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Avoidance of complex grammar by senior high school L2 English students: motivations and cognition
No full textThis study investigates the motivations and thought processes behind grammar avoidance in senior high school second language (L2) English learners during grammar learning. Twelve suburban public school intermediate proficiency L2 English learners were selected. Data was collected through qualitative semi-structured interviews and thematically analyzed. Using Bourdieu's sociological theory, the following themes emerged from the data analysis: (i) Strategic Simplification: Navigating Linguistic Capital and Habitus for Effective Communication, (ii) Strategic Avoidance: Navigating Complex Sociolinguistic Forces to Optimize Communication, (iii) Managing Perceived Communication Risk, and (iv) Strategic Avoidance as Temporary Adaptation: Ambivalent Linguistic Simplification. Cognitively, limited working memory hindered processing and producing complex syntax, while avoidance helped manage high cognitive load. Insufficient explicit grammatical knowledge also prevented consolidating new structures. Avoidance allowed time to acquire the declarative knowledge needed. The findings suggest grammar avoidance balances complexity and accuracy, motivated by affective and cognitive constraints. Implications include building confidence, knowledge, and skills to enable early practice with complex constructions rather than prolonged avoidance. The study recommends that further research is required to determine optimal thresholds for avoidance and levels of optimal challenge for introducing complex grammar
Adoption and utilisation of learning/course management systems : the study of University of Professional Studies, Accra
No full textTechnological changes are having a great
impact on teaching and learning all over the world.
Students in Ghana at the various levels, especially, the
tertiary level are also becoming more technologically
inclined with most of them owning computers and having
access to the world wide web. Access to smart phones is
even making this easier. Oblinger and Oblinger, (2005)
describe net generation students as highly literate,
preferring to learn by doing experiential and also at ease
with image-rich environments than text. For these and
many other reasons, many universities (and even some
senior secondary schools) around the world have course
materials, lectures and discussions online in addition to
classroom-based learning. Once online, students can
access the latest information at any time and make copies
of materials or download course materials and even
partake in discussion forums, quizzes and turn in
assignments online. Students can also communicate with
instructors and other students whenever their schedules
permit. This study sought to find out of the level of
acceptance of the system and whether it is helping
students get more from their courses. It also tested the
some of the assumptions of the technology acceptance
model (TAM) on which the study was based
Organizational factors influencing foreign African court interpreting in South Africa
No full textEmployee performance is influenced by organizational factors
that require careful management by the human resource
divisions of organizations. The involvement of human
resources divisions is essential for managing court interpreters
who require specific skills, such as understanding court
hierarchies, proceedings, and discourse, remaining neutral
concerning their language choices, and coping with hearing
about sometimes horrific events without succumbing to
secondary trauma. The organizational factors in the South
African courtrooms were examined by interviewing foreign
African court interpreters, magistrates, prosecutors, and
attorneys.
Observations
of
courtroom
proceedings
complement data collected through interview methods. The
data analyzed show that the majority of foreign African court
interpreters have employment on a casual rather than
permanent basis, and organizational issues such as
standardized employment procedures, in-service training,
monitoring, induction, and orientation, amongst other factors,
still require significant improvement to ensure quality foreign
African court interpreting in South African courtrooms. The
research contributes to the literature on human resources
management of court interpreting. The implications of the
findings and the limitations of the study are discussed
Revitalising rural and township youth ministry in South Africa through digital innovation
No full textThis article explores the potential of digital innovation in revitalising rural
and township youth ministry in South Africa, acknowledging the challenges churches
face in engaging their youth in the evolving digital landscape. The study advocates
for integrating digital platforms to complement physical interactions, emphasising the
need for strategies resonating with digitally connected youth. Public theology is intro
duced as a paradigm encouraging the intertwining of faith with societal needs. While
recognising the promise of digital engagement, the article addresses unique challenges
in rural areas, proposing solutions such as community access points and partnerships
for inclusivity. The collaborative model envisions a hybrid approach, blending physi
cal and virtual interactions through a game-like platform. The methodology involves
a comprehensive literature review and cross-sectional analysis of successful digital en
gagement initiatives, informing a dynamic model. In conclusion, the article argues
that embracing digital innovation and public theology can bridge traditional and tech--savvy preferences, fostering a vibrant youth community with spiritual growth and
meaningful societal impact
The use of technology in African language pedagogy : a sociological approach
No full textTechnology has brought about new knowledge forms in all aspects of human life. The new knowledge forms have transformed not only human lives but also human ways of doing things. Education has also benefited from technological transformation which is witnessed through the delivery of teaching and reception of learning with technology. The use of technology in teaching has been a fundamental theme in the 21st century as the world tends towards the fourth industrial revolution. Using Bourdieu’s social theory, this paper seeks to gain an understanding of how the use of technology is impacted by the social context of language lecturers. This study aimed to investigate how language lecturers’ social context influences their use of technology in teaching African languages. To pursue the above aim, an in-depth interview was conducted with 8 language lecturers across 3 universities in KwaZulu-Natal using stratified and snowball sampling methods. This study analyses lecturers' social context regarding technology use in teaching. It also examines the value lecturers place on technology for teaching African languages. Finally, it provides recommendations for lecturers and stakeholders to effectively implement technology for teaching African languages within the social context of language lecturers
Machine learning evaluation of a hypertension screening program in a university workforce over five years
No full textAbstract
The global prevalence of hypertension continues excessively elevated, especially among low- and middle-income nations. Workplaces provide tremendous opportunities as a unique, easily accessible and practical avenue for early diagnosis and treatment of hypertension among the workforce class. The evaluation of such a Workplace Screening Strategy can give insight into its possible effects. Innovative machine learning approaches like k-means clustering are underutilized for such assessments. We set out to use this technology to analyze the results of our university’s yearly health checkup of the employees for hypertension. An anonymized dataset including the demographics and blood pressure monitoring information gathered from workers in various departments/units of a learning organization. The overall amount of samples or data values is 1, 723, and the supplied dataset includes six attributes, such as year group (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022), Department/Unit (academic and non-academic), and gender (male and female), with the intended output being the blood pressure status (low, normal, and high). The dataset was analyzed using machine learning approaches. In this longitudinal study, it was discovered that the average age for the workforce is 42. Similarly, it was revealed that hypertension was common among employees over the age of 40, regardless of gender or occupational type (academic or nonacademic). The data also found that there was a consistent drop in the prevalence of hypertension from 2018 to 2022. According to the study findings, the use of machine learning algorithms for periodic evaluations of workplace health status monitoring initiatives (particularly for hypertension) is feasible, realistic, and sustainable in diagnosing and controlling hypertension among those in the workforce
A review : the bibliometric analysis of emerging node localization in wireless sensor network
No full textAs research in Node localization in WSN becomes ubiquitous, there is a dire need to interpret and map the increasing scientific knowledge and evolutionary trends so that a firm foundation can be laid for identifying knowledge gaps and advancing the domain. There is a critical need to interpret and map the expanding body of scientific knowledge and evolutionary trends as Node localization research in WSN spreads widely to establish a solid foundation for identifying knowledge gaps and developing the domain. Hence, this study aims to undertake a bibliometric analysis of node localization approaches. The Scopus central assemblage database was searched for titles that included "node localization", "wireless sensor network," and "WSN". A total of 1618 documents were published within the nineteen-study period (2003 - 2022). Microsoft Excel 365, R Bibliometric and Biblioshiny packages were implored for statistical analysis of approved published research articles. This study highlights the trends and current state of node localization research in WSN. It can aid researchers in gaining a thorough understanding of the most recent node localization techniques used in WSN
Do firm size, stakeholder environment, and internal environmental management influence small medium sized accounting firms to adopt computerised accounting systems?
No full textBackground: In the modern business world, many companies rely on information technology, such as computerised accounting systems, to streamline the preparation of these financial statements. Despite the numerous benefits these systems offer, some organisations still choose to prepare their financial statements manually, exposing themselves to risks such as errors, inefficiencies, a lack of scalability, and limited real-time visibility.Aim: This study examines the influence of firm size, stakeholder involvement, and internal environmental management on the decision of small and medium-sized accounting firms (SMAs) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to adopt computerised accounting systems. The study uses agency theory to explain the dynamics between the SMAs, who act as agents, and their clients, the principals, who rely on their services to prepare financial statements. Setting: SMAs officially registered with the Durban Chamber of Commerce make up the population frame. Therefore, organisation forms the unit of analysis, which consists of the SMAs located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Method: This study used a questionnaire survey on 200 SMAs in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Results: This study shows all three factors—firm size, stakeholder involvement, and internal environmental management—significantly and positively influence the decision to adopt computerised accounting systems. Stakeholder involvement, in particular, proves to be the most influential predictor. Conclusion: The introduction of these systems ensures the fast and accurate production of financial information, thus meeting the needs of all stakeholders. Contribution: This study contributes to the existing literature on the factors driving the adoption of computerised accounting systems, with particular focus on the context of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Has generative AI become of age
No full textSmall and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa previously faced challenges due to limited resources, restricted access to technology, and the need to constantly adapt to a dynamic business environment. The introduction of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerged as a potential solution to these issues, promising to enhance operational efficiency and strategic decision-making. As a representative of developing economies, South Africa experienced a growing interest in AI technologies. This study was conducted to explore the impact of generative AI on SME productivity in South Africa, an area which had been underexplored. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study evaluated the current state and implications of generative AI in South African SMEs. It involved in-depth interviews to gather perceptions, experiences, challenges, and benefits from SME owners and managers regarding the adoption of generative AI technologies. The findings analysed via R Statistical Software revealed significant insights into the specific areas where generative AI substantially impacted SME productivity. It also identified the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of generative AI by SMEs, as well as the potential long-term implications. Key findings included notable improvements in data-driven decision-making, operational efficiencies, and market expansion strategies. However, the study also highlighted barriers such as the lack of technical expertise, initial setup costs, and concerns over data security. Overall, the impact of generative AI on SMEs in South Africa was found to be predominantly positive, paving the way for further technological advancements and adoption in the sector
A critical appraisal of the role of retribution in Aníkúlápó : the movie
Get PDFThis study examines Aníkúlápó, a Yoruba historical movie, to elucidate cultural perspectives on retributive justice. The study is grounded in the Yoruba worldview, which frames retribution as essential for restoring cosmic and social equilibrium when moral norms are violated. The data analysis used textual analysis of Aníkúlápó’s narrative depictions of crime and punishment as insights into traditional Yoruba principles of retributive justice. The findings reveal that the movie accurately portrays customary public punishment processes in precolonial Yoruba society aimed at communal justice and harmony. Beliefs in supernatural forces dispensing divine retribution are also authentically represented. While punishments seek to deter crime and rehabilitate offenders, scholarly critiques note occasional unfairness and excess. Overall, the analysis of the movie illuminates the pivotal role of retribution in Yoruba's cultural identity and moral philosophy. The key themes in the study relate to retribution's links to cosmic balance, supernatural dimensions, and functions as deterrence and rehabilitation. By situating the analysis of Aníkúlápó within scholarship on African jurisprudence, the study elucidates Yoruba perspectives on fate, choice, proportionality, and pragmatism when responding to moral complexities and wrongdoing. This study contributes original humanistic insight into indigenous African philosophies of social harmony beyond punitive justice. This study recommends comparing diverse narratives and contemporary attitudes to enrich the understanding retribution's nuanced cultural significance.</jats:p