**8. The findings**

#### **8.1 Delphi process step 1 – Outcome**


#### Expert 1-Algorithms and Computer Security

1. The learning tools should be able to simulate animations via multimedia or games. It should have the features or options to simulate or modelling via a request from expert (lecturer). Choice of simulation should be based on the topic at hand and the guidance of the lecturer. The simulation options should have common characters available, hence having the option of choosing the match of which characters are to be adopted or used for the topic or scenario at hand. Simulation via game infuses students to think logically and analytically hence drawing the results via a step-by- step momentum governing a build-up of interest on the topic at hand. A video capture of the lecture with the ability of conversion to audio form provides a thinking flow in the students mind hence mind provoking to empower and challenge the questioning technique. These applications can be converted to any choice of language hence making it multilingual. It supports and garners a cultural openness in assisting students from all walks of life. In addition to this there is a feature of an SMS option linking the lecturer to the student enabling the sharing of instant up-to date information.

2. The need for relevant training from prospective vendors enabling the maximization of the learning tool at hand is required. A testing period performed on a trial basis on the relevant tools should be incorporated to better understand, enable gradual adoption and gauge the capabilities of the software. In the case of minimal support, the success of the software could be jeopardized. It is only feasible through teamwork for a better understanding of the stakeholders of the software.

#### Expert 2- Multimedia

62 New Research on Knowledge Management Technology

teaching and learning activities. The key thrust is to ensure that lecturers, as front liners, are

Ensuring sustainable buy-in from the academic staff can only be possible when strong structural and technical support is in place. In doing so, tacit knowledge from experts is to be obtained to better comprehend the intended requirements of the tools that would be acquired. To guarantee success in implementation, there must be significant reliance on sound planning and on the provision of appropriate developmental interventions. This would include obtaining tacit knowledge as an input capture into the KMS system from

The process of Delphi mindfully uses the Activity Theory notion in obtaining human related information allowing social-organization processes to be accounted. With this in mind the KMS system would visibly include all needs and demands of the experts including cultural and organizational norm in living up to its expectations and survive the test of time hence

The initial groundwork of the Delphi process taken on for this research study obtained relevant requirements from knowledge experts based on their respective specialization areas. Only five identifiable experts in the cluster of major specialization areas of Information Technology were consulted into providing these relevant feedbacks. These five areas broadly covers the relevant domains in Computing. The major specialization areas include algorithms and network security, multimedia, object oriented programming and

Upon identifying the experts, the first round of the Delphi process addressed relevant questions directed to the selected experts taking into consideration both the human expert opinions in the subject domain areas together with the social and organizational requirements of the system. They were directed in such a way that the opinions incorporated issue that affected the outside boundary of the organization – the external environment. By driving these questions, the research pilot study enabled the experts to provide opinions that not only drives or shares their current best practices utilized but

Further to this, the second round of the Delphi process initiated a set of questions via a questionnaire to the same selected sets of experts. The objective of this stage of the Delphi process is to obtain a consolidated wholesome viewpoint of all experts concerned regarding feasible requirements of the blended learning tools and strategies. A system perspective view on their feedback, opinions and knowledge better enables the complete requirements acquisition process. By doing so, the team is able to obtain a collective consensus in

1. The learning tools should be able to simulate animations via multimedia or games. It should have the features or options to simulate or modelling via a request from expert (lecturer). Choice of simulation should be based on the topic at hand and the guidance

selected experts of best practices, opinions and solutions via the Delphi method.

productively achieving and solving the software engineering practices of today.

game development, databases and software development concepts and strategies.

envisages the possible needs of what makes an outstanding learning Institution.

1. Requirements and effective elicitation results on the blended learning tools. 2. Identifiable assistance that would be required in adopting blended learning.

the ones driving and advocating technology.

achieving the purpose of the intended change.

**8.1 Delphi process step 1 – Outcome** 

Expert 1-Algorithms and Computer Security

**8. The findings** 


Expert 3 - object oriented programming and game development

1. One blended tool that could be incorporated should enable programming to be visually guided (screen view) as video captured files which could be made

A Roadmap for Requirements Elicitation of

ecosystem of the University.

non-viable solutions.

**9. The interview process** 

outside classrooms?

Questions:

**Expert 1**  Q1.

Q2.

game)

language

Expert 5 - Software development concepts and strategies.

reference and commercialization purposes (if required).

which will then guide them to provide their opinions.

Provides options of teaching process and styles

2. The effectiveness of the tools based on subject domain?

Knowledge Management Systems: A Delphi Study 65

1. The tools should enable facilitated collaboration with industry stakeholders thus providing an avenue for direct interaction of problem and solutions. How can this be done? Via a forum that could automatically send out "invites" to industry experts. This would be a specialized tool that caters to the requirements of round trip engineering (software). The tools should contain a database, self- available samples of past models or solutions with feedback and comments attached to each, hence becoming a repository of knowledge base. Inside the repository would be viable and

2. The need for collaboration with vendors is crucial in building the intended applications best suiting the user at hand. Clientele assistance is needed in identifying committed clients who are willing (via a Memorandum of Understanding) to be pro-actively involved in injecting real-life industry inputs. There is a need for assistance in identifying real-life projects to be used for assignments. The repository has to be current and updated with solutions for future

The goal of this questionnaire process at the end is to reach a consensus of opinion among the group of experts. The uniqueness of Delphi lies in its reliability, given the variableness of human opinion, and in its ability to be administered remotely without direct participant interaction. Hence, this process gathers a reconfirmation of the experts' knowledge and opinions on forming the basis of a collective organizational goal that is to be achieved. The individual experts will be given a brief explanation of the selection options, criteria settings

1. What would you want in a tool to assist you in incorporating Blended Learning in or

Simulation Capabilities – simulates the concepts with most familiar characters (ex:

Multi-lingual – enabling international students to convert materials to their choice of

3. What assistance would you as an expert require in adopting Blended learning?

Audio or Video conversions – various media options in the learning process

Mobile application capability – information on ad-hoc situations

materials through the University's library. Financial support into the investment on technological gadgets such as Ipad could develop a new culture towards the

available publicly via YouTube. This would be possible with screen capture software highlighting the visual movement of the input device hence enabling the students to revisit lectures. The capture of the lecture (visual input screen movement) could be utilized as a revision through examples given or perhaps be used as an alternative mode of teaching. Simulation depicting object oriented programming principles would also be viable to better understand the topic at hand. We could also use gaming software's which would strengthen the knowledge of students via a self -guided realization. Another feature that could be added in the imperative technology of making communication effective both ways is to enable the blended learning tool available via mobile applications. The objective here is mobility of being able to gain access to the expert (lecturer) anytime and anywhere. Students and lecturers at the University are respectively logged on the system. This could be featured as a Universities "Facebook" application. Another interesting requirement is acquiring tools that enable group collaboration that logs problems and shares solutions with individuals and or groups thus enabling feedback from lecturers to be appropriately provided. The additional feature of the blended tool to enable on-line video conferencing with students and potential speakers and clients could also carve a niche in overcoming the communication and requirement gap.

2. There is a need for vendors support on the software's adopted. Training is essential on the best technical video capture (awareness of all possible tools and methods of video or audio capture) in adopting the right blended learning strategy. Quality of tool is essential. It is equally important to ensure that the content of the video is appropriately suitable for the nature of the study or practice in accordance with the current Gen Y. It also provides support to experts looking for the best simulators available in teaching object oriented programming at a higher level other than ALICE. There is a visible need for up to date technological gadgets and tools with the objective of keeping up with the current trends hence making it appealing to try out new techniques and styles of blended learning. Recognition and reward should be given to individual experts in taking the initiative to appropriately apply blended learning into their classroom. This serves as an internal and external motivational factor to many.

#### Expert 4 – Databases


2. There is a need for vendors support on the software's adopted. Training is essential on the best technical video capture (awareness of all possible tools and methods of video or audio capture) in adopting the right blended learning strategy. Quality of tool is essential. It is equally important to ensure that the content of the video is appropriately suitable for the nature of the study or practice in accordance with the current Gen Y. It also provides support to experts looking for the best simulators available in teaching object oriented programming at a higher level other than ALICE. There is a visible need for up to date technological gadgets and tools with the objective of keeping up with the current trends hence making it appealing to try out new techniques and styles of blended learning. Recognition and reward should be given to individual experts in taking the initiative to appropriately apply blended learning into their classroom. This serves as an internal and external motivational

1. There should visibly be simulation of the programming of SQL through a recorded session thus enabling students to conceptualize the practical sessions through a simulation learning system, serving as a recap or perhaps a revision of the topic at hand. The need to establish an online forum to ensure that the students are able to interact with lecturers who serve as a support mechanism to students and lecturers enabling better understanding of topics and ideas discussed. Example: freeforum.org. There should also be access to video files depicting real life industry case studies to be viewed by the students for practical experience and analysis. Students need to be provided with real-time data which could be used to train the

2. There is visible need for trainings from the suppliers or vendors on the usage of the specific product. Lecturers should be able to gain access to up-to-date resource

students on database development for high end industries.

the communication and requirement gap.

factor to many.

Expert 4 – Databases

available publicly via YouTube. This would be possible with screen capture software highlighting the visual movement of the input device hence enabling the students to revisit lectures. The capture of the lecture (visual input screen movement) could be utilized as a revision through examples given or perhaps be used as an alternative mode of teaching. Simulation depicting object oriented programming principles would also be viable to better understand the topic at hand. We could also use gaming software's which would strengthen the knowledge of students via a self -guided realization. Another feature that could be added in the imperative technology of making communication effective both ways is to enable the blended learning tool available via mobile applications. The objective here is mobility of being able to gain access to the expert (lecturer) anytime and anywhere. Students and lecturers at the University are respectively logged on the system. This could be featured as a Universities "Facebook" application. Another interesting requirement is acquiring tools that enable group collaboration that logs problems and shares solutions with individuals and or groups thus enabling feedback from lecturers to be appropriately provided. The additional feature of the blended tool to enable on-line video conferencing with students and potential speakers and clients could also carve a niche in overcoming materials through the University's library. Financial support into the investment on technological gadgets such as Ipad could develop a new culture towards the ecosystem of the University.

Expert 5 - Software development concepts and strategies.

