University Of Dodoma Research Articles

Guest editors' notes

This special issue has nine papers selected from the Africa Regional Workshop at Makerere University (Kampala, Uganda) on January 11th to 13th 2021. The first two papers relate to Research Data Management (RDM). The first one analyses the authorship, volume, visibility, and quality of publications on RDM in Sub-Saharan Africa. The analysis was done using bibliometrics focusing on RDM publications from, and on, Sub-Saharan Africa which are currently indexed in Google Scholar. The second article presents available open RDM resources for different data practitioners, particularly researchers and librarians at the University of Dodoma, in Tanzania. Some of the RDM resources discussed in this paper are Data Management Plan (DMP) and a data repository available for researchers to freely archive and share their research data with the local and international communities. The third paper highlights the data-sharing attitudes and behaviors of African data curators and data management experts. The paper compares data from an earlier study and analyses the new findings between the data sharing attitudes and behaviors between Africans and non-Africans. The fourth paper articulates the data literacy integration agenda and how it can catalyze the achievement of Sustainable development goals. The paper unpacks the role of data literacy in catalyzing the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), challenges faced, and suggests recommendations to the challenges. It is however sad to note here that the author of this paper recently passed on 15th December 2021. May the good lord accord Gorreti an eternal rest. The fifth paper discourses the establishment of a data center at Mzuzu University Library in Malawi after the unfortunate fire outbreak of 2015 that destroyed the whole library. Interesting models are drawn in the paper like; the six-month process of restoring an interim library and the designing & construction of the new library in collaboration with the Virginia Technological School of Architecture & Design in the United States. The sixth paper goes further to examine the growth and development of institutional repositories in the East African Countries of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The paper contextualizes and discusses in detail the drivers and barriers to the development of institutional repositories in East Africa such as: policy formulation, financial support, training, infrastructure, open access awareness among others. The seventh paper focuses on the learning outcomes in literacy and numeracy in Uganda in the light of maternal education. In this paper, deeper analysis was conducted on the data mined from the Uwezo assessment data to show the effect of the mothers’ education on the numeracy and literacy learning outcomes among children in Uganda. The eighth paper illuminates the opportunities and risks of sharing agricultural research data in Tanzania. Stimulating themes on sharing of research data are developed and discussed in this paper such as: research collaboration, transparency, accuracy, funding, policy, institutional, and government support among others. Finally, the ninth and last paper narrates the data dissemination process at the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). The paper presents in detail the methods, channels of data sharing such as: workshops, websites, libraries, resource centres, social media, and the physical delivery of print resources to the UBOS partners and clients. Winny Nekesa Akullo and Robert Stalone Buwule

Improving trauma care – A case study from Dodoma, Tanzania

AimThis article describes work done to support improvements to a trauma system in Dodoma, Tanzania. It was completed to augment a study-abroad program. BackgroundDodoma is in the center of Tanzania in East Africa and has, in recent years, been designated as a center of government. Formerly the commercial and political center was Dar es Salaam which became an overcrowded city that was rich in resources but often inaccessible for the majority of the citizens. This has impacted the once quiet community f Dodoma with a great influx of people. Commerce and the services that are needed to support development have led to massive growth with plans for a well thought-out infrastructure to support it. It has also brought challenges to the region. Preparing for this growth, hospital personnel needed to be prepared to meet the health needs of the population. Rutgers’ School of Nursing has embarked on a relationship with the region that has been beneficial to the Dodoma community as well as the Rutgers community. DesignThis is a descriptive analysis of work that has been done in collaboration with Rutgers University, School of Nursing, University of Dodoma and the Regional Hospital of Dodoma which has included faculty and students. MethodsAn analysis was completed of bi-lateral work that has been conducted over three years. ResultsSystems have been developed both clinically as well as educationally to increase knowledge of trauma care of patients. ConclusionBilateral relationships are important not only for the visiting students and faculty but also for the country that is being visited.

Maximizing Science Learning through Practical Work in Secondary Schools in Tanzania: Student-Teachers’ Adaptation to Language Supportive Pedagogy

There is a lack of clarity about the role of practical work in promoting learning and thinking, due to mediocrity in the way it is being handled. This study used mixed methods design to develop through microteaching, LSP integrated practical work to explore its characteristics in order to examine how the student-teachers adapted to the pedagogy in relation to its efficacy in developing science, English language, and pedagogy. The research was conducted at the University of Dodoma. The study involved 63 student-teachers and five lecturers with different specializations. The study was carried out in three cycles at the College of Education. It involved the second-year students who were studying Bachelor of Education in Science, who undertook a Physics Teaching Methods course. Review of lesson plans, achievement tests, classroom observations, and interviews with student-teachers, together with focus group discussions among the lecturers, were used to collect data. The qualitative data were analysed using the thematic analysis approach, while the quantitative data were analysed through repeated measures t-test. The student-teachers were able to plan and implement LSP practical lessons in which case students reported to have enjoyed their participation, sharing of experiences, and the bilingual classrooms. The findings from the repeated measures t-test show that there was a significant rise in the mean scores from pre-test (67.9) to the post-test (80.2), with very much reduced variability (SD) of scores among students from 24.9 (pre-test) to 6.6 (post-test). From interviews with 8 case students after each lesson, it was concluded that the students improved in science content, English language competence, and pedagogy.

Queueing Systems in the Cafeterias at the University of Dodoma, Tanzania

Queueing Systems in the Cafeterias at the University of Dodoma, Tanzania

Examining eLearning system self-efficacy amongst instructors at the University of Dodoma, Tanzania

Higher learning institutions in Africa have been investing in various eLearning systems (also referred to as learning management systems) aiming at improving the quality of teaching and learning. However, non-use or low usage of these systems amongst users is a significant setback for their success. Studies indicate that first-order barriers such as unreliable electricity power, shortage of computers, and Internet connectivity inhibit users from using these systems. This study examined system self-efficacy amongst instructors using mixed sequential explanatory design with data collected from 357 instructors at the University of Dodoma through questionnaires followed by focus group discussions. The adapted independent factors: performance accomplishments and vicarious experience from Bandura (1977), and organizational support from Higgins and Compeau (1995) were subjected to linear regression analysis to determine the causal relationship with system self-efficacy. The study found that vicarious experience and organizational support had a significant effect on system self-efficacy amongst instructors. These findings show that examining system self-efficacy amongst instructors is critical to help those who are implementing eLearning systems in finding strategies that will increase system usage.

Antibiotic Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Use Among Early Years Medical and Non-medical Students in Tanzania

Background and aim of the study: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been called one of the greatest threats of the century worldwide. Self-treatment with antibiotics impacts the most on AMR. High-income countries have been conscious of the problem for several years, while Tanzania shows the increasing trend of self-medication with antibacterial. We aimed to assess and compare knowledge and antibiotics use experience among Tanzanian medical (MD) and non-medical (non-MD) students. Methods: The current study was conducted in the largest Tanzanian university, the University of Dodoma. The study was based on questionnaire survey, which included questions regarding knowledge and experience of use of antibiotics, and socioeconomic situation of the respondent. Results: Medical students were found to be more educated about antimicrobials. Although no significant difference in antibiotics use among MD and non-MD was observed and MD had slightly higher percentage of self-treatment experience, factors associated with the self-treatment were different: educational for medical students and economic factor for non-medical. Analysis of antibiotic trends showed Ampicillin, Amoxicillin and others from Penicillin group to be the most popular among both of groups. Nevertheless, many students confused antibiotics, pain killers and antiallergic drugs. Conclusion: In general, results could have been predicted. The higher prevalence of self-treatment among early-years MD students, AMR illiteracy and common attitude to antibiotics proved again the necessity of antibiotic use guidance and control in the country.

Using ICT to Improve Teaching and Learning of Kiswahili Language for University Students

This study aimed to investigate the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to improve Kiswahili teaching and learning at the University of Dodoma. The objectives of the study were: To identify the experience of using ICT devices in teaching general language, to examine the use of ICT in Kiswahili language classes and suggest innovative ICT tools to teach and spread Kiswahili. The study employed social learning theory of Bandura. The study used a descriptive survey design to answer the research questions. Purposive sampling was used to choose key informants. Documentaries, interviews and focus group discussion were used for teachers and students to collect data and documentary reviews used to provide further information.The results showed a limited use of ICT in teaching and learning of general languages and this adds up into poor access of existing installed language laboratory. The results also showed minimal use of ICT in Kiswahili language classes to the extent that majority of the students preferred to use Kiswahili in the computers, laptops and mobile phones. However, the study came up with various innovative ICT tools such as web based learning and improved language lab to teach and spread Kiswahili language. This can be done through ICT tools such as computer use, mobile phones and accessing the internet through language apps.

Identifying and Implementing Relevant Research Data Management Services for the Library at the University of Dodoma, Tanzania

Research Data Management (RDM) services are increasingly becoming a subject of interest for academic and research libraries globally – this is also the case in developing countries. The interest is motivated by a need to support research activities through data sharing and collaboration both locally and internationally. Many institutions, especially in the developed countries, have implemented RDM services to accelerate research and innovation through e-Research but extensive RDM is not so common in developing countries. In reality many African universities and research institutions are yet to implement the most basic of data management services. We believe that the absence of political will and national government mandates on data management often hold back the development and implementation of RDM services. Similarly, research funding agencies are not yet applying sufficient pressure to ensure that Africa complies with the requirement to deposit research data in trusted repositories. While the context was acknowledged the University of Dodoma library staff realized that it is urgent to prepare for the inevitable – the time when RDM will be a requirement for research funding support. This paper presents the results of research conducted at the University of Dodoma, Tanzania. The purpose of the research was to identify and report on relevant RDM services that need to be implemented so that researchers and university management could collaborate and make our research data accessible to the international community. This paper presents findings on important issues for consideration when planning to develop and implement RDM services at a developing country academic institution. The paper also mentions the requirements for the sustainability of these initiatives.

Analysis of French grammatical gender errors committed by learners in Tanzanian universities

This paper analyses the grammatical gender errors committed by learners of French as a foreign language in four Tanzanian universities: UDSM, UDOM, DUCE and Makumira (University of Dar es Salaam, University of Dodoma, Dar es Salaam University College of Education and Makumira University). The paper has three specific objectives: (i) to identify grammatical gender errors, (ii) to account for their sources and (iii) to propose a corrective treatment. The study included a total of 61 respondents. The data was collected through learners' written texts in French from which a corpus was developed. The study was guided by the error analysis approach and interlanguage theory. The data was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. The findings show that grammatical gender errors were found with regard to the masculine definite article (29.73%), the feminine definite article (24.32%), the masculine indefinite article (22.97%), the feminine indefinite article (16.22%) and possessive adjectives (6.76%). These findings show there is a need to help learners of French as a foreign language in the context of Tanzania using the recommended strategies.

Internet Infrastructure in Africa: Status and Opportunities

There is a major information gap in Africa, where access to information is structurally disabled.This study was conducted taking the University of Dodoma in Tanzania as a case study. The causes for poor internet access were identified as: Lack of alignment between last-mile, middle-mile, and long-range network infrastructure; Tyranny of bad on-premises network design; Up to 15 network hops just to leave on-premises network architecture; Lack of best-practice templates and benchmarks for on-premises, middle-mile and national backbone network architecture in emerging and developing markets; and local operators charging exorbitant bandwidth prices. The US Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) definition of broadband is 25 Mbps per host. The World Bank defines broadband as 12 Mbps per hundred consumers.According to the United Nations, broadband is a basic human right and an absolute necessity for productivity and sustainable growth

THEORETICAL STUDIES OF ELECTRONIC AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES FOR SOME NEW AZO DISPERSE DYES FOR DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS BY USING TD AND TD DFT METHOD.

13May 2018 THEORETICAL STUDIES OF ELECTRONIC AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES FOR SOME NEW AZO DISPERSE DYES FOR DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS BY USING TD AND TD DFT METHOD. Isaac Onoka , Numbury Surendra Babu and John J. Makangara. Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences,The University of Dodoma, post box: 338, Dodoma, Tanzania.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Chronic Kidney Disease Among Patients Presenting at a Haemodialysis Unit in Dodoma, Tanzania

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem worldwide, due to its epidemic proportions and the associated cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, data on the burden of CKD among patients attending hospitals in Tanzania are still limited. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with CKD among patients presenting at the University of Dodoma (UDOM) haemodialysis unit in Tanzania.In this retrospective study, we reviewed data of 1,395 patients who presented at the UDOM haemodialysis unit from January 2013 to June 2015. Data were descriptively and inferentially analysed using Stata version 11.0.From January 2013 to June 2015, a total of 1,395 patients presented at the UDOM haemodialysis unit with history of kidney disease. Of these patients, 1244 (89.2%) enrolled into this study, 651 (52.3%) of them were female. Almost two-thirds (n=792, 63.7%) of the patients were found to have CKD, 59.1% with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Among those who had CKD, 347 (43.8%) had hypertension, 241 (30.4%) had diabetic mellitus, 79 (10.0%) had chronic glomerulonephritis, 70 (8.8%) had hypertension and diabetes mellitus, 38 (4.8%) had HIV/AIDS, and 17 (2.1%) had hepatitis B. The median serum creatinine level was 222 lmol/L (interquartile range [IQR] 126 to 317), urea level was 14.5 mmol/L (IQR 5 to 24), hemoglobin was 11.0 g/dL (IQR 6.2 to 15.7), and body mass index was 27.1 kg/m2 (IQR 17.3 to 36.8). Obesity, diabetes mellitus, and systolic hypertension were associated with developing CKD (P<.001). A total of 116 patients received haemodialysis during the study period.CKD was common among patients presenting in our hospital and is associated with high cardiovascular risk. To that end, patients should be thoroughly evaluated to identify and correct causes of their kidney disease, and efforts should be put in place for early detection and screening as well as advocacy on risk factors for CKD development in Tanzania.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Chronic Kidney Disease Among Patients Presenting at a Haemodialysis Unit in Dodoma, Tanzania

Background:Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem worldwide, due to its epidemic proportions and the associated cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, data on the burden of CKD among patients attending hospitals in Tanzania are still limited. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with CKD among patients presenting at the University of Dodoma (UDOM) haemodialysis unit in Tanzania.Methods:In this retrospective study, we reviewed data of 1,395 patients who presented at the UDOM haemodialysis unit from January 2013 to June 2015. Data were descriptively and inferentially analysed using Stata version 11.0.Results:From January 2013 to June 2015, a total of 1,395 patients presented at the UDOM haemodialysis unit with history of kidney disease. Of these patients, 1244 (89.2%) enrolled into this study, 651 (52.3%) of them were female. Almost two-thirds (n=792, 63.7%) of the patients were found to have CKD, 59.1% with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Among those who had CKD, 347 (43.8%) had hypertension, 241 (30.4%) had diabetic mellitus, 79 (10.0%) had chronic glomerulonephritis, 70 (8.8%) had hypertension and diabetes mellitus, 38 (4.8%) had HIV/AIDS, and 17 (2.1%) had hepatitis B. The median serum creatinine level was 222 lmol/L (interquartile range [IQR] 126 to 317), urea level was 14.5 mmol/L (IQR 5 to 24), hemoglobin was 11.0 g/dL (IQR 6.2 to 15.7), and body mass index was 27.1 kg/m2 (IQR 17.3 to 36.8). Obesity, diabetes mellitus, and systolic hypertension were associated with developing CKD (P<.001). A total of 116 patients received haemodialysis during the study period.Conclusion:CKD was common among patients presenting in our hospital and is associated with high cardiovascular risk. To that end, patients should be thoroughly evaluated to identify and correct causes of their kidney disease, and efforts should be put in place for early detection and screening as well as advocacy on risk factors for CKD development in Tanzania.

Challenges and outcomes of haemodialysis among patients presenting with kidney diseases in Dodoma, Tanzania

BackgroundKidney Diseases contribute a significant proportion to the global burden of non-communicable diseases. Haemodialysis services as the main modality of renal replacement therapy in most resource limited countries is only available in few cities and at higher costs. The aim of this study was to determine the challenges and outcomes of patients who were on haemodialysis at the University of Dodoma (UDOM) haemodialysis unit in Tanzania.MethodsIn this retrospective study; we reviewed haemodialysis registers and charts of 116 patients dialyzed from January 2013 to June 2015 at The UDOM haemodialysis unit. Data were descriptively and inferentially analysed using Stata version 11 software.ResultsOf the 116 patients, 52 (44.9%) were male, and 38(32.8%) were married. Their median age was 45 years. Thirty-two (27.6%) had acute kidney injury, of them 26 (81.3%) patients had recovery of renal function after haemodialysis. Indications for hemodialysis were anuria (18), intoxications (14), electrolyte imbalance (9), uraemia (7) infections (6) and fluid overload (4). Eighty-four (72.4%) patients had End Stage Renal Diseases (ESRD), of which 37 (44.1%) absconded/lost to follow up, 15 (17.9%) died, 22 (26.2%) were referred to Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), 12 for possible kidney transplant abroad after haemodialysis, and 10 (11.9%) were still attending our unit for haemodialysis. Residing outside Dodoma was predictive for poor outcomes while on haemodialysis (OR 5.2, 95% CI 3.2–8.6, p < 0.001). In addition the odds ratio for poor outcomes was 7.3 times for a patient ESRD (OR7.34, 95% CI 3.26–18.17, p < 0.001). Patients who had no National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) coverage (OR 6.6, 95% CI 5.4–12.7, p < 0.001) also had higher odds of poor outcomes after starting haemodialysis.ConclusionUnavailability and high costs related to utilization of haemodialysis services among patients needing dialysis are the challenges for better outcomes. Therefore, haemodialysis and renal transplants services should be made easily available in regional referral hospitals at reasonable costs. In addition, members of the public should be educated on joining health insurance schemes and on making healthy life style choices for preventing chronic kidney disease and its progression.

Prevalence and predictors of anaemia among patients presenting with kidney diseases at the University of Dodoma Hospital in central Tanzania

Background: Anaemia is a common complication that contributes to the burden of kidney diseases. Anaemia confers significant risk of cardiovascular disease and contributes to decreased quality of life. While the primary cause of anaemia is the inadequate production of erythropoietin by the kidneys to support erythropoiesis, other factors may contribute to anaemia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of anaemia among patients presenting with kidney diseases at the haemodialysis unit of the University of Dodoma (UDOM) hospital in central Tanzania.Methodology: In this retrospective study we reviewed data of patients who presented at UDOM haemodialysis unit in Tanzania with kidney diseases as from January 2013 to June 2015. Data were descriptively and inferentially analysed using Stata version 11 software.Results: A total of 1,395 patients were involved in this study. Of these, 792 (56.8%) presented with kidney diseases, 249 (31.4%) were found to have anaemia. The leading cause of anaemia was chronic kidney disease (CKD) 136 (54.6%), blood loss 74(29.7), haemolysis 15 (6.0%), Nutrition 13(5.2%) and others 11 (4.4%). Glomerular filtration rate of &lt; 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 accounted for 59.1% of CKD. Median [IQR] serum creatinine level: 246 [177 – 317] μmol/L, Urea level 16[8 -24] mmol/L and haemoglobin of 9.8 [6.2 - 13.4] g/dL. Prevalence of anaemia was strongly associated with declining glomerular filtration rate (P= 0.01).Conclusion: Anaemia is very common among patients presenting with kidney diseases. These patients require a thorough evaluation to identify and correct causes of anaemia other than erythropoietin deficiency.

Learning Management Systems in Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania: Analysis of Students’ Attitudes and Challenges towards the use of UDOM LMS in Teaching and Learning at the University of Dodoma

A number of higher learning institutions in Tanzania have implemented Learning Management systems (LMSs) to manage online teaching and learning. However, effective use by both learners and instructors has been hindered by many challenges. This paper analyzes the students’ attitude towards the use of such systems with a focus on the University of Dodoma (UDOM). An online questionnaire was administered to sixty students from three different colleges who took different courses delivered in blended mode, with an online component through the University of Dodoma Learning Management System (UDOM LMS). The study found out that among the factors that hindered the use of the system, lack of skills to use the system and network issues were the key one. Students used their own laptops and mobile devices (mobile phones and tablets) to access the system. Students preferred being connected to the Internet using wireless modems than going through the college Local Area Network (LAN). To improve the use of the system, students suggested on improving the University network and training users on how the system works. There were also other suggestions such as uploading course materials and assessment activities on time, improving power outages and connectivity, and introducing Distance Learning programmes.

Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum Malaria among Pregnant Students in Dodoma Region, Tanzania: No Cases Have Been Detected.

Malaria in pregnancy, being often asymptomatic, is a major problem in endemic African countries. It is characterized by anemia and placental malaria leading to poor pregnancy outcomes. In 2001 Tanzania adopted an intermittent-preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) policy, which recommends receiving doses of antimalarial drugs every planned visit to the antenatal care centre (ANC), starting from the second trimester. Currently the policy is valid across the whole country, regardless that there are regions with very low malaria endemicity in Tanzania, such as Dodoma region. The current study aimed to show the real prevalence of malaria among young pregnant women in Dodoma region, by measuring the prevalence of malaria among University of Dodoma (UDOM) students, and to describe the social health care features of student female community. Two methods of malaria diagnostic, microscopy, and rapid test, as well as retrospective inspection of ANC registry book, showed the very low prevalence of malaria disease among pregnant students, approximately 0.3%. Additionally, the sociodemographic data from the questionnaires showed that all students use different malaria preventive measures, and most of them have the regular sexual partner. This fact approves the correlation between illiteracy of woman and the risk of malaria infection transmission.

UNILATERAL VARIANT IN ORIGIN, POSITION AND COURSE OF PUBIC ARTERY ASSOCIATED WITH A VARIANT OBTURATOR ARTERY AND VEIN

Address for Correspondence: Dr. Gabriel Jackob Mchonde, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroanatomy, School of Medicine, IwateMedical University, Iwate, Japan, Nishitokuda 2-1-1, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, 028-3694, Japan. E-Mail: gmchonde@yahoo.co.uk, mchonde@iwate-med.ac.jp *1 Lecturer, Cell Biology and Neuroanatomy, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. 2 Lecturer, Anatomy and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Dar es Salaam. 3 Surgeon, Senior Lecturer, Surgery and Maternal Health, School of Medicine, The University of Dodoma. 4 Professor of Anatomy, Biomedical Sciences, The University of Dodoma. Increased frequencies on variations in the origin, course and branching of retropubic vessels has brought an increased attention to anatomists, surgeons and radiologists. Pubic arterial supply normally originates from branches of; obturator artery before it leaves the pelvic cavity at the obturator foramen, and inferior epigastric artery. Branches from these two vessels usually anastomoses to supply the pubis. We observed a unique variation of pubic artery presenting unilaterally during a routine dissection in an 85-years-old male cadaver. A single unilateral variant left pubic artery was seen arising from a variant left obturator artery that originated from external iliac artery in a common trunk with inferior epigastric artery. On its way to the pubic region it gave a branch that provides arterial supply to the rectus sheath. To date this is a rare entity, thereby important to pelvic surgeons and radiologists undertaking routine procedures involving the retropubic space (space of Bogros).

The Establishment of the School of Virtual Education at the University of Dodoma in Tanzania: Personal Experience and Reflections

This paper describes the personal experience and reflections of the author who was the first Dean of the School of Virtual Education (SoVE) at the University of Dodoma (UDOM) in Tanzania. It describes in detail different tactics the author used to establish SoVE. In additional, it is suggested that the best way to implement a vibrant SoVE in developing countries like Tanzania can include three departments namely Department of Content Engineering and Multimedia Technology (DoCEMT), Department of Virtual Educational Technologies and Applications (DoVETA) and Department of Virtual Education Delivery (DoVED). The first two Departments are for capacity building while the third is for technology enhanced teaching and learning, online teaching and learning and instructional design for virtual delivery.

Exploitation of Online Social Networks (OSNs) among University Students: A Case Study of the University of Dodoma

Online Social Networks (OSNs) pervades all aspects of modern society, particularly with the tremendous developments of mobile technologies. This study surveys the exploitations of Online Social Networks for educational purposes by the students at the University of Dodoma (UDOM). A sample student from each college was taken and a questionnaire survey was administered to get the response from the students. The responses show that many social media applications such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Blogs and Wikis are frequently used by the responded students for communication, class activities, online learning and connecting with instructors. In general, the acceptance of OSNs by University students alerts that OSNs has the power to expand the walls of the classroom, expose students to the great thinkers of the world, and give them a voice in both local and global conversations. The findings of this study will help build a baseline for future investigations on exploiting social media for improving education delivery systems in Tanzania.