Nceba Nyembezi

A Need to Intensify HIV and AIDS Education in Secondary Schools

Abstract The purpose of this paper was to investigate Grade 12 learners’ perceptions of their exposure to HIV and AIDS in two purposively selected high schools in the Eastern Cape in South Africa. A qualitative methodology that involves the use of focus group discussions for data collection was used. The findings revealed that the teaching of HIV and AIDS or life skills education in schools is not yielding the expected results. It was also found that some of the participants did not use condoms, hence there is a need to promote abstinence and consistent use of condoms as a preventive measure against unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. The study recommended that learners’ active involvement in extracurricular activities would help them develop self-esteem and the ability to resist drugs and other risky sexual behaviors that makes them vulnerable to HIV and AIDS.

Teachers’ Adoption of Information and Communication Technology in Foundation Phase Teaching: A Study of Selected Schools in the Eastern Cape in South Africa

Abstract This paper aimed to evaluate the teachers’ use of information and communication technology (ICT) as a means to improve teaching and learning of mathematics in disadvantaged contexts. Sixty teachers were selected from one district through convenience and stratified random sampling, and they responded to structured questionnaires. The predictors for teachers’ integration of ICT comprised, possession of a computer record of word problems and exercises on a computer, regularly using the Internet to download word problems videos, transcriptions and exercise samples, and regularly using computer games to create enthusiasm among learners when tackling word problems. The analysis of data was done using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed a lack of ICT resources in the selected schools and a shortage of teachers skilled in ICT use. The research contributed to technology acceptance model’s (TAM) theoretical validity by recommending an integrative conceptual framework of system adoption.

The Effect of Performance Expectancy on Learners’ Intention

This research questions how much the determinants explain the usage of Cloud computing. Responses from a sample taken from public school learners, 48 males and 68 females, were assessed using a 4-point Likert scale instrument based on four main variables of behavioural intention. The gathered data were analysed using the multiple regression analysis, and the standardised beta coefficients acquired for the following three variables did not show any significant influence towards behavioural intention. From the Durbin Watson test the R2 value of 0.066 was obtained for social influence, which means that social influence accounted for only 7% of the variance in behavioural intention scores. Learner demographics accounted for 17% of the variance, and experience accounted for 35% of the variance. These results show that secondary school learners are keen on trying out Internet devices for learning regardless of their social factors, demographics, and experience in using Internet technology. There was a relative influence noted in terms of experience (resulting from persistent use) as a moderating factor towards the adoption of Internet devices. This acceptance of new technologies is driven by the benefits offered by mobile Internet devices and the ease associated with using Internet technologies.

Teaching Practices from a Theoretical Perspective

Abstract Teaching practices are important for understanding and improving educational processes. They are closely linked to the teachers’ strategies for coping with challenges in their daily professional life and to their general well-being, and they shape the learning environment and influence learner motivation and achievement. This paper aimed to investigate teaching practices for professional development from the post positivist paradigm and social practice theories.This view focuses on learners as active participants in the process of acquiring knowledge. Teachers holding this view emphasize on facilitating student inquiry, prefer to give students the chance to develop solutions to problems on their own, and allow students to play an active role in instructional activities.This paper assessed practices theory in terms of the extent to which it is able to describe and explain the phenomena of professional learning and practice.This paper demonstrates that positivism provides a potentially useful epistemological tool in the discourse of the teachers’ professional development.

Best Predictor of Cloud Computing Usage among Various Constructs

Abstract This study aimed to analyse the determinants of Cloud computing adoption and use among high school learners. The research question that followed was; which is the best predictor of Cloud computing usage given a set of determinants? The study involved 116 respondents using simple random sampling. The results revealed that performance expectancy was the strongest predictor of the intention to adopt Cloud computing when compared to other constructs. There was a strong positive correlation of r = +0.989 between ‘the use of Internet for learning purposes in enhancing the effectiveness of learning’ and ‘being taught in their studies through Internet devices’. These findings suggest that Cloud computing adoption and application may be enhanced through educating teachers and learners on the potential benefits of this mode of communication in improving the accessibility and dissemination of scholarly content.

Performance Expectancy and Usage of Information Systems and Technology: Cloud Computing (PEUISTCC)

Abstract The objective of the paper was to determine the effect of performance expectancy on the learners’ intention to adopt and use Cloud computing. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model is used as the basis of this paper, and the data was collected using questionnaires. The questionnaires were analysed for correlation, significance and variance, to study Cloud computing adoption and use based on performance expectancy. The results of the paper revealed that, out of the ten sub-variables, ‘Mobile devices are also mediums for learning’ made the largest contribution, with 62.1 percent agreeing to the statement. There was a relatively strong positive correlation between the feeling of increased interest in studying using internet devices, and Cloud computing adoption and use. All the sub variables for performance expectancy contributed positively, and they reached the statistical significance of p<0.01 in terms of contribution.