be assessed based on empirical evidence.

В статье рассматривается влияние Реформации на экономическую жизнь и социокультур-ные представления горожан Лондона, выявляются различные конфессиональные предпочтения и неоднозначное отношение купцов и ремесленных мастеров к церковной политике английских мо-нархов, особенно к секуляризации монастырских имуществ. На материале оригинальных источни-ков автор показывает активное участие богатых горожан в покупке бывших монастырских и цер-ковных земель, переориентацию купечества с рынка в Антверпене на рынки Гамбурга и Данцига, заинтересованность предприимчивых горожан в светском образовании, нашедшую отражение в основании ими бесплатных грамматических школ. Вместе с тем отмечается, что среди части го-рожан сохранялась приверженность католичеству: неприятие реформационного вероучения и но-вой обрядности, политики королевской власти в отношении церкви. The article examines the influence of the Reformation on the economic life and socio-cultural views of Londonʼs citizens, reveals various confessional preferences and the ambiguous attitude of mer-chants and artisans to the ecclesiastical policy of the English monarchs, especially to the secularization of monastic properties. Basing on the material of the original sources the author shows the active participa-tion of rich citizens in the purchase of former monastery and church lands, the merchantsʼ reorientation from the market in Antwerp to the markets of Hamburg and Danzig, the interest of enterprising citizens in secular education that is reflected in the foundation of free grammar schools. At the same time it is noted that among some of the citizens remained committed to Catholicism: rejection of the Reformation doctrine and the new rite, the policy of the royal government in relation to the Church.

The Cuban Revolution’s neglect of Havana (as part of a broader socialist project) simultaneously ruined and preserved its architectural and urban fabric. On one hand, Havana is crumbling, its fifty-plus year lack of maintenance inscribed on its cracked, decayed surfaces and the voids where buildings once stood; on the other, its formal urban fabric—its scale, dimensions, proportions, contrasts, continuities, solid/void relationships, rhythms, public spaces, and landscapes—remain intact. A free-market Cuba, while inevitable, leaves the city vulnerable to unsustainable urban development. And while many anticipate preservation, restoration, and urban development—particularly of Havana’s historic core (La Habana Vieja)—”business as usual” preservation practices resist rampant (read: neoliberal) development primarily through narrow strategies of exclusion (where, what, how, and why not to build), museumizing Havana as “a city frozen in time.”Seeking a third option at the intersection of this socialist/capitalist divide, this paper describes 4 student projects from THE CUBA STUDIO, a collaborative Integrative Urban Studio at Marywood University’s School of Architecture. Over the course of 16 weeks, students in THE CUBA STUDIO speculated urban futures for a post-revolutionary Havana–strategizing ways of preserving Havana’s architectural and urban fabric in the face of an emerging political and economic shift that is opening, albeit gradually, Cuba to global market forces. And rather than submitting to these forces, the work critically engages them toward socio-cultural ends. Some driving questions were: What kind of spatial politics do we deploy while retrofitting Havana? How will the social, political, and economic changes of an “open” Cuba affect Havana’s urban fabric? What role does preservation play? For that matter, what does preservation really mean and by what criteria are sites included in the preservation frame? What relationships are there (or could there be) between preservation, tourism, infrastructure, education, housing, and public space? In the process, students established systematic research agendas to reveal opportunities for integrated“soft” and “hard” interventions (i.e. siting and programing), constructing ecologies across a range of disciplinary territories including (but not limited to): architecture, urban design, historic preservation/ restoration, art, landscape urbanism, infrastructure,science + technology, economics, sustainability, urban policy, sociology, and cultural/political theory. An explicit goal of the studio was to expand and leverage“preservation” (as an idea, a discipline, and a practice) toward flexible and inclusive design strategies that frame precise architectural interventions at a range of temporal and geographic scales.

Recent literature on the political economy of education highlights the role of political settlements, political commitments, and features of public governance in shaping education systems’ development and performance around learning. Vietnam’s experiences provide fertile ground for the critique and further development of this literature including, especially, its efforts to understand how features of accountability relations shape education systems’ performance across time and place. Globally, Vietnam is a contemporary outlier in education, having achieved rapid gains in enrolment and strong learning outcomes at relatively low levels of income. This paper proposes that beyond such felicitous conditions as economic growth and social historical and cultural elements that valorize education, Vietnam’s distinctive combination of Leninist political commitments to education and high levels of societal engagement in the education system often works to enhance accountability within the system in ways that contribute to the system’s coherence around learning; reflecting the sense and reality that Vietnam is a country in which education is a first national priority. Importantly, these alleged elements exist alongside other features that significantly undermine the system’s coherence and performance around learning. These include, among others, the system’s incoherent patterns of decentralization, the commercialization and commodification of schooling and learning, and corresponding patterns of systemic inequality. Taken together, these features of education in Vietnam underscore how the coherence of accountability relations that shape learning outcomes are contingent on the manner in which national and local systems are embedded within their broader social environments while also raising intriguing ideas for efforts to understand the conditions under which education systems’ performance with respect to learning can be promoted, supported, and sustained.

The subject of the study is the cooperation of S. Efremov with Western Ukrainian periodicals as a page in the history of Ukrainian journalism which covers the relationship of journalists and scientists of Eastern and Western Ukraine at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries. Research methods (biographical, historical, comparative, axiological, statistical, discursive) develop the comprehensive disclosure of the article. As a result of scientific research, the origins of Ukrainocentrism in the personality of S. Efremov were clarified; his person as a public figure, journalist, publisher, literary critic is multifaceted; taking into account the specifics of the memoir genre and with the involvement of the historical context, the turning points in the destiny of the author of memoirs are interpreted, revealing cooperation with Western Ukrainian magazines and newspapers. The publications ‘Zoria’, ‘Narod’, ‘Pravda’, ‘Bukovyna’, ‘Dzvinok’, are secretly got into sub-Russian Ukraine, became for S. Efremov a spiritual basis in understanding the specifics of the national (Ukrainian) mass media, ideas of education in culture of Ukraine at the end of XIX century, its territorial integrity, and state independence. Memoirs of S. Efremov on cooperation with the iconic Galician journals ‘Notes of the Scientific Society after the name Shevchenko’ and ‘Literary-Scientific Bulletin’, testify to an important stage in the formation of the author’s worldview, the expansion of the genre boundaries of his journalism, active development as a literary critic. S. Yefremov collaborated most fruitfully and for a long time with the Literary-Scientific Bulletin, and he was impressed by the democratic position of this publication. The author’s comments reveal a long-running controversy over the publication of a review of the new edition of Kobzar and thematically related discussions around his other literary criticism, in which the talent of the demanding critic was forged. S. Efremov steadfastly defended the main principles of literary criticism: objectivity and freedom of author’s thought. The names of the allies of the Ukrainian idea L. Skochkovskyi, O. Lototskyi, O. Konyskyi, P. Zhytskyi, M. Hrushevskyi in S. Efremov’s memoirs unfold in multifaceted portrait descriptions and function as historical and cultural facts that document the pages of the author’s biography, record his activities in space and time. The results of the study give grounds to characterize S. Efremov as the first professional Ukrainian-speaking journalist.

The article investigates functional techniques of extralinguistic expression in multimedia texts; the effectiveness of figurative expressions as a reaction to modern events in Ukraine and their influence on the formation of public opinion is shown. Publications of journalists, broadcasts of media resonators, experts, public figures, politicians, readers are analyzed. The language of the media plays a key role in shaping the worldview of the young political elite in the first place. The essence of each statement is a focused thought that reacts to events in the world or in one’s own country. The most popular platform for mass information and social interaction is, first of all, network journalism, which is characterized by mobility and unlimited time and space. Authors have complete freedom to express their views in direct language, including their own word formation. Phonetic, lexical, phraseological and stylistic means of speech create expression of the text. A figurative word, a good aphorism or proverb, a paraphrased expression, etc. enhance the effectiveness of a multimedia text. This is especially important for headlines that simultaneously inform and influence the views of millions of readers. Given the wide range of issues raised by the Internet as a medium, research in this area is interdisciplinary. The science of information, combining language and social communication, is at the forefront of global interactions. The Internet is an effective source of knowledge and a forum for free thought. Nonlinear texts (hypertexts) – «branching texts or texts that perform actions on request», multimedia texts change the principles of information collection, storage and dissemination, involving billions of readers in the discussion of global issues. Mastering the word is not an easy task if the author of the publication is not well-read, is not deep in the topic, does not know the psychology of the audience for which he writes. Therefore, the study of media broadcasting is an important component of the professional training of future journalists. The functions of the language of the media require the authors to make the right statements and convincing arguments in the text. Journalism education is not only knowledge of imperative and dispositive norms, but also apodictic ones. In practice, this means that there are rules in media creativity that are based on logical necessity. Apodicticity is the first sign of impressive language on the platform of print or electronic media. Social expression is a combination of creative abilities and linguistic competencies that a journalist realizes in his activity. Creative self-expression is realized in a set of many important factors in the media: the choice of topic, convincing arguments, logical presentation of ideas and deep philological education. Linguistic art, in contrast to painting, music, sculpture, accumulates all visual, auditory, tactile and empathic sensations in a universal sign – the word. The choice of the word for the reproduction of sensory and semantic meanings, its competent use in the appropriate context distinguishes the journalist-intellectual from other participants in forums, round tables, analytical or entertainment programs. Expressive speech in the media is a product of the intellect (ability to think) of all those who write on socio-political or economic topics. In the same plane with him – intelligence (awareness, prudence), the first sign of which (according to Ivan Ogienko) is a good knowledge of the language. Intellectual language is an important means of organizing a journalistic text. It, on the one hand, logically conveys the author’s thoughts, and on the other – encourages the reader to reflect and comprehend what is read. The richness of language is accumulated through continuous self-education and interesting communication. Studies of social expression as an important factor influencing the formation of public consciousness should open up new facets of rational and emotional media broadcasting; to trace physical and psychological reactions to communicative mimicry in the media. Speech mimicry as one of the methods of disguise is increasingly becoming a dangerous factor in manipulating the media. Mimicry is an unprincipled adaptation to the surrounding social conditions; one of the most famous examples of an animal characterized by mimicry (change of protective color and shape) is a chameleon. In a figurative sense, chameleons are called adaptive journalists. Observations show that mimicry in politics is to some extent a kind of game that, like every game, is always conditional and artificial.

The original proposal has three main objectives: a conceptual framework on willingness to pay (WTP) for fruits and vegetables, the introduction of branding and sampling in fresh food, and empirical applications to the United States and Israel. We modified our research plan over time based on availability of data and emergence of new problems. We expanded the range of products to include poultry and the range of techniques to use real experiments as well as more traditional surveys. We expanded the range of problems to understand attitudes toward genetically modified (GM) food. There is a growing interest in introduction of marketing tools like demonstration sampling, money-back guarantees, labeling, and brands in agriculture. These marketing tools are important for enhancing demand for agricultural products and food safety. However, the methodology needed to assess the effectiveness of these tools and understand their performance in different agricultural sectors is limited. Our analysis demonstrated the importance of brands as a marketing tool in agriculture. In particular, we showed conceptually that strong brands can be substitutes for other marketing tools like sampling or demonstration. We were able to conduct real experiments for the demand for safe chicken and show that consumers are willing to pay significantly more for products branded as more safe. Yet, using experiments in Israel and the United States, we found that WTP for brands of fresh fruits and vegetables is smaller than in other product categories. Warning labels are a sort of negative branding. The GM-free labeling is particularly important since it serves as a trade barrier to U.S. crops exports. Our analysis of acceptance of GM products found that WTP for GM products in Israel and the United States depends on framing of information about the impact ofGM and the quantity of information disclosed. Finally, in analyzing the evolution of support for Proposition 37 that aimed to introduce mandatory labeling of GM in California, we found that support for mandatory labeling ofGM products is broad as long as it is not perceived to be costly. Our project demonstrates the feasibility of conducting real experiments to assess consumer demand in agriculture. When looking at interdisciplinary groups, one can design new products and assess the WTP for their characteristics. We also show that, while branding is a very strong marketing tool, its use in fresh fruit and vegetables is likely to be limited. However, brands can be important with processed food. Furthermore, we have proven that, while some consumers strongly object to GM products, most consumers in the United States and Israel would be willing to buy them for a discount, and some would pay extra if they are associated with improved characteristics. Finally, we expanded the notion of warning labels to calorie information and showed that the response to calorie information depends on gender, education, and how the information is presented.

In the decade after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, African Americans made historic gains in accessing employment opportunities in racially integrated workplaces in U.S. business firms and government agencies. In the previous working papers in this series, we have shown that in the 1960s and 1970s, Blacks without college degrees were gaining access to the American middle class by moving into well-paid unionized jobs in capital-intensive mass production industries. At that time, major U.S. companies paid these blue-collar workers middle-class wages, offered stable employment, and provided employees with health and retirement benefits. Of particular importance to Blacks was the opening up to them of unionized semiskilled operative and skilled craft jobs, for which in a number of industries, and particularly those in the automobile and electronic manufacturing sectors, there was strong demand. In addition, by the end of the 1970s, buoyed by affirmative action and the growth of public-service employment, Blacks were experiencing upward mobility through employment in government agencies at local, state, and federal levels as well as in civil-society organizations, largely funded by government, to operate social and community development programs aimed at urban areas where Blacks lived. By the end of the 1970s, there was an emergent blue-collar Black middle class in the United States. Most of these workers had no more than high-school educations but had sufficient earnings and benefits to provide their families with economic security, including realistic expectations that their children would have the opportunity to move up the economic ladder to join the ranks of the college-educated white-collar middle class. That is what had happened for whites in the post-World War II decades, and given the momentum provided by the dominant position of the United States in global manufacturing and the nation’s equal employment opportunity legislation, there was every reason to believe that Blacks would experience intergenerational upward mobility along a similar education-and-employment career path. That did not happen. Overall, the 1980s and 1990s were decades of economic growth in the United States. For the emerging blue-collar Black middle class, however, the experience was of job loss, economic insecurity, and downward mobility. As the twentieth century ended and the twenty-first century began, moreover, it became apparent that this downward spiral was not confined to Blacks. Whites with only high-school educations also saw their blue-collar employment opportunities disappear, accompanied by lower wages, fewer benefits, and less security for those who continued to find employment in these jobs. The distress experienced by white Americans with the decline of the blue-collar middle class follows the downward trajectory that has adversely affected the socioeconomic positions of the much more vulnerable blue-collar Black middle class from the early 1980s. In this paper, we document when, how, and why the unmaking of the blue-collar Black middle class occurred and intergenerational upward mobility of Blacks to the college-educated middle class was stifled. We focus on blue-collar layoffs and manufacturing-plant closings in an important sector for Black employment, the automobile industry from the early 1980s. We then document the adverse impact on Blacks that has occurred in government-sector employment in a financialized economy in which the dominant ideology is that concentration of income among the richest households promotes productive investment, with government spending only impeding that objective. Reduction of taxes primarily on the wealthy and the corporate sector, the ascendancy of political and economic beliefs that celebrate the efficiency and dynamism of “free market” business enterprise, and the denigration of the idea that government can solve social problems all combined to shrink government budgets, diminish regulatory enforcement, and scuttle initiatives that previously provided greater opportunity for African Americans in the government and civil-society sectors.

1.1 Macroeconomic summary Economic recovery has consistently outperformed the technical staff’s expectations following a steep decline in activity in the second quarter of 2020. At the same time, total and core inflation rates have fallen and remain at low levels, suggesting that a significant element of the reactivation of Colombia’s economy has been related to recovery in potential GDP. This would support the technical staff’s diagnosis of weak aggregate demand and ample excess capacity. The most recently available data on 2020 growth suggests a contraction in economic activity of 6.8%, lower than estimates from January’s Monetary Policy Report (-7.2%). High-frequency indicators suggest that economic performance was significantly more dynamic than expected in January, despite mobility restrictions and quarantine measures. This has also come amid declines in total and core inflation, the latter of which was below January projections if controlling for certain relative price changes. This suggests that the unexpected strength of recent growth contains elements of demand, and that excess capacity, while significant, could be lower than previously estimated. Nevertheless, uncertainty over the measurement of excess capacity continues to be unusually high and marked both by variations in the way different economic sectors and spending components have been affected by the pandemic, and by uneven price behavior. The size of excess capacity, and in particular the evolution of the pandemic in forthcoming quarters, constitute substantial risks to the macroeconomic forecast presented in this report. Despite the unexpected strength of the recovery, the technical staff continues to project ample excess capacity that is expected to remain on the forecast horizon, alongside core inflation that will likely remain below the target. Domestic demand remains below 2019 levels amid unusually significant uncertainty over the size of excess capacity in the economy. High national unemployment (14.6% for February 2021) reflects a loose labor market, while observed total and core inflation continue to be below 2%. Inflationary pressures from the exchange rate are expected to continue to be low, with relatively little pass-through on inflation. This would be compatible with a negative output gap. Excess productive capacity and the expectation of core inflation below the 3% target on the forecast horizon provide a basis for an expansive monetary policy posture. The technical staff’s assessment of certain shocks and their expected effects on the economy, as well as the presence of several sources of uncertainty and related assumptions about their potential macroeconomic impacts, remain a feature of this report. The coronavirus pandemic, in particular, continues to affect the public health environment, and the reopening of Colombia’s economy remains incomplete. The technical staff’s assessment is that the COVID-19 shock has affected both aggregate demand and supply, but that the impact on demand has been deeper and more persistent. Given this persistence, the central forecast accounts for a gradual tightening of the output gap in the absence of new waves of contagion, and as vaccination campaigns progress. The central forecast continues to include an expected increase of total and core inflation rates in the second quarter of 2021, alongside the lapse of the temporary price relief measures put in place in 2020. Additional COVID-19 outbreaks (of uncertain duration and intensity) represent a significant risk factor that could affect these projections. Additionally, the forecast continues to include an upward trend in sovereign risk premiums, reflected by higher levels of public debt that in the wake of the pandemic are likely to persist on the forecast horizon, even in the context of a fiscal adjustment. At the same time, the projection accounts for the shortterm effects on private domestic demand from a fiscal adjustment along the lines of the one currently being proposed by the national government. This would be compatible with a gradual recovery of private domestic demand in 2022. The size and characteristics of the fiscal adjustment that is ultimately implemented, as well as the corresponding market response, represent another source of forecast uncertainty. Newly available information offers evidence of the potential for significant changes to the macroeconomic scenario, though without altering the general diagnosis described above. The most recent data on inflation, growth, fiscal policy, and international financial conditions suggests a more dynamic economy than previously expected. However, a third wave of the pandemic has delayed the re-opening of Colombia’s economy and brought with it a deceleration in economic activity. Detailed descriptions of these considerations and subsequent changes to the macroeconomic forecast are presented below. The expected annual decline in GDP (-0.3%) in the first quarter of 2021 appears to have been less pronounced than projected in January (-4.8%). Partial closures in January to address a second wave of COVID-19 appear to have had a less significant negative impact on the economy than previously estimated. This is reflected in figures related to mobility, energy demand, industry and retail sales, foreign trade, commercial transactions from selected banks, and the national statistics agency’s (DANE) economic tracking indicator (ISE). Output is now expected to have declined annually in the first quarter by 0.3%. Private consumption likely continued to recover, registering levels somewhat above those from the previous year, while public consumption likely increased significantly. While a recovery in investment in both housing and in other buildings and structures is expected, overall investment levels in this case likely continued to be low, and gross fixed capital formation is expected to continue to show significant annual declines. Imports likely recovered to again outpace exports, though both are expected to register significant annual declines. Economic activity that outpaced projections, an increase in oil prices and other export products, and an expected increase in public spending this year account for the upward revision to the 2021 growth forecast (from 4.6% with a range between 2% and 6% in January, to 6.0% with a range between 3% and 7% in April). As a result, the output gap is expected to be smaller and to tighten more rapidly than projected in the previous report, though it is still expected to remain in negative territory on the forecast horizon. Wide forecast intervals reflect the fact that the future evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic remains a significant source of uncertainty on these projections. The delay in the recovery of economic activity as a result of the resurgence of COVID-19 in the first quarter appears to have been less significant than projected in the January report. The central forecast scenario expects this improved performance to continue in 2021 alongside increased consumer and business confidence. Low real interest rates and an active credit supply would also support this dynamic, and the overall conditions would be expected to spur a recovery in consumption and investment. Increased growth in public spending and public works based on the national government’s spending plan (Plan Financiero del Gobierno) are other factors to consider. Additionally, an expected recovery in global demand and higher projected prices for oil and coffee would further contribute to improved external revenues and would favor investment, in particular in the oil sector. Given the above, the technical staff’s 2021 growth forecast has been revised upward from 4.6% in January (range from 2% to 6%) to 6.0% in April (range from 3% to 7%). These projections account for the potential for the third wave of COVID-19 to have a larger and more persistent effect on the economy than the previous wave, while also supposing that there will not be any additional significant waves of the pandemic and that mobility restrictions will be relaxed as a result. Economic growth in 2022 is expected to be 3%, with a range between 1% and 5%. This figure would be lower than projected in the January report (3.6% with a range between 2% and 6%), due to a higher base of comparison given the upward revision to expected GDP in 2021. This forecast also takes into account the likely effects on private demand of a fiscal adjustment of the size currently being proposed by the national government, and which would come into effect in 2022. Excess in productive capacity is now expected to be lower than estimated in January but continues to be significant and affected by high levels of uncertainty, as reflected in the wide forecast intervals. The possibility of new waves of the virus (of uncertain intensity and duration) represents a significant downward risk to projected GDP growth, and is signaled by the lower limits of the ranges provided in this report. Inflation (1.51%) and inflation excluding food and regulated items (0.94%) declined in March compared to December, continuing below the 3% target. The decline in inflation in this period was below projections, explained in large part by unanticipated increases in the costs of certain foods (3.92%) and regulated items (1.52%). An increase in international food and shipping prices, increased foreign demand for beef, and specific upward pressures on perishable food supplies appear to explain a lower-than-expected deceleration in the consumer price index (CPI) for foods. An unexpected increase in regulated items prices came amid unanticipated increases in international fuel prices, on some utilities rates, and for regulated education prices. The decline in annual inflation excluding food and regulated items between December and March was in line with projections from January, though this included downward pressure from a significant reduction in telecommunications rates due to the imminent entry of a new operator. When controlling for the effects of this relative price change, inflation excluding food and regulated items exceeds levels forecast in the previous report. Within this indicator of core inflation, the CPI for goods (1.05%) accelerated due to a reversion of the effects of the VAT-free day in November, which was largely accounted for in February, and possibly by the transmission of a recent depreciation of the peso on domestic prices for certain items (electric and household appliances). For their part, services prices decelerated and showed the lowest rate of annual growth (0.89%) among the large consumer baskets in the CPI. Within the services basket, the annual change in rental prices continued to decline, while those services that continue to experience the most significant restrictions on returning to normal operations (tourism, cinemas, nightlife, etc.) continued to register significant price declines. As previously mentioned, telephone rates also fell significantly due to increased competition in the market. Total inflation is expected to continue to be affected by ample excesses in productive capacity for the remainder of 2021 and 2022, though less so than projected in January. As a result, convergence to the inflation target is now expected to be somewhat faster than estimated in the previous report, assuming the absence of significant additional outbreaks of COVID-19. The technical staff’s year-end inflation projections for 2021 and 2022 have increased, suggesting figures around 3% due largely to variation in food and regulated items prices. The projection for inflation excluding food and regulated items also increased, but remains below 3%. Price relief measures on indirect taxes implemented in 2020 are expected to lapse in the second quarter of 2021, generating a one-off effect on prices and temporarily affecting inflation excluding food and regulated items. However, indexation to low levels of past inflation, weak demand, and ample excess productive capacity are expected to keep core inflation below the target, near 2.3% at the end of 2021 (previously 2.1%). The reversion in 2021 of the effects of some price relief measures on utility rates from 2020 should lead to an increase in the CPI for regulated items in the second half of this year. Annual price changes are now expected to be higher than estimated in the January report due to an increased expected path for fuel prices and unanticipated increases in regulated education prices. The projection for the CPI for foods has increased compared to the previous report, taking into account certain factors that were not anticipated in January (a less favorable agricultural cycle, increased pressure from international prices, and transport costs). Given the above, year-end annual inflation for 2021 and 2022 is now expected to be 3% and 2.8%, respectively, which would be above projections from January (2.3% and 2,7%). For its part, expected inflation based on analyst surveys suggests year-end inflation in 2021 and 2022 of 2.8% and 3.1%, respectively. There remains significant uncertainty surrounding the inflation forecasts included in this report due to several factors: 1) the evolution of the pandemic; 2) the difficulty in evaluating the size and persistence of excess productive capacity; 3) the timing and manner in which price relief measures will lapse; and 4) the future behavior of food prices. Projected 2021 growth in foreign demand (4.4% to 5.2%) and the supposed average oil price (USD 53 to USD 61 per Brent benchmark barrel) were both revised upward. An increase in long-term international interest rates has been reflected in a depreciation of the peso and could result in relatively tighter external financial conditions for emerging market economies, including Colombia. Average growth among Colombia’s trade partners was greater than expected in the fourth quarter of 2020. This, together with a sizable fiscal stimulus approved in the United States and the onset of a massive global vaccination campaign, largely explains the projected increase in foreign demand growth in 2021. The resilience of the goods market in the face of global crisis and an expected normalization in international trade are additional factors. These considerations and the expected continuation of a gradual reduction of mobility restrictions abroad suggest that Colombia’s trade partners could grow on average by 5.2% in 2021 and around 3.4% in 2022. The improved prospects for global economic growth have led to an increase in current and expected oil prices. Production interruptions due to a heavy winter, reduced inventories, and increased supply restrictions instituted by producing countries have also contributed to the increase. Meanwhile, market forecasts and recent Federal Reserve pronouncements suggest that the benchmark interest rate in the U.S. will remain stable for the next two years. Nevertheless, a significant increase in public spending in the country has fostered expectations for greater growth and inflation, as well as increased uncertainty over the moment in which a normalization of monetary policy might begin. This has been reflected in an increase in long-term interest rates. In this context, emerging market economies in the region, including Colombia, have registered increases in sovereign risk premiums and long-term domestic interest rates, and a depreciation of local currencies against the dollar. Recent outbreaks of COVID-19 in several of these economies; limits on vaccine supply and the slow pace of immunization campaigns in some countries; a significant increase in public debt; and tensions between the United States and China, among other factors, all add to a high level of uncertainty surrounding interest rate spreads, external financing conditions, and the future performance of risk premiums. The impact that this environment could have on the exchange rate and on domestic financing conditions represent risks to the macroeconomic and monetary policy forecasts. Domestic financial conditions continue to favor recovery in economic activity. The transmission of reductions to the policy interest rate on credit rates has been significant. The banking portfolio continues to recover amid circumstances that have affected both the supply and demand for loans, and in which some credit risks have materialized. Preferential and ordinary commercial interest rates have fallen to a similar degree as the benchmark interest rate. As is generally the case, this transmission has come at a slower pace for consumer credit rates, and has been further delayed in the case of mortgage rates. Commercial credit levels stabilized above pre-pandemic levels in March, following an increase resulting from significant liquidity requirements for businesses in the second quarter of 2020. The consumer credit portfolio continued to recover and has now surpassed February 2020 levels, though overall growth in the portfolio remains low. At the same time, portfolio projections and default indicators have increased, and credit establishment earnings have come down. Despite this, credit disbursements continue to recover and solvency indicators remain well above regulatory minimums. 1.2 Monetary policy decision In its meetings in March and April the BDBR left the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 1.75%.

In September 2020, the British Academy was asked by the Government Office for Science to produce an independent review to address the question: What are the long-term societal impacts of COVID-19? This short but substantial question led us to a rapid integration of evidence and an extensive consultation process. As history has shown us, the effects of a pandemic are as much social, cultural and economic as they are about medicine and health. Our aim has been to deliver an integrated view across these areas to start understanding the long-term impacts and how we address them. Our evidence review – in our companion report, The COVID decade – concluded that there are nine interconnected areas of long-term societal impact arising from the pandemic which could play out over the coming COVID decade, ranging from the rising importance of local communities, to exacerbated inequalities and a renewed awareness of education and skills in an uncertain economic climate. From those areas of impact we identified a range of policy issues for consideration by actors across society, about how to respond to these social, economic and cultural challenges beyond the immediate short-term crisis. The challenges are interconnected and require a systemic approach – one that also takes account of dimensions such as place (physical and social context, locality), scale (individual, community, regional, national) and time (past, present, future; short, medium and longer term). History indicates that times of upheaval – such as the pandemic – can be opportunities to reshape society, but that this requires vision and for key decisionmakers to work together. We find that in many places there is a need to start afresh, with a more systemic view, and where we should freely consider whether we might organise life differently in the future. In order to consider how to look to the future and shape the COVID decade, we suggest seven strategic goals for policymakers to pursue: build multi-level governance; improve knowledge, data and information linkage and sharing; prioritise digital infrastructure; reimagine urban spaces; create an agile education and training system; strengthen community-led social infrastructure; and promote a shared social purpose. These strategic goals are based on our evidence review and our analysis of the nine areas of long-term societal impact identified. We provide a range of illustrative policy opportunities for consideration in each of these areas in the report that follows.

This report maps the African landscape of Open Science – with a focus on Open Data as a sub-set of Open Science. Data to inform the landscape study were collected through a variety of methods, including surveys, desk research, engagement with a community of practice, networking with stakeholders, participation in conferences, case study presentations, and workshops hosted. Although the majority of African countries (35 of 54) demonstrates commitment to science through its investment in research and development (R&D), academies of science, ministries of science and technology, policies, recognition of research, and participation in the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), the following countries demonstrate the highest commitment and political willingness to invest in science: Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. In addition to existing policies in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), the following countries have made progress towards Open Data policies: Botswana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, South Africa and Uganda. Only two African countries (Kenya and South Africa) at this stage contribute 0.8% of its GDP (Gross Domestic Product) to R&D (Research and Development), which is the closest to the AU’s (African Union’s) suggested 1%. Countries such as Lesotho and Madagascar ranked as 0%, while the R&D expenditure for 24 African countries is unknown. In addition to this, science globally has become fully dependent on stable ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) infrastructure, which includes connectivity/bandwidth, high performance computing facilities and data services. This is especially applicable since countries globally are finding themselves in the midst of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), which is not only “about” data, but which “is” data. According to an article1 by Alan Marcus (2015) (Senior Director, Head of Information Technology and Telecommunications Industries, World Economic Forum), “At its core, data represents a post-industrial opportunity. Its uses have unprecedented complexity, velocity and global reach. As digital communications become ubiquitous, data will rule in a world where nearly everyone and everything is connected in real time. That will require a highly reliable, secure and available infrastructure at its core, and innovation at the edge.” Every industry is affected as part of this revolution – also science. An important component of the digital transformation is “trust” – people must be able to trust that governments and all other industries (including the science sector), adequately handle and protect their data. This requires accountability on a global level, and digital industries must embrace the change and go for a higher standard of protection. “This will reassure consumers and citizens, benefitting the whole digital economy”, says Marcus. A stable and secure information and communication technologies (ICT) infrastructure – currently provided by the National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) – is key to advance collaboration in science. The AfricaConnect2 project (AfricaConnect (2012–2014) and AfricaConnect2 (2016–2018)) through establishing connectivity between National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), is planning to roll out AfricaConnect3 by the end of 2019. The concern however is that selected African governments (with the exception of a few countries such as South Africa, Mozambique, Ethiopia and others) have low awareness of the impact the Internet has today on all societal levels, how much ICT (and the 4th Industrial Revolution) have affected research, and the added value an NREN can bring to higher education and research in addressing the respective needs, which is far more complex than simply providing connectivity. Apart from more commitment and investment in R&D, African governments – to become and remain part of the 4th Industrial Revolution – have no option other than to acknowledge and commit to the role NRENs play in advancing science towards addressing the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals). For successful collaboration and direction, it is fundamental that policies within one country are aligned with one another. Alignment on continental level is crucial for the future Pan-African African Open Science Platform to be successful. Both the HIPSSA ((Harmonization of ICT Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa)3 project and WATRA (the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly)4, have made progress towards the regulation of the telecom sector, and in particular of bottlenecks which curb the development of competition among ISPs. A study under HIPSSA identified potential bottlenecks in access at an affordable price to the international capacity of submarine cables and suggested means and tools used by regulators to remedy them. Work on the recommended measures and making them operational continues in collaboration with WATRA. In addition to sufficient bandwidth and connectivity, high-performance computing facilities and services in support of data sharing are also required. The South African National Integrated Cyberinfrastructure System5 (NICIS) has made great progress in planning and setting up a cyberinfrastructure ecosystem in support of collaborative science and data sharing. The regional Southern African Development Community6 (SADC) Cyber-infrastructure Framework provides a valuable roadmap towards high-speed Internet, developing human capacity and skills in ICT technologies, high- performance computing and more. The following countries have been identified as having high-performance computing facilities, some as a result of the Square Kilometre Array7 (SKA) partnership: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Tunisia, and Zambia. More and more NRENs – especially the Level 6 NRENs 8 (Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, and recently Zambia) – are exploring offering additional services; also in support of data sharing and transfer. The following NRENs already allow for running data-intensive applications and sharing of high-end computing assets, bio-modelling and computation on high-performance/ supercomputers: KENET (Kenya), TENET (South Africa), RENU (Uganda), ZAMREN (Zambia), EUN (Egypt) and ARN (Algeria). Fifteen higher education training institutions from eight African countries (Botswana, Benin, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, and Tanzania) have been identified as offering formal courses on data science. In addition to formal degrees, a number of international short courses have been developed and free international online courses are also available as an option to build capacity and integrate as part of curricula. The small number of higher education or research intensive institutions offering data science is however insufficient, and there is a desperate need for more training in data science. The CODATA-RDA Schools of Research Data Science aim at addressing the continental need for foundational data skills across all disciplines, along with training conducted by The Carpentries 9 programme (specifically Data Carpentry 10 ). Thus far, CODATA-RDA schools in collaboration with AOSP, integrating content from Data Carpentry, were presented in Rwanda (in 2018), and during17-29 June 2019, in Ethiopia. Awareness regarding Open Science (including Open Data) is evident through the 12 Open Science-related Open Access/Open Data/Open Science declarations and agreements endorsed or signed by African governments; 200 Open Access journals from Africa registered on the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ); 174 Open Access institutional research repositories registered on openDOAR (Directory of Open Access Repositories); 33 Open Access/Open Science policies registered on ROARMAP (Registry of Open Access Repository Mandates and Policies); 24 data repositories registered with the Registry of Data Repositories (re3data.org) (although the pilot project identified 66 research data repositories); and one data repository assigned the CoreTrustSeal. Although this is a start, far more needs to be done to align African data curation and research practices with global standards. Funding to conduct research remains a challenge. African researchers mostly fund their own research, and there are little incentives for them to make their research and accompanying data sets openly accessible. Funding and peer recognition, along with an enabling research environment conducive for research, are regarded as major incentives. The landscape report concludes with a number of concerns towards sharing research data openly, as well as challenges in terms of Open Data policy, ICT infrastructure supportive of data sharing, capacity building, lack of skills, and the need for incentives. Although great progress has been made in terms of Open Science and Open Data practices, more awareness needs to be created and further advocacy efforts are required for buy-in from African governments. A federated African Open Science Platform (AOSP) will not only encourage more collaboration among researchers in addressing the SDGs, but it will also benefit the many stakeholders identified as part of the pilot phase. The time is now, for governments in Africa, to acknowledge the important role of science in general, but specifically Open Science and Open Data, through developing and aligning the relevant policies, investing in an ICT infrastructure conducive for data sharing through committing funding to making NRENs financially sustainable, incentivising open research practices by scientists, and creating opportunities for more scientists and stakeholders across all disciplines to be trained in data management.