Дисертації з теми "Digital libraries – South Africa – Case studies"
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1
Pietersen, Jeremiah. "The shape and form of the 21st century academic library in South Africa : the case of the University of Cape Town libraries." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/13733.
Анотація:
This study sought to ascertain the shape and form of the 21st century academic library in South Africa, using the case of UCT Libraries. The objective was supported by sub-objectives, namely: to ascertain, via a rigorous review of literature, how far along academic libraries worldwide are with incorporating technological advances in their services; to identify the progress of UCT Libraries in establishing itself as a 21st century academic library; to ascertain how readily staff adapt to changes and new technology in the library; and, to ascertain user expectations of a modern, digital era academic library. A qualitative design with a case study approach was employed by the study. The study was supported by organizational learning theory. Themes emanating from the literature include, inter alia, open access, MOOCs, digital humanities and research data management. Further data was collected via interviews and a questionnaire survey of purposively sampled library staff. Stratified random sampling was used to extract samples from the targeted user population (UCT undergraduates, postgraduates and, academics and researchers) for surveying by means of online questionnaires. The study concludes that academic libraries, the world over, are adapting their services according to user demands and users’ use of current technology; that UCT Libraries is currently in the process of establishing itself as a 21st century academic library and that the progress and procedures currently in place to encourage new developments, holds UCT Libraries in good stead towards establishing itself as a 21st century academic library service; that the prevailing culture of organizational learning in UCT Libraries bodes well for constantly adapting to new technologies; and, that users are generally satisfied with the services they are receiving from the Library. Although the case of UCT Libraries was used in this study, in many ways this case is typical of academic libraries in other parts of South Africa as well as in other parts of the world and hence this study of the shape and form of the 21st century academic library has relevance to other academic library contexts as well.
2
Phakathi, Bekezela. "Impact of new media technologies on the production of economics news in South Africa : a case study of Fin24.com (www.fin24.com)." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007631.
Анотація:
New media technology continues to provide journalists with sophisticated tools that are changing news processing and gathering. Economics journalists in particular have grasped the possibilities offered by new media technologies. Thus, this paper offers a theoretical and practical look at how new media technologies have impacted the production and processing of economics news in South Africa, with a particular focus on Fin24.com which is South Africa's biggest online economics news publication. Using qualitative research methods and the case-study approach, this thesis documents the impact of new media technologies on the production of economics news. It draws on Witschge and Nygren's (2009) framework which describes how new media technologies change the nature in which news is produced and processed. New media technologies in this study will refer to the Internet, particularly search engines like Google, social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook, Blogs as well as mobile telephony. Economics journalism will here refer to all coverage of economics and business-related news. This is because the case study (Fin24.com) covers both business and economics journalism by strict definition. Findings reveal that these new media technologies have not only changed economics newsgathering and processing but also journalistic routines. The findings generally show that new media technologies make it easier for economics journalists to produce the news quickly and efficiently. Indeed, the most distinguishing characteristic of new media is its overall speed, which is both challenging and attractive. The findings also reveal that new media technologies within a newsroom can be problematic in a number of ways, mainly raising issues of accuracy and credibility thus challenging the profession of economics journalism more than ever.
3
Titus, Simone. "Towards a social constructivist game-based learning model: a case of using digital games in sports studies in South Africa." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/23457.
Анотація:
Until the advent of democracy in 1994, apartheid education in South Africa was segregated along the lines of race and ethnicity, consequently disadvantaging historically Black universities. The implications of an undemocratic system meant that the educational experiences of students from historically disadvantaged education systems might be compromised. The impetus for this study arose from observations that students in a sport studies classroom were not engaging with one another, as they were organising themselves with peers from the same cultural group in classroom. While literature asserts that student engagement is linked to student success, explicit views of cross-cultural engagement fall short in the South African context. This study avers that traces of historically segregated cultures and sub-cultures are evident in a diverse institutional space. As diverse groups of students enter the classroom, it has been observed that they tend to gravitate toward peers from the same cultural groups. While a diverse classroom should create a culturally rich environment for knowledge building, through collaboration and engagement with peers, the diversification in the classroom hindered engagement and interaction, as well as knowledge sharing and cross-cultural student engagement. Knowledge, therefore, is generated and shared in cultural clusters, instead of across cultural clusters. The aim of this study is to develop a social-constructivist game-based learning model, by critically exploring the production and reproduction of cross-cultural interactions, using emerging technologies in sport studies. Game-based learning is regarded as a promising vehicle to facilitate students' active participation and engaged learning. This study, therefore, focused on digital games, wikis and blogs, as tools to transform social practices that impede cross-cultural engagement. Since sport is seen as a vehicle for social change, it may create a space where cross-cultural interactions can take place, thereby promoting social change and cohesion in a sport studies classroom. This study employed a sequential exploratory mixed method approach. The research approach involved the design and development of a digital game, which was then tested during the pilot phase of the project. After verification of the tool by the pilot study participants, data were collected from two cohorts of a sport studies discipline, across two phases of this study. This meant that the digital game functioned optimally without any malfunction. This involved 106 participants from a total population of 171 students. Phase One comprised a digital game-based intervention only. Phase Two comprised a game-based learning intervention, an authentic wiki task and a reflective blog. In order to determine the effect of the intervention on cross-cultural engagement, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Quantitative data consisted of validated pre- and post-test questionnaires. Quantitative data was analysed using inferential and descriptive statistics on SPSS v20. A repeated measures ANOVA was conducted on the data. Qualitative data comprised five focus group discussions and 58 reflective blog entries. Qualitative data were captured, coded and analysed using Atlas TI. The findings of the quantitative data reveal that there are distinct group preferences, which are linked to historical legacies of segregation, including socio-geographic containment. Crosscultural interactions are informed by mental traces, based on prior experiences, hindered by alliances. In addition, interaction preferences are linked to cross-cultural engagement. Structures that informed students' understanding of interactions were produced and reproduced as cross-cultural interaction was elevated because of group interaction. This study found that students drew on material resources, such as digital games, wikis and blogs to make sense of their interactions, which resulted in the reproduction and modification of rules (modalities), in order to recursively reproduce their social actions. This study concludes that games, alone, do not facilitate cross-cultural engagement, but need to be augmented with other technology tools, in order to produce and reproduce social practices of cross-cultural engagement in the classroom. This study also offers a theoretical contribution, in the form of a social-constructivist game-based learning model, to address cross-cultural interactions in the classroom.
4
Newman, Linda Rozetta. "Opvoeders se perspektiewe rakende die gebruik van die leesperiode en skoolbiblioteke in geselekteerde skole in die Noord-Kaap." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/86614.
Анотація:
Thesis (MEd)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Reading is an important skill for the 21st century and are one of the cornerstones of learning. Research shows an escalating concern about the reading ability of South African learners. In an attempt to improve the literacy levels of learners, the Northern Cape Department of Education, issued a circular to schools instructing them to implement a daily reading period of 30 minutes. It is required of schools to indicate the reading period on the timetable and reading must be formally instructed. The purpose of the study was to determine the perspectives of teachers regarding the use of the reading period and school libraries. It is hypothesized that teachers do not provide enough exposure to learners regarding reading. Secondly It is hypothesized that teachers do not a create a reading culture or foster a positive attitude towards reading, because they ignore the reading period and do not use the library as a resource. A mixed method approach was followed, where both quantitative and qualitative research designs was used. The study consisted of a literature review and an empirical study. The empirical study was conducted at two high schools in the Namaqua District. The data was collected by means of a questionnaire which was completed by 16 Grade 8 and 9 teachers. Focus group interviews were also conducted with the participating teachers. An analysis of the empirical data showed the following : - According to the results the majority of the teachers are aware of the reading period. - The teachers indicated that the reading period is not implemented at both of the schools. - The teachers did not receive any guidance or support from the Northern Cape Education Department to assist learners with reading problems. - The data showed that both schools do have a school library. - From the responses of the teachers it seems that the library resources are old and insufficient. - The data indicated that the teachers do not use the school library as a resource to promote teaching and learning. - The learners are not exposed to the library to assist them with curriculum assignments. The research confirmed the research hypothesis that the reading period is not implemented and that the school library is not used by the teachers to promote the literacy levels and academic performance of the learners.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Lees is ʼn noodsaaklike vaardigheid in die 21ste eeu en is een van die boustene van leer. Navorsing in Suid-Afrika dui daarop dat leesprobleme in Suid-Afrika besig is om ernstige afmetings aan te neem. Om die leesvermoëns en geletterheidvlakke van leerders te verhoog, het die Noord-Kaapse Onderwysdepartement (NKOD) ʼn omsendskrywe uitgestuur, waarin skole verplig word om daagliks ʼn leesperiode van 30 minute in te stel. Hierdie leesperiode moet op die skool se rooster aangedui word. Binne die leesperiode moet lees op ʼn gestruktureerde manier aangebied word. Die breë navorsingsdoelstelling van die studie is om ondersoek in te stel na die perspektiewe van opvoeders rakende die gebruik van die leesperiode en die skoolbiblioteek. As navorsingshipotese is eerstens gestel dat opvoeders nie aan die leerders genoeg blootstelling rakende lees gee nie. Tweedens is gestel dat opvoeders nie ʼn kultuur van lees skep nie of ʼn positiewe houding teenoor lees by die leerders kweek nie, want hulle verontagsaam die leesperiode en ignoreer die biblioteek as hulpbron. In hierdie studie is daar gebruik gemaak van ʼn gemengde navorsingsontwerp, waarvolgens beide kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe navorsingsmetodes gekombineer word om die navorsingsprobleem beter te verstaan. Die studie het bestaan uit ’n literatuurstudie en ’n empiriese ondersoek. Die empiriese ondersoek is by twee geselekteerde hoërskole in die Namakwa-distrik gedoen. Die data is versamel deur ‘n vraelys wat voltooi is deur 16 graad 8- en 9- opvoeders van die geselekteerde skole. Fokusgroeponderhoude is ook met die deelnemers gevoer. ʼn Ontleding van die empiriese data het getoon dat: - die meerderheid van die opvoeders kennis dra van die leesperiode. - die leesperiode by nie een van die twee skole geïmplementeer word nie. - die opvoeders geen leiding en ondersteuning vanaf die Noord-Kaapse Onderwysdepartement ontvang het rakende hulpverlening aan leerders met leesprobleme nie. - beide skole beskik oor ’n skoolbiblioteek. - die skoolbiblioteek se bronne onvoldoende is en meestal verouderd is. - die opvoeders nie die skoolbiblioteek gebruik om onderrig en leer te bevorder nie. - die leerders ook geen blootstelling kry aan die skoolbiblioteek om take binne die kurrikulum te doen nie. Die navorsing bevestig die navorsingshipotese dat die leesperiode nie geïmplementeer word nie en dat die opvoeders nie die skoolbiblioteek as ʼn bron gebruik om die geletterdheid en akademiese vordering van leerders te bevorder nie.
5
Bushula, Bruce Simphiwe. "Using a classroom library to promote extensive reading in a Grade 8 class in a Fort Beaufort District School, Eastern Cape : an action research case study." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017333.
Анотація:
This thesis reports on a collaborative action research case study with Grade 8 learners in a rural high school in Fort Beaufort District, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The goals of the case study were firstly, to understand best practices for promoting extensive reading using a classroom library, and secondly, to use these insights to put an extensive reading programme in place with a view to improving my practice as a language teacher and to gain better understanding of ways of enhancing my Grade 8 learners’ literacy skills. The following qualitative methods were used to collect data: observation, semi-structured interviews, class discussion, questionnaires, journal reflections and document analysis. Analysis of data involved identification of emerging themes and patterns. The findings suggest that the strategies used in the extensive reading intervention improved my learners’ levels of engagement with reading. Putting these strategies into practice, and reflecting critically on how to refine them helped enrich my own professional insight and development in relation to the implementation of extensive reading programmes. Since action research is usually designed in spirals of action, this research serves as a first spiral and a foundation upon which to build second and subsequent spirals (which do not form part of this research). The study highlighted the fact that certain challenges that emerged (for example, shortage of books at the learners’ level, and a lack of parental cooperation) need to be addressed in a second spiral of intervention. The study further suggested that the implementation of effective extensive reading programmes by teachers in the middle and upper phases of secondary schooling requires further investigation.
6
Masenya, Tlou Maggie. "A framework for preservation of digital resources in academic libraries in South Africa." Thesis, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/27518.
Анотація:
The aim of the study was to examine the implementation of digital preservation practices in academic libraries in South Africa in the light of the rapid changing information environment. The study looked into the strategies, systems and tools being employed to support digital preservation programmes and the costs associated with the various digital preservation programmes. The study was guided by various digital preservation theories and models,namely Davies’ (2000) Policy, Strategy and Resources (PSR) troika model, Kenney and McGovern’s (2003) three leg stool, Corrado and Moulaison‘s (2014)
preservation triad and the Carnegie Mellon University’s (1990) Digital Preservation Capability Maturity (DPCM) model and Open Archival Information System (OAIS) model by OCLC (2002), underpinned by the survey research design, triangulation of questionnaires and document analysis as data collection methods. Out of 27 questionnaires distributed to academic institutions, 22 (81.5%) were completed.
Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive analysis whilst content analysis was used for qualitative data obtained from document analysis. Findings revealed that academic libraries in South Africa were significantly affected by the changes to the digital environment. Most academic libraries face many challenges that hinder the effective
implementation of digital preservation. The problems include: lack of funding, lack of skills and training and technology obsolescence. The study identified migration, bit preservation, replication and risk management approaches as the most widely implemented preservation strategies to address preservation challenges faced by
academic libraries in South Africa.
Although various preservation systems and tools are being developed to enable description, discovery, delivery and preservation of digital collections, there was expressed lack of awareness about digital preservation standards and preservation support organisations. The study also observed that, in some instances, the academic
institutions were not fully involved in collaborative and partnerships with other institutions.
By collaborating and partnering with other institutions, they would be exposed to new ideas, strategies and tools, and be able to acquire knowledge and skills needed to successfully preserve and manage their digital resources. The findings revealed that the
implementation of policies and strategies, provision of adequate resources, sufficient funding and digital preservation knowledge and skills are some of the major factors influencing digital preservation sustainability in academic libraries. This study, therefore,
recommends that these institutions can address some of the digital preservation challenges if they leverage on these factors. The study also made several recommendations on how digital preservation can be successfully implemented, and it further proposed a framework for preservation of digital resources in academic libraries, mapped to international preservation models and standards.Information Science
D. Litt. et Phil. (Information Science)
7
Moyo, Sharon. "Elementary school children’s acceptance and use of digital school libraries at Crawford Preparatory Pretoria School in Gauteng Province, South Africa." Diss., 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/19899.
Анотація:
The use of the digital school library depends on many factors, including end-users‘ acceptance. The issue of designing information systems that will be used appropriately is growing and thus user acceptance of new technology is now receiving much attention by researchers. Without acceptance, discretionary users will seek alternatives, while even dedicated users will most likely manifest dissatisfaction, negating many, if not all, the presumed benefits of the digital library. Whereas the traditional focus of digital libraries has drawn research on technological developments, there is a call for user-focused research. This study sought to identify the dynamics of elementary children‘s (11- to 13- year olds) decision-making in the context of accepting or resisting making use of digital school libraries at Crawford Preparatory Pretoria School in Gauteng. To be accepted, the digital library must satisfy basic usability requirements and be perceived as useful by the children. The constructs of the Technology Acceptance Model, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness were used to generate an understanding of acceptance of the digital school libraries. The study adopted a quantitative case study research approach to compare the empirical data and the TAM theory. Data triangulation of a wide range of data collection methods, including observation, questionnaires, focus groups and tasks given to the children to work on using the International Children‘s Digital Library was analysed. The findings revealed that, just like adults, children make decisions regarding accepting and using the digital school library based on how easy it is to use and how relevant it is to their needs. The study recommends that software designers, teachers and librarians work with the children when designing digital school libraries to ensure that their acceptance factors are taken into consideration when designing for them.Information Science
M. Inf.
8
Matatiele, Refilwe Agnes. "Strategies for converting traditional academic library spaces to research commons : a South African perspective." Diss., 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/27236.
Анотація:
Background: Over the years, the traditional academic library has been the quintessential repository for hard-copy materials and relevant information resources to support the teaching, learning and research activities of their parent universities.
Accordingly, the reinvention of the academic library and its transition to the research commons model was induced by the combined effect of historical and momentous developments such as :globalisation; the worldwide democratisation of societies; the advent of mass higher education; as well as the irreversible proliferation of information
and communication technologies and their tectonic impact on the knowledge economy.
Purpose: This research study investigated strategies applied when converting traditional university libraries to the research commons service delivery model in South Africa. The study also sought participants’ perspectives in the identification of success
factors and constraints to such conversion strategies.
Methodology :The study adopted a combined qualitative-quantitative approach involving interviews, observations and questionnaires. Three public university libraries in Gauteng Province were involved as case studies to determine the extent of their orientation to the research commons model. In this regard, the study sample consisted
of a manager/librarian from each of the three university libraries. Data was collected primarily by means of a survey questionnaire and semi-structured individual interviews.
Explorative, descriptive and interpretive elements were applied to complement the data collection and analysis processes. Thematic data analysis was used for the ultimate categorisation and merging of both the questionnaire- and interview-based data accrued
rom the selected participants.
Results: Overall, the study found that careful planning and identification of positive conversion factors were critical aspects for successful implementation and evolution of any current or future research commons model. Critical factors included :formation of a
research library consortium; establishing one-stop multifunctional spaces; and ongoing user and space assessment to adjust services, resources and spaces accordingly to suit changing technologies, postgraduate needs and contemporary learning styles on
time and as required .Meanwhile, conversion hindrances included: model misconception by university leadership; strategic planning and change management deficiencies; poor communication; homogeneous staffing models and budgetary constraints.Information Science
M.A. (Information Science)
9
Kau, Modiegi Jacqueline. "Schools as a conduit for taking public archives to children in the Gauteng Province of South Africa." Diss., 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/25538.
Анотація:
Public programming initiatives are considered an integral part of archival operations across the world because they support a greater use of archival records. In South Africa, public archival institutions are mandated in terms of section 5(1)(c) of the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa Act (Act No. 43 of 1996) (NARSSA Act), to reach out to the less privileged sectors of society, by making known information concerning records by means such as publications, exhibitions and lending of records. This also includes taking archives to young people, especially school learners. As a result, public archives repositories in South Africa have designed programmes to take archives to school learners for the purpose of creating future users and expanding the use of archival sources. Despite efforts to take archives to the people in South Africa, it would seem that public programming methods that repositories use at schools are not effective in creating awareness and promoting public archives to attract school learners. This qualitative study utilised semi-structured interviews and observation as data collection tools to investigate schools as conduits for taking public archives to learners in the Gauteng province of South Africa.
The study targeted learners and teachers in schools which participated in the archival public programming in Gauteng province, as well as staff members of the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa (NARSSA) and Gauteng Provincial Archives responsible for public programming. The key findings suggest that the public archives repositories in Gauteng do not use technology, particularly social media, to market their services to school learners. The main method of taking archives to learners is through invitations and participation in the annual archives week, which do not yield any positive results, as learners do not visit the archives afterwards. It is recommended that NARSSA and Gauteng Provincial Archives consider using school learners who participated in archives week and are interested in archives to be ambassadors to further recommend the use of archives to potential users and their peers. Furthermore, collaboration between archivists and teachers from neighbouring schools should be considered by including school projects that involve the use of “archives’’.
The study concludes that failure to adopt social media platforms to market
archives would result in school learners not using archives. A further study covering all provinces in South Africa is recommended.Information Science
M. inf. (Archival Science)
10
Mohlala, Popopo Design. "Implementation of Enterprise Content Management System in Western Cape Government, South Africa." Diss., 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/27066.
Анотація:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the implementation of Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system at Western Cape Government (WCG), South Africa. The study evaluated the state of the implementation in order to establish whether the system met information and records management requirements and objectives. A
probability sampling was used on a total population of 51 respondents and participants. The data were triangulated using multi-methods, whereby both qualitative and quantitative approaches were adopted in a sequential manner. A structured online survey questionnaire, online interviews, and document analysis were used to collect data, which were descriptively analysed.
The study revealed that although the WCG has embarked on digitisation projects,
which culminated in the department-wide implementation of ECM, the system was not evaluated regularly and consistently. This resulted in an inability to capture the lessons learnt – as well as a failure to realise the full benefits of implementing the system. The findings also showed that ECM implementation at WCG encountered some challenges – for example, inadequate training provided to staff, lack of adequate technology infrastructure, and poor technical support with regard to
systems for managing digital records – that impacted on the system’s efficiency.
Some of the recommendations of the study are that WCG should consider conducting regular ECM reviews to determine whether the system performs as required in terms of bringing about expected benefits, such as easy retrieval of digitally stored content.
Departments should also ensure that there is an alignment among various digital applications for the purpose of creating a single enterprise platform that promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing. A study of ECM implementation in other provinces would enable a comparison of how the system performs elsewhere,
including how it could be used as a viable option for organisations to promote digitisation.Information Science
M. Inf. (Information Science)
11
Mhlongo, Maned Annie. "Integration of indigenous knowledge into the services of public libraries in South Africa." Thesis, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/23849.
Анотація:
Documented value of indigenous knowledge (IK) in the lives of communities raises the need to facilitate its accessibility. Public libraries in South Africa can play an important role in facilitating access to this knowledge by integrating it into their services. Apart from positively contributing to the quality of lives of indigenous communities, integration of IK would result in the provision of inclusive and transformed library services.
The purpose of this study was to explore how public libraries in South Africa may integrate IK into their services. Located within the critical theory paradigm, a qualitative multiple-case study was conducted among four purposefully selected provincial library services in South Africa. Directors of the selected provincial library services were interviewed. Collection development policies of the selected libraries were also analysed to determine the extent of their alignment with the provision of IK. Atlas.ti. was used to analyse data thematically.
Findings revealed that libraries have not integrated IK into their services. Furthermore, collection development policies were not aligned to the provision of IK. Factors contributing to non-integration of IK in public libraries included the perception that librarians did not seem to regard IK as within their purview but rather an aspect for archival institutions. Non- alignment of policies to IK integration, content that is not accessible to indigenous communities and dwindling funding for library services provision also emerged as contributory factors. It was concluded that the hegemony of western knowledge continued to marginalise IK, possibly contributing to its non-integration.
A framework based on principles of community involvement, inclusivity, access and transformation was recommended for integrating IK into services of public libraries. It was recommended that public librarians, as stakeholders in the transformation of library services need to engage in the IK discourse in order to enhance their ability to provide inclusive services. The importance of involving communities in defining IK according to their contexts to enable meaningful integration into library services was highlighted. A need to expand the study to other provinces in South Africa to determine librarians’ understanding and views regarding integration of IK was identified.Information Science
D. Litt. et Phil. (Information Science)
12
Buchholz, Irmera. "Provision of access to information in academic libraries in Southern Africa : two case studies." Diss., 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/4794.
Анотація:
Information and communications technology (ICT) makes remote access to information possible. Resource sharing facilitates the provision of access to information sources not owned by an individual library.
Case studies were conducted at the University of South Africa and University of Namibia libraries to explore the provision of access to information in academic libraries in southern Africa through collection development, resource sharing and acquiring remote access to electronic resources through ICT facilities.
It was found that both libraries have recently adapted their collection development policies to accommodate electronic resources although their budgets did not increase accordingly. The recruitment of ICT knowledgeable staff tends to be a problem at both libraries. Resources are shared via interlending and document supply with Unisa Library as a model in southern Africa. Both libraries add their holdings to the national bibliographies and Sabinet and are members of GAELIC. However, the UNAM library is a passive partner. A consortium within Namibia’s borders is suggested to improve resource sharing.Information Science
M. A. (Information Science)
13
Mogiba, Ntombizandile Cynthia. "Utilising radio-frequency identification technologies as knowledge management enablers in academic libraries: a case study of the University of South Africa." Diss., 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/25322.
Анотація:
The quest to generate, preserve and utilise knowledge is driving firms and organisations towards a knowledge-based approach to managing organisational knowledge assets. Therefore, knowledge management (KM) is becoming increasingly important for organisations such as academic libraries to enhance their competitive edge in performance, to become more effective and to keep the organisation’s knowledge for future use. The importance of KM cannot be overemphasised in terms of how academic libraries can find meaningful and effective ways to manage knowledge resources to improve the services rendered to information users. Pressure is mounting for academic libraries to attain, retain and share knowledge for strategic planning, decision-making and remaining competitive. The adoption of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technologies is one of the preferred approaches to managing organisational knowledge assets; therefore, this was the motivation for undertaking this study in order to understand how these new technologies can change the knowledge management landscape in academic libraries.
A qualitative research methodology, informed by the interpretivist research philosophy, was adopted in this study. Data were collected from a sample of 12 participants using non-probability purposive and convenience sampling techniques. The use of purposive and convenience techniques was ideal for this study because the participants were readily available and possessed the relevant data required to address the research questions and research problem of the study. Open-ended questions were designed to form an interview guide, which was the main data collection instrument. Annual reports, system manuals and user manuals were consulted to augment the primary data collected to address the problem at hand. The findings from the study showed that RFID technologies improved efficiency, tracking and tracing, inventory management and assisted with planning. It was revealed that users of RFID technologies required further training and development to fully utilise these systems for the benefit of the organisation.
The study was conducted using a small sample of 12 participants; therefore, it was recommended that further studies could be conducted with large sample sizes using different research strategies. It was suggested that further research should be conducted to establish how change programmes have been managed before in other departments or sections and how the staff exodus was managed. An organisation-wide research would be recommended to ascertain the views and opinions of a larger population so that findings can be generalisable.Information Science
M. Inf. (Information Science)
14
Matyila, Pule Muzi Lincholn. "A model for digital literacy enhancement through technology adoption in resource-constrained environments." Diss., 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/25815.
Анотація:
The ubiquitous and pervasive nature of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) fosters societies driven by knowledge rather than traditional capital and labour through the simplified socio-economic participation. No longer are individuals impacted by spatial and environmental conditions when conducting personal, community and even national obligations and duties. However, the effective use of ICT is governed by personal, interpersonal and environmental factors. Nowhere else is this impact more evident than in rural areas.
Rural areas are plagued by a number of challenges which affect ICT use. Some of these challenges relate to the scarcity of income, education and infrastructure. A holistic investigation on the challenges experienced by rural areas was necessary. Based on the outcome of the investigation, rural areas were classified as resource-constrained environments. The study then set out to explore concepts that highlight the opportunities offered by ICT in rural areas and those that mitigate challenges posed by these environments on ICT use.
The theoretical grounding of the concepts identified in the study firstly set out to understand and explain general ICT use, then extended this ICT use to rural areas. A conceptual model explaining challenges posed by resource constraints inherent in rural areas on ICT use was incepted. This conceptual model was empirically investigated for evaluation and validation purposes resulting in the final model of the study.
The final model of the study facilitated the process of understanding and explaining the effective use of ICT in rural areas based on the inherent resource constraints in these environments. By mitigating the factors affecting ICT use in rural areas, the impact of effective ICT use can potentially be extended to resource-constrained environments, including rural areas.School of Computing
M. Sc. (Computing)
15
Matobako, Molaodi Margaret. "The influence of Web 2.0 technologies on the use of public libraries in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa." Diss., 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/22686.
Анотація:
Recent innovations and advances in information and communication technologies (ICTs) have resulted into radical changes in the way information resources are provided, and have also brought about several options to handle a wide-range of information services effortlessly. Web 2.0 or social media is one of these innovations which expands the option in information services provision. Against this backdrop, this study intended to investigate the use of Web 2.0 technologies in the public libraries in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa. The study was guided by mixed-methods of quantitative and qualitative approaches, because the approach enables the researcher to cover a wide variety of issues. The study adopted a sample survey research design to guide selection of subjects. Two data collection tools namely: a self-administered questionnaire were used for collecting data from 248 library users, while unstructured interview schedules were used to collect qualitative data from 16 library officials. The response rate for the survey of library users was 69%, a good rate for an unsolicited survey. The findings revealed that Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality libraries have ICT equipment with access to Web 2.0 technologies and that these technologies are also highly utilised. However, lack of training, low bandwidth, and short time allowed to access WIFI makes it difficult for the library users and staff to fully benefit from the web-based services offered by these libraries. Other factors include poor staff attitudes, technical problems, and challenges in marketing of online public access and catalogue, restrictions of social networking sites, non-linkage of the library OPAC to social media, geographical distances, and load shedding. The study concluded by recommending allocation of sufficient funds to cater for ICT trainings, free WIFI, uninterrupted power supply, increased bandwidth, amongst others which will enhance the quick and effective service that will meet the information needs of their users.Information Science
M.A. (Information Science)
16
Khumalo, Mbalenhle Sijabulile. "The provision of Library and Information Services to offenders in South Africa with reference to Leeuwkop and Johannesburg correctional services." Diss., 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/27336.
Анотація:
A need to correct the behaviour and deeds of people who have been incarcerated has been in the plans of the South African Government for a number of years now. Shifting from being punishment to rehabilitation centres, the correctional places have the aim to rehabilitate and
prepare inmates to be included in and accepted by the society beyond their incarceration period.
Qualitative and quantitative approaches were adopted. The case study design was employed to provide the researcher with the flexibility to gather data after an in-depth study of the LIS in Leeuwkop and Johannesburg correctional centres. The targeted population was the
Department of Correctional Services (DCS) officials in charge of the LIS, Gauteng Department of Arts and Culture (DAC), City of Johannesburg (CoJ) municipality LIS Department and offenders from the Leeuwkop and Johannesburg correctional services. The
purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample for the study. Interviews were held with six Leeuwkop and Johannesburg DCS officials, one official from the City of Johannesburg LIS Department responsible for project management, and two officials from
the Department of Arts and Culture. Questionnaires were administered to Leeuwkop and Johannesburg offenders. Triangulation was used to provide different views and opinions during the data analysis. The qualitative data was analysed thematically while the quantitative
data was analysed numerically with tables and graphs. Ethical considerations were taken into account by acknowledging authors and providing consent forms to the participants.
The study established that there was a provisional policy for correctional services libraries in Gauteng. However, most libraries did not utilise it as they rather used other policies. This is
due to the fact that libraries are not autonomous but are under the formal authority of the Department of Education and Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (SRAC). Most inmates knew about the LIS facilities in their centres. However, the study found out that the materials
stored in the libraries were out-dated and limited. Additionally, most centres did not have programmes to rehabilitate offenders while they are within the correctional facilities and to reintegrate them back into the society after their release. The study recommends that another
study be done pertaining to the mandate and development of policies for the DCS libraries.Information Science
M. Inf.
17
Raubenheimer, Janette. "Developing library middle management in the context of an Open Distance Learning (ODL) environment in South Africa." Thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/22043.
Анотація:
Managing on the middle level of the academic environment has become an essential managerial competency, particularly in a large library of an Open Distance Learning (ODL) institution which serves 400,000 students with a diverse student profile. The research focus of this study in the ODL environment is thus on management and organisational theories that indicate what it takes to be a good manager.
This is a positivist case study which triangulates data collection methods. Quantitative data and qualitative data were collected. The findings indicate a 94,7% response rate to the survey questionnaire and 100% participation of the invited ODL middle managers in interviews. Interviews were conducted with ODL Library middle managers who operate on the level of supervisor, manager, deputy director and director. Findings revealed ODL Library middle managers‟ perception of success and that they worked and planned for career progression that was facilitated by relevant qualifications and experience, that the external support received from their families and the use of develop ment strategies and various approaches, such as personal career planning; performing secondary management roles in the ODL Library; attendance at management short courses, all influenced their successful appointment as middle managers.
It further indicates that an optimum career path is influenced by factors such as ability, communication, hard work and determination. Development strategies pertain to management and leadership development which enable ODL Library middle managers to perform the role of manager in both a Library and Information Science environment, ODL environment and management environment which foster an understanding of their role in strategic planning. The most important competencies to be acquired are planning and administration, emotional intelligence and self-management, communication and teamwork. The study reveals that a high premium was placed on the importance of the selected success definitions, strategies and competencies, but that own success measured against these was lower. The subsequent recommendation is to develop ODL Library middle managers in terms of factors and strategies that lead to career success and to ensure the use thereof.Information Science
D. Litt. et Phil. (Information Science)
18
Shibambu, Badimuni Amos. "Digital curation of records in the cloud to support e-government services in South Africa." Thesis, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/26981.
Анотація:
Many scholars lament of poor infrastructure to manage and preserve digital records
within the public sector in South Africa to support electronic government (egovernment).
For example, in South Africa, the national archives’ repository and its
subsidiary provincial archives do not have infrastructure to ingest digital records into
archival custody. As a result, digital records are left to the creating agencies to manage
and preserve. The problem is compounded by the fact that very few public sector
organisations in South Africa have procured systems to manage digital records.
Therefore, a question is how are digital records managed and stored in these
organisations to support e-government? Do public organisations entrust their records to
the cloud as an alternative storage given the fact that both physical and virtual storages
are a problem? If they do, how do they ensure accessibility, governance, security and
long-term preservation of records in the cloud? Utilising the Digital Curation Centre
(DCC) Lifecycle Model as a guiding framework, this qualitative study sought to
explore digital curation of records in the cloud to support e-government services in
South Africa with the view to propose a framework that would guide the public sector
to migrate records to the cloud storage. Semi-structured interviews were employed to
collect data from the purposively selected Chief Information Officers in the national
government departments that have implemented some of the electronic services such
as the Department of Arts and Culture, Department of Home Affairs, Department of
Higher Education and Training and the Department of Basic Education.
Furthermore, the National Archives and Records Services of South Africa was also
chosen as it is charged with the statutory regulatory role of records management in
governmental bodies. So is the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), a public
sector ICT company established in 1999 to consolidate and coordinate the state’s
information technology resources in order to achieve cost savings through scale,
increase delivery capabilities and enhance interoperability. Interview data were
augmented through document analysis of legislation and policies pertaining to data
storage. Data were analysed thematically and interpreted in accordance with the
objectives of the study. The key finding suggests that although public servants
informally and unconsciously put some records in the clouds, government departments in South Africa are sceptical to entrust their records to the cloud due to a number of
reasons, such as lack of policy and legislative framework, lack of trust to the cloud
storage, jurisdiction, legal implications, privacy, ownership and security risks. This
study recommends that given the evolution of technology, the government should
regulate cloud storage through policy and legislative promulgation, as well as
developing a government-owned cloud managed through SITA in order for all
government departments to use it. This study suggests a framework to migrate paperbased
records to cloud storage that is controlled by the government.Information Science
D.Lit. et Phil. (Information Science)
19
Matwadia, Zyliekha. "The influence of digital media use in classrooms on teacher stress in Gauteng schools." Diss., 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/25504.
Анотація:
In 2014, Gauteng Education MEC announced the “Big Switch On” project in which he envisaged paperless classrooms in Gauteng schools over the next three years. He also said that this would see digital media such as iPads and other electronic Tablets replacing textbooks and stationery. He had a vision that the chalkboard would disappear and projectors would take their place. When the MEC for Education introduced the Big Switch On project, he emphasised the positive effects that paperless classrooms will have on the learners. Education authorities were concerned about and wanted to improve the quality of learning and teaching for disadvantaged learners. However, the MEC for Education failed to highlight the possible impact that paperless classrooms will have on educators. It is important that educators are given an opportunity to provide input with regard to the implementation of paperless classrooms.
This study will focus on the perceived stress experienced by teachers in Gauteng, whose schools have been part of the Big Switch On project and have had to mandatorily include the use of digital tablets in their classrooms. This study sought to investigate the influence of digital media use in classrooms on teacher stress in Gauteng schools. It is important to conduct a contextual study that explores the perceived stress factors experienced by teachers in the Gauteng schools that were selected in the Big Switch On project. The research from other contexts can only provide general frameworks regarding the constructs involved. It cannot replace the research conducted specifically for the Big Switch On project.
The purpose of this study is threefold. Firstly, the Big Switch On project has been introduced in 2015 in seven Gauteng schools, and was expanded to 375 schools in the following two years. For many schools, this is a first time, thereby rendering it a scarcely researched topic. The implications and effects of the project have yet to be considered. Secondly, it is often assumed that the use of digital tablets in the classroom makes teachers lives easier and reduces their workload. The research that will be undertaken will address this question scientifically to make reliable and valid conclusions that go beyond assumptions. Thirdly, related research has indicated barriers and challenges to the implementation of digital tablets in the classroom. The research will address these barriers and make recommendations regarding future implementation of digital tablets in the classroom.
In this qualitative study, I chose a multi-site case study with purposeful, convenience sampling. Two secondary schools that were part of the Big Switch On project were selected. The classrooms in the schools had smartboards, the teachers were given laptops and learners were given tablets. Furthermore, a lot of money was spent on the upgrade of the infra-structure of the schools. These schools were chosen as sites to study the influence of digital media use in the classroom on teacher stress. I chose to interview all levels of teachers and principals, which would allow me to make comparisons as well as provide me with data from which I would be able to reflect on my own practices. I chose to gather data by means of semi-structured face to face interviews.
The data revealed that teachers were not part of the decision-making process to introduce digital media in the classroom. Although teachers cited benefits, they felt that the challenges were frustrating with the implementation of digital media in the classroom. Teachers expressed that the initial workload increased but felt that it would decrease over time. Whilst teachers felt that the quality of teaching has improved, they indicated that the quality of learning has deteriorated because learners use the tablets for off-task behaviour.
Teachers made recommendations that mirrored the recommendations from the literature and if these concerns are addressed, it would make the implementation of digital media in the classroom more effective and at the same time empower teachers.
In order to address school effectiveness, one needs optimum levels of commitment and performance from teachers. Therefore, it is important to emphasize any notion affecting the performance capability of teachers and learners and to create stress free working conditions. It is with this in mind that the study was conducted.Educational Leadership and Management
M. Ed. (Educational Leadership and Management)
20
Dube, Tinyiko Vivian. "Information technology skills and competencies of staff members in the Information Resource Distribution Directorate of the University of South Africa Library." Diss., 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/22932.
Анотація:
This study was conducted at the UNISA Library. The study sought to investigate the information technology skills and competencies of the library staff members in the Information Resource Distribution directorate of the University of South Africa Library, with regard to the utilisation and application of information technology tools to handle or process online requests from remote clients timeously and efficiently. Observation, questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data, whereby all the information resource distribution staff members and their supervisors were asked to participate.
The study found that information resource distribution staff members were skilled and competent with regard to processing online requests from remote clients. This means that they were able to use IT to process and deliver requested information resources. However, observation indicated that staff members lack the dedication and commitment to ensure speedy processing and delivery of requests. In addition, they were faced with problems and challenges that impacted on them not providing quality services to remote clients. The researcher outlined some recommendations that could be helpful in solving these identified challenges.Information Science
M.A. (Information Science)
21
Jahoor, Farshida. "A framework for mobile digital literacy skills of educators using mobile technology in rural formal education." Diss., 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/25811.
Анотація:
Information and communication technology (ICT) is considered a vital enabler in the quest to reduce the disparities between the developed and developing world. Developments in mobile technology have dramatically changed the ICT landscape. Mobile cellular technologies have flourished and proliferated more rapidly than any previous technology hitherto and is thus considered, at this time, the most pervasive technology in the world. However, the introduction of mobile ICT in rural formal education is faced with many challenges and ways in which to maximise its usage is still being explored.
This research explores mobile digital literacy skills required by a rural educator to successfully integrate mobile technology into the classroom. This exploration used the ICT for rural education development (ICT4RED) project as its case study and added dimensions to the project through the development of a framework for mobile digital literacy skills.
ICT4RED was an appropriate case for the exploration as it met the following criteria: educators were using mobile technologies in the classroom, educators had been part of the Teacher Professional Development (TPD) course offered by the ICT4RED project and educators were based in a rural resource-constrained area in South Africa. Questionnaires were used to gain insight into which skills educators rated as most important, and least important, as based on their teaching experience using mobile technologies in the classroom.
The work is grounded on an interpretivist research philosophy and followed an inductive reasoning approach. Additionally, the research employed a qualitative method of analysis with a single case study, comprising of two units, facilitating a perspective of the phenomenon. Framework development was enabled through a literature review which assisted in theorising the mobile digital literacy skills. An expert review, followed by a questionnaire driven survey for educators, was conducted. The qualitative analysis revealed that most of the mobile digital literacy skills from literature were important and should be employed. The majority of educators and experts felt that the skills could not be categorised as, due to the lack of resources, most are considered very important. The lack of stable internet connection/s were also considered a major (if not the major) hindrance to successful mobile integration in rural areas.
The main research question answered by this study is:
How can a framework for educators’ mobile digital literacy skills support educators using mobile technology in formal rural education?
The findings of this research should be significant to developers of mobile technology training programmes, as well as educators trying to successfully integrate mobile technology into their classrooms. The framework will enable both trainers and educators to prioritise skills and channel resources into the acquisition of those skills which have been identified as important by this research work.School of Computing
M. Sc. (Computing)
22
Dlamini, Ntombizethu Annatoria. "The role of principals in establishing and managing functional school libraries in King Cetshwayo District, KwaZulu-Natal." Diss., 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/26001.
Анотація:
It became known that South African learners’ learning outcomes rank poorly on the international stage, even if compared to less developed parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. The root cause of this problem is assumed to lie with the concern of illiteracy, which was argued, could be combated inter alia by ensuring that every public school has a stocked and functional library serviced by a fulltime proficient librarian. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of principals in establishing and managing functional school libraries in the King Cetshwayo District, KwaZulu-Natal. A qualitative investigation was done amongst school principals and their teacher librarians at five Dlangubo Circuit Schools. Data were collected by means of in-depth interviews and document analysis. The study revealed that the principals lack the training and resources to fulfil their role in establishing and maintaining functional school libraries. Recommendations were made on how principals might solve these problems in the future.Dit het aan die lig gekom dat Suid-Afrikaanse leerders se leeruitkomste swak in die internasionale arena vertoon, selfs indien dit met minder-ontwikkelde dele van Sub-Sahara-Afrika vergelyk word. Daar word aanvaar dat die oorsaak van hier probleem vermoedelik die probleem van ongeletterdheid is, wat onder andere oorkom kan word deur te verseker dat elke openbare skool oor ’n toegeruste en funksionele biblioteek beskik wat deur ’n voltydse, bekwame bibliotekaris bestuur word. Hierdie studie ondersoek die rol van skoolhoofde in die vestiging en bestuur van funksionele skoolbiblioteke in die King Cetshwayo-distrik in KwaZulu-Natal. Daar is by vyf skole in die Dlangubu-streek ’n kwalitatiewe ondersoek met behulp van skoolhoofde en hulle onderwyser-bibliotekarisse gedoen. Data is met behulp van diepgaande onderhoude en dokumentanalise versamel. Die studie het aan die lig gebring dat die skoolhoofde ’n gebrek aan opleiding en hulpbronne het ten einde hulle rol in die vestiging en handhawing van funksionele skoolbiblioteke te vervul. Aanbevelings is gemaak oor hoe skoolhoofde in die toekoms moontlik hierdie probleme kan oplos.
Kuvele ukuthi imiphumela yokufunda abafundi baseNingizimu Afrika isezingeni eliphansi mayikeliswe neyamazwengamazwe ngisho noma isiqhathaniswa neyezingxenye ezingaka thuthuki kahle zase- Sub-Saharan Africa. Umsuka walenkinga kusolwa ukuthi udalwa ukungakhuthazwa ukufunda izincwadi nokubhala ,okuyinto okuthiwa ingaqedwa phakathi kokunye ngokuqinisekisa ukuthi zonke izikole zomphakathi zinomtapo wolwazi onezinsizakufunda nezinsizakusebenza ezanele ezisezingeni labantwana nothisha futhi owenganyelwe uthisha oqeqeshiwe ngokusebenza komtapo futhi osebenza ngokugcwele ukuqondana nomtapo wesikole. Inhloso yocwaningo ukuphenya indima yothishanhloko ekusunguleni nasekuphatheni imitapo esebenza ngendlela efanele ezikoleni zase e-King Cetshwayo District, KwaZulu-Natal. Uphenyo olunzulu lwenziwe kothishomkhulu kanye nakothisha ababakhethe ukuthi babuye babhekane nokusebenza nokuphathwa kwe -mitapo yolwazi ezikoleni zabo ezinhlanu ezise Dlangubo Circuit. Ulwazi lwaqoqwa ngama in-depth interviews kanye nokuhlaziywa kwezincwadi abasebenza ngazo ukuze umtapo wolwazi wesikole usebenze ngendlela efanele.Lolu cwaningo luveze ukuthi othishanhloko bashoda ngoqeqesho kwezokuphathwa komtapo wolwazi ezikoleni kanye nezinsizakufunda kubalwa nezinsiza kusebenza eziqondene nokusebenza kahle komtapo wolwazi ezikoleni ukuze bakwazi ukufeza indima yabo ekusunguleni nasekuphatheni gendlala imitapo yolwazi esebenza kahle ezikoleni zabo. Izincomo zenziwe ezikhombisa ukuthi othishanhloko bangazixazulula kanjani lezi zinkinga esikhathini esizayo.
Educational Management and Leadership
M. Ed. (Education Management)
23
Adams, Lindall Elaine. "The contribution of library programmes at the Emfuleni Library and Information Services in creating social capital to reduce poverty." Thesis, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/25176.
Анотація:
The thesis is intended to assess the contribution of the public library service
to the creation of social capital to reduce poverty. However, in research
studies targeting this subject, the lack of empirical research is continuously
mentioned or suggestions are made that more qualitative studies could shed
more insight on the creation of social capital in public libraries.
The concept of social capital or rather how it is created in public libraries
leads to the complexity of understanding the creation thereof in public
libraries, while continuous suggestions are that more qualitative studies
would give light on its creation in public libraries and also in other subject
disciplines (Aguilar & Sen 2009: 425; Halpern 2005: 1; Lin 2001: 3).
However, to find clarity about what social capital is, the study focuses on
Pierre Bourdieu’s description of social capital. Pierre Bourdieu is known as
one of the first social scientists who tried to understand the concept of
social capital (Bourdieu 2005: 1). The public library from a social capital
viewpoint is a trustworthy social network where people have access to
resources to benefit their socio-economic development.
The presence of social capital is visible in every aspect of life and for that
reason it is not uncommon for social capital to have an effect on
unemployment, mental health and social empowerment (Thompson 2015).
Social capital is a recognisable term in Library and Information Science
(LIS) literature (Stilwell 2016: 54; Strand 2016: 144; Skelly 2014: 2; Aabø,
Audunson & Vårheim 2010:16; Hart 2007:22; Bhandar, Pan & Tan
2007:263). However, the idea that social capital in libraries exists may not
be recognised, such as in the case of the book Bowling alone, authored by
Robert Putnam (Putnam 1995:22). Public libraries fulfil the role of social
capital in two ways: connecting individuals and the community with their
library services and programmes and promoting the staff-patron interactions
that attempt to create patron trust in the library. Feldman (2009: 5)
illustrates the notion of social capital in the library as generated through
library services and programmes that could contribute towards
empowerment, skills development, happy families and positive economic
growth (Feldman 2009:5).
The study is an sequential explanatory mixed methods study. There were
three data collections methods use. Questionnaires with mostly close-ended
questions, interviews and official documents. The research participants
were 115 library patrons and 58 library staff of the Emfuleni Local
Municipality Library and Information Service.
The researcher found several explanations on the creation of social capital,
but none had measurable outcomes that could illustrate the societal value of
public libraries, apart from one, which was to build a trusting relationship
between the library, staff and patrons. Hence, through Vårheim’s (2014: 68)
observation about trust and patron attendance, library programmes were
identified as the measurable outcome to rationalise the importance of the
public library and the value of libraries and library staff. In such a case, the
societal value of libraries can be understood. Through the correct measuring
instruments that were identified in this study, public libraries address the
creation of social capital that makes it possible to show that public library
services support lifelong learning and workforce development.Information Science
D. Litt. et Phil. (Information Science)
24
Van, der Westhuizen Leonie Magdalena. "Teachers' understanding and use of digital play for language acquisition in Grade R." Diss., 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/26395.
Анотація:
Teachers tend to use traditional teaching methods, even though young learners are more digitally oriented. The purpose of this study was to analyse teachers' understanding and practices in grade R classes to clarify their use of digital play for language acquisition. The participants consisted of eight grade R teachers at one selected primary school in an urban area that had access to digital technology. Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory as a theoretical framework informed this study. This qualitative single case study generated data from teacher participants and their interaction with the learners. The data generation included semi-structured individual interviews, focus group interviews, and non-participant observations. Analyses to answer the research questions were conducted by means of thematic analysis. The main finding was that grade R teachers have some knowledge and understanding of digital play and they are willing to try new games, but they feel they need to know more about digital technology and the use of digital games for language acquisition. Recommendations include the need for the development of more digital games relevant to language acquisition and for teachers to adopt relevant pedagogies to benefit from available digital games. A similar study in a rural area and a comparison between this study and such a study will then be useful in determining teachers' understanding and use of digital play for language acquisition.Onderwysers is geneig om tradisionele onderrigmetodes te gebruik, selfs al is jong leerders meer digitaal georiënteerd. Die doel van hierdie studie was om onderwysers se begrip en praktyke in graad R-klasse te ontleed, om hul gebruik van digitale spel vir taalverwerwing duidelik te maak. Die deelnemers het bestaan uit agt graad R-onderwysers by een uitgesoekte laerskool in ʼn stedelike gebied, met toegang tot digitale tegnologie. Hierdie studie is geïnspireer deur Bronfenbrenner se ekologiese stelselteorie as ʼn teoretiese raamwerk. Hierdie kwalitatiewe enkelgevallestudie het data van onderwyser-deelnemers en hul interaksie met die leerders gegenereer. Die datagenerering het halfgestruktureerde individuele onderhoude, fokusgroeponderhoude en niedeelnemer-waarnemings ingesluit. Die vernaamste gevolgtrekking was dat graad R-onderwysers oor ʼn mate van kennis en begrip van digitale spel beskik en dat hulle bereid is om nuwe speletjies te probeer, maar hulle voel hulle behoort meer te weet van digitale tegnologie en die gebruik van digitale speletjies vir taalverwerwing. Aanbevelings sluit in: die behoefte aan die ontwikkeling van meer digitale speletjies wat op taalverwerwing betrekking het; en dat onderwysers tersaaklike pedagogieë moet inspan om uit die beskikbare digitale speletjies voordeel te trek. ʼn Soortgelyke studie in ʼn landelike gebied en ʼn vergelyking tussen hierdie studie en so ʼn studie sal dan nuttig wees om onderwysers se begrip en gebruik van digitale spel vir taalverwerwing te bepaal.
Barutiši ba na le go šomiša mekgwa ya sekgale ya go ruta, le ge e le gore baithuti ba baswa ba na le tsebo ya theknolotši. Morero wa nyakišišo ye e be e le go sekaseka mašomelo le kwešišo ya barutiši ka diphapošing tša kreiti R go hlalosa tšhomišo ya bona ya papadi ya ditšitale ya go ithuta polelo. Bakgathatema ba bopilwe ke barutiši ba seswai ba kreiti R sekolong se se kgethilwego sa poraemari ka nagasetoropong seo se nago le theknolotši ya ditšitale. Teori ya mekgwa ya ekolotši ya Bronfenbrenner bjalo ka foreimiweke ya teori e thekgile nyakišišo ye. Kheisesetati ye e tee ya khwalithethifi e tšweleditše datha go tšwa go bakgathatema ba e lego barutiši le kopano ya bona le baithuti. Tšweletšo ya datha e akareditše dipoledišano tša motho o tee ka o tee tša go beakanywa seripa, dipoledišano tša go nepiša sehlopha, le ditlhokomelo tša ba go se kgathe tema. Ditshekatsheko go araba dipotšišo tša dinyakišišo di dirilwe ka go šomiša tshekatsheko ya thematiki. Kutullo ye kgolo e bile gore barutiši ba kreiti R ba na le tsebo le kwešišo ye nyane ya papadi ya ditšitale le gore ba rata go leka dipapadi tše diswa, eupša ba kwa ba nyaka go tseba tše ntši ka ga theknolotši ya ditšitale le tšhomišo ya dipapadi tša ditšitale tša go ithuta polelo. Ditšhišinyo di akaretša nyakego ya tlhabollo ya dipapadi tša ditšitale tše ntši tša maleba go ithuteng polelo le gore baithuti ba amogela serutiši sa maleba gore ba holege dipapading tša ditšitale. Nyakišišo ye bjalo nagamagaeng le papišo gare ga nyakišišo ye le nyakišišo ye bjalo gona e tla ba le mohola taetšong ya kwešišo ya barutiši le tšhomišo ya papadi ya ditšitale ya go ithuta polelo.
Curriculum and Instructional Studies
M. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)
25
Asaram, Anusha. "The role of resource centres in supporting learners requiring high levels of support, in the Pietermaritzburg district : a case study." Diss., 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/14195.
Анотація:
Upon close examination of Education White Paper 6: Building an Inclusive Education System, it became evident that, special schools have a crucial role to play. EWP6 clearly outlines the roles of special schools as resource centres. This entails a paradigm shift from a medical to a social model.The purpose of this research was to investigate the role of resource centres in supporting learners who require high levels of support, in an inclusive education system in the Pietermaritzburg district. The study was conducted at a special school with 23 respondents. The triangulated data were collected through participant observations, open-ended questionnaire and interviews. This study revealed that not only are SSRCs totally committed to the paradigm shift but SSRCs are “leading " the way with regard to implementing inclusive strategies like SIAS process, the curriculum changes and alternate means of assessment. SSRCs are valuable resources that are currently under utilized.Inclusive Education
M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)
26
Munnhar, Pradhika. "The South African Council for Educators point system policy : implications for the professional development of teachers in Gauteng." Diss., 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/27247.
Анотація:
Abstract in English, Afrikaans and SesothoThis work explores the continuous professional teacher development point system policy and the implications it has on the professional development of teachers. A qualitative study was undertaken in two secondary schools on the West Rand in Gauteng. Data was collected through document analysis, observations and semi-structured interviews. Results indicated that there is a mismatch between what is outlined in the policy and what the teachers are practising. It became evident that the majority of teachers in this study had limited knowledge of the policy although implementation of the policy began in 2014. It was concluded that the point system policy is not contributing effectively to the professional development of teachers in Gauteng.
Hierdie werk ondersoek die deurlopende professionele onderwyser-ontwikkelingspuntstelselbeleid en die implikasies daarvan op die professionele ontwikkeling van onderwysers. 'n Kwalitatiewe studie is onderneem in twee sekondêre skole aan die Wes-Rand in Gauteng. Data is ingesamel deur middel van dokument analise, waarnemings en semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude. Resultate het aangedui dat daar 'n wanverhouding bestaan tussen wat in die beleid uiteengesit word en wat die onderwysers praktiseer. Dit het duidelik geword dat die meerderheid onderwysers in hierdie studie beperkte kennis van die beleid gehad het, hoewel die implementering van die beleid in 2014 begin het. Daar is bevind dat die puntestelselbeleid nie effektief bydra tot die professionele ontwikkeling van onderwysers in Gauteng nie.
Mosebetsi ona o hlahloba ts'ebetso ea litsebi tsa ntswetsopele ea litsebi le liphehello tsa eona ho ntlafatso ea litsebi tsa matichere. Thuto e ntle e ile ea etsoa likolong tse peli tsa sekondari ho West Rand Gauteng. Lintlha li ile tsa bokelloa ka ho hlahloba litokomane, litlhaloso le lipuisano tse sa tšoaneng. Lipatlisiso li bontšitse hore ho na le phapang pakeng tsa se boletsoeng polelong le seo matichere a se etsang. Ho ile ha totobala hore matichere a mangata thutong ena a na le tsebo e fokolang ea leano le hoja ts'ebetsong ea pholisi e qalile ka 2014. Ho ile ha fihleloa qeto ea hore leano la tsamaiso ea motheo ha le tlatse ka katleho ho ntlafatso ea litsebi tsa matichere Gauteng.
Educational Management and Leadership
M. Ed. (Educational Leadership and Management)
27
Davel, Coriena. "The mobile phone as an extention of the self : a study among adolescents in a secondary school." Thesis, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/22819.
Анотація:
The mobile phone forms part of a teenager’s life world and reality today and can be regarded as a tool with which they not only communicate, but also use them to gain access to the Internet, social media and social networking sites. The primary aim of this study was to determine if the mobile phone, with all its functionalities, has an impact on the development of the adolescent’s identity formation, social development and communication skills as well as the sense of the self. Another objective of this study was to determine what the opinions and perceptions are of older generations with regard to mobile practices of the youth. A concurrent triangulation mixed method design was utilised for the purpose of the study. The quantitative and qualitative studies were conducted simultaneously and the data and results from each method were integrated and interpreted as a whole. The quantitative data gathering method was short self-structured questionnaires that were completed by learners (190), teachers (35) and parents (21) to provide a general overview of mobile usage among adolescents. A single-group pre-test post-test experimental design and individual interviews were conducted with eight volunteers. Lastly, 12 learners took part in a focus group interview as a confirmation technique for all the information that was gathered. The findings of the empirical investigation revealed that the mobile phone is used nowadays as a social tool, a planning tool and a convenience tool. The constant connectedness the mobile phone provides, strengthens the adolescents’ self-esteem and self-confidence and contributes strongly to their self-worth. The mobile phone is used as a self-expressive personalised tool and forms part of the sense of the adolescent self. It was also found that adolescents build their relationships with others on a two-dimensional platform that involves online and offline communication and activities. A definite gap exists between older generations’ perceptions and adolescents in connection with the ways that adolescents use their mobile phones nowadays. Parents and teachers have to accept the fact that technology forms part of today’s youth and they should change their mind-sets with regard to this complicated and complex phenomenon.Psychology of Education
D. Ed. (Psychology of Education)