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Use of information and communication technology in training pre service student teachers’ with visual impairment in Bishop Willis Teachers’ Training Institute, Uganda
No full textx, 85 p. ;Information and communication technology (ICT) in education has swiftly advanced across the world. This is caused by the reforms that are taking shape in education including teacher education, special needs education and legislative provisions. To cope up with these (ICT) reforms and developments that are taking place in different sectors including education, initiatives are being set up as informed by research. In this study, the researcher explored how ICT is used in the Training of pre-service students with visual impairment (SwVI) in Teachers Training Institutes to use it as a pedagogical tool. This study was carried out in Bishop Willis Teachers’ Training Institute in Eastern Uganda. The researcher used Human Activity Assistive Technology model (HAAT) to explore how humans make use of the assistive technology (ICT) to perform an activity. The researcher used qualitative research approach with a case study design. Through this approach and design, the researcher collected data using semi structured interviews and non-formal observation. Ten (10) participants took part in the study. They included three (3) tutors and seven (7) SwVI. Data was analyzed thematically. The presentation, interpretation, analysis, and discussion of findings were backed by the Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) model and the literature reviewed in chapter two. The researcher chose the relevance of HAAT in picking information that would be used in understanding how both human and nonhuman resources are useful in training SwVI to use ICTs as pedagogical tools. During and after presenting, interpreting, analyzing, and discussing the findings four major issues were exposed. The first issue that emerged from the findings was that tutors had inadequate training in the use of adapted ICT for training SwVI to use it as a pedagogical tool. Findings further showed that, although tutors are engaged in teaching/integrating ICT in their subject lessons for teaching pre-service teachers with visual impairment, there is a need to retool them (tutors) on the use of adapted ICT for persons with visual impairment. Secondly, findings revealed that the available computers did not have accessible soft wares for SwVI to make use of ICT as a pedagogical tool. The findings further indicate that those SwVI who had their personal smart phones made use of them for academic purposes. The third issue that emerged from the findings show power shortages as a barrier affecting the planned use of ICT by tutors while training SwVI. Lastly the findings show negative attitude from some SwVI in using ICT as a pedagogical tool.
Recommendations made include; ministry of education and sports with other partners to invest highly in ICT for SwVI in Teachers Training Institutes, regular training of tutors on adapted ICT for persons with visual impairment and sensitizing SwVI the values of adopting ICT in education as a sector
Medicinal plants used in the management of sexual dysfunction, infertility and improving virility in the east African community: a systematic review
No full textSexual disorders such as erectile dysfunction (ED), sterility, and sexual inappetence represent some of the complex reproductive
challenges that require addressing the underlying causes. Te aim of this paper was to systematically synthesize literature on the
ethnobotany, phytochemistry, bioactivities, and safety of plants used as remedies for managing sexual dysfunction and infertility,
and improving fertility and virility in the EAC. Trough an extensive review conducted in multidisciplinary electronic databases,
171 plant species were identifed to have been reported for the management of sexual inappetence (i.e., used as aphrodisiacs,
39.4%), ED (35.9%), infertility (18.7%), and increasing fertility (6.0%). Te most used plants are Mondia whitei, Acalypha
villicaulis, Combretum illairii, Erythrina abyssinica, Pappea capensis, Rhus vulgaris, and Warburgia ugandensis while roots
(44.9%), leaves (21.8%), stem and root barks (16.7%) of shrubs (35%), trees (31%), herbs (26%), and climbers (8%) are the
preferred organs for making decoctions (69%). Te research strides to date indicate that Citropsis articulata, Cola acuminata,
Ekebergia capensis, Plumbago zeylanica, Tarenna graveolens, Urtica massaica, and Zingiber ofcinale have been assessed for their bioactivity. Te majority (71.4%) of the plants either increased testosterone levels and mounting frequency or elicited prosexual stimulatory efects in male rats. More studies investigating the relevant pharmacological activities (aphrodisiac, fertility, and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitory activities), safety aspects, responsible compounds, and clinical studies are warranted to establish the pharmacological potential of the unstudied species and elucidate the mechanism of action of the bioactive compounds
Design Thinking and Learning Material Utilisation Creativity in Early Childhood Teacher Education: A Case of Kyambogo University, Uganda
No full textIn the recent past, we have seen a lot of innovations in children’s learning materials,
equipment and spaces design due to the work of famous educators like Montessori, 1912 and
Froebel, 1837. This has led to the development of a new landscape of how children’s
learning spaces look like. Many children’s learning centers have heavily invested in spaces
design and space equipment but despite all these developments, teachers in Uganda have
registered limited success in the utilization of these facilities to enrich children’s learning
experiences. This study was carried out to investigate how design thinking can be used to
impact teaching spaces utilization creativity (Pacini-Ketchabaw, 2016; Hakim, 2017 &
Masoumi, 2020). A Quasi-experimental with a mixed design approach was used with an
embedded Pretest Post-test Design (Bhattacherjee, 2012). Quantitative and qualitative data
was collected from a sample of a cohort of 64 in-service teachers studying a diploma in
early childhood teacher education. Data was collected using observations, focused group
interviews, and entries from the field notes. Using the Art world design thinking process, an
experiment was developed to induce material utilization creativity. Alongside was a
creativity observation to measure creativity indicators. This was used to measure creativity
exhibited at pretest and posttest in both the control and experimental group. Data analysis
used descriptive statistics for preliminary analysis and an independent group’s t-test for
analyzing the difference between the control and experimental group. Findings showed that
there was a statistically significant difference between the control and experimental group
at post-test; this was attributed to the art world design thinking process
Student teachers’ perspectives on shaping pedagogical practices at Makerere University, Uganda
No full textxvii, 210 p. : ill. ;This study used a qualitative approach to analyse the student teachers „perspectives on shaping pedagogical practices at Makerere University. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews in which twelve third year student teachers and three student leaders at the College of Education and External Studies were purposively selected. Data was analyzed through thematic framework analysis using Yuksel and Yildrim steps of data analysis.
The findings revealed that, students remain dissatisfied with the continuity of authoritarian pedagogical practices depicting the traditional linear logic of knowledge transfer, which reduce them to passive recipients of knowledge. The research recommended a set of core values that could to be established to enable contemporary pedagogical practices. A strong competence-based pedagogy through the introduction of practical/experimental schools, built with strong Information Communication Technology (ICT) should be introduced. Also, the Government of Uganda should introduce a sufficient and well- structured legal framework necessary for programmatic, institutional and personal mentorship in all education institutions. Although school practice was highly valued by the student teachers, a lot still needs to be done to improve on the professionalism, supervision and competence expected of the 21st century pedagogy. This therefore necessitates the need to adopt new models of teacher preparation that can be emerged with the present practices
School culture and students' academic satisfaction in private secondary schools in makindye division Kampala district
No full textxiii, 83 p. ;The investigation was conducted in Makindye Division, Kampala District, specifically in private secondary schools. The purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between school culture and student academic satisfaction. The study had three objectives: to explore the association between parental involvement, learning environment, and teacher commitment, and students' academic satisfaction. A correlation design was used since this was a relational study. Data was collected from a questionnaire (N=280) and used as the primary data source. The findings revealed that there was a moderately significant and very positive relationship (r=0.816, p=0.05) between parental involvement and student academic satisfaction. Similarly, a strong positive relationship existed between the learning environment and student academic satisfaction (p = 0.516, p < 0.01), while a similar significant positive relationship was observed between the learning environment and student academic satisfaction (p = 0.513, p < 0.01). The study further revealed that there was a strong positive and significant relationship (p = 0.413, p < 0.01) between teacher commitment and student academic satisfaction. The research showed that parental involvement, learning environment, and teacher commitment had a positive correlation with student satisfaction. Specifically, parental involvement accounted for 62.3% of the variation in student satisfaction, with each one-unit increase resulting in a 0.771-unit increase in satisfaction. The learning environment explained 30.8% of the variation in student satisfaction, with every one-unit increase leading to a 0.568-unit increase in satisfaction. The commitment of teachers explained 41.5% of the variation in student satisfaction, with every one-unit increase resulting in a 0.463-unit increase in satisfaction. The regression models were significant, indicating that the relationship between these factors and student satisfaction is not by chance. Private secondary schools in Makindye Division should encourage regular parental involvement in their children's education through communication channels and workshops. The schools should invest in a supportive and conducive learning environment for students by providing adequate learning resources and extracurricular programs. Additionally, they should prioritize recruiting and retaining committed and qualified teachers by offering attractive compensation and benefits packages, providing regular training and professional development opportunities, and encouraging teacher feedback to students and parents. Finally, future research should focus on the contribution of the classroom environment, socio-economic and socio-demographic factors to student academic satisfaction, and the association between teacher attitudes and student academic satisfaction
Farming practices and food security of smallholder farmers in kiruhura district, south western Uganda
No full textxiii, 96 p. : ill. (some col.) ;This study examined how farming practices influence smallholder farmers’ food security in Kiruhura district of Uganda. The specific objectives were to: describe the farming practices of smallholder farmers in Kiruhura district; determine the factors that influence the selection of farming practices among farmers in Kiruhura district, and to establish the relationship between household farming practices and household food security. Data were collected from a cross-sectional survey using questionnaires from a sample size of 310. In addition, key informant interviews and field observations was done.
The study findings showed that most smallholder farmers used varied levels of external inputs in agricultural production with about half of them combining use of external inputs with traditional farming practices. The choice of the farming practice to use was influenced by human, financial, social and natural factors, but natural factors have the greatest influence. Further, the dimensions of food security it is food availability and access that were assessed. The results showed that households that practiced high external inputs dependency farming were more food secure (food availability) than those that did not use external inputs in farming. The study revealed that there was a statistical difference between farming practices and food security within smallholder farmers at a 10% level of significance. Hence, farming practices that involve use of external inputs can significantly contribute to food security. Given that choice of whether or not to use external inputs largely depends on natural factors, designing interventions that conserve soil and water, and those that improve soil fertility to improve food security can enhance food security
Performance analysis of a hybrid of solar photovoltaic, genset, and hydro of a rural-based power mini-grid: case study of kisiizi hydro power mini-grid, Uganda
No full textThe power sector in Uganda has increased steadily, focusing majorly on rural electrification
to increase the proportion of the rural population accessing electricity using grid extension and
isolated mini-grid approaches. Hydropower mini-grids implemented in rural communities have
issues regarding system failures leading to shutdowns and load shedding. A study on an existing
isolated hydropower mini-grid was made to find the possible causes. A review of published articles
and reports, and an analysis of enrollment patterns, energy sales, and load demand was carried
out. A field survey with a guided questionnaire to collect information about real energy demand
data was carried out. The performance of the system was accomplished through simulation using
HOMER pro × 64 software. The findings from the study show a reduction in customer enrollment,
a reduction in energy sales, and a reasonable number of system shutdowns. Hybridization of the
existing hydropower was modeled with different options. The hybrid system proposed indicates that,
when implemented, it would reduce fuel consumption from 222 to 23.2 L/day and emissions from
82.5 to 8.3 kg/year on average and increases system reliability. Simulated values of NPC, LCOE, and
operating costs are appreciable. Despite mini-grid shortfalls, there is notably improved livelihood
due to improved social and economic services
Human factors and accidents of aviation operations in eastern Africa
No full textxvii, 195 p. : ill. (some col.) ;Safety performance is much poorer in developing countries when one compares to other countries worldwide, despite the fact that the aviation crews in these countries are trained with the aim of minimizing aviation accidents. The accidents are due to errors caused by failure in the human biological functionality which is totally related to our anthropometric limitations, physiology and anatomy, among others. These include; oxygen carrying capabilities/ hypoxia, hyperventilation, blind spots in the eye, disorientation in relation to the human's position in space, motion sickness, illusions, barotrauma, decompression sickness, circadian dysrhythmias, drugs/medication, sleep disorders, weight, fatigue, stress and many others. Therefor this study set out to investigate the human factor risks and accidents in Eastern Africa region aviation operations. A cross sectional research design was applied and quantitative data collected using a survey. The sampling procedure included both purposive and random sampling techniques used to draw a representative sample of aviation stake holders. Data from 42 Ugandan and Kenyan accident and incident final investigation reports from 2000- 2017 was analyzed. Results indicated that skill based errors in Kenya were 44% and in Uganda 50%, whereas decision errors in Kenya were 45% , Uganda 25% and perceptual errors and violation in Uganda were 25% and in Kenya 11% while exceptional violations were Kenya 77% and Uganda 81%. MLogit model showed significance at P<0.001, in the manner with which one flies, exceptional violation, supervisory violations and organizational processes. Examining of the current human factor risks in the region’s aviation operations showed that there are risks in quality control analysis (P= 0.023) and troubleshooting abilities (P= 0.02). Quality control analysis and troubleshooting abilities had a significant effect on the ability to predict skills required for the job (P < 0.05). The significant aeromedical factors included sleep (P=0.005), high levels of anxiety (P= 0.021), shortness of breath (P=0.011) and cigarette smoking (P<0.001). The Geographical Information Systems (GIS) tool captured latent human factors risks through ranking 40 randomly selected airports in the region, while the distress thermometer captured active risks which included health, stress (domestic and work related), fitness, deadlines and time pressure, sleep disorders, fatigue and pain. It can be concluded that both Kenya and Uganda had high levels of unsafe acts, although Kenya had a higher percentage. Four significant aeromedical factors were captured in the existing aeromedical factors in the region. Consequently, training and its evaluation plus the use of a regional adaptive curriculum that increases individual’s skills and reduces the emerging unsafe acts, and Uganda publicizing final accident and incident investigation reports on the responsible ministry (Works and Transport) website are recommended. Using the GIS tool and the distress thermometer to detect latent and active human factor risks pre-flight and on ground to assess the state of the crew members and environment before one embarks on a task is also recommended. Map of airports and aerodromes with high human factors risks in Kenya Map of airports and aerodromes with high human factors risks in Kenya Map of airports and aerodromes with high human factors risks in Kenya
Changes in extreme precipitation over Mpologoma catchment in Uganda, East Africa
No full textChanges of five Extreme Precipitation Indices (EPIs) over Mpologoma catchment were examined.
The EPIs were obtained from the long-term (1948–2016) gridded (0.25◦ × 0.25◦ ) Princeton
Global Forcing (PGF) daily precipitation dataset. The number of days with precipitation intensity
greater than 5 mm/day (NWD5) and 10 mm/day (NWD10) were part of the five EPIs. Trend and
variability analyses were by the nonparametric technique based on the cumulative sum of the
difference between exceedance and non-exceedance counts of data. The simple multiplicative bias
correction method was employed to bias correct the PGF dataset using observed rainfall from nine
weather stations. The number of wet days were decreasing although insignificant (p > 0.05). On
the other hand, the annual total precipitation considering days with rainfall intensities greater
than 5 mm/day (SPre5) exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) decrease. However, annual maxima
rainfall (ANMS) increased even though insignificant. This indicates that less frequent rains are
received over the study area but some events having high intensity. The insights from the findings
of this study constitute a good baseline for predictive planning of water resources management
applications across Mpologoma catchment
Production of illustration signage to sensitize the sabiny community on the dangers of female genital mutilation in kapchorwa district
No full textxvi, 90 p. : ill. (some col.) ;The purpose of this study was to produce illustration signage to sensitize the Sabiny community on the dangers of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Kapchorwa District. The objectives of the research study were to establish the existing gaps in illustration signage in sensitizing the dangers of FGM and to design and produce illustration signage to sensitize the Sabiny community on the dangers of FGM in Kaptanya sub-county, Kapchorwa District.
The qualitative study used Peirce's Theory of Signs. A Case study design was employed. A purposive sampling technique was used, where 19 respondents were purposely selected.
The researcher collected data from interviews, focus group discussions, observation, photography, and studio experimentation. The findings revealed that the existing signage mainly displayed in urban areas is presented in a language that cannot be easily understood in that the kind of health danger associated with the practice, for example, pain and excessive bleeding, are not explicitly mentioned. Some forms of communication used were mainly on t-shirts worn by those in the urban areas, yet the critical issue is in the rural areas.
Several key parties in the community are involved in joint efforts to bring about positive change in eliminating the traditional practice. Recommendations are that Sabiny girls and women be equipped with knowledge and skills that will empower them to be mindful of the health risks of the practice of FGM and engage in advocacy work aimed at curtailing and eventually eliminating the practice. Policymakers, law enforcement bodies, religious and cultural leaders, and NGOs should work tirelessly to end the practice of FGM. There is a need for scholars and visual artists to continue engaging in research and related activities on FGM in all parts of Uganda, where the practice is prevalent to support efforts made by other stakeholders. In conclusion, the world today keeps on evolving. Certain cultural practices cherished by some communities, such as FGM, are now considered harmful. FGM continues to inflict adverse health dangers on the Sabiny girls and women. Therefore, there is a need for the government to link up with its counterpart in Kenya to address the problem of Ugandan citizens who cross into Kenya to be circumcised. Rural areas have the highest FGM cases; the signage that points out dangers such as excessive bleeding and pain is hardly seen. Targeting rural communities with illustration signage is necessary for sensitization purposes