Department of Computer Science

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://localhost:4000/handle/20.500.12092/1961

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 33

The Impact Of Policy Changes In The Education Sector On The Development Of The Book Publishing Industry In Kenya
(Unisa Press, 2009) Mbengei, Bernard; Francis, Galloway
This article explores the impact of policy changes in the education sector on the de-velopment of the book publishing sector in Kenya. The article begins by detailing the current status of the book publishing sector in Kenya. Then the interdependence between the education and book publishing sectors is highlighted. The government policies that have shaped the education system in Kenya are analysed with a view to establishing how they have affected the book publishing sector. An overview of the new school textbook policy that was introduced in 1998 is presented in order to show how it has influenced the textbook production and procurement. Then the introduction of the Free-Primary Education (FPE) is discussed because it is the most recent development in the education sector that has provided tremendous impetus to the development of the book publishing industry in the country. The challenges encountered by the Government of Kenya in implementing the FPE and those faced by the book publishers in producing books for the school market are analysed. Finally, a way forward is proposed in the form of recommendations that can contribute to positive growth and mainstreaming of the school textbook publishing sub-sector in Kenya. A literature review approach isused in which sources that include newspapers, government and institutional websites, journals, books and dissertations have been consulted.
Students Selection for University Course Admission at the Joint Admissions Board (Kenya) Using Trained Neural Networks
(2011) Wabwoba, Franklin; Mwakondo, Fullgence M.
Every year, the Joint Admission Board (JAB) is tasked to determine those students who are expected to join various Kenyan public universities under the government sponsorship scheme. This exercise is usually extensive because of the large number of qualified students compared to the very limited number of slots at various institutions and the shortage of funding from the government. Further, this is made complex by the fact that the selections are done against a predefined cluster subjects vis a vis the student’s preferred and applied for academic courses. Minimum requirements exist for each course and only students having the prescribed grades in specific subjects are eligible to join that course. Due to this, students are often admitted to courses they consider irrelevant to their career prospects and not their preferred choices. This process is tiresome, costly, and prone to bias, errors, or favour, leading to disadvantaging innocent students. This paper examines the potential use of artificial neural networks at the JAB for the process of selecting students for university courses. Based on the fact that Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) have been tested and used in classification, the paper explains how a trained neural network can be used to perform the students’ placement effectively and efficiently. JAB will be able, therefore, to undertake the students’ placement thoroughly and be able to accomplish it with minimal wastage of time and resources respectively without having to utilise unnecessary effort. The paper outlines how the various metrics can be coded and used as input to the ANNs. Ultimately, the paper underscores the various merits that would accompany the adoption of this technique. By making use of neural networks in the university career choices, student placement at JAB will enhance the chances of students being placed into courses they prefer as part of their career choice. This is likely to motivate the students, making them work harder and leading to improved performance and improved completion rate. The ANN application may also reduce the cost spend on the application processing and the time the applicants have to wait for the outcome. The ANN application could further increase the chances of high quality applicants getting admission to career courses for which they qualify.
Classifying Program Visualization Tools to Facilitate Informed Choices: Teaching and Learning Computer Programming
(2012) Mutua, Stephen; Wabwoba, Franklin; Ogao, Patrick; Anselmo, Peter; Abenga, Elizabeth1
Program Visualization (PV) is a technique that has been found useful in teaching computing programming. This has seen proliferation in development of PV tools with an aim of enhancing teaching/learning programming over the last two decades. However, the tools usage has remained minimal. Perhaps because it becomes challenging to ascertain the appropriate tool for the right task. This paper presents a classification of program visualization tools with the focus of aiding teachers and students in choosing the most appropriate tool for an interesting experience in the classroom. The paper is based on six various PV tools evaluated over a period of two consecutive academic years in a Kenyan public University. The classification augments the Price’s taxonomy of software visualization arm of PV by presenting four basic levels which are further subdivided into lower levels. Index Terms– Classification, Pedagogy, Program Visualization and Taxonomy
Evaluating the Role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Support towards Processes of Management in Institutions of Higher Learning
(2012-07) Ujunju, Michael Okumu; Wanyembi, G.; Wabwoba, Franklin
The role of Information and Communication Technology in achieving organization’s strategic development goals has been an area of constant debate, and as well perceived in different management dimensions. Most universities are therefore employing it (ICT) as a tool for competitive advantage to support the accomplishment of their objectives. Universities are also known to have branches or campuses that need strong and steady strategic plans to facilitate their steady expansion and growth. Besides, production of quality services from the various levels of management in these universities requires quality strategic plans and decisions. In addition, to realize the steady growth and competitive advantage, ICT not only has to be an additive but a critical component towards supporting management processes in the universities. This research sought to determine the role of ICT in supporting management processes in institutions of higher learning in Kenya. The research investigated how the different levels of management used ICT in their management processes and whether the use had any effect on management processes. The research further made recommendations to the universities on better use of ICTs in their management processes. A public university in Kenya was used as a case study in this research.
Green ICT Readiness Model for Developing Economies: Case of Kenya
(2013) Wabwoba, Franklin; Omuterema, Stanley; Wanyembi, Gregory W.; Omieno, Kelvin Kebati
There has been growing concerns about the rising costs of doing business and environmental degradation world over. Green ICT has been proposed to provide solutions to the two issues yet it is not being implemented fully in developing economies like Kenya. For its implementation, it is critical to establish the level of green ICT readiness of organisations to inform where to start and where to put more emphasis. Over the past few years this has been done using Molla’s G-readiness model. However, this model assumes the basic level of Greadiness to be same for both developed and developing economies to be the same with regard to ICT personnel preparedness. Based on green ICT readiness in Kenya, the relationship between ICT personnel’s gender, age and training with the G-readiness variables as proposed in Molla’s G-readiness model was investigated. The study surveyed ICT personnel in four cases using a questionnaire on a seven scale likert scale. It established that there exists a significant relationship between the ICT personnel related variables and the G-readiness variables. Based on the findings on the relationship, the study extended Molla’s G-readiness model to include a sixth dimension of personnel readiness.
Pervasiveness of green ICT awareness amongst Kenyan ICT personnel
(2013-01) Wabwoba, Franklin; Wanyembi, Gregory W.; Omuterema, Stanley; Mutua, Stephen Makau
There has been growing concerns about the rising costs of doing business and environmental degradation world over. Green ICT has been proposed to provide solutions to the two issues yet it is not being implemented fully in developing nations like Kenya despite the availability of the technologies of doing it. The study investigated pervasiveness of green ICT awareness amongst the ICT personnel, how they perceive it to be relevant to their organisations and the drivers towards implementation of the same. The study surveyed ICT personnel in four cases using a questionnaire on a seven scale likert scale. The study established that awareness level of green ICT in Kenya is low when compared with developed nations. It also established the green ICT drivers and how ICT personnel perceived it to be relevant to their organisations. The study recommends the raising of green ICT awareness levels through aligning the ICT personnel’s capacities.
Virtual reality in education trends and issues
(2013-01-01) Omieno, Kelvin K.; Wabwoba, Franklin; Matoke, Nahason
common form of education in institutions of higher learning (IHL). Many IHL in developing nations, such as Kenya, have greatly experienced an increase in demand for higher education. On the other hand, the ability to connect people with required sets of skills, regardless of their location in the world has been enabled by advances in information technology over the past 20 years. Use of virtual learning systems (VLS) has rapidly emerged as a very promising technology that will probably match the innovation of technologies such as multimedia/hypermedia. These VLS have the potential to provide opportunities for active, flexible, and increasingly individualized learning experiences. It also explains virtual reality principle, describes the interactive educational environment, highlights the challenges higher education face in the traditional mode of delivery and discusses educational benefits of implementing virtual learning environments in IHL. The paper makes a number of recommendations for successful adoption of VLS in higher education
Distance librarianship in Kenyan universities
(Regional Institute of Information and Knowledge Management, 2015) Murumba, Joan Wakasa
Rationale of study – Many institutions of higher learning in Kenya are now delivering their programmes through distance learning and the library is providing support by offering information resources and services to students who are off campus. This research sought to establish the effectiveness of libraries in providing information resources and services to open and distance learners (ODLs).
The Impact of Information Management Practices on the performance of County Governments in Central Kenya: A Case of Nyeri County
(2016-04) Ngirigacha, Esther Wairimu; Kwanya, Tom
Information management is critical in influencing an organisation’s ability to sustain a long-term competitive advantage. This chapter, resulting from a research study, examines the impact of information management practices on the performance of county governments in Central Kenya using the Nyeri County government as a case study. The study specifically sought to determine the information management practices used by the Nyeri County government; and establish the effectiveness of these information management practices in supporting government activities. The study was designed as a survey and targeted 82 management and administrative county staff in the six sub-county offices of Nyeri County (in Tetu, Kieni, Mathira, Othaya, Mukurweini, and Nyeri Town) and the Nyeri County governor. The study adopted census sampling design due to the small number of the potential respondents and also because this method was bound to enhance the reliability of the findings. The choice of a census design maximised the confidence level while at the same time greatly reduced the margin of error. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used as the main data collection instruments. The study found out that effective use of information management practices has enabled the Nyeri County government to be more responsive and consistent in service delivery as well and projected an image of good faith in a bid to audit and improve governance. These practices were effective mainly because they improved service delivery in the county office, and maintained convenient, secure and efficient storage and retrieval of county government information in the county government offices. The findings of this study may be used by the governors as the base upon which to review the county accountability and transparency principles and practices.
Enhancing Organisational Performance in Kenyan Universities Through Effective Tacit Knowledge Management
(2016-04) Murumba, Joan Wakasa; Kwanya, Tom
Knowledge is an important asset and tacit knowledge is located in the minds of people. To succeed, organisations have to make the best use of their knowledge assets. This can be achieved through diverse initiatives such as mentorship programmes, team learning and development, communities of practice, development of knowledge sharing platforms, storytelling and enhanced channels of communication. Universities, just like all the other organisations must strategically respond to the current developments in the knowledge society and specifically in the management of tacit knowledge assets. This chapter reviews literature on tacit knowledge management to unravel how universities in Kenya manage and utilise their tacit knowledge to improve organisational performance, as well as the challenges they face in this process. The authors propose a tacit knowledge management framework for consideration by universities in Kenya and beyond. The authors reviewed literature on tacit knowledge management in relation to universities in Kenya. They specifically analysed documents on the strategies for managing tacit knowledge as well as the challenges hampering their effectiveness. Well defined organisational strategies, good leadership, knowledge sharing culture, mentorship, communities of practice and customised technology are seen to be catalysts of tacit knowledge management. While, the lack of incentives and rewards, insufficient mentorship programmes and lack of recognition of human capital inhibit tacit knowledge exploitation which negatively influences organisational performance. The authors established critical contributions of tacit knowledge management on organisational performance. These findings may be used to support relevant policy development in academic institutions. Universities may also benefit by implementing or adapting the proposed tacit knowledge management framework.
ICT Definition Implication on ICT Career Choice and Exclusion among Women
(2016-05) Muchiri, Michael Njoki; Wabwoba, Franklin; Micheni, Elyjoy Muthoni
One of the most noteworthy challenges in society in the 21st century is sustainable development. The usefulness of ICT has led to an overwhelming demand for electronics such as computers and mobile phones. ICT is vital for poverty reduction and in the growth of sectors such as agriculture, business, health, education etc. Applying ICT to drive any development has its advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, its measurement should be focused on whether the benefits outweigh the pitfalls. The purpose of carrying out this research is because most development initiatives in Africa are being undertaken with the use of ICT. Therefore, this paper surveys the literature on ICT for sustainable development without the digital divide and how ICT can lead to un-sustainability in Africa. Findings indicate that driving sustainable development through ICT initiatives bring much greater benefits than negative consequence.
The Role of Virtualization towards Green Computing and Environmental Sustainability
(2017-06) Motochi, Vincent; Samuel Barasa; Owoche, Patrick; Wabwoba, Franklin
The environment has become a key concern by the entire world and global warming is increasingly attracting attention in many conferences. Moreover, energy usage in data centers has become a concern bearing in mind the fact that the more energy is used in data centers, the more it affects the environment with emissions, which eventually cause global warming. This paper studies the role of virtualization towards green computing and environmental sustainability. Server virtualization is emerging as the prominent approach to consolidate applications from multiple applications to one server, with an objective to save energy usage. This research identified the virtualization environments, identified green computing environments, and then established how virtualization could be used to attain environmental sustainability. This paper was developed on an experiment design. The researcher reviewed an empirical experiment to investigate how server virtualization affects the energy usage in physical servers. Through this analysis, the researcher identified a fundamental trade-off between the energy saving from server consolidation and the detrimental effects (e.g., energy overhead and throughput reduction) from server virtualization. This paper found out that a server consumes a substantial amount of energy when idle thus the importance of consolidation. Secondly the energy overhead depends on the type of hypervisor used and the application architecture. Thirdly for a given traffic load, the energy cost can be minimized by launching an optimal number of virtual machines. The analysis and review results show that virtualization brings substantial energy savings, promotes green computing and would be a clear methodology to conserve the environment in the technology world today. Therefore, green computing is a well balanced and sustainable approach towards the achievement of a greener, healthier and safer environment without compromising technological needs of the current and future generations.
Technological Preferences, Levels of Utilization and Attitude of Students Towards Mobile Learning Technologies in Chartered Universities, Kenya
(Australian International Academic Centre, 2017-10) Mugo, David Gitumu; Njagi, Kageni; Chemwei, Bernard
The affordances of mobile technologies are being felt in many sectors of world’s economy including university education. By solving the limitations of fixed instructional technologies, mobile technologies have received ready acceptance in the education place. The purpose of the study was to investigate the student technological preferences, their levels of utilization as well as attitudes toward mobile technologies. The target population was 30,752 third year undergraduate students in Kenyan Universities. The participants (n = 375) were selected by systematic random sampling. They provided data using self-fill questionnaires. Results indicated that the smartphone was the most popular mobile device; Tecno was the most preferred handset brand; and Android was the most popular operating system. Safaricom was the dominant service provider amongst the student population. Regarding the levels of utilization of mobile technologies by students, it was concluded that though students use their mobile devices sufficiently, the use of the devices for accessing teaching and learning content was considerably low. On the attitude of students towards mobile technologies, it was observed that a sizeable number of students preferred to use the technologies over other existing instructional technologies. The findings of this study will be useful to instructional technologists, education policy makers, mobile handset manufacturers, mobile service providers and university managers as they partner to roll out digital learning infrastructure for Kenyan tertiary education.
A Critical Evaluation of the Environmental Effects of the Existing E-Waste Management Practices in Kenya
(2019) Simiyu, Peter Wamalwa; Wabwoba, Franklin; Ronoh, Richard
Information Communication Technology (ICT) gadgets and other electronics are extensively being used in the health, industries, education, homes, communication and trade sectors. With the expected introduction of use of laptops in primary schools in Kenya, the use of these electronics is expected to drastically increase, thus, leading to an increase in electronic waste. Although e-waste has parts and components of value, they contain many toxic components, which prompt a potential need of this research to assess the contents, qualities and impact of e-waste material. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the environmental implications of the existing e-waste management practices. The study adopted survey research design. The sample population included 18 policy officers in County Government of Bungoma, 28 electronic shop repairs, and 61 institutions and collectors of e-waste material. The study is expected to provide guideline on Green ICT practices and e-waste management as a platform for evaluation, policy enforcement, guidelines and further research on electronic waste management.
Implementation Evaluation Metrics for Enterprise Resource Planning Solution – A Case of Kibabii University
(2019-01-17) Mbuguah, Samuel Mungai; Wabwoba, Franklin; Wanjala, Chrispus Kimengich
Most institution of higher learning are implementing and Enterprise Resource planning (ERP) in automating various activities. The architecture of most of the ERP is based on the Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) where each module can be called as service. In most of the contract signed between the vendor and the university, payment is tied to the level of implementation. The Question is how to then measure the level of implementation? This paper proposes a metric that could be used in evaluation of the degree of implementation. The metric was derived based on an acceptance test on each of functionality of module as per terms of reference. The result of a test was rated as a Fail, Pass, or Query The result was then coded such that a fail was assigned a zero (0), pass one (1) and query a half (½). From which a metric was derived which measures the level implementation.
A Framework for Effective Information Security Risk Management: In Kenyan Public Universities
(LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2020) Njoroge, Patrick Macharia; Ogalo, James; Ratemo, Cyprian Makiya
With the universities increasingly depending on information and communication technology to execute their core operations and functionalities, their exposure to growing cyber threats is inevitable and hence unprecedented security risks. With the security risks reportedly growing day by day many universities are reported to be unable to effectively respond to or guard against them. The study objectively sought to determine the security requirements which were important for asset protection in the Kenyan public universities, establish currently implemented security practices, identify vulnerabilities and threats to assets, establish the risk control measures, and develop an effective information security risk management framework for Kenyan public universities. The target population was Kenyan public chartered universities, which were clustered into two, and simple random and purposive sampling techniques were employed for sample selection. The questionnaires were administered to the information and communication technology professionals in the universities. The results indicated that accountability and authenticity were established as strong and important security requirements to incorporate in universities security risk evaluations, with mean values of 4.62 and 4.85 respectively out of the possible value of 5 and they had high factor loading into the extracted component of 0.951 and 0.908 respectively. Further, the universities were aware of the risks they were facing, which should have informed their protection strategies and their risk mitigation plans. However, there was notable deficiency in implementation of controls, which would match the identified risks and therefore, the adoption of the proposed framework would assist universities address the deficiencies identified and reduce if not eliminate the susceptibility to the information security risks.
ICT for Sustainable Development without Digital Divide in Africa
(2020-04-25)
One of the most noteworthy challenges in society in the 21st century is sustainable development. The usefulness of ICT has led to an overwhelming demand for electronics such as computers and mobile phones. ICT is vital for poverty reduction and in the growth of sectors such as agriculture, business, health, education etc. Applying ICT to drive any development has its advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, its measurement should be focused on whether the benefits outweigh the pitfalls. The purpose of carrying out this research is because most development initiatives in Africa are being undertaken with the use of ICT. Therefore, this paper surveys the literature on ICT for sustainable development without the digital divide and how ICT can lead to un-sustainability in Africa. Findings indicate that driving sustainable development through ICT initiatives bring much greater benefits than negative consequence.
Integration of Mobile Intelligent Tutoring Systems in Teaching Mathematics
(IRJET, 2020-07) Ratemo, Makiya Cyprian
Mathematics plays a critical role in driving economies and scientific transformation of any society. However, students' poor performance over the years in secondary schools’ national examinations remains a major concern to all the stakeholders. The poor performance has been attributed to high influx of students due to free secondary school programme posing a challenge of inadequate one-on-one tutoring leading to attitude issue. The proposed Mobile Intelligent Tutoring Systems (M-ITS) have the potential to deliver cheap and one-to-one support to students outside the traditional classrooms and computer laboratory settings. The use of mobile devices can be an advantage with most schools with inadequate financial resources to invest in and maintain modern computer laboratories since the cost of acquisition and maintaining light weight mobile devices is lower. In addition, learners can easily carry them between home and school as well as share the mobile tutors between classes in the same school. This paper outlines the use of Mobile Intelligent Tutoring Systems in supporting the Mathematics human tutors in secondary schools and the role that mobile devices can play in disseminating and supporting the knowledge gained by intelligent tutors. The paper reviewed the existing related literature and traditional architecture of ITS. It then proposed an additional model on mood detector to be included in the design of M-ITS. The final part of the paper makes considerations on the development and implementation of Mobile Intelligent Tutoring Systems.
INFORMATION LITERACY PRACTICES AS A TOOL FOR ACCESSING AND UTILIZING INFORMATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KENYA
(2021-04-23) Gekara, Moses Mong’are; Namande, Ben Wekalao; Makiya, Cyprian Ratemo
Background of the study: Information literacy practices have been recognized as essential educational goals to judge and evaluate student’s aptitude for critical thinking, decision making and problem-solving. Inculcating information literacy skills to students is not only significant to survival but also enables them to know when they need information, how to locate information and how to use information hence success in their studies. However, the state of information literacy practices in secondary schools in Kenya has not been adequately investigated to determine their degree of effectiveness. Objective of the study: Consequently, this study aimed at investigating information literacy practices as a tool for accessing and utilizing information in secondary schools in Kenya. Methodology: The study was based on a pragmatic paradigm where both quantitative and qualitative approaches were adopted. Data was collected from a targeted population which consisted of 288 teachers, 12 school/teacher librarians and 1785 students from 12 sampled schools. Questionnaires were administered to teachers and students while an interview schedule guide was used to gather data from school/teacher librarians. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and presented in form of tables, charts and graphs and verbatim reports. The study was important as it elicited discussions that could be used for purposes of adoption of an information literacy programme in secondary schools. Results and findings: The findings show that some information literacy practices were available in secondary schools but not effectively practiced resulting to students proceeding to institutions of higher learning without adequate information literacy skills. Conclusions and recommendations: The study concludes that information literacy is a prerequisite tool for accessing and using information in secondary schools. Information literacy skills enables students to conduct independent information search, efficiently retrieve information using modern technologies, critically evaluate their findings and effectively apply relevant information into their day to day situations. Therefore, the incorporation of information literacy practices into secondary schools’ curriculum would institutionalize information literacy in secondary schools.
Information Literacy Competencies in Secondary Schools in Kenya
(Stratford, 2021-06-05) Gekara, Moses Mong’are; Namande, Ben Wekalao; Makiya, Cyprian Ratemo
The knowledge economy is marked by an increasing need for information skills at all levels including schools, universities, workplace and ordinary life. Therefore, education stakeholders should campaign for the teaching of information literacy skills at all levels of learning since they are life skills. The state of information literacy competencies among secondary school students in Kenya has not been adequately investigated to determine their prowess. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing information literacy competencies among secondary school students using Nakuru County as a study site. The study was premised on the Big6 Skills information literacy theory. The study was based on a pragmatic paradigm where both quantitative and qualitative approaches were adopted. Simple random sampling was used to draw teacher and student respondents while purposive sampling was used to select school/teacher librarians from the targeted population which comprised of 288 teachers, 1785 students and 12 school/teacher librarians from 12 sampled schools. This resulted to a sample size of 266 teachers, 1189 students and 12 school/teacher librarians. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guide. Statistical Packages for Social Sciences was used to analyse quantitative data while thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. The findings of the study indicate that most of secondary students in Nakuru County were not information literate. They relied on teachers to help them understand class assignments. The study concludes that teaching information literacy skills to secondary school students may lead to effective and efficient use of school libraries and flourish educational achievements hence turn around the dwindling standards of our educational sector. The study recommends that information professionals should be in the forefront in advocating for the inclusion of information literacy at all levels of education and for the incorporation of information literacy in the secondary schools’ curriculum. It also recommends for teacher-librarian collaboration in planning information literacy issues. Therefore, information literacy should be included in the university curriculum in order to equip graduate teachers with these requisite skills which they will in turn inculcate to secondary school students. Finally, the study recommends for an IL programme to institutionalize information literacy in secondary schools.