Browsing by Author "McGregor, Ken"

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    A problem solving system employing a formal approach to means
    (1976) Finnie, Gavin Ross; McGregor, Ken
    The thesis describes the theory and design of a general problem-solving system. The system uses a single general heuristic based on a formal definition of differences within the framework of means/ends analysis and employs tree search during problem solution. A comparison is made with two other systems using means/ends analysis. The conditions under which the system is capable of solving problems are investigated and the efficiency of the system is considered. The system has solved a variety of problems of varying complexity and the difference heuristic appears comparatively accurate for goal-directed search within certain limits.
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    Open Access
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    An open source model for teaching environments incorporating wireless devices
    (2007) Mutuku, James; McGregor, Ken
    Attempts have been made at bridging the digital divide in schools using desktop PC systems without much success. As a result many computer laboratories sit empty. There are many reasons for these failures. Often there are incompatibilities of software applications for the PC and its operating systems. In other cases non-existent infrastructure such as networking support for the operations. This paper describes a project aimed at achieving a more successful school educational environment by using students' mobile devices, desktop computer and open source applications. The project therefore, looks forward to a time when schools no longer have to purchase computers for their students but rather utilize mobile devices already owned by students. The paper presents results of an evaluation study on the interaction of students' moble devices with course material and teachers using open source applications in a teaching environment. The pilot project was undertaken by Schoolnet in Namibia. The result presented show that although there were constraints on such devices the educational benefits far outweight the physical limitations.