Irene Govender | Programming | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Prof. Dr. Irene Govender | Programming | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Irene Govender, Professor at University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Professor Irene Govender is a full professor in Information Systems and Technology (IS&T) with a distinguished career marked by her contributions to computing and technology in academia. As an NRF-rated researcher, she has explored critical intersections between education, technology, and interdisciplinary research, with a focus on empowering students through innovative teaching methods and leveraging technology to improve educational outcomes. With over 90 publications in peer-reviewed journals and numerous contributions to international conferences, Professor Govender is recognized globally for her scholarly excellence and dedication to advancing research in IS&T. Her experience as an academic leader and extensive network of international collaborations highlight her commitment to promoting academic excellence and fostering partnerships that drive meaningful change in the field of Information Systems and beyond.

Profile

ORCID

Education

Professor Govender’s academic journey is rooted in a strong foundation of scientific and technological study, including a Ph.D. in Computing. Her education reflects a deep and ongoing commitment to understanding and advancing the fields of computer science and technology. She earned her MSc in Computer Science with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence, building on her BSc in Computer Science and Mathematics. Additionally, her early training included a Junior Secondary Education Diploma (JSED) in Mathematics and Physics, coupled with a teaching diploma that paved the way for her role in academia. Her education and professional qualifications are further complemented by her involvement with esteemed professional bodies, including SACLA, SAICSIT, ACM, IEEE, and ISI, where she has remained an active member, continually engaging with the latest research and development in her field.

Experience

Professor Govender has served in academia for several decades, most notably as an academic leader of IS&T from 2014 to 2020. During this tenure, she led numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing educational practices and research output within the department. She has taught a wide range of modules, including research methodology, systems design, networking and security, programming, and mobile application development, imparting critical knowledge and skills to students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She has also contributed to global academic discussions by serving as a reviewer for various NRF committees, international journals, and conference proceedings. Her role as an external examiner and part of the institutional audit teams across different universities showcases her expertise and authority in IS&T. In her career, she has supervised and guided over 20 master’s and doctoral students, supporting them through research and professional development, thus contributing to the growth of future researchers in the field.

Research Interest

Professor Govender’s research interests span a wide range of interdisciplinary areas that bring together technology, education, and societal impact. Her primary areas of focus include Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Big Data Analytics, and ICT4D, with more recent explorations into robotics and coding for teachers. Her interest in technology for teaching and learning has driven her to develop innovative ways to use mobile and digital platforms for education, making her research both timely and highly impactful. Additionally, her work in computational thinking has involved developing resources and strategies for youth, helping them cultivate critical skills through mobile and digital platforms. This unique combination of educational technology and interdisciplinary research has positioned her as a thought leader in the IS&T community, with significant contributions to discussions on the role of technology in transforming education and supporting development in underserved communities.

Awards

Professor Govender’s contributions to IS&T have been recognized through several accolades, which underscore her dedication to research and academic service. She is an NRF-rated researcher, which highlights her standing as a scholar of high caliber within the South African research community. Her service as the Chief Examiner for the national senior certificate for IT, along with her role in academic audits and external examination panels, reflects her commitment to upholding standards of excellence in education. Additionally, her reputation as an invited speaker at international conferences and symposiums has earned her widespread respect among her peers and in the broader academic community. These recognitions serve as a testament to her contributions to academia and her role as an inspiring figure in the field of Information Systems and Technology.

Publications

Fostering Youth Wellbeing Through mHealth Apps: Embracing Physical Activity for a Healthier Lifestyle (2024) – Book chapter in Crossref, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-50192-0_35.
Enhancing Learning Engagement: A Study on Gamification’s Influence on Motivation and Cognitive Load (2024) – Education Sciences, DOI: 10.3390/educsci14101115.
UX/UI Design of Online Learning Platforms and Their Impact on Learning (2022) – International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science, DOI: 10.20525/ijrbs.v11i10.2236.
Digital Game-Based Learning for Information Technology (2022) – E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, DOI: 10.38159/ehass.20223137.
THE ROLE OF E-BOOKS IN ICT INTEGRATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SWAZILAND (2019) – Conference paper at University of Kwazulu Natal.
Students’ Views on the Use of Facebook as an Online Learning Management System (2019) – Conference paper at University of Kwazulu Natal.
Information Technology Policy Formulation for Socio-economic Growth (2019) – Conference paper at University of Kwazulu Natal.

Conclusion

Professor Irene Govender’s scholarly achievements and her contributions to IS&T reflect a deep commitment to advancing technology in education and interdisciplinary research. Her work spans teaching, research, and service to the academic community, demonstrating a broad and impactful career. Her dedication to mentoring students and fostering an environment of innovation in education is evident through her collaborations and wide-ranging research interests, which include OOP, Big Data, and ICT4D. Professor Govender’s reputation as a researcher and educator makes her an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award, as she continues to set high standards in her field while inspiring others to explore the transformative potential of technology in education and beyond.

 

Bethany Smith | Professional Development | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Ms.Bethany Smith | Professional Development | Best Researcher Award 

Lecturer in PE and School Sport Hartpury University United Kingdom

Evaluation of Bethany Jane Smith for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Academic and Professional Background: Bethany Jane Smith holds an MA in Professional Education Practice and a BA (Hons) in Sports Coaching and Physical Education, showcasing her strong academic foundation. Her education is complemented by numerous sports qualifications, including UEFA B and FA Secondary Teachers Award, which highlight her dedication to the sports education field.
  2. Research Contributions: Bethany has contributed to academic research, evidenced by her latest peer-reviewed publication in Professional Development in Education. This publication underscores her involvement in significant educational research, specifically in teacher development.
  3. Practical Experience and Leadership: Bethany’s employment history demonstrates a strong blend of academic and practical experience. Her roles as a UEFA C Coach Developer, FA Coach Mentor, and Lecturer at Hartpury University involve leadership, mentoring, and teaching, aligning with her research interests. These roles reflect her ability to translate research into practice, an essential quality for a researcher.
  4. Commitment to Professional Development: Bethany has continuously pursued professional development, earning certifications and taking on leadership roles, such as Course Manager for the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport. Her achievements, including being named Sportswoman of the Year at Plymouth Marjon University, further emphasize her dedication and recognition in her field.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Focus on Research Output: While Bethany has a solid foundation in education and professional practice, her research output could be expanded. Increasing the number of peer-reviewed publications, particularly in high-impact journals, would strengthen her profile as a researcher.
  2. Interdisciplinary Research: Bethany’s work is primarily focused on sports coaching and physical education. Engaging in interdisciplinary research, particularly in areas such as sports psychology or education technology, could broaden her impact and demonstrate versatility as a researcher.
  3. Global Impact and Collaboration: Participating in international research collaborations and projects could enhance her visibility and influence in the global research community. This would also offer opportunities to engage with diverse perspectives and methodologies.

Conclusion

Bethany Jane Smith is a dedicated and accomplished professional in the field of sports education and coaching. Her strong academic background, practical experience, and leadership roles make her a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. However, to further bolster her candidacy, increasing her research output and expanding her work into interdisciplinary and international arenas would be beneficial. With these improvements, Bethany has the potential to significantly contribute to her field and gain broader recognition as a leading researcher.

Bethany Jane Smith is a passionate educator, coach, and mentor in the sports sector, with a deep commitment to developing holistic learners. Her dedication to fostering growth in both education and sports is evident in her extensive experience working with a diverse range of learners. Bethany’s approach is rooted in empathy, patience, and resilience, driving her to continually refine best practices in her field. Currently based in Gloucester, she is a recognized leader in professional teacher development within universities, with a strong focus on enhancing the effectiveness of educational practices.

Profile

ORCiD

Education 🎓

Bethany Jane Smith holds an MA in Professional Education Practice from Plymouth Marjon University, where she also earned a Post Graduate Certificate in Education, specializing in Secondary Physical Education with PSHE and SEND Enhancement, achieving a distinction. Her academic journey began with a BA (Hons) in Sports Coaching and Physical Education, where she graduated with First Class Honors. Bethany’s education was further enriched by her roles as a course representative and her in-depth study of inclusive classroom practices, professional development, and sports science.

Experience 💼

Bethany has a wealth of experience in the education and sports sectors. Currently, she serves as a UEFA C Coach Developer at The Football Association, where she supports learners in achieving their coaching qualifications. Additionally, she mentors coaches within the Women’s and Girls’ divisions, ensuring best practices are upheld. Her role as an Academy Coach at Hartpury College allows her to design and deliver sessions that develop holistic players, while her position as a Lecturer at Hartpury University involves creating high-quality teaching materials and managing undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Previously, Bethany was a Lecturer in Sport and Public Services at West Kent College, where she also served as a Course Manager.

Research Interest 🔍

Bethany’s research interests are centered around professional teacher development, particularly within the university setting. She is dedicated to exploring what makes teacher development effective and how educational practices can be improved to foster better learning outcomes. Her work is informed by her practical experience in coaching and education, aiming to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Awards 🏆

Bethany has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career. She was elected as the Course Manager for the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport in 2019 and was named Sportswoman of the Year at Plymouth Marjon University in 2018. Her leadership roles include serving as the Devon FA Project Officer for the Youth Council and captain of various BUCS Ladies sports teams.

Publications 📚

Bethany’s latest peer-reviewed publication is titled “What makes professional teacher development in universities effective? Lessons from an international systematised review,” co-authored with L. Wyness. Published in 2024 in the journal Professional Development in Education, this paper delves into the key factors that contribute to effective teacher development. Read the publication here