Framework for ongoing Projects

There are two more projects as described below:

Project 1: Computational cognitive enhancement via adaptive e-learning technology (sensor networks)

The current study draws on research on cognitive enhancement via adaptive e-learning technologies. In most countries, cognitive enhancement has been characterised as improving or augmenting information processing (computational cognition) via adaptive electronic learning (e-learning) systems/technologies or sensor networks (used interchangeably in the current study) (The Royal Society, 2011). The research with my group is comparatively motivated by the failure of wearable technologies in cognitive enhancement and implementation processes or lack of adoption regarding adaptive e-learning technologies as well as sensor networks for learning and as compared to other fieldsThus, the research is aimed at using machine learning techniques to investigate brain mechanisms in decision making and use of EEG/fMRI experiments to answer questions about how the brain processes information and data and to develop sensor networks/artificial intelligence for cognitive enhancement.

 

Project 2: Mediating STEM learning with adaptive e-learning technologies in South African rural schools

 

Seeking to improve low pass rates in rural schools in South Africa, this study investigates to what extent the use of various adaptive e-learning technologies and other resources such as GeoGebra, Sketchpad, Maple and MATLAB etc improve students’ and teachers understanding of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). Despite the growing need, there is an urgent need to improve classroom discourse and student cognitive engagement in STEM. A pertinent question gaining prominence in South Africa is limited access to computer application technology, particularly in rural settings and among females. Unlike existing studies, the focus of this study is tailored towards high poverty, rural STEM settings.