This book offers an important overview of technology-enhanced education in Southern Africa. With original research from Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, this book provides in-depth scientific scholarship focused on the dynamic multimodal learning environments in the region. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has largely had to adjust to remotelearning. Hence, the editors and contributors pull together important research on digital pedagogies and assessment to demonstrate how technology can be effectively employed for multimodal learning environments within the Southern African context. This book will be of interest and value to scholars of digital education, multimodal learning and education within Southern Africa and beyond.

This book on blended learning environments to foster self-directed learning highlights the focus on research conducted in several teaching and learning contexts where blended learning had been implemented and focused on the fostering of self-directed learning. Several authors have contributed to the book, and each chapter provides a unique perspective on blended learning and self-directed learning research. From each chapter, it becomes evident that coherence on the topics mentioned is established. One of the main aspects drawn in this book, and addressed by several authors in the book, is the use of the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework when implementing teaching and learning strategies in blended learning environments to foster self-directed learning. This notion of focusing on the CoI framework is particularly evident in both theoretical and empirical dissemination presented in this book. What makes this book unique is the fact that researchers and peers in varied fields would benefit from the findings presented by each chapter, albeit theoretical, methodological or empirical in nature – this, in turn, provides opportunities for future research endeavours to further the narrative of how blended learning environments can be used to foster self-directed learning.

Educational Technology is the right couple to a radical innovation. Thanks to the appropriate technology in the right context with the best fit to the target audience, education can be drastically improved, meaning a better performance, competence achievement, match with the user’s expectations and with the market needs. Serious games, Virtual reality, Augmented reality, Remote labs, Online learning, Blockchain, Mobile learning and many other key technologies allow for a better explanation of so many subjects, and even more: for a complete student involvement and a full teacher engagement into the educational system. Technology gives another angle to the same content, provides the user with a personalised experience and pushes the limits of knowledge a little further, every time. This book presents a number of radical innovations through technology, from experienced cases studies, to be replicated and inspired by; a powerful resource handbook for cutting-edge education.

This book aims to provide an overview of theoretical and practical considerations in terms of self-directed multimodal learning within the university context. Multimodal learning is approached in terms of the levels of multimodality and specifically blended learning and the mixing of modes of delivery (contact and distance education). As such, this publication will provide a unique snapshot of multimodal practices within higher education through a self-directed learning epistemological lens. The book covers issues such as what self-directed multimodal learning entails, mapping of specific publications regarding blended learning, blended learning in mathematics, geography, natural science and computer literacy, comparative experiences in distance education as well as situated and culturally appropriate learning in multimodal contexts. This book provides a unique focus on multimodality in terms of learning and delivery within the context of self-directed learning. Therefore, the publication would not only advance the scholarship of blended and open distance learning in South Africa, but also the contribute to enriching the discourse regarding self-direction. From this book readers will get an impression of the latest trends in literature in terms of multimodal self-directed learning in South Africa as well as unique empirical work being done in this regard.

Students often face challenges in a swiftly advancing Computer Science Education (CSE), where technologies evolve rapidly, and concepts unfold with overwhelming intricacies. As society becomes interwoven with technology, how essential is the integration of CSE into the educational framework to adequately equip future generations for the complexities of the digital era? Navigating Computer Science Education in the 21st Century advocates integrating CSE into curricula, underlining its crucial role in early childhood development. The book grapples with the challenge of introducing children to technology responsibly, addressing concerns about unmonitored screen time while emphasizing the necessity of evidence-based approaches for educators. Within these pages, effective teaching strategies are linked to successes in CSE. The book explores learner-centered teaching methodologies in computer science, emphasizing individualized instruction, active learning, and collaborative approaches. It evaluates the effectiveness of traditional lecture-based teaching against more innovative strategies such as game-based learning and collaborative approaches. By presenting studies that delve into the impact of these strategies on student engagement and motivation, the book equips educators with the insights needed to make informed decisions tailored to diverse learning environments.

In the world of education, technology has revolutionized teaching and learning practices globally. However, the widespread adoption of technology, especially in response to Covid-19, has led to a deluge of data from students' digital footprints. The challenge lies in effectively using this data through learning analytics (LA) to optimize K-12 classroom practices. Emergent Practices of Learning Analytics in K-12 Classrooms, edited by Dr. Nurdan Kavakl? Uluta? and Dr. Devrim Höl offers a comprehensive solution to these challenges. This book gathers academic scholars to explore practical perspectives on applying learning analytics in K-12 classrooms, combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Addressing topics such as predictive analytics, ethical considerations, and future directions, it empowers educators to make data-driven decisions, creating engaging learning experiences for improved student outcomes. By embracing the insights and recommendations presented in this book, academic scholars can confidently navigate the realm of learning analytics and shape the future of K-12 education.

This collection presents some of the best peer-reviewed papers from a conference with the theme “Creating sustainable empowering learning environments through scholarship of engagement”.

This second collection of perspectives on excessive teacher/faculty entitlement draws together authors from nine countries to address afresh the ‘conundrums’ affecting teaching and teacher education through the new lens afforded by the notion of excessive entitlement.

This book on self-directed learning (SDL) is devoted to original academic scholarship within the field of education, and is the 6th volume in the North-West University (NWU) SDL book series. In this book the authors explore how self-directed learning can be considered an imperative for education in a complex modern society. Although each chapter represents independent research in the field of self-directed learning, the chapters form a coherent contribution concerning the scholarship of self-directed learning, and specifically the effect of environmental and praxis contexts on the enhancement of self-directed learning in a complex society. The publication as a whole provides diverse perspectives on the importance of self-directed learning in varied contexts. Scholars working in a wide range of fields are drawn together in this scholarly work to present a comprehensive dialogue regarding self-directed learning and how this concept functions in a complex and dynamic higher education context. This book presents a combination of theory and practice, which reflects selected conceptual dimensions of self-directed learning in society, as well as research-based findings pertaining to current topical issues relating to implementing self-directed learning in the modern world. The varied methodologies provide the reader with different and balanced perspectives, as well as varied and innovative ideas on how to conduct research in the field of self-directed learning.