Browsing Open Research Collection by Author "De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth)"

Now showing items 1-20 of 53

Academic group and forum on Facebook : social, serious studies or synergy?

De Villiers, Mary Ruth; Pretorius, Marco Cobus (2012-09)

An academic group and discussion forum were established on Facebook for a cohort of postgraduate students studying the concepts and principles of eLearning. The Forum had a constructivist, student-centric ethos, in which ...
Application Usage of Unsupervised Digital Doorway Computer Kiosks in Remote Locations in South Africa

Gush, Kim; De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth) (2010)

Digital Doorways are rugged computer terminals that offer unassisted learning and peer-assisted learning of basic computer skills, as well as a range of computing activities from entertainment, through education, to ...
Applying controlled usability-testing technology to investigate learning behaviours of users interacting with e-learning tutorials

De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth) (2009)

The purpose of this paper is to suggest innovative ways of using the facilities in usability-testing laboratories to find out more about the learning processes and behaviours of users interacting with e-learning applications. ...
Applying Software Engineering Methods to Instructional Systems Development.

De Villiers, M. R. (Ruth); Kotze, P. (1997)

Reports on research conducted to integrate software engineering with instructional factors in the requirements analysis, design and production phases of instructional software development. Illustrates with diagrams
Can mobile technology reduce the Digital Divide? A study in a South African tertiary education context

Harpur, Patricia; De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth) (2012)

Undergraduate software engineering students are often required to participate in problem-based learning (PBL) and team-based project work. Assessment of information communication and technology (ICT) project deliverables ...
Collaboration in online discussion forums: An activity theory-driven model for managing socio-cultural influences, illustrated by a case study

Van der Merwe, T.M.; De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth) (2012)

Online discussion forums provide teachers and learners with powerful opportunities for collaborative teaching and learning. In open distance learning environments, a forum brings together students from diverse cultural ...
A comparative analysis of the meaning of ‘learnability’ for child and adult users

Chimbo, Bester; Gelderblom, J.H.; De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth) (2011)

The learnability principle relates to improving the usability of software, as well as the user’s performance and productivity. The latter suggest that the principle was formulated mainly with the adult user group in mind. ...
A Comparative Study of Two Usability Evaluation Methods Using a Web-Based E-Learning Application

Ssemugabi, Samuel; De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth) (2007)
Design-based research – the educational technology variant of design research: Illustrated by the design of an m-learning environment

De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth); Harpur, P.A (2013)

This paper, a meta-research study, focuses on design-based research (DBR), the educational technology variant of design science research (DSR). DBR is applied to develop and evaluate an m-learning environment, Mobile ...
Digital Doorways

Gush, Kim; De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth); Smith, Ronel; Cambridge, Grant (IGI Global, 2011)

The Digital Doorway is a joint initiative between the Meraka Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and South Africa’s Department of Science and Technology (DST), with a vision of making a ...
e-Learning Artefacts: Are They Based on Learning Theory?

De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth) (2005)

With the advent of e-learning, educators and designers of learning resources should view technology as a tool and a medium, but not as the message. This paper poses the rhetorical question as to whether e-learning artefacts ...
E-learning in the science curriculum: a study in selected high schools in Lesotho

De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth); Kalanda, K. (2013)

This research investigates progress in the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) into curriculum-based teaching and learning in the Lesotho high school science classroom, with the aim of establishing ...
Effectiveness of heuristic evaluation in usability evaluation of elearning applications in higher education

Ssemugabi, Samuel; De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth) (2010)

The Internet, World Wide Web (WWW) and e-learning are contributing to new forms of teaching and learning. Such environments should be designed and evaluated in effective ways, considering both usability- and pedagogical ...
Electronic assessment of free-text: a development research initiative.

Conradie, M.M; De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth) (2004)

A study of web-based learning revealed that web-based learning environments need to move away from static instructional web pages to dynamic pages in order to produce more effective interactive learning. Furthermore, it ...
Emerging Technology for Emerging Peoples: Evaluation of an African AIDS-Awareness Training System

De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth); Dersley, Rob (2003)

Technology is playing a part in the struggle against HIV/AIDS in Africa. Edu-Touch is a multi-media HIV/AIDS-awareness and health-care training system designed for indigenous people and operated by touch-technology. This ...
Engageability: a new sub-principle of the learnability principle in

Chimbo, Bester; Gelderblom, J.H.; De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth) (2011-12)

The learnability principle relates to improving the usability of software, as well as users’ performance and productivity. A gap has been identified as the current definition of the principle does not distinguish between ...
Engageability: a new sub-principle of the learnability principle in human-computer interaction

Chimbo, Bester; Gelderblom, J.H.; De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth) (2011-12)

The learnability principle relates to improving the usability of software, as well as users’ performance and productivity. A gap has been identified as the current definition of the principle does not distinguish between ...
Establishing the current extent and nature of usage of Online Assessment Tools in Computing-related Departments at South African Tertiary Institutions

Singh, UG (Upasana); De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth) (2010)

The use of online assessment and computer-based testing is on the increase. A survey was conducted to investigate the extent and nature of use of online assessment tools in Computer Science, Information Systems, and ...
Evaluation of a Collaborative Learning Environment on a Facebook Forum

De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth); Pretorius, Marco Cobus (2013)

An academic group and discussion forum were established on Facebook for a cohort of postgraduate students studying ‘Concepts and Principles of eLearning’. The Forum had a constructivist, student-centric ethos, in which ...
Evaluation of an interactive learning environment: theory and practice.

De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth) (2000)

This article is a follow-up to "Instructional theories of experts: a practical implementation" in SAJHE Volume 12(2) of 1998 by the same author. The previous article discussed current instructional and learning theories ...

Browsing Open Research Collection by Author "De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth)"

Browsing Open Research Collection by Author "De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth)"

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