http://hdl.handle.net/10500/461 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:05:37 GMT 2013-06-19T00:05:37Z http://hdl.handle.net/10500/8626 Applying the Community of Inquiry framework: a novel tool for systematic and economic coding and analysis of forum discourse in situ and in context van der Merwe, Thomas The online discussion forum (ODF) is one of the most widely used e-learning tools in open distance learning (ODL) environments. A popular line of research focuses on producing instruments that can be used to assess the level and amount of learning that takes place via transcript analysis of ODF-discourse. Of current interest is the influential community of inquiry (CoI) theoretical framework, first described by Garrison, Anderson and Archer in 2000. With validation of an ever-evolving framework a constant research focus, the CoI literature provides little insight into educator-level experiences when applying the framework. This paper describes and documents the author's approach and experience in using the framework to assess the status of the CoI in an ODF-driven course. In particular, it describes the motivation for, design, application and analysis results achieved with a novel tool that allows systematic and economical coding and analysis of ODF discourse in situ and in context. Mon, 12 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10500/8626 2012-11-12T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10500/8151 First year students’ understanding of the flow of control in recursive algorithms Sanders, Ian Douglas; Scholtz, Tamarisk Recursion is an important concept for any computer science student to master. Many first year students develop the viable copies mental model of recursion and can successfully trace the execution of a simple recursive function. This article discusses a study focused on deter-mining whether the ability to successfully trace a recursive function means that the student understands recursion or whether they are simply “applying a formula”. The research question investigated was thus “To what extent do students with viable trace mental models un-derstand the flow of control of recursive algorithms?” The research followed a phenomeno-logical approach. A group of first year students with viable mental models was identified by classifying the mental models in their answers to test questions. Fifteen of these students were interviewed. The interviews involved the students talking aloud while they tackled vari-ous tasks. Each student’s understanding of the active flow, the limiting case and the passive flow was assessed. The results show that in most cases even these students have some diffi-culty with the active flow, are confused about the passive flow and have misconceptions about the limiting case. This implies that more careful thought needs to be given to the exam-ples used in teaching recursion and how the concept is taught. Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10500/8151 2012-12-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10500/7764 Managing Innovative Projects Maphosa, M; Eloff, MM Businesses and organisations are undertaking innovative projects to gain competitive advantage in the market. Research into innovative project management has been biased towards how innovative projects are managed to the detriment of the formulation of success criteria for innovative projects. There is a need to evaluate how innovative projects are managed. Project managers for innovative projects find it difficult to do so because success criteria for innovative projects have not been formulated. This paper is a theoretical study on managing different types of projects as different types of projects are managed in different ways. The paper also explores the characteristics of conventional projects as opposed to inno-vative projects and R&D projects. In addition, it critically analyses the differences between project man-agement in conventional projects and project management in innovative projects. By comparing the char-acteristics of conventional projects to those of innovative projects and R&D projects, and the way these different types of projects are managed, the paper attempts to formulate success criteria for innovative projects that can be used by project managers to determine the success or failure of innovative projects. Mon, 17 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10500/7764 2012-09-17T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10500/7707 Secure Digital Data Collection In Household Surveys Hattas, Mahier; Eloff, Mariki Digital Data Collection in South Africa is continuously evolving as technology and infrastructural networks gain momentum with respect to its development. In-field data collection is critical for any national government department who is mandated to supply the country and the international community with official data. The paper aims to illustrate the methods used by Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) in collecting household data using a digital collection process. The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) and Dwelling Frame Project’s are the primary focus areas of implementation. The paper further focuses on the background to the technology, its usage, problems encountered, lessons learnt, software/ questionnaire development, and more importantly the security issues around the collection of the data. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10500/7707 2011-09-13T00:00:00Z