Papers by Paul Giannakopoulos
Student Academic Success in Linear Algebra in an Open Distance Learning Environment
The Independent Journal of Teaching and Learning, Nov 16, 2023
Social Pathologies
IGI Global eBooks, 2022
<jats:p>Social pathologies have been recognised to be very complex problems as they affect ... more <jats:p>Social pathologies have been recognised to be very complex problems as they affect the individual's psychology as well as his/her body. As a result, they have been approached from a normativist way as well as a naturist way by considering society as an organic or normative entity. There is no consensus whether social pathologies are the result of social ills that affect the individual or the reverse. Whichever way one approaches them, they are there, and a social pedagogue is the key to alleviating or minimising the impact of such pathologies on the individual and society at large. His/her role in making such valuable contribution can not be disputed. Due to a great number of factors that give rise to such pathologies as they are context and content dependent, one size does not fit all. It is the social pedagogue that has to act in a prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic way and thus his/her role needs to be clearly defined. </jats:p>
Should We Be Teaching or Diagnosing? An E-Learning Paradox
Social Science Research Network, 2017
Higher Education: A Privilege or a Right? It is Time for ODL Institutions to Shine
Social Science Research Network, 2017
Chess Playing and Mathematics: An Exploratory Study in the South African Context
Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2016
In 2014 the University of Johannesburg undertook a study into the role that chess plays in the le... more In 2014 the University of Johannesburg undertook a study into the role that chess plays in the learning of Mathematics. According to authors’ knowledge, it is one of the biggest studies undertaken which involved 10 teachers and about 1800 learners. The study although it was predominantly exploratory, it is also to some extent confirmatory as it involved also some control schools as well as comparative as it also involved an Ugandan school. The uniqueness of the South African situation which lies between a First World and a Third World country offers some new insights into the role that chess plays in the teaching and learning of mathematics. Preliminary results show that there is a correlation between playing chess and the learning of Mathematics.
The Adoption of Mobile Technologies in a Higher Education Institution: A Mixed Methods Study
Communications in computer and information science, 2015
This paper is about the implementation of mobile technologies to improve teaching and learning. B... more This paper is about the implementation of mobile technologies to improve teaching and learning. By mobile technologies is meant any wireless and transferable device which includes laptops, smartphones, tablets, smart devices and PDAs. Research on the use of mobile technology for educational purposes is relatively new. As a result various findings might not be either generalizable or valid as review of literature showed that some findings are contradictory. However, these contradictions in literature areacceptable for any new idea that deals with human phenomena like education. Since mobile technologies are part of the broader ICT their appropriate usage could contribute to the teaching and learning situation be it distance or face to face education (secondary or tertiary).
Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2016
This paper is about implementing mobile technology to improve teaching and learning. Mobile techn... more This paper is about implementing mobile technology to improve teaching and learning. Mobile technologies include laptops, smartphones, tablets, smart devices and PDAs. Research has shown that there appears to be some gains to both lecturer and students when mobile technology is incorporated into teaching-learning. Mobile technology can also be used by teachers as a tool to deliver lectures to students through recorded materials. The assumption is that all students possess a mobile device adhering to minimum standards be it their own or supplied by the institution. A study was conducted to establish the impact of such devices in the teaching and learning situation focusing on Business Information Systems at the International University of Management (IUM) in Namibia. Mixed methods research paradigm and the quasi-experimental method were used based on the positivistic philosophical approach. The results showed that use of mobile technology can have a positive effect on academic performance.
Advances in knowledge acquisition, transfer and management book series, 2016
Communities of Practice are accessible to both experts and new members of a particular community ... more Communities of Practice are accessible to both experts and new members of a particular community with diverse academic and cultural backgrounds as well as varying social expectations and experiences. Despite the tremendous opportunities for collective learning and knowledge sharing that Communities of Practice offer, not enough is known about these communities in emerging economies and their potential to facilitate cooperation between experts from around the world. Organizational Knowledge Facilitation through Communities of Practice in Emerging Markets seeks to fill the knowledge gap surrounding Communities of Practice and their role within developing nations. Focuses on critical topics related to different types of knowledge communities and the ways in which such communities generate innovation.
Student Engagement in an Online Environment: Are We Trying to Mimic Contact Education? A South African Perspective
Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2016
There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that human contact can never be replaced 100 % by any other me... more There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that human contact can never be replaced 100 % by any other means. When it comes to higher education it is not different. Graduation rates at contact institutions are higher than distance learning institutions. It is equally true that since the inception of distance education the assumption has been that the greater the duplication of contact education the greater the chance of success. Although the content could be identical in both modes of delivering education, and the difference is contact versus non-contact from there on the differences exceed the similarities.
Should We Be Teaching or Diagnosing? An E-Learning Paradox
SSRN Electronic Journal, 2017
Communications in Computer and Information Science, 2017
Studying programming in an Open Distance Learning setup can be more challenging than in a contact... more Studying programming in an Open Distance Learning setup can be more challenging than in a contact setup. It can be characterised as a 'wicked problem'. Wicked problems are problems that are so complex that current problem techniques fail to solve it. Wicked problems require a kind of unorthodox, innovative or creative way. Programming can be considered a subject that presupposes the existence of a number of cognitive functions such as problem solving. Problem solving in general requires critical thinking, and critical thinking is characterised by logic, decision making, paying attention to detail, the availability of all different types of knowledge. All these are prerequisites in the learning of programming. This paper shows that treating programming as a wicked problem can shed some light onto the question why not many students can be successful in programming.
The transition from the concrete to the abstract in mathematical thinking
Higher Education: A Privilege or a Right? It is Time for ODL Institutions to Shine
Problem Solving: A Process or a Product? A Mathematics Perspective
Problem solving in any field is recognised as a prerequisite for any advancement in knowledge. In... more Problem solving in any field is recognised as a prerequisite for any advancement in knowledge. In South Africa it is one of the seven critical outcomes (SAQA, 1997) while with the introduction of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS, 2011, p.5) it is stated that the learner should be able to “ identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking. Problem solving is, to a greater or a lesser extent, in all fields, from symbols, to variables, to equations, to logic, to critical thinking. Therefore it stands to reason that mathematical principles and learning cannot be divorced from any field. Literature treats problem solving as a process. A number of problem solving models have been created from the simplest 5 step process of Polya (1973) to Sternberg (2002) more comprehensive model. However Giannakopoulos (2012) found that problem solving should also be treated as a product of a number of cognitive processes prerequisites to solve a pro...
Social Pathologies
Handbook of Research on Pedagogies and Early Intervention Strategies for Combatting Socio-Pathological Behaviors, 2022
Social pathologies have been recognised to be very complex problems as they affect the individual... more Social pathologies have been recognised to be very complex problems as they affect the individual's psychology as well as his/her body. As a result, they have been approached from a normativist way as well as a naturist way by considering society as an organic or normative entity. There is no consensus whether social pathologies are the result of social ills that affect the individual or the reverse. Whichever way one approaches them, they are there, and a social pedagogue is the key to alleviating or minimising the impact of such pathologies on the individual and society at large. His/her role in making such valuable contribution can not be disputed. Due to a great number of factors that give rise to such pathologies as they are context and content dependent, one size does not fit all. It is the social pedagogue that has to act in a prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic way and thus his/her role needs to be clearly defined.
The Role of Mathematics in Solving Problems in Mathematics Related Subjects: A Key to Academic Success in a Vocational Engineering Field?
The International Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Learning, 2014
Student Engagement in an Online Environment: Are We Trying to Mimic Contact Education? A South African Perspective
Lecture Notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering, 2016
There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that human contact can never be replaced 100 % by any other me... more There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that human contact can never be replaced 100 % by any other means. When it comes to higher education it is not different. Graduation rates at contact institutions are higher than distance learning institutions. It is equally true that since the inception of distance education the assumption has been that the greater the duplication of contact education the greater the chance of success. Although the content could be identical in both modes of delivering education, and the difference is contact versus non-contact from there on the differences exceed the similarities.
How critical thinking, problem-solving and mathematics content knowledge contribute to vocational students' performance at tertiary level: identifying their journeys
Chess Playing and Mathematics: An Exploratory Study in the South African Context
Lecture Notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering, 2016
In 2014 the University of Johannesburg undertook a study into the role that chess plays in the le... more In 2014 the University of Johannesburg undertook a study into the role that chess plays in the learning of Mathematics. According to authors’ knowledge, it is one of the biggest studies undertaken which involved 10 teachers and about 1800 learners. The study although it was predominantly exploratory, it is also to some extent confirmatory as it involved also some control schools as well as comparative as it also involved an Ugandan school. The uniqueness of the South African situation which lies between a First World and a Third World country offers some new insights into the role that chess plays in the teaching and learning of mathematics. Preliminary results show that there is a correlation between playing chess and the learning of Mathematics.
Advances in Knowledge Acquisition, Transfer, and Management, 2016
Applying knowledge management has been examined and researched within organizational systems, in ... more Applying knowledge management has been examined and researched within organizational systems, in which Chief Knowledge Officers (CKO) lead these processes. There is a significant lack of professional literature in Israel and elsewhere regarding the application of knowledge management processes within the community of knowledge managers (CKO's CoP). The question of whether or not processes of knowledge management exist among the community of leading KM professionals, and the quality of these processes, is important for gaining insight, both in the practice of knowledge management, as well as for researchers in the field. An analysis of a case study of the “Forum of Knowledge Management in Israeli Organizations” which is a CoP (community of practice) attempts to examine these issues; to define and clarify the current situation, and to propose additional directions for exploration, research, and application. This study may result in implementation of “best practices” which will be ...
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Papers by Paul Giannakopoulos