An Online Collaborative Discussion Platform for Bridging a Technological Reliance Gap in Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania

Currently, the online discussion forums have become the focal point for e-learning in many Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs); this is due to the ubiquitous of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools, significant rate and fast growing technology adoption and use in many fields includin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of modern education and computer science 2018-11, Vol.10 (11), p.29-35
Main Authors: John, Linus, E. Sam, Anael
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Collaboration
Cooperative Learning
Developing countries
Distance learning
Educational Environment
Information technology
LDCs
Literature reviews
Microprocessors
Qualitative research
Query languages
Research Methodology
Semantics
Technology adoption
Technology utilization
Tutoring
Tutors
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Summary:Currently, the online discussion forums have become the focal point for e-learning in many Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs); this is due to the ubiquitous of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools, significant rate and fast growing technology adoption and use in many fields including education. However, developing countries, such as Tanzania, are experiencing technical adoption difficulties, such as limited access to computers, problems with Internet connections as well as the technological reliance gap between tutors and learners; these affect the use of technology in Teaching and Learning (T/L). This study aims to use an Online Discussion Platform (onlineDP) to bridge the technological reliance gap between the tutors and learners in HLIs in Tanzania. In this study, the literature review and qualitative research methods were conducted to develop the prototype of the platform. The UMBC semantic similarity service was used to develop the contents filter used to reduce the number of duplicate discussion questions. The application was mainly developed using Laravel Pre-processor (PHP) framework and My Structured Query Language (MySQL) database. The result is the web-based application prototype that enhances the collaborative learning environment in HLIs in Tanzania. The technologies to be used for T/L, should consider both sides of tutors and learners as well as the theoretical framework for their implementations.
ISSN:2075-0161
2075-017X
DOI:10.5815/ijmecs.2018.11.04