ABSTRACT
The case study-based module on chemical thermodynamics course (ideal and real gases) was developed to fulfill the needs of undergraduate students in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to test feasibility of case study-based module. The case study-based module refers to the 4D model (define, design, develop, and disseminate) by integrating the one group pretest-posttest design at the develop stage. The feasibility of the module was measured through validity, practicality and effectiveness using validation sheet, evaluation test sheet and questionnaire sheet. Data were analyzed descriptively, quantitatively (Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test) and qualitatively. The case study-based module was suitable for one of learning tools, which was proven by the findings that 1) meets valid and reliable criteria, 2) meets practical criteria with support for general achievements students’ very positive response to the aspects of module (construction, material, motivation and case study), and 3) meets the effective criteria by increasing the average score pretest-posttest in medium category which contains the cognitive level of analyze-C4, evaluate-C5, and create-C6. The implication of development case study-based module can facilitate students in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic so that they will successfully reach the course learning outcomes of Chemical Thermodynamics, which includes mastery of knowledge about main principles of thermodynamics, ability to solve science and technology problems, ability to use information and communication technology based learning resources, make decisions based on the relationship of concepts with laboratory activities, and practice responsibility. © 2022. Journal of Technology and Science Education. All Rights Reserved.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: This study aimed at determining factors which affect university lecturers’ adoption of the Moodle platform under the conditions of COVID-19. In considering the condition of the COVID-19 pandemic, the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model was applied and extended by adding two additional variables of learning demand and time pressure to assess their influence on Moodle platform adoption. Design/methodology/approach: Data were obtained from the 226 participants through an online structured questionnaire. The covariance-based approach of structural equation modeling was used to examine the proposed model. The structural model was tested using the maximum likelihood method of analysis of a moment structures to analyze the study’s hypotheses. Findings: Results suggest that performance expectations have a substantial influence on behavioral intent. The effort expectancy, social effect and facilitative factors have no effects on behavioral intentions. Facilitating conditions directly and significantly affect the actual use of Moodle. The results also reveal that learning demands, which is a salient predictor of perceived time pressure, in turn directly and significantly affects the actual use of Moodle. Finally, the behavioral intention has a strong influence on Moodle’s actual usage. Originality/value: Although the UTAUT 2 model is considered to be a new and updated version of UTAUT, it has not been used since newly added variables, namely, price, habit and hedonic motivations, are less related to the context and to avoid respondents’ paradox. Moreover, using the Moodle platform in the researched context is compulsory for both students and instructors. Discussion, insights, limitations and recommendations for future studies are suggested. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.
ABSTRACT
Very little research has been conducted on brain tumor epidemiology in Pakistan and a few studies that do exist provide regional data only. Conducting population based epidemiological studies in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs) like Pakistan can be particularly challenging due to limited resources, poor clinical and research infrastructure, unreliable or incomplete hospital records and a lack of standardization across the health care system. Population-wide studies and registries play an important role in cancer epidemiology and can help identify the current magnitude of cancer burden and its likely future evolution, allowing for better planning of prevention, diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation. This paper describes our experience in designing and conducting Pakistan Brain Tumor Epidemiology Study (PBTES), a first-ever nationwide study carried out to assess the distribution of brain tumors in Pakistan. In addition to the aforementioned obstacles, we were also faced with the global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and had to promptly adjust our study accordingly. Other investigators conducting epidemiological studies in LMICs with similarly challenging and constricting settings could benefit from our experiences.