Journal Articles

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http://hdl.handle.net/10204/11487

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Browsing Journal Articles by Author "Abdullah, H"

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    Rapid and collaborative development of socially relevant computing solutions for developing communities
    (IDIA, 2014-11) Mtsweni, Jabu S; Abdullah, H
    Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have an immense potential as a tool for development. It is now common knowledge that advances in the use of technology can improve economic opportunities for the poor, improve service delivery to the underserved, provide employment opportunities, and benefit social change. ICT4D projects as agents driving developmental objectives using ICTs have made some significant strides in our local communities, especially with the uptake mobile telephony in developing countries. However, many ICT4D projects still fail to meet their objectives and intended impact. At the same time other initiatives such as the hackathons, as short software development events, that foster collaborations amongst different stakeholders, including communities to work on common social challenges over a short period of time are emerging to address the technological gaps in ICT4D projects. This research expands on the extensive work that has been done over the years in ICT4D projects to propose a hackathon model that focuses on the rapid development of socially relevant technological interventions that could be implemented in communities within a shorter period of time. The approach was conceived based on an exploratory case study using a community engagement project at one of the universities in South Africa. The model centres around four key elements that could expedite the development of technological artefacts together with the community, stakeholders, and digital volunteers in ICT4D projects.
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    Stimulating and maintaining students’ interest in Computer Science using the hackathon model
    (The Independent Institute of Education (IIE), 2015-10) Mtsweni, Jabu S; Abdullah, H
    Computer Science (CS) enrolments at higher education institutions across the globe remain low in comparison to other disciplines. The low interest in CS is often attributed to students’ misconceptions about the discipline, such as CS being construed as complex, asocial, and only for computer wizards. Consequently, hackathons, which are self-organised programmes that bring together different stakeholders to collaborate in rapidly building software prototypes, are emerging as one potential solution to address some of the students’ misconceptions about the CS field. Using an exploratory case study and activity theory for data analysis; this research article presents substantive research findings that posit hackathons as an approach that could stimulate and maintain students’ interest in CS. The key elements of the hackathon model are collaborations, networking, mentoring, hands-on engagement in socially-relevant computing projects, and community involvement. The model was evaluated using expert reviews in terms of its relevance, impact, complexity, and sustainability.
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    Stimulating and maintaining students’ interest in Computer Science using the hackathon model
    (Sabinet, 2015-10) Mtsweni, Jabu S; Abdullah, H
    Computer Science (CS) enrolments at higher education institutions across the globe remain low in comparison to other disciplines. The low interest in CS is often attributed to students’ misconceptions about the discipline, such as CS being construed as complex, asocial, and only for computer wizards. Consequently, hackathons, which are self-organised programmes that bring together different stakeholders to collaborate in rapidly building software prototypes, are emerging as one potential solution to address some of the students’ misconceptions about the CS field. Using an exploratory case study and activity theory for data analysis; this research article presents substantive research findings that posit hackathons as an approach that could stimulate and maintain students’ interest in CS. The key elements of the hackathon model are collaborations, networking, mentoring, hands-on engagement in socially-relevant computing projects, and community involvement. The model was evaluated using expert reviews in terms of its relevance, impact, complexity, and sustainability.