James Sunney Quaicoe | Tallinn University (original) (raw)

Papers by James Sunney Quaicoe

Research paper thumbnail of Designing a voice-controlled dialogue system for workplace learning of routine physical workers

Research paper thumbnail of Online/Hybrid Course Design for Programming Languages in Engineering Education

Communications in computer and information science, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Effective Teaching with Technology in Higher Education: Foundations for Success

Jossey-Bass, An Imprint of Wiley

This book draws on current research and best practice to show how to integrate technology into te... more This book draws on current research and best practice to show how to integrate technology into teaching in higher education. The book provides a theoretical and pedagogical foundation for helping instructors make critical decisions about the use of technology within the college ...

Research paper thumbnail of An innovative tailored instructional design for computer programming courses in engineering

U.Porto journal of engineering, Apr 28, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of School-Based Digital Innovation Challenges and Way Forward Conversations about Digital Transformation in Education

Education Sciences

Background: This article attempts to formulate a school-based model to capitalise on the opportun... more Background: This article attempts to formulate a school-based model to capitalise on the opportunities and strengths within schools in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) regions to ideate global school-driven digital innovation(s). Consequently, this article explores various digital innovation challenges, opportunities, and elements for schools, as well as proposed school-driven interventions. The paper seeks to open conversations among various international bodies and educational stakeholders, leading to school actors taking ownership of educational projects and school innovation. Methods: A traditional literature review was adopted to analyse the subject of Digital Transformation in Education (DTE). The traditional literature review is a comprehensive and critical overview based on the past and current literature on a subject matter without stringent methodology. Through the literature review methodology, existing materials on the subject matter are subsequently used. Terms and concepts...

Research paper thumbnail of Indicators for enhancing learners’ engagement in massive open online courses: A systematic review

Computers and Education Open

Research paper thumbnail of Digital Learning Ecosystem Services and Educational Change in Ghana’s Basic Schools

EDULEARN16 Proceedings, 2016

Fast pyrolysis bio-oils are feasible energy carriers and a potential source of chemicals. Detaile... more Fast pyrolysis bio-oils are feasible energy carriers and a potential source of chemicals. Detailed characterization of bio-oils is essential to further develop its potential use. In this study, quantitative 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance (13 C NMR) combined with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) was used to characterize fast pyrolysis bio-oils originated from pinewood, wheat straw, and rapeseed cake. The combination of both techniques provided new information on the chemical composition of bio-oils for further upgrading. 13 C NMR analysis indicated that pinewood-based bio-oil contained mostly methoxy/hydroxyl (≈30%) and carbohydrate (≈27%) carbons; wheat straw bio-oil showed to have high amount of alkyl (≈35%) and aromatic (≈30%) carbons, while rapeseed cakebased bio-oil had great portions of alkyl carbons (≈82%). More than 200 compounds were identified and quantified using GC × GC coupled to a flame ionization detector (FID) and a time of flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS). Nonaromatics were the most abundant and comprised about 50% of the total mass of compounds identified and quantified via GC × GC. In addition, this analytical approach allowed the quantification of high value-added phenolic compounds, as well as of low molecular weight carboxylic acids and aldehydes, which exacerbate the unstable and corrosive character of the bio-oil.

Research paper thumbnail of Factors determining digital divide in Ghana's basic schools

2015 IST-Africa Conference, 2015

Formação do professor de educação física e inclusão Artigos / Articles Introdução A matrícula de ... more Formação do professor de educação física e inclusão Artigos / Articles Introdução A matrícula de alunos com deficiência no Ensino Regular tem desafiado os espaços escolares a construírem novas lógicas de ensino (Jesus & Effgen, 2012). Especificamente na Educação Física, o transcorrer das aulas parece não ser tão tranquilo quando o professor defronta-se com a situação de alunos com e sem deficiência na mesma turma (Fiorini & Manzini, 2012). O que se percebe é que, visando à inclusão educacional de alunos com deficiência, o professor necessita estabelecer estratégias de ensino e selecionar recursos pedagógicos adequados e/ou adaptados para que seu alunado desempenhe, adequadamente, as atividades (Seabra Júnior & Manzini, 2008). Todavia, o obstáculo tem sido a dificuldade dos professores de Educação Física em

Research paper thumbnail of It is time to contend with the endothelial consequences of prehypertension

Journal of Human Hypertension, 2015

Non-communicable diseases have been established as a clear threat not only to human health, but a... more Non-communicable diseases have been established as a clear threat not only to human health, but also to development and economic growth. Claiming 63% of all deaths, these diseases are currently the world's main killer. Eighty percent of these deaths now occur in low-and middle-income countries. Half of those who die of chronic non-communicable diseases are in the prime of their productive years, and thus, the disability imposed and the lives lost are also endangering industry competitiveness across borders. Recognizing that building a solid economic argument is ever more crucial in times of financial crisis, this report brings to the global debate fundamental evidence which had previously been missing: an account of the overall costs of NCDs, including what specific impact NCDs might have on economic growth. The evidence gathered is compelling. Over the next 20 years, NCDs will cost more than US$ 30 trillion, representing 48% of global GDP in 2010, and pushing millions of people below the poverty line. Mental health conditions alone will account for the loss of an additional US$ 16.1 trillion over this time span, with dramatic impact on productivity and quality of life. By contrast, mounting evidence highlights how millions of deaths can be averted and economic losses reduced by billions of dollars if added focus is put on prevention. A recent World Health Organization report underlines that population-based measures for reducing tobacco and harmful alcohol use, as well as unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, are estimated to cost US$ 2 billion per year for all low-and middle-income countries, which in fact translates to less than US$ 0.40 per person. The rise in the prevalence and significance of NCDs is the result of complex interaction between health, economic growth and development, and it is strongly associated with universal trends such as ageing of the global population, rapid unplanned urbanization and the globalization of unhealthy lifestyles. In addition to the tremendous demands that these diseases place on social welfare and health systems, they also cause decreased productivity in the workplace, prolonged disability and diminished resources within families. The results are unequivocal: a unified front is needed to turn the tide on NCDs. Governments, but also civil society and the private sector must commit to the highest level of engagement in combatting these diseases and their rising economic burden. Global business leaders are acutely aware of the problems posed by NCDs. A survey of business executives from around the world, conducted by the World Economic Forum since 2009, identified NCDs as one of the leading threats to global economic growth. Therefore, it is also important for the private sector to have a strategic vision on how to fulfill its role as a key agent for change and how to facilitate the adoption of healthier lifestyles not only by consumers, but also by employees. The need to create a global vision and a common understanding of the action required by all sectors and stakeholders in society has reached top priority on the global agenda this year, with the United Nations General Assembly convening a High-Level Meeting on the prevention and control of NCDs. If the challenges imposed on countries, communities and individuals by NCDs are to be met effectively this decade, they need to be addressed by a strong multistakeholder and cross-sectoral response, meaningful changes and adequate resources. We are pleased and proud to present this report, which we believe will strengthen the economic case for action.

Research paper thumbnail of Bridging Digital Divide in Schools in Developing Countries: Perceptions of Teachers of Free Software Opportunities

Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2016

21st century information society requires more and more use of ICT (information and communication... more 21st century information society requires more and more use of ICT (information and communication technology) in everyday life. Nowadays there is much talk about the digital divide, which means economical and social disparities in digital technology use and availability in society of a particular country and among different countries. In this paper we sought to explore teachers knowledge and use of ICT resources in the context of free/libre and open-source software (FLOSS). When relying permanently on free tools there are several benefits which in turn will grow sustainable information society and will fortify economy in larger scale. For the mentioned purpose we use Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) first version. We found that TAM model is not ideal to accomplish mentioned tasks, especially in educational institutions. If teachers will be aware of FLOSS then they can increase ICT resources use in schools in a meaningful way. This in turn will reduce also disparity in schools and we may call it as a digital turn.

Research paper thumbnail of Concept Maps as Semantic Tools for Developing Services Ontology : The Digital Learning Ecosystem of Selected Basic Schools in Ghana

In this paper, we explored Cmaps tools as semantic tool for modeling services ontology. The desig... more In this paper, we explored Cmaps tools as semantic tool for modeling services ontology. The designed services ontology served as probable determinant of schools’ Digital Learning Ecosystem (DLEO). DLEO of seventeen (17) specially selected schools for this study, were mapped on the services ontology. The study showed that many services intended for schools are missing on the services ontology, thus causing school exhibit less enhanced DLEO. Nonetheless, some key digital practices were found in schools; and these were organised around 1) ICT classes and 2) use of Laptops/Smart devices in limited cases to facilitate learning. We propose to stakeholders in schools to use DLS ontology (Fig 3) to as guide to assess their schools DLEO; and carve out interventions to address the digital constraints.

Research paper thumbnail of English Language Acquisition: A Comparative Study About Usage of Multimedia and Conventional Direct Methods of Teaching in Awutu Senya East Municipal of Ghana

This study compares the effects of Multimedia method (MMT) of teaching and the Conventional Direc... more This study compares the effects of Multimedia method (MMT) of teaching and the Conventional Direct method (CDT) of teaching English Language to Junior High School (JHS) students in Ghana. It sought to measure the achievement of Junior High School (JHS) students in the various domains of the English language course – which is a core component of the JHS curriculum. The study was structured as a quasi-experimental research design. The setting of the study was in Awutu Senya East Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. Two schools, matched by intellectual competencies and had computers, were sampled for the study. In all one hundred and eighteen (118) students participated in the study. Sixty-two (62) students from one school – constituting the controlled group were instructed using Multimedia approach, whereas another fifty-nine (59) from the other school were taught using the Conventional Direct method. Subsequently, both groups received Multimedia and Conventional instructions ...

Research paper thumbnail of Games for Learning Algorithmic Thinking (Glat) Project: Perceived Factors Accounting for Teacher Acceptance and Usage of a New Learning Scenarios Design Tool – the Leplanner

Research paper thumbnail of Factors Determining Digital Learning Ecosystem Smartness in Schools

This paper discusses the factors that determine school’s digital learning ecosystem smartness. A ... more This paper discusses the factors that determine school’s digital learning ecosystem smartness. A dataset was collected from 52 schools in Ghana, Georgia and Estonia. Qualitative school observations and interviews were transformed to the quantitative categories and compound variables using the grid-based approach. We found three distinctive digital learning ecosystem types that described some possible developmental stages in the ecosystem. Discriminant analysis revealed two functions. Most dominant compound variables in the first function were the top-down external provision of digital resources and ICT incentives. The second function characterizes with bottomup proactiveness of the schools. Path modelling between the compound variables revealed the growing complexity in connectivity among the mediating, transformative and flow components, that determines the smartness of learning ecosystem. Such interconnected components form specific fitness niches which have been co-created in org...

Research paper thumbnail of Designing for Active Engagement in Online Learning Environments

3rd African Human-Computer Interaction Conference

Research paper thumbnail of Basic school teachers’ perspective to digital teaching and learning in Ghana

Education and Information Technologies

Research paper thumbnail of Teachers’ digital literacy and digital activity as digital divide components among basic schools in Ghana

Education and Information Technologies

Research paper thumbnail of Digital Divide in Learning Services in Ghana’s Basic School

Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Bridging digital divide in schools in developing countries: perceptions of teachers of free software opportunities

21st century information society requires more and more use of ICT (information and communication... more 21st century information society requires more and more use of ICT (information and communication technology) in everyday life. Nowadays there is much talk about the digital divide, which means economical and social disparities in digital technology use and availability in society of a particular country and among different countries. In this paper we sought to explore teachers knowledge and use of ICT resources in the context of free/libre and open-source software (FLOSS). When relying permanently on free tools there are several benefits which in turn will grow sustainable information society and will fortify economy in larger scale. For the mentioned purpose we use Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) first version. We found that TAM model is not ideal to accomplish mentioned tasks, especially in educational institutions. If teachers will be aware of FLOSS then they can increase ICT resources use in schools in a meaningful way. This in turn will reduce also disparity in schools and we may call it as a digital turn.

Research paper thumbnail of DIGITAL LEARNING ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND EDUCATIONAL CHANGE IN GHANA'S BASIC SCHOOLS

In this paper, we used Engeström's Activity System theory to explore the tensions and opportuniti... more In this paper, we used Engeström's Activity System theory to explore the tensions and opportunities in Digital Learning Ecosystem (DLEO) in Ghana's basic schools. In Ghana, the ICT competence development is planned both as an ICT subject, and as an integral component taught in all subject disciplines. We developed the grid for exploring Digital Learning Services (DLs) in the dimensions of Infrastructure, Learning Facilitation, and Change Management observed in the context of how the digital services are provided externally in Ghana, adopted internally by schools, and domesticated in schools; using services for digital transactions. Seven (17) location-selected schools were visited in Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis; class observations and interviews were made, and these qualitative data were transformed into binary scale grid to get the holistic picture of generally applied Ghana's DLEO practices. We mapped the services that were at present in the schools to the Activity System to highlight the tensions and opportunities in DLEO of Ghana's basic schools. Results of the study showed that to some extent, the DLEO mediated developing ICT in schools as a subject; but the DLEO did not support sufficiently developing ICT competences across subject disciplines.

Research paper thumbnail of Designing a voice-controlled dialogue system for workplace learning of routine physical workers

Research paper thumbnail of Online/Hybrid Course Design for Programming Languages in Engineering Education

Communications in computer and information science, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Effective Teaching with Technology in Higher Education: Foundations for Success

Jossey-Bass, An Imprint of Wiley

This book draws on current research and best practice to show how to integrate technology into te... more This book draws on current research and best practice to show how to integrate technology into teaching in higher education. The book provides a theoretical and pedagogical foundation for helping instructors make critical decisions about the use of technology within the college ...

Research paper thumbnail of An innovative tailored instructional design for computer programming courses in engineering

U.Porto journal of engineering, Apr 28, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of School-Based Digital Innovation Challenges and Way Forward Conversations about Digital Transformation in Education

Education Sciences

Background: This article attempts to formulate a school-based model to capitalise on the opportun... more Background: This article attempts to formulate a school-based model to capitalise on the opportunities and strengths within schools in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) regions to ideate global school-driven digital innovation(s). Consequently, this article explores various digital innovation challenges, opportunities, and elements for schools, as well as proposed school-driven interventions. The paper seeks to open conversations among various international bodies and educational stakeholders, leading to school actors taking ownership of educational projects and school innovation. Methods: A traditional literature review was adopted to analyse the subject of Digital Transformation in Education (DTE). The traditional literature review is a comprehensive and critical overview based on the past and current literature on a subject matter without stringent methodology. Through the literature review methodology, existing materials on the subject matter are subsequently used. Terms and concepts...

Research paper thumbnail of Indicators for enhancing learners’ engagement in massive open online courses: A systematic review

Computers and Education Open

Research paper thumbnail of Digital Learning Ecosystem Services and Educational Change in Ghana’s Basic Schools

EDULEARN16 Proceedings, 2016

Fast pyrolysis bio-oils are feasible energy carriers and a potential source of chemicals. Detaile... more Fast pyrolysis bio-oils are feasible energy carriers and a potential source of chemicals. Detailed characterization of bio-oils is essential to further develop its potential use. In this study, quantitative 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance (13 C NMR) combined with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) was used to characterize fast pyrolysis bio-oils originated from pinewood, wheat straw, and rapeseed cake. The combination of both techniques provided new information on the chemical composition of bio-oils for further upgrading. 13 C NMR analysis indicated that pinewood-based bio-oil contained mostly methoxy/hydroxyl (≈30%) and carbohydrate (≈27%) carbons; wheat straw bio-oil showed to have high amount of alkyl (≈35%) and aromatic (≈30%) carbons, while rapeseed cakebased bio-oil had great portions of alkyl carbons (≈82%). More than 200 compounds were identified and quantified using GC × GC coupled to a flame ionization detector (FID) and a time of flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS). Nonaromatics were the most abundant and comprised about 50% of the total mass of compounds identified and quantified via GC × GC. In addition, this analytical approach allowed the quantification of high value-added phenolic compounds, as well as of low molecular weight carboxylic acids and aldehydes, which exacerbate the unstable and corrosive character of the bio-oil.

Research paper thumbnail of Factors determining digital divide in Ghana's basic schools

2015 IST-Africa Conference, 2015

Formação do professor de educação física e inclusão Artigos / Articles Introdução A matrícula de ... more Formação do professor de educação física e inclusão Artigos / Articles Introdução A matrícula de alunos com deficiência no Ensino Regular tem desafiado os espaços escolares a construírem novas lógicas de ensino (Jesus & Effgen, 2012). Especificamente na Educação Física, o transcorrer das aulas parece não ser tão tranquilo quando o professor defronta-se com a situação de alunos com e sem deficiência na mesma turma (Fiorini & Manzini, 2012). O que se percebe é que, visando à inclusão educacional de alunos com deficiência, o professor necessita estabelecer estratégias de ensino e selecionar recursos pedagógicos adequados e/ou adaptados para que seu alunado desempenhe, adequadamente, as atividades (Seabra Júnior & Manzini, 2008). Todavia, o obstáculo tem sido a dificuldade dos professores de Educação Física em

Research paper thumbnail of It is time to contend with the endothelial consequences of prehypertension

Journal of Human Hypertension, 2015

Non-communicable diseases have been established as a clear threat not only to human health, but a... more Non-communicable diseases have been established as a clear threat not only to human health, but also to development and economic growth. Claiming 63% of all deaths, these diseases are currently the world's main killer. Eighty percent of these deaths now occur in low-and middle-income countries. Half of those who die of chronic non-communicable diseases are in the prime of their productive years, and thus, the disability imposed and the lives lost are also endangering industry competitiveness across borders. Recognizing that building a solid economic argument is ever more crucial in times of financial crisis, this report brings to the global debate fundamental evidence which had previously been missing: an account of the overall costs of NCDs, including what specific impact NCDs might have on economic growth. The evidence gathered is compelling. Over the next 20 years, NCDs will cost more than US$ 30 trillion, representing 48% of global GDP in 2010, and pushing millions of people below the poverty line. Mental health conditions alone will account for the loss of an additional US$ 16.1 trillion over this time span, with dramatic impact on productivity and quality of life. By contrast, mounting evidence highlights how millions of deaths can be averted and economic losses reduced by billions of dollars if added focus is put on prevention. A recent World Health Organization report underlines that population-based measures for reducing tobacco and harmful alcohol use, as well as unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, are estimated to cost US$ 2 billion per year for all low-and middle-income countries, which in fact translates to less than US$ 0.40 per person. The rise in the prevalence and significance of NCDs is the result of complex interaction between health, economic growth and development, and it is strongly associated with universal trends such as ageing of the global population, rapid unplanned urbanization and the globalization of unhealthy lifestyles. In addition to the tremendous demands that these diseases place on social welfare and health systems, they also cause decreased productivity in the workplace, prolonged disability and diminished resources within families. The results are unequivocal: a unified front is needed to turn the tide on NCDs. Governments, but also civil society and the private sector must commit to the highest level of engagement in combatting these diseases and their rising economic burden. Global business leaders are acutely aware of the problems posed by NCDs. A survey of business executives from around the world, conducted by the World Economic Forum since 2009, identified NCDs as one of the leading threats to global economic growth. Therefore, it is also important for the private sector to have a strategic vision on how to fulfill its role as a key agent for change and how to facilitate the adoption of healthier lifestyles not only by consumers, but also by employees. The need to create a global vision and a common understanding of the action required by all sectors and stakeholders in society has reached top priority on the global agenda this year, with the United Nations General Assembly convening a High-Level Meeting on the prevention and control of NCDs. If the challenges imposed on countries, communities and individuals by NCDs are to be met effectively this decade, they need to be addressed by a strong multistakeholder and cross-sectoral response, meaningful changes and adequate resources. We are pleased and proud to present this report, which we believe will strengthen the economic case for action.

Research paper thumbnail of Bridging Digital Divide in Schools in Developing Countries: Perceptions of Teachers of Free Software Opportunities

Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2016

21st century information society requires more and more use of ICT (information and communication... more 21st century information society requires more and more use of ICT (information and communication technology) in everyday life. Nowadays there is much talk about the digital divide, which means economical and social disparities in digital technology use and availability in society of a particular country and among different countries. In this paper we sought to explore teachers knowledge and use of ICT resources in the context of free/libre and open-source software (FLOSS). When relying permanently on free tools there are several benefits which in turn will grow sustainable information society and will fortify economy in larger scale. For the mentioned purpose we use Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) first version. We found that TAM model is not ideal to accomplish mentioned tasks, especially in educational institutions. If teachers will be aware of FLOSS then they can increase ICT resources use in schools in a meaningful way. This in turn will reduce also disparity in schools and we may call it as a digital turn.

Research paper thumbnail of Concept Maps as Semantic Tools for Developing Services Ontology : The Digital Learning Ecosystem of Selected Basic Schools in Ghana

In this paper, we explored Cmaps tools as semantic tool for modeling services ontology. The desig... more In this paper, we explored Cmaps tools as semantic tool for modeling services ontology. The designed services ontology served as probable determinant of schools’ Digital Learning Ecosystem (DLEO). DLEO of seventeen (17) specially selected schools for this study, were mapped on the services ontology. The study showed that many services intended for schools are missing on the services ontology, thus causing school exhibit less enhanced DLEO. Nonetheless, some key digital practices were found in schools; and these were organised around 1) ICT classes and 2) use of Laptops/Smart devices in limited cases to facilitate learning. We propose to stakeholders in schools to use DLS ontology (Fig 3) to as guide to assess their schools DLEO; and carve out interventions to address the digital constraints.

Research paper thumbnail of English Language Acquisition: A Comparative Study About Usage of Multimedia and Conventional Direct Methods of Teaching in Awutu Senya East Municipal of Ghana

This study compares the effects of Multimedia method (MMT) of teaching and the Conventional Direc... more This study compares the effects of Multimedia method (MMT) of teaching and the Conventional Direct method (CDT) of teaching English Language to Junior High School (JHS) students in Ghana. It sought to measure the achievement of Junior High School (JHS) students in the various domains of the English language course – which is a core component of the JHS curriculum. The study was structured as a quasi-experimental research design. The setting of the study was in Awutu Senya East Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. Two schools, matched by intellectual competencies and had computers, were sampled for the study. In all one hundred and eighteen (118) students participated in the study. Sixty-two (62) students from one school – constituting the controlled group were instructed using Multimedia approach, whereas another fifty-nine (59) from the other school were taught using the Conventional Direct method. Subsequently, both groups received Multimedia and Conventional instructions ...

Research paper thumbnail of Games for Learning Algorithmic Thinking (Glat) Project: Perceived Factors Accounting for Teacher Acceptance and Usage of a New Learning Scenarios Design Tool – the Leplanner

Research paper thumbnail of Factors Determining Digital Learning Ecosystem Smartness in Schools

This paper discusses the factors that determine school’s digital learning ecosystem smartness. A ... more This paper discusses the factors that determine school’s digital learning ecosystem smartness. A dataset was collected from 52 schools in Ghana, Georgia and Estonia. Qualitative school observations and interviews were transformed to the quantitative categories and compound variables using the grid-based approach. We found three distinctive digital learning ecosystem types that described some possible developmental stages in the ecosystem. Discriminant analysis revealed two functions. Most dominant compound variables in the first function were the top-down external provision of digital resources and ICT incentives. The second function characterizes with bottomup proactiveness of the schools. Path modelling between the compound variables revealed the growing complexity in connectivity among the mediating, transformative and flow components, that determines the smartness of learning ecosystem. Such interconnected components form specific fitness niches which have been co-created in org...

Research paper thumbnail of Designing for Active Engagement in Online Learning Environments

3rd African Human-Computer Interaction Conference

Research paper thumbnail of Basic school teachers’ perspective to digital teaching and learning in Ghana

Education and Information Technologies

Research paper thumbnail of Teachers’ digital literacy and digital activity as digital divide components among basic schools in Ghana

Education and Information Technologies

Research paper thumbnail of Digital Divide in Learning Services in Ghana’s Basic School

Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Bridging digital divide in schools in developing countries: perceptions of teachers of free software opportunities

21st century information society requires more and more use of ICT (information and communication... more 21st century information society requires more and more use of ICT (information and communication technology) in everyday life. Nowadays there is much talk about the digital divide, which means economical and social disparities in digital technology use and availability in society of a particular country and among different countries. In this paper we sought to explore teachers knowledge and use of ICT resources in the context of free/libre and open-source software (FLOSS). When relying permanently on free tools there are several benefits which in turn will grow sustainable information society and will fortify economy in larger scale. For the mentioned purpose we use Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) first version. We found that TAM model is not ideal to accomplish mentioned tasks, especially in educational institutions. If teachers will be aware of FLOSS then they can increase ICT resources use in schools in a meaningful way. This in turn will reduce also disparity in schools and we may call it as a digital turn.

Research paper thumbnail of DIGITAL LEARNING ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND EDUCATIONAL CHANGE IN GHANA'S BASIC SCHOOLS

In this paper, we used Engeström's Activity System theory to explore the tensions and opportuniti... more In this paper, we used Engeström's Activity System theory to explore the tensions and opportunities in Digital Learning Ecosystem (DLEO) in Ghana's basic schools. In Ghana, the ICT competence development is planned both as an ICT subject, and as an integral component taught in all subject disciplines. We developed the grid for exploring Digital Learning Services (DLs) in the dimensions of Infrastructure, Learning Facilitation, and Change Management observed in the context of how the digital services are provided externally in Ghana, adopted internally by schools, and domesticated in schools; using services for digital transactions. Seven (17) location-selected schools were visited in Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis; class observations and interviews were made, and these qualitative data were transformed into binary scale grid to get the holistic picture of generally applied Ghana's DLEO practices. We mapped the services that were at present in the schools to the Activity System to highlight the tensions and opportunities in DLEO of Ghana's basic schools. Results of the study showed that to some extent, the DLEO mediated developing ICT in schools as a subject; but the DLEO did not support sufficiently developing ICT competences across subject disciplines.

Research paper thumbnail of CONCEPT MAPS AS SEMANTIC TOOLS FOR DEVELOPING SERVICES ONTOLOGY: THE DIGITAL LEARNING ECOSYSTEM OF SELECTED BASIC SCHOOLS IN GHANA

In this paper, we explored Cmaps tools as semantic tool for modeling services ontology. The desig... more In this paper, we explored Cmaps tools as semantic tool for modeling services ontology. The designed services ontology served as probable determinant of schools' Digital Learning Ecosystem (DLEO). DLEO of seventeen (17) specially selected schools for this study, were mapped on the services ontology. The study showed that many services intended for schools are missing on the services ontology, thus causing school exhibit less enhanced DLEO. Nonetheless, some key digital practices were found in schools; and these were organised around 1) ICT classes and 2) use of Laptops/Smart devices in limited cases to facilitate learning. We propose to stakeholders in schools to use DLS ontology (Fig 3) to as guide to assess their schools DLEO; and carve out interventions to address the digital constraints.