African Journal of Inter/Multidisciplinary Studies
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Early Adaption of Assessments Using Generative Artificial Intelligence and the Impact on Student Learning: A Case Study
Get PDFThe emergence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has brought new challenges for learners and educators, along with new possibilities. Assessment especially has provided opportunity for innovation using GenAI, but the fast pace of change as technology develops has meant a paucity in the research on the impact of these changes and adaptations. This paper intends to cover this gap by reporting on a case study of a prompt adaptation of GenAI in an assessment in a year-two module in artificial intelligence which is delivered to students in three-degree programmes in a Sino-British university, at the end of 2022. Taking a mixed method qualitative methodology approach, the study collected data from both staff and students, lecturing and studying on the module which was then analysed using NVIVO software. The study highlights that the adapted assessment had a positive impact on the student learning and development experience whilst simultaneously developing within the students an awareness of ethical issues associated with GenAI use. At the same time, it has raised many questions for academic staff, emphasizing the wider impact on learning and teaching that GenAI brings
A Call for the Institutionalisation of School Social Work Services in the O.R. Tambo Inland Secondary Schools to Counter the Psycho-Social ills Among Learners
Get PDFUndeniably, learners in many secondary schools are confronted with an array of psychosocial ills that have a detrimental effect on their academic performance and overall development. This paper endeavours to delve into the ills encountered by learners in secondary schools, thereby necessitating the institutionalisation of school social work interventions in the O.R. Tambo Inland. The study adopted an exploratory and descriptive approach, aiming to explore and describe the phenomenon under scrutiny. A qualitative research methodology was employed to conduct in-depth interviews with a group of 12 learners. Furthermore, the quintet of School Governing Body (SGB) constituents actively participated in a collective discourse, constituting a focus group discussion. The empirical data were analysed thematically, with the ecological perspective and General Strain Theory (GST) being an intrinsic theoretical framework. Evidence on the ground suggests that learners are unfortunately confronted with a multitude of psychosocial ills, including but not limited to substance abuse, financial difficulties, instances of bullying, depressive symptoms, experiences of sexual abuse, and occurrences of incestuous relationships. As such, the researcher proposes that the Department of Education (DoE) should place a higher emphasis on the recruitment and deployment of social workers within schools to address the psychosocial needs of vulnerable learners effectively
Enabling the Economics of African Languages in Language Policies of South Africa and Zimbabwe
Get PDFAlthough interest in studying the nexus of language economics and language planning has been increasing, much of it focuses on global languages such as English and how they facilitate speakers’ entry into job markets. In contexts where indigenous languages are still breaking into public domains of usage, proficiency in these languages is an important part of speakers’ human capital portfolio. The drive to develop and promote indigenous languages has thus become salient in the language policies of African countries. This paper draws on Pierre Bourdieu’s theoretical notion of ‘language as capital’ to discuss the intersection of language policy and language economics in South Africa and Zimbabwe. It examines how post-colonial language policy initiatives in education contribute to the revalorisation of indigenous African languages in a globalising world. We also build on the premise that for African languages to accrue prestige, enabling conditions must be created to foster their use. Language policies thus legitimatise and create opportunities for African languages in the linguistic market, potentially translating this linguistic capital into economic capital for their speakers. However, we argue that language policy proclamations must be complemented by implementation and continuous development of African languages to become attractive for acquisition and use
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Mentoring as Support for African Women’s Academic Career Trajectories
Get PDFWomen in academia face many challenges. Although there have been possibilities for the advancement of women in higher education, gender discrepancies in leadership continue, with women facing structural challenges such as bias, and unequal possibilities for promotion. Balancing a career as a female academic, including parenting and family obligations adds another layer of complication, often resulting in breakdown. Women contribute distinct strengths to academia, expanding intellectual conversation and establishing varied learning environments. Mentorship, sponsorship, and inclusive policies assist in reducing barriers and encourage women to thrive as leaders, resulting in positive change in the academic setting. The article outlines the nuances of women in academia and the challenges and opportunities they face when pursuing leadership positions. It further explores the experiences and views of women in the faculty of Business at a University of Technology (UOT). A mixed methods approach was adopted to enable the researcher to give a female perspective to the academic position, experiences, and challenges within academia. The researcher used her judgment to select the sample based on the purpose of the research and a convenience sample to select best-case scenarios. Finally, the article suggests a participative model of collaboration, nurturance, compassion, and self-care to equip women with the tools they need to create career advancement opportunities and increase personal and professional change
Mentoring as a Form of Transformation in Academia
Get PDFA considerable amount of literature has established the under-representation of Black women academics in South Africa and abroad. Several factors continue to contribute to the lack of transformation in most institutions of higher learning in the country. Despite this challenge, a number of women have managed to succeed irrespective of the institutional culture and structures of exclusion. This study explored literature on mentoring as a tool for Black African women and underrepresented minority groups within the academic space to enhance diversity, equality, and inclusion. The study has shown the impact of mentorship in giving women an opportunity to grow and advance within the academic space and the importance of representation
Physical Activity Levels During SARS-Cov2- Pandemic: A Focus on South African Data from the ‘Activity and Health During the SARS-Cov-2 Pandemic’ (ASAP) Study
Get PDFIn March 2020, the SARS-CoV2 pandemic emerged in South Africa (SA). Due to the highly contagious nature of this virus, the government employed lockdown restrictions to decrease the rate of infections and deaths. These restrictions prohibited the use of shared exercise facilities, which inadvertently decreased opportunity for physical activity (PA). This article provides a sub-analysis of the SA dataset within the worldwide ASAP study, specifically focusing on physical activity and compliance with the guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in SA. The study utilised an online cross-sectional questionnaire that evaluated PA volume pre and during restrictions using the Nordic Physical Activity Questionnaire-short (NPAQ-short), and WHO PA guideline compliance using a five-point Likert scale. The results revealed a decrease in overall moderate to vigorous and vigorous PA by 53.5% and 58%, respectively; 30% of the sample reported decreased WHO PA guideline compliance during lockdown when compared to compliance before lockdown. The lockdown measures adopted during the pandemic aided in decreasing the spread of the virus but contributed significantly to the decrease in PA among the healthy population. This decrease may have impacted individuals’ health and increased the risk for non-pandemic related health conditions. Hence, PA and the availability and access to remote PA resources need to be considered in planning for future pandemics and natural disasters
Quantifying Ecosystem Services and Environmental Dynamics in Lagos State's Coastal Zones
Get PDFCoastal regions are experiencing rapid urbanization, leading to substantial land use and land cover (LULC) transformations that profoundly impact the environment, livelihoods, and ecosystem services, and this has become a concern for environmentalists. However, research linking dynamics to ecosystem service valuation in this critically important ecoregion is rarely studied. This study attempts to bridge this gap by quantifying the ecosystem services in Lagos, Nigeria's rapidly urbanizing coastal region. A multi-temporal Landsat imagery of 2003, 2013, and 2023 was employed to map LULC categories in the region. Furthermore, the Value transfer method was employed to estimate the ecosystem services in each LULC type. The estimated ecosystem service values revealed significant transitions, with an overall decline of 47.06 million, while mangrove forests saw the most significant decline, dropping to 15.72 million. Conversely, mangroves experienced a sharp decline, decreasing with $153.52 million. The valuation of LULC-associated ecosystem services in Lagos's coastal zone highlights the urgent need to integrate environmental accounting into coastal management
Design and Implementation of an Ethical AI-Based Teaching Assistant for IoT Security Education
Get PDFArtificial Intelligence (AI) integration in education has evolved significantly, with today's AI systems surpassing conventional computer-assisted teaching methods by providing more dynamic and interactive learning environments. This study aims to design and implement an Ethical AI-based teaching assistant tailored for IoT security education, marking a new milestone in the advancement of AI in educational settings. The system focused on ethical considerations such as data privacy, transparency, and accountability, fostering a learning environment where students can think critically, explore diverse perspectives, and engage meaningfully with AI technology. Central to the project's success was a robust design phase that included carefully selecting AI algorithms, a modular and scalable architecture, an intuitive user interface, and efficient data flow mechanisms. Thorough testing and continuous improvements ensured seamless integration with existing educational technologies, enhancing learning and teaching experiences. As a result, students improved their engagement levels and ability to identify and mitigate IoT security threats, and educators experienced a notable reduction in grading time thanks to the AI's automated assessment capabilities. Additionally, the project increased student satisfaction, greater utilization of learning resources, and the publication of research papers on IoT security. This study highlights the transformative potential of AI in education and underscores the importance of ethical considerations in its application. With its comprehensive approach to design, scalability, and security, this project serves as a model for the future of Ethical AI-driven education, offering valuable insights into how AI can enhance learning outcomes and teaching effectiveness while maintaining academic integrity and data security
Rural Women Entrepreneurship in South Africa: Issues and Challenges
Get PDFDespite its importance in rural development, women’s entrepreneurship has faced a series of problems in South Africa. For a holistic assessment of such problems, through a literature review approach, this study aims to review prior research on women entrepreneurship, with a focus on the issues and challenges surrounding rural women entrepreneurship in South Africa. Secondary information sources, such as journal articles, theses, books, abstracts, and credible business-affiliated websites, were used to conduct the review. Among the results emerging from the study, some of the key challenges facing South African rural women entrepreneurs include a lack of adequate financing, education and training, gender bias, inadequate business skills, and difficulties in balancing between family and business. In view of these challenges, this study recommends capacity-building programmes, a robust government policy framework, and opening wider channels of funding and awareness to foster entrepreneurial activities among rural women entrepreneurs in South Africa
South African Sign Language (SASL) Interpreter Portrayal on SABC 1 News Bulletin: What Do Viewers Think?
Get PDFTelevision Sign Language (SL) Interpreters play a vital role in providing the Deaf community with access to information and knowledge in their primary language, Sign Language. This helps the Deaf community stay informed regarding events in their local and global environment, contributing to their development. However, a lack of research exists on SL interpreters on television. With on-screen placement of SL interpreters during news broadcasts being the primary focus in previous studies, this paper attempts to offer a unique contribution from an audience perception examination of South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreter portrayal in newscasts and its impact. The research, conducted on the SABC 1 news bulletin, employed a qualitative method and purposive sampling. Twelve participants, divided into four categories – Deaf, Hard of hearing, hearing, and SASL interpreters participated in the study through virtual interviews as data collection method. The study findings indicate the portrayal of SASL interpreters on television reflects the discrimination, inequality, and disrespect faced by the Deaf community