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Samlafo, B.V, Tordzro, G.K, Ankudze, B, Mahama, A (2022). Assessment of Seasonal Variations in Water Quality of River Tordzie, Ghana. Resources and Environment, 12,
Abstract
River Tordzie is one of the least studied rivers for its water quality and, hence was analysed for seasonal variations in water quality using nineteen physicochemical and metal ion parameters. Water samples were collected from seven sta-tions in triplicates along the banks of the river during the wet and the dry seasons. The water quality index (WQI) was used to estimate water quality, while the student's t-test (two-tailed) assuming equal variance was used to establish any statistically significant difference between the water quality for the dry and wet seasons. Among the physicochemical and metal ions parameters analysed, except for three parameters (SO42-, NO3- and COD) representing 15.79% which did not show statistically significant differences between the wet and dry seasons, statistically significant differences were ob-served among the rest of the 16 parameters representing 84.21%. Eight parameters (Alkalinity, Total hardness (TH), pH, PO43-, TDS, EC, BOD, and DO) showed the highest peak during the dry season representing 42%, while, the other param-eters (colour, turbidity, SO42-, nitrate, COD, TSS, Cl-, and NH4-H) and all the metal ions showed the highest peak during the wet season representing 68%. The evaluated water quality indices for the two seasons were 718.37 and 612.06 for the dry and wet seasons respectively, putting the water quality in the two seasons into the unfit for drinking water category. As such, proper chemical treatment should be given to the water from River Tordzie before those living along the banks of the river use it for their domestic activities. Keywords River Tordzie, wet season, dry season, water quality index, variation, physicochemical parameters.
River Tordzie is one of the least studied rivers for its water quality and, hence was analysed for seasonal variations in water quality using nineteen physicochemical and metal ion parameters. Water samples were collected from seven sta-tions in triplicates along the banks of the river during the wet and the dry seasons. The water quality index (WQI) was used to estimate water quality, while the student's t-test (two-tailed) assuming equal variance was used to establish any statistically significant difference between the water quality for the dry and wet seasons. Among the physicochemical and metal ions parameters analysed, except for three parameters (SO42-, NO3- and COD) representing 15.79% which did not show statistically significant differences between the wet and dry seasons, statistically significant differences were ob-served among the rest of the 16 parameters representing 84.21%. Eight parameters (Alkalinity, Total hardness (TH), pH, PO43-, TDS, EC, BOD, and DO) showed the highest peak during the dry season representing 42%, while, the other param-eters (colour, turbidity, SO42-, nitrate, COD, TSS, Cl-, and NH4-H) and all the metal ions showed the highest peak during the wet season representing 68%. The evaluated water quality indices for the two seasons were 718.37 and 612.06 for the dry and wet seasons respectively, putting the water quality in the two seasons into the unfit for drinking water category. As such, proper chemical treatment should be given to the water from River Tordzie before those living along the banks of the river use it for their domestic activities. Keywords River Tordzie, wet season, dry season, water quality index, variation, physicochemical parameters.
Acheampong, E.Y., Sarpong, E.O. & Mahamah, M (2022). Understanding sports betting among young male student-teachers in Ghana. Journal of Gambling Issues, 49,
Abstract
Drawing on sports betting, leisure studies and the rationality concept provide information to understand how those training to be teachers are gradually gravitating towards gambling to the detriment of their studies at the university. A thorough analysis of 42 young male adults interviewed at betting shops in the university community revealed how they have become involved in sports betting activities for additional financial rewards. Results show that peer pressure is a strong persuader drawing new student-teachers to sports betting activities, which makes it difficult for them to effectively focus on their studies. This has resulted in certain of the students getting poor grades, loss of concentration in class, strained relationships, increased exclusion or rejection from study groups, as well as significant negative effects on academic work, health and well-being, family, and society at large. This study recommends that stakeholders in education address this increasing social issue among young male adults through effective preventive strategy and educational promotion as an intervention to avoid thwarting the progress of the new educational reforms in Ghana.
Drawing on sports betting, leisure studies and the rationality concept provide information to understand how those training to be teachers are gradually gravitating towards gambling to the detriment of their studies at the university. A thorough analysis of 42 young male adults interviewed at betting shops in the university community revealed how they have become involved in sports betting activities for additional financial rewards. Results show that peer pressure is a strong persuader drawing new student-teachers to sports betting activities, which makes it difficult for them to effectively focus on their studies. This has resulted in certain of the students getting poor grades, loss of concentration in class, strained relationships, increased exclusion or rejection from study groups, as well as significant negative effects on academic work, health and well-being, family, and society at large. This study recommends that stakeholders in education address this increasing social issue among young male adults through effective preventive strategy and educational promotion as an intervention to avoid thwarting the progress of the new educational reforms in Ghana.
Bansie, M.A., & Sarpong, E.O. (2022). Assessment of Physical Activity Participation Levels among Workers in Financial Institutions. Researchjourali's Journal of Public Health, 8,
Abstract
Working in financial institutions can be more time consuming. The available literature on physical activity participation levels among workers in financial institutions in Ghana is scarce. This was the stimulus for this study. The study assessed physical activity levels of participants in financial institutions. Descriptive design within quantitative approach was adopted for the study. One hundred and twenty-six respondents were sampled using multi-stage sampling techniques. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-Long Form) was used for data collection. The findings revealed that participants in Micro Finance Institutions recorded the highest mean Metabolic Equivalence of Task (MET) of 1237.80, followed by those in Credit Unions with mean MET of 422.17 and Bank participants recording a mean MET of 318.18 for the work domain. Results also showed that participants in Micro Finance Institutions recorded the highest mean MET in the transportation domain of 523.78, followed by Credit Unions (423.10) and Banks (387.67). Results further indicated that, male participants significantly recorded a higher MET scores of (531.82) than their female counterparts (331.44). An independent samples t-test revealed a statistical difference between male and female Bank workers (t= - 4.04, df= 33.34, p < 0.05). Male Bank workers (M= 565.54; SD = 281.02) recorded higher significant levels of PA than did female Bank workers (M= 324.40; SD = 118.45). Also, a statistical significant difference in PA levels was recorded between male and female Credit Union workers (t= - 2.52, df= 42.88, p < 0.05). Male Credit Union workers (M= 565.15; SD = 162.00) recorded higher significant levels of PA than did females Credit Union workers (M= 448.64; SD = 146.95). A statistical significant difference in PA levels was also recorded between male and female Micro Finance workers (t= - 2.61, df= 23.07, p < 0.05). Male Micro Finance workers (M= 1984.73; SD = 162.00) recorded higher significant levels of PA than did female Micro Finance workers (M= 1431.47; SD = 489.74). It was concluded that workers in financial institutions did not do active physical activities. It was recommended that Managers of Banks and Credit Unions in La Dade Kotopon Municipality of the Greater Accra Region should periodically organise fitness programmes on weekends for their workers to help enhance their physical activity levels. Also, Banks and Credit Unions workers in La Dade Kotopon Municipality of the Greater Accra Region should be encouraged by the Human Resource Manager (HRM) to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activities daily during off times at least 5 times a week or 2 hours on weekends.
Working in financial institutions can be more time consuming. The available literature on physical activity participation levels among workers in financial institutions in Ghana is scarce. This was the stimulus for this study. The study assessed physical activity levels of participants in financial institutions. Descriptive design within quantitative approach was adopted for the study. One hundred and twenty-six respondents were sampled using multi-stage sampling techniques. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-Long Form) was used for data collection. The findings revealed that participants in Micro Finance Institutions recorded the highest mean Metabolic Equivalence of Task (MET) of 1237.80, followed by those in Credit Unions with mean MET of 422.17 and Bank participants recording a mean MET of 318.18 for the work domain. Results also showed that participants in Micro Finance Institutions recorded the highest mean MET in the transportation domain of 523.78, followed by Credit Unions (423.10) and Banks (387.67). Results further indicated that, male participants significantly recorded a higher MET scores of (531.82) than their female counterparts (331.44). An independent samples t-test revealed a statistical difference between male and female Bank workers (t= - 4.04, df= 33.34, p < 0.05). Male Bank workers (M= 565.54; SD = 281.02) recorded higher significant levels of PA than did female Bank workers (M= 324.40; SD = 118.45). Also, a statistical significant difference in PA levels was recorded between male and female Credit Union workers (t= - 2.52, df= 42.88, p < 0.05). Male Credit Union workers (M= 565.15; SD = 162.00) recorded higher significant levels of PA than did females Credit Union workers (M= 448.64; SD = 146.95). A statistical significant difference in PA levels was also recorded between male and female Micro Finance workers (t= - 2.61, df= 23.07, p < 0.05). Male Micro Finance workers (M= 1984.73; SD = 162.00) recorded higher significant levels of PA than did female Micro Finance workers (M= 1431.47; SD = 489.74). It was concluded that workers in financial institutions did not do active physical activities. It was recommended that Managers of Banks and Credit Unions in La Dade Kotopon Municipality of the Greater Accra Region should periodically organise fitness programmes on weekends for their workers to help enhance their physical activity levels. Also, Banks and Credit Unions workers in La Dade Kotopon Municipality of the Greater Accra Region should be encouraged by the Human Resource Manager (HRM) to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activities daily during off times at least 5 times a week or 2 hours on weekends.
Sarpong, E.O., Adomah, C.D.,Appiah, B.M., Aniabre M. & Tsikata, E. (2022). Variables Associated with Low Female Participation in College of Education Sports in Central, Western and Western North Regions of Ghana. Universal Journal of Sports Sciences, 2,
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to examine factors associated with low female participation in colleges of education sports. The population of the study was made up of female colleges of education athletes from Central, Western and Western North Regions of Ghana. Purposive and simple random techniques were used to the colleges of education and the respondents for the study. All the all the six colleges of education were purposively sampled and sampling technique was used to select the one hundred and eighty (180) participants who participate in the College of Education Sports Association (CoESA) games and in the Central, Western and Western North Regions of Ghana were used for the study. The main instrument for the study was a self-structured questionnaire (r= 0.92) containing items based on a five-point Likert scale was used for data collection. The data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages and Chi-square test to determine the relationship among the factors. The study revealed that there is the need for college authorities and female coaches in the colleges of education to take care of female athletes and make adequate provision for more modern sports facilities and equipment to sustain their interest in sports participation. The study recommended that, that the coaches should be mindful of their approach to prospective sportswomen. It is also recommended that, various colleges of education should make a concerted effort to organize programmes and seminars regularly to educate females in the colleges on the career benefits of sports participation and iron out their misconceptions.
The purpose of the study was to examine factors associated with low female participation in colleges of education sports. The population of the study was made up of female colleges of education athletes from Central, Western and Western North Regions of Ghana. Purposive and simple random techniques were used to the colleges of education and the respondents for the study. All the all the six colleges of education were purposively sampled and sampling technique was used to select the one hundred and eighty (180) participants who participate in the College of Education Sports Association (CoESA) games and in the Central, Western and Western North Regions of Ghana were used for the study. The main instrument for the study was a self-structured questionnaire (r= 0.92) containing items based on a five-point Likert scale was used for data collection. The data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages and Chi-square test to determine the relationship among the factors. The study revealed that there is the need for college authorities and female coaches in the colleges of education to take care of female athletes and make adequate provision for more modern sports facilities and equipment to sustain their interest in sports participation. The study recommended that, that the coaches should be mindful of their approach to prospective sportswomen. It is also recommended that, various colleges of education should make a concerted effort to organize programmes and seminars regularly to educate females in the colleges on the career benefits of sports participation and iron out their misconceptions.
Sarpong, E.O (2022). Physical activity participation variables as predictors of cardiorespiratory fitness of Greater Accra fitness club members. International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health, 9,
Abstract
Regular participation in physical activity improves health and well-being. This study therefore sought to establish the relationship between physical activity participation variables and cardiorespiratory fitness levels of members in Ghanaian fitness Clubs. A descriptive correlational design was used for the study. The sample for the study was 546 Club Members from 18 fitness clubs randomly selected from clubs within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Questionnaire and Cooper ‘12 minutes’ walk/run test were used to gather data for the study. Inferential statistics of Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and Multiple Regression were used to test hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that: 1. (74.9%) of the club members possess minimum levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) needed to develop health whilst (25.1%) had low levels that needed improvement 2. Positive significant relationships existed between CRF and Physical Activity Index (PAI) (‘r’=.324, p=.000), Exercise Equipment and Machines (EEM) (‘r’=.178, p =.000), Variety of Physical Activity (VPA) (‘r’=.115, p =.007) while no positive significant relationship existed between CRF and Mode of Instruction (MOI) (‘r’= .065, p=.178 all 2-tailed; and 3. (14.1%) of CRF was predicted by all variables (R square =.141) The study concluded that members in Ghanaian fitness clubs had minimum levels of CRF required for health development implying that improvements in fitness levels can be achieved if the right knowledge on the specific aspects of exercise prescription is applied. It was recommended that stakeholders in the Ghanaian fitness industry should collaborate to institute national policies for the organization of mass sports
Regular participation in physical activity improves health and well-being. This study therefore sought to establish the relationship between physical activity participation variables and cardiorespiratory fitness levels of members in Ghanaian fitness Clubs. A descriptive correlational design was used for the study. The sample for the study was 546 Club Members from 18 fitness clubs randomly selected from clubs within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Questionnaire and Cooper ‘12 minutes’ walk/run test were used to gather data for the study. Inferential statistics of Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and Multiple Regression were used to test hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that: 1. (74.9%) of the club members possess minimum levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) needed to develop health whilst (25.1%) had low levels that needed improvement 2. Positive significant relationships existed between CRF and Physical Activity Index (PAI) (‘r’=.324, p=.000), Exercise Equipment and Machines (EEM) (‘r’=.178, p =.000), Variety of Physical Activity (VPA) (‘r’=.115, p =.007) while no positive significant relationship existed between CRF and Mode of Instruction (MOI) (‘r’= .065, p=.178 all 2-tailed; and 3. (14.1%) of CRF was predicted by all variables (R square =.141) The study concluded that members in Ghanaian fitness clubs had minimum levels of CRF required for health development implying that improvements in fitness levels can be achieved if the right knowledge on the specific aspects of exercise prescription is applied. It was recommended that stakeholders in the Ghanaian fitness industry should collaborate to institute national policies for the organization of mass sports
Sarpong, E. O , Sedegah, M. M. & Ofosu, E. K. (2022). Prevailing Injuries among Senior High Students-Athletes in the Akuapem Municipality. Universal Journal of Sports Sciences, 2,
Abstract
Sports injuries among student-athletes in high schools have become prevalent in most developing countries such as Ghana. In identifying the prevailing injuries among senior high student-athletes in the Akuapem municipality, a descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. A total of 610 student-athletes were purposely selected for the study to respond to the DEMASS inventory questionnaire regarding their opinion on the prevailing sports injuries. The results indicated that wounds (67.8%), knee injury (65.1%), muscle cramps (56.1%), and thigh injury (55.1%) were prevailing in S.H.S tournament than sprain (37.8%), strain (32.0%), dislocation (30.0%), fracture (31.3%), nose bleeding (31.3%) and groin injuries (23.1%). Participants who played more games professed that the number of games played contributed to sustaining sprain, strain, dislocation, and nose bleeding. Further studies should be carried out at other places and districts to uncover more about injuries sustained during high school sports competitions to minimize their occurrence.
Sports injuries among student-athletes in high schools have become prevalent in most developing countries such as Ghana. In identifying the prevailing injuries among senior high student-athletes in the Akuapem municipality, a descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. A total of 610 student-athletes were purposely selected for the study to respond to the DEMASS inventory questionnaire regarding their opinion on the prevailing sports injuries. The results indicated that wounds (67.8%), knee injury (65.1%), muscle cramps (56.1%), and thigh injury (55.1%) were prevailing in S.H.S tournament than sprain (37.8%), strain (32.0%), dislocation (30.0%), fracture (31.3%), nose bleeding (31.3%) and groin injuries (23.1%). Participants who played more games professed that the number of games played contributed to sustaining sprain, strain, dislocation, and nose bleeding. Further studies should be carried out at other places and districts to uncover more about injuries sustained during high school sports competitions to minimize their occurrence.
Samlafo, B.V, Kofi Essel, Bright Ankudze (2022). Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals Via Consumption of Cassava, Cultivated on Reclaimed Mining Land Sites in Prestea-Huni Valley District, Ghana. Food and Public health, 12,
Abstract
The soil determines the quality of food and hence the health of the individuals. However, most lands in the District are under mining or concessions to the detriment of livelihood. This situation resulted in the cultivation of food crops on reclaimed mining land sites contrary to the accepted norm. To assess the human health risk and the quality of cassava cultivated on reclaimed mining land sites in Prestea-Huni Valley District, soil and cassava samples were taken randomly in separate polyethylene bags in triplicates from four farms located on reclaimed mining land sites within the Pres-tea-Huni Valley District. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric (AAS) technique was employed in the determination of the metals after digestion. The precision and accuracy of the analytical methods were evaluated by analysing IAEA-soil-7 and 1547-Peach leaves, which are standard reference materials with recoveries ranging from 87-98 %. The trend in metal tolerance for both the cassava tuber and its peel were similar and in the order Cd > Pb>Cr>Zn >As. Both soil Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Total Hazard Quotient (THQ) were below their respective values. Using the health index of 0.8017< 1.0 ( ) as a criterion for human health assessment, the cassava cultivated on reclaimed mining land sites in the Prestea-Huni Valley District, are safe and of high quality since health index was below the threshold level of 1.0, a level below which the cassava is deemed fit for human consumption. Keywords: Prestea-Huni Valley, cassava, peel, heavy metals, Health index, bioaccumulation
The soil determines the quality of food and hence the health of the individuals. However, most lands in the District are under mining or concessions to the detriment of livelihood. This situation resulted in the cultivation of food crops on reclaimed mining land sites contrary to the accepted norm. To assess the human health risk and the quality of cassava cultivated on reclaimed mining land sites in Prestea-Huni Valley District, soil and cassava samples were taken randomly in separate polyethylene bags in triplicates from four farms located on reclaimed mining land sites within the Pres-tea-Huni Valley District. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric (AAS) technique was employed in the determination of the metals after digestion. The precision and accuracy of the analytical methods were evaluated by analysing IAEA-soil-7 and 1547-Peach leaves, which are standard reference materials with recoveries ranging from 87-98 %. The trend in metal tolerance for both the cassava tuber and its peel were similar and in the order Cd > Pb>Cr>Zn >As. Both soil Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Total Hazard Quotient (THQ) were below their respective values. Using the health index of 0.8017< 1.0 ( ) as a criterion for human health assessment, the cassava cultivated on reclaimed mining land sites in the Prestea-Huni Valley District, are safe and of high quality since health index was below the threshold level of 1.0, a level below which the cassava is deemed fit for human consumption. Keywords: Prestea-Huni Valley, cassava, peel, heavy metals, Health index, bioaccumulation
Samlafo, B.V, and Adakwah, D (2021). Evaluative Study of River Birim in Denkyembuor, Ghana, Using Water Quality Indices. Chemical Science International Journal, 30,
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate water quality of the river Birim after a two-year ban as a result of illegal mining activities in the catchment areas of the river. Methodology: Samples were taken during wet and dry seasons in acid-washed plastic containers. Two water quality indices were adapted for the river under study and used in the evaluation. These were Water Quality Index (WQI) and Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI). Twelve physicochemical parameters, such as pH, turbidity, conductivity, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, total hardness, alkalinity, sulphate, phosphate, nitrate, Fluoride, and chloride which were life-threatening and generally acceptable in water quality were used to evaluate the water quality index. The computed WQI was 439.168, which fell within the unfit for drinking category with turbidity and total suspended solids positively influencing the index. Iron, (Fe), As, Mn, and Hg were used to evaluate HPI, with an index value of 39.49, which was excellent considering a critical value of 100 set, below which the water is fit for good drinking water. Conclusion: Except for heavy metal pollution, the river Birim is unfit for drinking without chemical treatment and that, the two-year ban on artisanal small-scale mining was not enough for the river to recover fully from previous pollution episodes and hence did not have any impact on water quality of the river Birim.
Aim: To evaluate water quality of the river Birim after a two-year ban as a result of illegal mining activities in the catchment areas of the river. Methodology: Samples were taken during wet and dry seasons in acid-washed plastic containers. Two water quality indices were adapted for the river under study and used in the evaluation. These were Water Quality Index (WQI) and Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI). Twelve physicochemical parameters, such as pH, turbidity, conductivity, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, total hardness, alkalinity, sulphate, phosphate, nitrate, Fluoride, and chloride which were life-threatening and generally acceptable in water quality were used to evaluate the water quality index. The computed WQI was 439.168, which fell within the unfit for drinking category with turbidity and total suspended solids positively influencing the index. Iron, (Fe), As, Mn, and Hg were used to evaluate HPI, with an index value of 39.49, which was excellent considering a critical value of 100 set, below which the water is fit for good drinking water. Conclusion: Except for heavy metal pollution, the river Birim is unfit for drinking without chemical treatment and that, the two-year ban on artisanal small-scale mining was not enough for the river to recover fully from previous pollution episodes and hence did not have any impact on water quality of the river Birim.
Quarcoo,R, (2021). An Evaluation of the Affective Entry Behaviors of Students and Teachers in Clothing and Textile at the Senior High School in Ghana.. B. Patton Canada International Conference on Education [CICE-2021]. Mississauga,Canada: Infonomics Society.
Abstract
This study evaluated the affective entry behaviors of students and teachers in Clothing and Textile at the Senior High School level of education in Ghana. The mixed method approach of research design was adopted and a multi-staged sampling technique was used to sample 478 students and 23 teachers respectively. The results shown that, majority of the students had the minimum entry aggregates, some Clothing and Textiles teachers had other specializations other than Clothing and Textiles, Students and teachers were not interested in Clothing and Textiles. Students were forced by parents and teachers to take Clothing and Textiles. Recommendations such as Ghana Education Service (GES) should employ teachers with Clothing and Textiles background, National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and Ghana Education Service should make the Basic Design and Technology component ‘sewing’ very attractive at the Junior High School level to help students develop interest in Clothing and Textiles. Key Words: Evaluation, Affective entry characteristics, Clothing and Textiles, Students, Teachers (ISBN:978-1-913572-32-7)
This study evaluated the affective entry behaviors of students and teachers in Clothing and Textile at the Senior High School level of education in Ghana. The mixed method approach of research design was adopted and a multi-staged sampling technique was used to sample 478 students and 23 teachers respectively. The results shown that, majority of the students had the minimum entry aggregates, some Clothing and Textiles teachers had other specializations other than Clothing and Textiles, Students and teachers were not interested in Clothing and Textiles. Students were forced by parents and teachers to take Clothing and Textiles. Recommendations such as Ghana Education Service (GES) should employ teachers with Clothing and Textiles background, National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and Ghana Education Service should make the Basic Design and Technology component ‘sewing’ very attractive at the Junior High School level to help students develop interest in Clothing and Textiles. Key Words: Evaluation, Affective entry characteristics, Clothing and Textiles, Students, Teachers (ISBN:978-1-913572-32-7)
Akayuure, P.
OCCE 2021 Digital transformation of Education and learning (DTEL): past, present and future. Tampere University, Finland 16-20 August 2021
Paper presented:
Use of vclass in mathematics education delivery: The UEW experience
Abstract
The advent of the Coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) has rapidly influenced every domain of human existence and drifted human undertakings to a new normal in which social distancing becomes the norm. With the emergence of the new normal, educational institutions worldwide are beset with teaching, assessment and learning sustainability crises. These crises compelled many educational managers and lecturers to rethink about educational access and delivery while students strive to adjust to new learning systems external to the orthodox face-to-face mode. The questions of which and how learning platforms can be used for educational delivery remain unsettled. In spite of this, institutions of higher learning are quickly adapting to the crises. In developing countries like Ghana, new and emerging digital learning platforms, assessment modalities and delivery modes are being experimented in schools without prior evidences of their effectiveness, successes and shortfalls. For the past one and half years for example, there has been unprecedented push to online teaching, learning and assessment with commercial digital learning platform providers also on the rush to provide support and solutions to educational delivery, sometimes for free. The University of Education Winneba (UEW) trains competent professional teachers for all levels of education in Ghana and the West African sub-region. When Ghana recorded its first case of the Covid-19 in March 12, 2020, culminating to lockdowns and closure of all institutions, the academic calendar was disrupted. UEW was then compelled to device innovative ways of using Learning Management Systems (LMS) called vclass to enable students learn amidst the pandemic to bring the 2019/2020 academic year to a successful close. Following this, the struggle to sustain the new innovation of using the UEWvclass for educational delivery in UEW comes with new dilemmas and contextual issues of ICT infrastructures, faculty capacity and students’ support and welfare. This paper mirrors students and their lecturers’ experiences in the use of UEWvclass platform to learn various courses in mathematics education in UEW. Notwithstanding a number of exciting experiences conveyed as first time users of vclass, users are challenges with online course creation, online lesson delivery, e-assessment, digital skills and network connectivity. As a result of the covid-19 pandemic and digital experiences, UEW plans to emphasize, consolidate and serve as a pace setter of hybrid/blended instructional delivery for its regular, sandwich and distance modes beyond the Covid-19 era. Keywords: Covid-19, Mathematics education, LMS, UEW vclass experience.
The advent of the Coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) has rapidly influenced every domain of human existence and drifted human undertakings to a new normal in which social distancing becomes the norm. With the emergence of the new normal, educational institutions worldwide are beset with teaching, assessment and learning sustainability crises. These crises compelled many educational managers and lecturers to rethink about educational access and delivery while students strive to adjust to new learning systems external to the orthodox face-to-face mode. The questions of which and how learning platforms can be used for educational delivery remain unsettled. In spite of this, institutions of higher learning are quickly adapting to the crises. In developing countries like Ghana, new and emerging digital learning platforms, assessment modalities and delivery modes are being experimented in schools without prior evidences of their effectiveness, successes and shortfalls. For the past one and half years for example, there has been unprecedented push to online teaching, learning and assessment with commercial digital learning platform providers also on the rush to provide support and solutions to educational delivery, sometimes for free. The University of Education Winneba (UEW) trains competent professional teachers for all levels of education in Ghana and the West African sub-region. When Ghana recorded its first case of the Covid-19 in March 12, 2020, culminating to lockdowns and closure of all institutions, the academic calendar was disrupted. UEW was then compelled to device innovative ways of using Learning Management Systems (LMS) called vclass to enable students learn amidst the pandemic to bring the 2019/2020 academic year to a successful close. Following this, the struggle to sustain the new innovation of using the UEWvclass for educational delivery in UEW comes with new dilemmas and contextual issues of ICT infrastructures, faculty capacity and students’ support and welfare. This paper mirrors students and their lecturers’ experiences in the use of UEWvclass platform to learn various courses in mathematics education in UEW. Notwithstanding a number of exciting experiences conveyed as first time users of vclass, users are challenges with online course creation, online lesson delivery, e-assessment, digital skills and network connectivity. As a result of the covid-19 pandemic and digital experiences, UEW plans to emphasize, consolidate and serve as a pace setter of hybrid/blended instructional delivery for its regular, sandwich and distance modes beyond the Covid-19 era. Keywords: Covid-19, Mathematics education, LMS, UEW vclass experience.
