Engineering Publications

Technological Speculations for African Oral Storytelling: Implications of Creating Expressive Embodied Conversational Agents - Melisa Allela

Abstract

Works of African orature, owing to their performative and participatory nature, are challenging to reproduce in written text, or as linear media in audio or video formats (animation or live action). This has created a research gap in virtual heritage research where emphasis has been placed on digitalization of tangible culture. In my dissertation, I examine the implication of bodily, expressive non-verbal characteristics of performance in traditional African oral storytelling to position their mediation in digital media formats using Embodied Conversational Agents (ECAs).

Effectiveness of Multimodal Microlearning for In-service Teacher Training - Melisa Allela

Abstract

In this paper, we present the design considerations that informed this decision as well as challenges and lessons learned from the first implementation of the INSET project for junior secondary school teachers in Sierra Leone. A multimodal approach was considered and implemented to mitigate Internet access challenges and to expand learning opportunities. These include a mobile app version of the Toolkit, offline access to microlearning resources on the TeacherFutures platform via the Moodle mobile app, a mobile app version of one INSET module, an e-portfolio to be used by participants in sharing their learnings as demonstrated and practised during a face-to-face roll-out seminar, and finally, WhatsApp groups in which different schools engaged in discussions based on the questions on the Toolkit.

Protocol for Evaluating Sand Dam Water Quality in Semi-Arid Areas: A Case Study for Makueni County - Dorcas Bernard

Abstract

Sand dams have been recommended in many places as a feasible technology for the ASAL areas due to their ability to store water with minimal evaporation, recharge underground water and raise water table, among others.The focus of this study therefore was to determine water quality parameters for evaluating potability of water from sand dams, and development of a protocol for evaluating potability of water from sand dams in semi-arid areas. Water samples were collected from the sampled existing sand dams’ water abstraction points within Makueni County and analyzed for heavy metals, microbiological, physical and chemical quality.

Review of Municipal Solid Waste Management: A Case Study of Nairobi, Kenya - Dorcas Bernard

Abstract

Solid waste management (SWM) is a major public health and environmental concern in urban areas of many developing countries. Nairobi’s solid waste situation, which could be taken to generally represent Kenya’s status, is largely characterized by low coverage of solid waste collection, pollution from uncontrolled dumping of waste, inefficient public services, unregulated and uncoordinated private sector and lack of key solid waste management infrastructure.