International Journal of Contemporary Africa Research Network

Assessing the Integration of ICT as a Pedagogical Tool in Secondary Education: A Case Study in Tanzania

Farida Kassim — 2024-06-28

This study focused on the use of technology by teachers and administrators to enhance teaching and assessment in secondary schools in Tanzania. A total of 199 scientific instructors from secondary schools took part in the study. Out of a sample of 179 secondary schools selected randomly, one instructor was picked at random. Surveys were sent to teachers for completion. The coded answers from the surveys were processed using M-Excel. The findings were presented in tables displaying both percentages and absolute numbers. Based on the findings, educators used their knowledge in assessment and teaching by using internet resources to obtain course materials (90%), transcribing notes (80%), analysing test results (59%), and utilising projectors (56%). Regrettably, no instructor was found to be using any kind of digital assessment. Several impediments hampered teachers' capacity to use ICT, including inadequate equipment availability (78%), insufficient proficiency and skills (59%), unreliable internet connectivity (35%), and power disruptions (34%). According to the research, it is recommended that everyone get education on the utilisation of ICT for teaching and assessment. To properly incorporate and integrate ICT in secondary school, it is necessary to overcome the hurdles that have been identified in its use.

Enhancing Employability Skills through Formative Assessment in Vocational Training Centers

Mariam Omar — 2024-06-28

The research looked at how different formative assessment approaches affected the development of abilities that employers want in potential employees. The study's objectives were to investigate how vocational students in Tanzania view the importance of formative assessment in vocational training centres, how this practice affects students' employability skills, and how students themselves perceive these skills. Because it was based on pragmatism, a sequential explanatory mixed methods design was possible. From four Vocational training institutes, 97 vocational students and 6 vocational teachers were surveyed. We used a regression model to examine the quantitative data, and content analysis to sift through the qualitative information. Among the results of the research, many vocational students consider a variety of employability skills crucial to their future success in the workforce. Workshops, industrial projects, and field placements are some of the formative evaluation approaches used by vocational education and training institutions to improve these employability skills. While summative evaluation makes up 60% of the total, formative assessment, which is crucial for developing employable skills, only makes up 40%. Consequently, the research suggests that curriculum revision should prioritise formative assessment over summative assessment. Research on the employability of Tanzanians with degrees in vocational education might lead to the creation of a new scale.

ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS ACQUISITION FOR YOUTH EMPLOYABILITY IN NIGERIA: SOCIAL STUDIES TO THE RESCUE

Ben-Rabbi Freedman — 2024-06-28

One of the humanity concerns is the reduction of poverty and acceleration in social, physical growth, fiscal development and youth employability. This paper studies the need for integrating entrepreneurship skills into social studies education programme with the aims of creating job opportunities, which would enhance youth employability in Nigeria. It is anticipated that Nigeria has the highest rate of poverty, unemployment, corruption, amongst other social drawbacks that need to be tackled. These socio-economic problems need to be solved using different approaches for solving these social problems. It is in the light of these, that social studies and entrepreneurship education are employed to fight these anti-social problems which would go a long way in augmenting youth employability, which would serve a harmonizing role in creating job opportunities in support of the Federal Government. If all hands are on deck, issue of poverty, unemployment, corruption and social ills etc would be a thing of the past. The conclusion was done with some recommendations among which are that all students in secondary schools should be made to offer entrepreneurship and social studies education in Nigeria. Guidance and counsellor awareness will help them develop assertive spirit, initiative spirit, creative spirit, team spirit, facilitating spirit, collaborative spirit, project spirit, empathetic spirit, positive mind-set, etc. which will help them to be self-employed.

Enhancing Learning and Performance in Mathematics through Effective Assessment Feedback: Insights from Third-Year Secondary School Students and Mathematics Instructors in Moshi Municipality

T. W. Mohammed — 2024-06-28

The purpose of this qualitative research was to examine how third-year secondary school pupils in Moshi Municipality benefited from assessment comments in the area of mathematics. Math instructors' perspectives on the impact of assessment feedback on their students' learning and performance were investigated in this research. Two community secondary schools provided the twenty-four students and two mathematics instructors that made up the sample. The research collected data using a case study approach, which included classroom observation, interviews, focus groups, and document analysis. Next, the data was organised into topics, categories, and patterns using coding. Maths classrooms heavily relied on task-level evaluative input, according to the results. Verbal and written evaluation feedback at this task level does not assist students in gaining a thorough grasp of different ideas via the process of making adjustments and solving comparable mathematical problems, which might ultimately lead to improved learning and performance. Findings from the research support the idea that in-service educators would benefit from frequent professional development courses that train them to provide students constructive criticism. Students' learning and performance in mathematics at CSEE will be improved as a result of the programmes' ability to help instructors provide appropriate feedback.

Effect of Generative artificial intelligence (AI)-based tool utilization and students’ programming self-efficacy and computational thinking skills in JAVA programming course in Nigeria Universities

Emmanuel Philip Ododo — 2024-06-28

In the evolving landscape of education, technological advancements have significantly influenced teaching practices. Among these, artificial intelligence (AI) stands out as a transformative force, particularly in the field of programming education. This paper explores the effect of integrating ChatGPT, a generative artificial intelligence tool, into JAVA programming courses on students' computational thinking skills and programming self-efficacy. Two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Utilizing an experimental design with pretest-posttest control groups, the study involved 45 participants from University of Uyo in Nigeria. The experimental group utilized ChatGPT for coding assistance during lab assignments, while the control group did not. Two instruments were used for the study: Computer programming self-efficacy questionnaire and Computational thinking questionnaire. The instruments were validated. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation was used to answer research questions and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the hypotheses. Results indicated significant improvements in both computational thinking scores and programming self-efficacy among students in the experimental group compared to the control group. Findings suggest that ChatGPT-supported education positively affect students' confidence in programming abilities and enhances their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The study underscores the potential of AI tools in enhancing programming education and offers recommendations for educators to effectively integrate such technologies into their teaching practices.

Ethical Challenges in Tanzanian Public Elementary Schools: Understanding, Prevention, and Reporting Systems

Kusiluka M. Rashid — 2024-06-28

This article takes a look at the responsibility and work ethic of principals and teachers in Tanzanian public elementary schools. Perceptions of accountability and ethical concerns, ethical issues as a whole, preventative strategies, and methods for reporting unethical activity were the four components that the study aimed to evaluate. A total of 550 educators and school administrators from 279 randomly chosen primary schools in mainland Tanzania filled out questionnaires as part of the quantitative research technique used in the study. Results showed that school responses to reporting ethical problems and efforts to avoid unethical issues were well-received by both teachers and administrators. Teachers and administrators were reluctant to bring up ethical concerns with their superiors. However, a school climate that encourages responsibility and work ethic is one that promotes professionalism, which in turn improves students' academic performance and well-being. Teachers' and administrators' perspectives may vary, and different schools may have different challenges when it comes to staff responsibility and work ethic, as acknowledged in the research. Consequently, when contemplating more study, it is important to think on the local environment, cultural aspects, and particular obstacles.

LEVEL OF AWARENESS AND USAGE OF CLOUD RESOURCES BY LECTURERS IN SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA FOR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Enyie Dorothy — 2024-06-28

This study examined level of awareness and utilization of cloud resources among lecturers in South-South, Nigeria. Two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Survey research design was adopted, the Population of the study consists of all the lecturers in Federal Universities in South-South, Nigeria during the 2022/2023 academic session. 350 (167 male & 183 Female) lecturers constitute the sample size of the study, this was arrived at using simple random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire tagged Lecturers Awareness and Utilization of Cloud Resources for Educational Development Questionnaire (LAUCREDQ) was used for data collection and was validated by two experts. 30 respondents which were not part of the study were used to obtained reliability index of 0.75 using Cronbach’s Alpha. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics to answer the questions while the independent t-test was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed among others that there was no significant difference in the opinions of male and female lecturers on their awareness and utilization of cloud resources in Federal Universities in South-South, Nigeria. It was concluded that Cloud resources, which include tools for personal publishing, networking, and interactive learning, are essential for contemporary educational practices.

Enhancing Secondary School Performance through Effective Utilization of Examination Feedback Reports

Rehema John — 2024-06-28

In order to help secondary schools improve their performance, the National Examination Council of Tanzania (NECTA) provides reports called Candidates Items Response Analysis (CIRA). The endeavour is still not enough to improve the performance, which is crucial. Under the rubric of "Assessment bodies as stirrers for effective learning," this study examined the reports in question and was presented at the NECTA 50th anniversary conference. In particular, the study looked at how well secondary school students knew about candidates' items response analysis reports, how helpful those reports were, how easy it was to get your hands on those reports, and how much of an impact they had on students' maths achievement. A multiple regression model, feedback intervention theory, and sequential exploratory mixed techniques were the study's guiding principles. Interviews and semi-structured questionnaires were used to gather data from secondary school students and instructors. The majority of secondary school pupils in Tanzania are unaware of the National Examination Council of Tanzania's feedback reports on examiners' performance in mathematics, and as a consequence, they do not use them, according to the research. The study's findings highlight the critical need of mandating the efficient use of such reports to boost efficiency. Consequently, the research suggests that Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE) and the Agency for the Development of Education Management (ADEM), which are professional training institutes for teachers, include feedback reports in their training programmes. Research on the efficacy of feedback reports as an intervention plan to raise academic achievement in secondary schools is warranted.

Enhancing Formative Assessment Strategies in Biology Education: A Case Study of Secondary School Practices and Student Achievement

Zainab Mbwana — 2024-06-28

The present formative assessment techniques of biology instructors and their effects on student achievement were the focus of this qualitative research. One community ordinary-level secondary school in Moshi municipality was the focus of the case study methodology. Two biology professors and twenty students chosen at random from courses that do not take national exams were engaged in it on purpose. A study of students' workbooks, classroom observations, focus groups with students, and semi-structured interviews with instructors were used to gather data. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, themes were developed from the data after their literal transcription. The results demonstrated that the majority of evaluation methods relied on teachers asking questions orally. The Biology instructors didn't appear to be acquainted with other tactics like student-student interactions, descriptive feedback, peer evaluation, or discussing learning aims with students. Researchers concluded that children would benefit from more effective use of formative assessment strategies in the classroom if instructors received in-service training on the topic.

Technological impact assessment of Blockchain Technology on the synergism of decentralized exchange and pooled trading platform

Nseabasi Peter Essien — 2024-06-28

Blockchain technology has emerged as a disruptive force in the financial industry, offering decentralized solutions that redefine traditional models of exchange and trading. This paper investigates the technological influence of blockchain technology on the collaboration between decentralized exchanges (DEX) and pooled trading platforms. Through a comprehensive evaluation of their underlying technologies, functionalities, and implications, this study aims to illuminate their transformative potential and implications for the future of digital asset trading. By analyzing the benefits, challenges, and synergies inherent in integrating DEX and pooled trading platforms; valuable insights into the evolving landscape of decentralized finance (DeFi) are provided. The research addresses two main research questions: (i) Are there significant differences in the mean impact assessments between the Uniswap platform and the SushiSwap platform? (ii) Are there significant differences in the mean impact assessments across other decentralized exchange and pooled trading platforms? To test these questions, hypotheses are formulated for both t-tests and ANOVA comparisons. The study employs a methodological approach that includes a thorough literature review, data collection from online platforms, conceptual framework design, architectural analyses, and quantitative methods to analyze trading metrics. Results from cluster analysis and impact assessments of various platform upgrades reveal insights into blockchain technology's evolution and platforms' efforts to address challenges in decentralized finance ecosystems. Statistical tests, including t-tests and ANOVA, show no significant differences in impact assessments between platforms, indicating similar performance across various blockchain platforms. While this study finds no significant differences in impact assessments between platforms, it underscores blockchain technology's transformative potential in reshaping the digital asset trading landscape. Collaboration, innovation, and regulatory alignment are vital for fully harnessing blockchain's power in decentralized finance. It is pertinent that major stakeholders should continue to explore emerging trends and challenges in blockchain technology, fostering a supportive environment for innovation and growth in the financial ecosystem.

Exploring Community Awareness and Attitudes towards Adult Education: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Mtandi Mustapha — 2024-06-28

The mystery of illiteracy and the lack of a long-term solution to it persist despite the enormous amount of study devoted to adult education in the fifty years after independence. In order to gauge the level of understanding and support for adult education programmes in the municipalities of Kigamboni and Temele, this research surveyed local residents. The study used a cross-sectional design and used both quantitative and qualitative techniques of research. It involved 250 participants. To measure community awareness and attitudes, quantitative data was evaluated using descriptive statistics using Likert scales. Although 58.4% of respondents were aware of adult education courses, the community's perspective of "adult education" was unclear, according to the data. Policymakers, according to the report, need to rethink the term "adult education." Community members also had a bad impression of adult education courses, which may have something to do with the fact that they were only open to those aged 19 and above. Improved community awareness and favourable attitudes towards adult education may be achieved by political commitment in decision-making, planning, budget allocation, programme execution, and administration of literacy programmes, according to the research. In addition, the Institute of Adult Education, the Ministry of Vocational Training and Education, and the Local Government should launch long-term initiatives to enrol people over the age of 19 in adult education courses.

CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS OF OPTIMIZATION STRATEGIES IN OPERATING SYSTEM (WINDOWS AND UNIX) IN THE CURRENT IT TREND FROM 2015 TO 2023

Nseabasi P. Essien — 2024-06-28

Varieties of operating systems (OS) have emerged over the years having different features and functionalities. Understanding the functionalities of each operating system guides users’ decisions about the OS to install on their computers. In view of this, the conceptual analysis of different OS is needed to provide details on the similarities and difference in recent types of OS vis-à-vis their strengths and weaknesses. This paper focus on the conceptual analysis of Windows and unix operating system. Windows and unix are more popular, user-friendly, easy to use and allow more application program than other OS. It is because they are affordable, secure, reliable and compatible. This study provide optimization strategies of windows and unix operating system in current IT trend in the last ten years. Optimizing the operating system of a computer helps ensure that it operates at its best and can handle demanding tasks efficiently, providing an optimal computing experience regardless of the hardware capabilities.