The utilisation of computer technology in environmental studies at Midlands State University, Zimbabwe: a focus on the departments of Geography and environmental studies and surveying and geomatics

This study assesses the utilization of computer technology at a recently established institution of higher learning, the Midlands State University in Zimbabwe. The study focuses on how computer technology is used in environmental studies in the related academic departments of geography and environme...

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Main Authors: Jerie, Steven, Munyavi, G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Clarion University of Pennsylvania 2016
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/11408/1162
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author Jerie, Steven
Munyavi, G.
author_facet Jerie, Steven
Munyavi, G.
author_sort Jerie, Steven
collection DSpace
description This study assesses the utilization of computer technology at a recently established institution of higher learning, the Midlands State University in Zimbabwe. The study focuses on how computer technology is used in environmental studies in the related academic departments of geography and environmental studies and surveying and geomatics. Data collection methods included questionnaire surveys directed at students and lecturers, interviews with key informants such chairpersons of the two departments, lecturers of computer related modules such as geographical information systems, laboratory technicians and the information technology officer. Secondary data sources included the Midlands State University website, the university yearbook and transcripts of departmental modules. Data collection aimed at revealing the current state of computer utilization in the departments, problems encountered by students and lecturers in the utilization of computer technology and the measures being put in place to overcome the problems. The results revealed that there were inadequate computers in use in the departments and hence inadequate access to computers by staff and students. There is limited use of relevant GIS software such as Arc View, and ILWIS and this tends to be outdated. Computer security is also an area of concern due to viruses, as the computers are not fully protected by anti-viruses. There is need to continue equipping the computer laboratories with new computers and GIS software and the necessary anti-virus licenses as well as continuous servicing of the computers.
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spelling ir-11408-11622022-06-27T13:49:06Z The utilisation of computer technology in environmental studies at Midlands State University, Zimbabwe: a focus on the departments of Geography and environmental studies and surveying and geomatics Jerie, Steven Munyavi, G. Computer Technology; Environmental Studies; Surveying; Geomatics; Geographical Information systems This study assesses the utilization of computer technology at a recently established institution of higher learning, the Midlands State University in Zimbabwe. The study focuses on how computer technology is used in environmental studies in the related academic departments of geography and environmental studies and surveying and geomatics. Data collection methods included questionnaire surveys directed at students and lecturers, interviews with key informants such chairpersons of the two departments, lecturers of computer related modules such as geographical information systems, laboratory technicians and the information technology officer. Secondary data sources included the Midlands State University website, the university yearbook and transcripts of departmental modules. Data collection aimed at revealing the current state of computer utilization in the departments, problems encountered by students and lecturers in the utilization of computer technology and the measures being put in place to overcome the problems. The results revealed that there were inadequate computers in use in the departments and hence inadequate access to computers by staff and students. There is limited use of relevant GIS software such as Arc View, and ILWIS and this tends to be outdated. Computer security is also an area of concern due to viruses, as the computers are not fully protected by anti-viruses. There is need to continue equipping the computer laboratories with new computers and GIS software and the necessary anti-virus licenses as well as continuous servicing of the computers. 2016-05-02T12:28:38Z 2016-05-02T12:28:38Z 2011 Article 1520-5509 http://hdl.handle.net/11408/1162 en Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa;Vol. 13, No.3; p. 150-164 open Clarion University of Pennsylvania
spellingShingle Computer Technology; Environmental Studies; Surveying; Geomatics;
Geographical Information systems
Jerie, Steven
Munyavi, G.
The utilisation of computer technology in environmental studies at Midlands State University, Zimbabwe: a focus on the departments of Geography and environmental studies and surveying and geomatics
title The utilisation of computer technology in environmental studies at Midlands State University, Zimbabwe: a focus on the departments of Geography and environmental studies and surveying and geomatics
title_full The utilisation of computer technology in environmental studies at Midlands State University, Zimbabwe: a focus on the departments of Geography and environmental studies and surveying and geomatics
title_fullStr The utilisation of computer technology in environmental studies at Midlands State University, Zimbabwe: a focus on the departments of Geography and environmental studies and surveying and geomatics
title_full_unstemmed The utilisation of computer technology in environmental studies at Midlands State University, Zimbabwe: a focus on the departments of Geography and environmental studies and surveying and geomatics
title_short The utilisation of computer technology in environmental studies at Midlands State University, Zimbabwe: a focus on the departments of Geography and environmental studies and surveying and geomatics
title_sort utilisation of computer technology in environmental studies at midlands state university, zimbabwe: a focus on the departments of geography and environmental studies and surveying and geomatics
topic Computer Technology; Environmental Studies; Surveying; Geomatics;
Geographical Information systems
url http://hdl.handle.net/11408/1162
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