Browsing Faculty of Humanities by Title
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Mutula, S.; Kalusopa, T.; Moahi, K.; Wamukoya, J. (Emerald Publishing Group td; www.emeraldinsight.com/oir.htm, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present findings of the design and implementation of an online information literacy module to first-year students at the University of Botswana. Design/methodology/approach - The study population consisted of 103 first-year students in the Department of Library and Information Studies. The population was divided into three equal groups of 34, 34 and 35, respectively, and each assigned a two-hour slot in the smart computer laboratory weekly for five consecutive weeks, to cover five information literacy topics online. Each group was assigned a tutor who received assignments online and graded them. Each topic was followed by questions for students to answer. Findings - Findings generally revealed that impartation of information literacy through the online mode could improve students' competencies perhaps more than the face-to-face instruction approach. Furthermore, respondents preferred a blended instruction approach to a single learning mode. Contrary to expectations, online instruction might not minimise the copying of each other's work among students to a great extent. Finally, online instruction does not necessarily reduce the amount of workload for staff and students, instead more time is needed to design and administer the course. Research limitations/implications - The study was limited to first year students in the LIS department. A similar study involving all departments in the University of Botswana would shed more light on the level of information literacy competency among first year students from a cross-disciplinary perspective. Practical implications - The major outcome of the study is a re-usable online information literacy module. The study findings could also be useful in developing interventions to improve the design and delivery of online courses. Originality/value - Information literacy is a key challenge facing educators all over the world. Case studies such as this provide unique and comparative experiences that advance existing knowledge. For the University of Botswana, the study provides a first insight into the impact of e-learning on information literacy competency since the implementation WebCT in 2002. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/168 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)mutulakalusopaetal2.pdf (498.7Kb) -
Jain, P.; Nfila, R.B. (Emerald, http://www.emeraldinsight.com, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore how libraries and information centres can play a key role in national development through strategic working partnerships with Government and other stakeholders. Methodology - The paper is based on literature Review and practical examples. Findings - The paper finds that Botswana Government has formulated Maitlamo policy for the development of public libraries and through this policy partnerships have been established by the African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnerships (ACHAP) through the Sesigo Project, and another partnership has been between parastatal organizations such as Botswana Technology Centre (BOTEC) and Botswana National Library Services (BNLS). Originality - The paper suggests the potential areas of partnerships that include community development, youth development, music and sports, cultural activities and indigenous knowledge. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/840 Files in this item: 1
Jain_LR_2011 (60 (5).pdf (1.072Mb) -
Jain, P.; Mutula, S.M. (Sage Publications, www.sagepub.com, NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: Presents the findings of a questionnaire survey carried out to determine the scope of IT diffusion in Botswana in the context of the National Vision 2016. The study was aimed at establishing the extent of IT use in the country; identifying the constraints and opportunities of IT diffusion and recommending the way forward. The target population comprised of IT-related government departments, IT training institutions, IT vendors and IT-oriented parastatals. The survey was confined to the capital, Gaborone and produced a response rate of 90 percent. The results showed that 98 percent of participants believed that the scope for IT diffusion in the country was good. However, several constraints were identified, including lack of skilled manpower, lack of IT policy, inadequate IT infrastructure, inadequate private sector participation, tendering procedures that favour foreign companies more than local companies, absence of clear mission statements for IT diffusion within organizations, lack of understanding of the use of IT by management and fear of retrenchment by staff. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/842 Files in this item: 1
Jain_ID_2001.pdf (916.6Kb) -
Haron, M.; Jensen, K.; Mmolai, S.; Nkomazana, F.; Sebina, L.; Togarasei, L. (Boleswa Journal of Theology, Religion and Philosophy (BJTRP), June NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: The following secondary literature review was developed by a team of researchers from the University of Botswana, primarily from the Department of Theology and Religious studies, as part of an assessment of the present and possible capacity of various faith-based organisations in Botswana to effectively promote HIV prevention. Relevant secondary literature was reviewed as a means of guiding and informing that study-namely, the Ditumelo study 2007. The literature review focused primarily on HIV and AIDS prevention, both in the broader context and in particular to faith-based organisations. Although the focus was on Botswana, regional and international sources on HIV and AIDS were also consulted. Given the breadth of literature on HIV and AIDS as well as faith-based communities in Botswana, and the overriding need to manage and review relevant literature, the following review is divided into three primary categories: (i)public health, especially HIV prevention, (ii)religioun and cultural perspectives, and (iii) religious organisation-initiated or multi-sectoral HIV interventions. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/368 Files in this item: 1
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Nhlekisana, R.O.B. (Department of communications, Polytechnic of Namibia, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Songs are very important components in the folklore of Botswana as they accompany almost all social activity. Every occasion in which people come together has particular songs for the event, including work, wedding and funerals. This paper argues that Setswana wedding songs have a dual nature, that is they express peace and harmony, but they also insinuate conflict within families. Most of the songs talk about what should be done in order to have a peaceful marriage and a good relationship with one’s in-laws. They also talk about possibilities of conflict that may arise in a marriage if one does not conform to the prescribed expectations. The paper analyses selected wedding songs thematically to exemplify the dual nature of these songs. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/472 Files in this item: 1
Nhlekisana_NAWA_2007.pdf (1.365Mb) -
Ikpe, I.B. (Edinburgh University Press, www.eupjournals.com/ijhac, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: The advent of e-learning has been a welcomed development in African universities, especially in countries where the demand for university education far outstrips capacity. This form of instruction not only has helped in reducing the problem of managing and testing large classes, but it also has helped lecturers in providing valuable assistance to students who would otherwise not have such access. The limitations of the e-learning platform coupled with a distorted student-teacher ratio has raised concerns about quality, especially for traditional humanities disciplines where the emphasis on argumentative rigor and critical thinking are at odds with the science leaning orientation of e-learning platforms. This concern is especially important because the technology is relatively new and there are problems of access not only in terms of infrastructure but also in terms of the relevant computer literacy skills required of users of the technology. This essay examines the problems associated with the use of e-learning in teaching and examining traditional humanities courses in general but especially the problems encountered in using e-learning in teaching and assessing critical thinking courses at the University of Botswana. I argue that although certain aspects of e-learning are structured, confining, and therefore unsuitable for traditional humanities disciplines, e-learning can still be an appropriate tool for the humanities if used appropriately and creatively. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/929 Files in this item: 1
Ikpe_IJHAC_2011.pdf (1.393Mb) -
Jain, P. (Emerald/www.emeraldinsight.com, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to distinguish between information management (IM) and knowledge management (KM) and present the findings of small-scale research conducted to investigate KM practices in academic libraries in East and Southern Africa, and discussing the importance of KM and suggest the way forward. Design/methodology/approach – This research was undertaken in 20 university libraries in Africa using a questionnaire survey to investigate the current practices in university libraries in Africa to discover whether these libraries are practising KM or IM. Findings – This survey results seem to suggest that currently most participating libraries are practising IM. A majority of 65 per cent of the participants considered themselves information managers. Research limitations/ implications – This survey have had some limitations: one, all the participants were University librarians; two, due to the unavailability of contact addresses, the survey could cover only eight African countries. Future research should include a broader spectrum of participants to have an in-depth knowledge related to KM. Practical implications – This paper has practical implications for those who are not fully aware of the importance of KM, how KM can be used to gain a competitive advantage; to break financial and technological constraints; and to satisfy escalating user needs. Originality/value – Not much has been done in Africa to explore KM practices in University libraries, this paper contributes towards filling that gap and adds to KM literature in general and offers empirical support to KM concept. This paper discusses the benefits of KM and offers several recommendations to facilitate KM practices in university libraries in East and Southern Africa. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/874 Files in this item: 1
Jain_LR_2007.pdf (1.409Mb) -
Jain, P. (Emerald, www.emeraldinsight.com, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to explore the role of information and communication technology (ICT) using a knowledge management (KM) approach. The knowledge in the context of this paper refers to indigenous knowledge. Design/methodology/ approach – The paper is based on a literature review. Findings – The discussion suggests that, in spite of various infrastructural limitations in Africa, KM applications can still play a vital role in indigenous knowledge management and consequently empowering Africa’s development. Research limitations/ implications – The major hindrance is the fact that Africa has thus far achieved little on its own; rather it has been emulating the progress made in the developed world. Because of this, there is a scarcity of in-depth knowledge related to an African context. In truth, some areas in which ICT has the potential to change, pertaining to the economy and society, have not been observed in any way. More research is required to identify specific needs of a country. Practical implications – The paper supposes that in spite of all these variations and implications KM can be adapted for indigenous knowledge. The paper contributes in terms of the literature review to showing how tacit knowledge can be managed using ICT. It can be useful for the researchers and knowledge workers. Recommendations are made concerning what needs to be done to improve ICT conditions in Africa such as: ICT policy formulation; literacy programs; legal and regulatory framework; manpower training; and empowerment of local people. Originality/value – Little has been done in Africa to explore the potential of using ICT as a mechanism with a knowledge management approach, in the thrust of Africa’s development. This paper proposes how it is possible to use ICT to manage and disseminate indigenous knowledge. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/846 Files in this item: 1
Jain_EL_2006.pdf (1.502Mb) -
Alimi, M.M. (Multilingual Matters and Channel View Publications, http://www.multilingual matters.com, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: What syntactic patterns emerge in students’ use of articles and modals? What are the reasons for these patterns? What implications do the findings of the study have for English language instruction in Botswana? Exactly 1556 essays comprising class assignments, written seminar presentations, test papers and examination scripts from 514 randomly selected students of the University of Botswana were analysed. The findings indicate that there were systematic omissions, substitutions and insertion of the definite and indefinite articles as well as recurrent use of the expression can be able. Students’ indication of different forms of epistemic modality was confined to the use of could while complex verb phrases involving negation had their constituents reordered such that the negative operator not consistently succeeded the perfective auxiliary. The study shows that the reasons for these errors are both intra- and interlingual, namely the complexities of the two grammatical structures, articles and modals, and the influence of L1. Since the Botswana Senior Secondary Assessment Syllabus specifies ‘accuracy’ in the use of grammatical forms, by demanding high language achievement standards, this paper argues that a return to the teaching of basic grammar in the high school is important for the students’ mastery of articles and modals URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/465 Files in this item: 1
Alimi_LCC_2007.pdf (1.646Mb) -
Alimi, M.M. (University of Botswana, Department of English, http://www.ub.bw, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper examines the morphological and syntactic differences between English and Setswana pronouns, and how these differences manifest in students usage of English learners may be assisted to become more proficient in using English pronouns. An analysis of 542 essays written by second and fourth year students of the Department of English reveal the following categories of pronoun errors: the intrusion of an independent subject pronoun between a subject and its verb, the conflation of the standard expression the one...the other into the other...the other, inter substitution of they/there/their, lack of gender and case distictions, use of pronouns without antecedents and pronoun referent agreement errors. In terms of the sources of these errors, the paper shows that the first six types of errors seem to relate directly or indirectly to the morphological and syntactic structures of Setswana pronouns while the last type is largely intralingual. The paper recommends that policy, tests and exams in country. It also suggests that teachers should raise their awareness of Botswama English in order to be able to distinguish between learners usage that are unpredictable and those that have become systematic localisms, and delegate more learning resposibility to the learners themselves. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/865 Files in this item: 1
Alimi_MJLL_2008.pdf (3.634Mb) -
Mutshewa, A.; Rao, K.N. (Emerald, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: Libraries are changing their modes of delivery at a very fast rate. This article describes how the University of Botswana library has advantage of the new technologies to enhance its service to its patrons. The University local network is used to bring library electronic resources to the desktops of the patrons in their offices. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/423 Files in this item: 1
Mutshewa_LHT_2000.pdf (563.3Kb) -
Oladokun, Olugbade (May 14, 2013)[more][less]
Abstract: The desirability and usefulness of library and its services in any academic programmes is never a contentious issue as they promote quality in education. Success stories of programming and implementation of open and distance education programmes have been told in several parts of the world. Among other things, students in this system sit in their homes and work places to receive their teaching either through the web or hard copies of modulles. Library and information services including the teaching of lifelong information literacy skills (ILS) to distance learners are as well suppossed to be within their easy reach to meet their information needs. Yet for reasons of distance and dispersal, library and information services to the ubiquitous students may be fraught with lots of difficulties. But are these irredeemable? Lest distance learners continue to suffer the disadvantage of increasingly getting marginalised, a sizeable number of professional library associations in various sparts of the world enacted some regulations that guarantee a need to pay attention to their information needs. A lot of efforts, including building the capacity of students on knowledge economy in the use and application of e-resources, are now being exploited. This paper aims at, among others, discussing how technoogy comes to the rescue in service delivery even in some African institutions. Painfully however, even the pedestrian attempt to adequately cater for them in some places is not without its drawback. Is equitable library and information service to open and distance learners possible, particularly in Africa? Is it a myth or reality? URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1144 Files in this item: 1
Oladokun_Unpublished_2005.pdf (6.446Mb) -
Mutula, S.M. (Archlib and Information Services, http:www.hwwilson.com/journals;http://www.ajol.info, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: The networked world is characterised by the ubiquity and ever increasing application of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) in various sectors of an economy, including education, government, libraries, businesses, healthcare and homes. The networked world generates and moves large amounts of electronic information in the form of text, video, audio, graphics, and animations. A networked world affords opportunities for people, for example, to use e-mail for communication, use Web portals to access government information, access digital libraries from any point with a Web connection, and undertake formal and lifelong learning electronically. The evolving networked world has fuelled several paradigm shifts that are greatly impacting the way information and knowledge are created and managed. These paradigm shifts include information society, e-government, digital divide, and e-learning/digital scholarship. This paper provides an overview of the paradigm shifts sweeping the information landscape in the networked world and the implications for the creation and management of information, especially in African libraries URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/476 Files in this item: 1
Mutula_AJLAIS_2008.pdf (1.851Mb) -
Mutula, S.M. (Emerald, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Abstract Purpose – To argue that developing countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region should embrace the concept of freedom of information to enable better human rights and economic development. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the current situation through discussion of current legislation and proposed policies. Findings – Whereas several theories abound as to why there has been little development in sub- Saharan Africa, this paper discusses the status of freedom of information legislations within the SADC region and the implications for accountability and transparency in the management of public resources. Research limitations/implications – The paper suggests the importance of further research into the importance of freedom of information legislation for economic and human rights development. Practical implications – The paper has practical implication for those considering the potential of freedom of information legislation in developing countries. Originality/value – Freedom of information has largely taken a back seat amidst several social, economic and political reforms that have been instituted collectively or by individual countries. It is the view of this paper that freedom of information provides an important link for the economic, social and political reform initiatives URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/438 Files in this item: 1
Mutula_LR_2006.pdf (917.1Kb) -
Sebina, P. (Routledge (Taylor and Francis) www.routledge.com, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: The passing of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) in South Africa in 2000 ushered in a new era in accessing government records. Members of the public no longer have to wait for 20 years for government records to become archives in order to gain access to them. PAIA gave the public the right of access to all records irrespective of age except for those exempted under the provisions of the Act. This chapter evaluates the impact that Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation in general and PAIA in particular have had on access policies and practices in South Africa, and examines the extent to which this legislation has been used successfully by historians, journalists and other researchers. While the focus is on South Africa, the chapter further examines the lessons that the rest of sub-Saharan Africa could draw from the implementation and use of PAIA. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/755 Files in this item: 1
Sebina_JSA_2009.pdf (1.558Mb) -
Bagwasi, M.M. (Multilingual Matters and Channel View Publications, http://www.multilingual matters.com, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: In multilingual societies such as Botswana, language use is an extremely complex matter, further compounded by the fact that the languages involved are themselves dynamic phenomena that often elude the planned outcomes of policies which try to shape and constrain them. The paper describes the functional distribution of the national language Setswana, spoken as a mother tongue by 80% of the population, and English, the official language in Botswana. The role of the two languages is outlined, with particular regard to cultural identity, on the one hand, and social and economic status on the other. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/831 Files in this item: 1
Bagwasi_LCC_2003.pdf (692.5Kb) -
Haron, M. (Faculty of Theology, University of Stellenbosch, http://academic.sun.ac.za/tsv/Scriptura/scriptura.htm, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Southern Africa's Muslim minorities have been growing at a steady pace through procreation, conversion and migration. These Muslim communities have rooted and embedded themselves onto the Southern African soil and have contributed in varied ways to the respective countries where they reside and live. Apart from South Africa's well documented Muslim community, very little attention has been given by scholars to the Muslim communities in its neighbouring states. When one surveys the region, it becomes evident that nothing substantial has been written about the Muslims in Namibia, Swaziland and Lesotho except for a few popular journalistic articles, and that few attempts have been made by scholars to write about the Muslim communities in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana. This article will therefore try to look at the last mentioned country with specific focus on the Gaborone Muslim community. This article complements the academic studies that have been produced in 1989 and 1998/2000 respectively. This article mainly focuses itself upon the contemporary developments that have taken place in Botswana's capital city where most of the Muslims reside and work. It intends to pinpoint, describe and briefly analyse all the major role players and institutions that are around and that have contributed towards creating a unique Gaborone Muslim community. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/150 Files in this item: 2
haron_gaborone_muslimcommunity2006.pdf (214.9Kb)license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Akpabio, E. (University of Botswana, http://www.ub.bw, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The state of Botswana and the University of Botswana have made avowed commitments to gender equity. The former has done so by signing up for and implementing various protocols aimed at enforcing gender justice and the latter by mainstreaming gender in its various processes activities and operations. The main focus of this study is to find out if this commitment to gender mainstreaming is reflected in the University's house journal - UB Newsletter. This is because of the media's ability to influence the public agenda by focusing the audience attention on particular issues, thus guaranteeing the salience of such issues in the minds of audience members. The study universe was the content of the newsletter over a six year period - 2000 - 2005. Content categories were academic, non-academic/social, appointment, and interviews. The study examined physical units, involving examination of the space devoted to activities and achievements of members of staff. The findings indicated that male members of staff dominated in all the content categories in the editions of the publication analyzed, thus giving the erroneous impression that the University of Botswana is a man's world. Flowing from these findings, the study recommends that the Public Affairs Department engage in gender-aware reporting in order to redress the situation. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/686 Files in this item: 1
Akpabio_BJAS_2007.pdf (4.728Mb) -
Ikpe, I.B. (Boleswa Journal of Theology, Religion and Philosophy (BJTRP), December NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper focuses on public morality in Africa and examines the contributions of Christian theology to moral decline in Africa. The paper points out the disparity between the theology of purnishment in African religions and the theology of purnishment in Christianity and suggests that this disparity may be the underlying cause of the decline in public morality in Africa. It explores the function of fear as an instrument of moral preservation in both traditional religion and Christianity and argues that the transition from traditional religion to Christianity diminished the efficacy of this instrument and thus affected attitude of Africans to public morality. In conclusion, the paper recommends a re-engineering of the Christian theology to stem this crisis. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/351 Files in this item: 1
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Kgafela, N.A. (University of Botswana, Department of English, http://www.ub.bw, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: The paper examines the representation of women in Raja Rao's Kanthapura, especially within the socio-political realms. This will be done in relation to Mahatma Gandhi's principle of Satyagraha. The paper surveys the role played by women in the Indian fight for independence against the British rule and attempts to establish whether their role is a heroic/ dominant or subaltern one. Are they heroines or victims of their own society, i.e. are they being used to sacrifice their 'physical and emotional needs' for the victory of men? Who gets the medal in the end. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/855 Files in this item: 1
Kgafela_MJLL_2006.pdf (1.460Mb)