International Conference on Emerging Technology and Interdisciplinary Sciences

An exploration of novice programmers’ actual software development processes and use of quality appraisal techniques

Guillaume Nel — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Achieving high-quality software projects is a central goal in Software Engineering, with best practices typically taught to Computer Science (CS) undergraduates. The Personal Software Process (PSP) framework guides developers in good development practices, yet incorporating PSP principles into curricula has encountered challenges, particularly in students’ effective use of quality appraisal techniques (QATs) such as design, design review, and code review. This study investigated attributes influencing novice programmers’ use of QATs within the PSP context. An experimental case study was conducted involving six third-year CS students. Data were collected through actual process measurements and narrative feedback to compare their perceived and actual development processes. The analysis revealed significant discrepancies between students’ perceived and actual use of QATs. Critical success factors affecting the adoption of QATs were identified, including an understanding of development phases, technical programming skills, accuracy in measurement data, ability to identify defects, design and review skills, and motivational orientation. These findings contribute a list of attributes serving as cautionary guidelines for educators aiming to enhance software development practices among novice programmers. Addressing these factors can improve the integration of PSP principles and the effective use of QATs in educational settings.

An academic’s personal perspective on the integration of educational technology in higher education for teaching and learning

Nomabhongo Masana — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

COVID-19 brought a drastic shift in the education sector, influencing how T&L and assessment is done as EduTech became prominent. This saw many academics grappling with pressure to adopt new technologies as formal education was in a traditional f2f format for years. Despite these challenges, there is a significant shift from traditional to modern T&L practices such as e-learning and blended instruction as the adoption of EduTech in HE became a topic of interest recently. However, while studies have made contributions to the adoption of EduTech, none has focused on real-life academic experiences with the use of EduTech. Therefore, the study aims to provide an academic’s personal perspective on the integration of EduTech for T&L. The objective is to encourage and promote the use of EduTech, by highlighting the benefits of these technologies for academics in various disciplines. A scholarly personal narrative methodology is used to reflect the academic's personal experiences regarding the use of EduTech. Reflection on the use of Blackboard Learn LMS, SAM Cengage, MS Excel, and Kahoot! is provided. The LMS was effective for managing subject content, providing students with a centralized place for accessing learning material on SAM Cengage and grades. All student grades are easily exported from the gradebook to Excel, which is also used for electronically taking and managing class attendance. Kahoot! was utilized to keep students engaged in the classroom, providing a competitive, yet fun and relaxing learning environment. These tools are good to supplement and improve the T&L experience of students.

Technostress factors among students in the adoption of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in higher education: A rapid review narrative

Joshua Ebere Chukwuere, Goodness Chinazor Joshua Chukwuere — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The usage of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly within higher education institutions (HEIs) is driving the increasing rate of technological stress known as technostress. This study seeks to look into the factors causing technostress among higher education students in the adoption of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and to propose mechanisms for mitigating the effects. To achieve this objective, a rapid literature review was used in exploring existing and recent research publications relevant to the research topic and objective. The study found factors such as techno-overload, techno-invasion, and many more as factors contributing to technostress among students of higher education. The results indicate the detrimental impact of technostress on students' academic achievement and general mental wellness, stressing the need for more research.

A model to integrate Generative Artificial Intelligence to improve student academic performance in South African universities

Mfundiso Nongqwenga, Vusumzi Funda — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper explores the use of GenAI on university students in pursuit of academic excellence, with reference to South Africa. This study will embrace some of these salient issues: issues of high dropout rates occasioned by resource scarcity and meeting diverse learning needs by proposing a model that assists an individual learning experience using GenAI. This would be useful in highlighting recommendations toward effective adoption with reduced inequity in education and improvement of student achievement based on current literature and empirical investigations. Moreover, the paradigm proposed, named GAIA-SAU, would strongly focus on the development of personalized learning plans, continuous feedback mechanisms, and involvement of stakeholder engagement in delivering adaptive learning environments. This will lighten the burden for the country's path toward achieving high-quality and innovative learning, with further alignment to the goals of the National Education Strategy. Finally, the findings from this study will provide insight into educators, other stakeholders, and policymakers on ways in which best to capitalize on the use of GenAI in improving performance and equity in pursuing all students toward university education. This essay looks at how structurally advanced AI can solve these issues that stand in the way of realizing students' potential fully.

Enhancing AI digital literacy among South African youth: A model for inclusive participation

Amahle Briliant Flatela, Vusumzi Funda — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

With the rapid integration of AI now revolutionizing industries all over the world, AI and digital literacy are major skills identified with key future employability and creativity. The demand has never been higher for a digitally literate workforce as AI becomes an integral part of manufacturing, banking, health, education, and other industries. With these changes around the world, some of the major challenges that inhibit the participation of students in AI digital education in South Africa are socioeconomic inequality, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of teachers with appropriate training. These challenges narrow access to AI digital literacy, which is an enabler for social and economic inclusion. This paper applies the 1991 Icek Ajzen's TPB framework which provides an in-depth skeleton that is aimed at enhancing AI digital literacy among South Africa’s youth. The paper discusses, identifies, and addresses various psychological and social elements of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control that influence the youth's involvement in AI digital education. It is a proposed framework that aims at an environment that would encourage AI digital literacy to thrive through definite interventions such as curricular integration, community involvement, teacher training, public-private partnerships, and government policy. Changes in the curriculum can ascertain the inclusion of AI from a tender age into the system, and public-private partnerships offer essential resources and technological access. While teacher training is meant to ensure the quality of AI and digital education, community engagement programs try to change social beliefs toward creating an enabling environment that fosters AI digital learning.

A teacher’s plight to career progression: A narrative inquiry

Sandra Karen Sadagnot Duyag, Craig Narzabal Refugio, Ralph Alanunay Cardeño — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This research is driven to capture the story of a high school teacher on the account of career progression. Specifically, this study uncovers the challenges related to promotion; give support for career advancement; and to illuminate insights or life lessons for other teachers or teachers to be on the account of promotion or career progression. Purposive sampling technic is employed. Data collection methods are through Semi-structured Interview, Writing Prompt through Timeline Completion and an Archival Record. Audio recorded face-to-face interviews with transcriptions provide in-depth participant insights. Data analysis procedure made using Braun & Clarke’s six-phase framework: examining raw data; making initial codes; having repeated coding process; categorizing codes; developing themes and/or sub themes representing data in tables, figures; and lastly creating the final narrative. There are four (4) major themes that came to light namely: Priority, Determination, Complacency and, Support System, which give way to the sub-themes Stagnation, Disappointment / Regrets, and Encouraging others to pursue educational goals. Additionally, there are seven (7) epiphanies marking significant life realizations and turning points in the particular teacher respondent’s career journey. These are the following: (1) Gratitude and Aspiration; (2) Unexpected Love for Filipino Subjects; (3) Sacrificing Career for Family; (4) Reawakening Professional Goals; (5) Realization of Career Stagnation; (6) Hope and Motivation from New Policy; (7) Lessons and Realizations. Lastly, this research emphasizes the value of lifelong learning, mentoring programs and training opportunities about career progression processes. Updated promotion policies must be announced properly to give equal and timely opportunities to all the teachers. There is a necessity of actualizing a career progression self-paced action plan for every teacher.

Critical research thinking: A recipe for academic writing success and publications

Joshua Ebere Chukwuere — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This short study explores the critical benefits and opportunities of applying research thinking in conducting a successful academic writing process and publication. Research thinking is critical because it enables an academic (scholar) or student to conceptualize, create, analyze, evaluate, and synthesize existing ideas in building effective academic writing and publications. This concise paper evaluates the role of critical thinking in enabling a scholar or student's ability to analyze existing information, build an argument, construct own opinion, provide academic support through citations, and contribute to broader academic knowledge. The study evaluated different factors like idea conceptualization, critical analysis, creativity, problem-solving, information synthesis, presentative and communication skills, and ethical considerations as a bedrock for building critical thinking in the academic research process. The researcher further highlights the necessity for scholars and students to develop critical research thinking as a base upon which their ability to idealize, initialize, analyze data, source and evaluate information, report findings, and communicate effectively. A research process and publication underscored by critical research thinking have the potential to contribute significantly to academic knowledge and inform decision-making through knowledge. Also, a research process through critical research thinking redefines the research process and findings through evidence-based critical data analysis and findings.

Effects of wet and dry milling on the viscoelastic properties of tofu (meat analogue) from soybean (Glycine max) and sesame (Sesamum indicum) blends coagulated with tamarind

Gift Nkechi Dobson, Mercy Nneoma Ezindu-Odoemelam — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A study investigated the impact of wet and dry milling on the viscoelastic properties of tofu produced from soybean and sesame blends coagulated with tamarind. The soybean-to-sesame ratios examined were 100:0, 82.5:17.5, 65:35, 47.5:52.5, 30:70, and 0:100. The physical properties of the processed flour were evaluated, and the wet and dry milled blends were subsequently converted into tofu using tamarind as a coagulant. Mechanical tests, including stress-strain and stress relaxation analyses, were conducted. The results showed that 100% soybean dry-milled tofu coagulated with tamarind (100:0) exhibited the highest initial weight (446.6 kg) and coagulation time (13 mins). Notably, the dry-milled soybean tofu demonstrated superior stress-strain yield (1.002 N/mm2) and relaxation time (240 s), indicating a harder chewability compared to wet-milled tofu. These findings suggest that dry milling produces tofu with enhanced textural properties, making it more suitable for applications requiring a firmer texture.

International Conference on Emerging Technology and Interdisciplinary Sciences (ICETIS 2024)

Joshua Ebere Chukwuere, Krishnan Umachandran, Dickson Adom — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The third virtual International Conference on Emerging Technology and Interdisciplinary Sciences (ICETIS 2024), held on 29^th November 2024 themed “Application of technology for social change” enlightened scholars, students, professionals, and industry role players on interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary research interest to improve academic discourse and opening new insight on the role of emerging technologies in resolving social issues.

The conference proceedings covered research areas like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, education, health, humanities, and social sciences. The conference presented three international expert keynote speakers who addressed fundamental topics. The first speaker highlighted the recent technology development in different sectors, the second speaker unpacked the pros and cons of AI in higher education, and the third speaker explored the newer trends in emerging technologies and interdisciplinary sciences. These speakers used their expertise to enlighten the audience with wider knowledge through their topics.