Conference Papers
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Item Accessible Augmented Reality Chemistry Lab for Students in Developing Countries(IEEE, 2024-05-20) Samson, Frank; Shidende, Deogratias; Moebs, SabineThis study explores the challenges of teaching science, especially chemistry, in developing countries, with a focus on Tanzania. It highlights the issues of insufficient teaching resources, limited educator capacity, and inadequate infrastructure, which undermine educational quality and student performance. Despite government initiatives such as free education, the lack of resources for practical sessions and accessible materials for science persists, significantly affecting inclusive learning environments. To address these challenges, the study introduces the development of an Augmented Reality (AR) Lab tool designed to enhance learning experiences. This mobile app-based AR tool allows students to visualize and interact with chemical concepts without a physical lab, aiming to improve accessibility, especially for visually impaired learners. The study employed a case study methodology at St. Jude Secondary School, using mixed data collection methods, including focus groups to gather user stories focused on safety, familiarity with lab apparatus, and accessibility features of people with visual impairment. These stories guided the agile scrum development of the AR tool. Results demonstrate that the AR tool significantly enhances learning outcomes by increasing accessibility, motivation, performance, immersion, and engagement, offering a promising solution to the educational challenges faced in developing countries.Item Cost-effective mobile based learning content delivery in resources and network constrained environments(IEEE, 2014-07-14) Mahenge, Michael; Mwangoka, Joseph; Simba, FatumaThe advancement in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has brought opportunities for new ways of learning in Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) through e-learning systems. While these opportunities exist, e-learning contents delivery and accessibility in third world countries like Tanzania is still a challenge due to resource and network constrained environments. The challenges include: high cost of bandwidth connection and usage; high dependency on the Internet; limited mobility and portability features; inaccessibility during offline period and shortage of ICT facilities. So there is a need for a technology to bridge these gaps. This paper explores the opportunities brought by mobile technologies to find out a cost-effective solution for e-learning content delivery and accessibility in HLIs of Tanzania. Specifically, the paper proposes a Cost-effective Mobile Based Learning Content Delivery approach for resource and network constrained environments. The proposed solution has the potential to reduce the cost of bandwidth usage, and cut down server's workload and Internet usage overhead by synchronizing contents from a remote server to a local database in the user's device for offline use. It will also improve the quality of experience and participation of learners as well as facilitate mobility and portability in learning activities.Item Using Game-Based approach to enhance language learning for preschoolers in Tanzania(IEEE, 2014-07-14) Ongoro, Catherine; Mwangoka, JosephThis paper presents a Game-Based approach to E-Learning that tries to mimic games to harness motivational properties in Tanzanian Preschools. A prototype system was developed, using a rapid development approach. The system was evaluated by twelve preschools across three regions in Tanzania namely Arusha, Iringa and Dar es Salaam to give an indication of the system's ability to make work with exercise in alphabetical sound articulation more engaging and fun. The pedagogical model of the application was based on learning theories. The results of the study have shown that the learning outcomes of the integrated digital-learning activities of alphabetical sound articulation among preschoolers improved. It projected that innovative digital content framework can serve as a means to inform policy makers, educators, and teachers about the potential use of Game-Based method in preschoolers' education and offer ideas and means to standardize sound articulation and language learning thus, improve the overall quality of education.Item Monitoring and evaluation of the e-readers project in rural Tanzania(IEEE, 2014-07-14) Machuve, Dina; Zlotnikova, Irina; Nyambo, DevothaThis study provides recommendations on the monitoring and evaluation conducted for an ICT in Education project in two rural primary schools in Tanzania. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of e-readers introduction at the schools. The e-readers introduction aimed at complementing the traditional print books. Print books are insufficient in primary schools in Tanzania; this ultimately leads to lack of reading skills in pupils and poor overall academic performance. As a conceptual framework the study adopted the InfoDev Monitoring and Evaluation framework for ICT in Education projects and adjusted it to local conditions. The study has shown that pupils at both schools considerably improved their reading skills as a result of the e-readers introduction. The introduction of e-readers also resulted in teachers and pupils being more motivated and engaged in learning. Survey results for parents demonstrate readiness on cost-sharing for acquiring the devices. This also indicates the feasibility of up-scaling the project to other schools in the country.Item Towards the development of mobile learning model for Tanzania secondary schools: Case study Kilimanjaro region(IEEE, 2013-07-13) Chambo, Fidea; Laizer, Loserian; Nkansah-Gyekye, Yaw; Ndume, VitalisThis paper explores the factors that influence the implementation of m-learning and proposes a model for implementing m-learning in Tanzania. The study was conducted in ten secondary schools in the Kilimanjaro region in Tanzania. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to determine students majoring in science subjects. Findings indicate that majority of students own mobile phones and have access to the Internet connectivity. However, m-learning platforms that are currently in place are not viable solution in all contexts and not necessarily the best solution. Therefore, the design of m-learning content should focus on learning profile and personal needs such as location and affordability. A framework that considers four factors: user satisfaction, pedagogy, technology, and economy of use are proposed for Tanzanian context. It is concluded that education stakeholders should consider the opportunities of technology in education in order to boost knowledge sharing among students.Item Accessibility Features for Augmented Reality Indoor Navigation Systems(Springer Link, 2024-06-29) Samson, Frank; Dida, Mussa; Leo, Judith; Shidende, Deogratias; Naman, GodfreyAccessibility plays a pivotal role in developing technological tools that strive to promote inclusivity for users of all abilities. Regrettably, many technological advancements have traditionally disregarded accessibility, assuming homogeneous user abilities or treating it as an afterthought. This paper endeavors to provide a review of accessibility considerations on augmented reality indoor navigation systems, to enhance navigational experiences in indoor learning environments. To achieve this, interviews were conducted with visually impaired individuals, to investigate their existing methods of navigation, identify challenges they face, and uncover potential accessibility features that could enhance indoor navigation systems. Additionally, a literature review was undertaken to explore various accessibility features in the context of indoor navigation systems, including localization technologies and pathfinding algorithms employed in indoor navigation applications. Finally, the paper concludes by offering insights into accessibility features specifically tailored for individuals with visual impairments, to facilitate efficient indoor navigation.Item Deployment of wireless sensor networks (WSN) in automated irrigation management and scheduling systems: a review(IEEE, 2015-03-05) Haule, Joseph; Michael, KisangiriWireless sensor networks (WSN) is an important and exciting technology with great potential for application in various fields including medicine, transportation, agriculture, industrial process control, global-scale environmental monitoring and precision agriculture. This paper reviews the application of WSN in automating irrigation management and rescheduling. Irrigation management and rescheduling based on WSN are potential solutions for optimum water management via automatic access to in-field soil moisture conditions and control of irrigation systems.