Qhawekazi Memani 13 September 2022

A study conducted by Dr Kayode Emmanuel Oyetade, a PhD graduate at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), has investigated the factors that have a bearing on hackathon adoption for teaching and learning of computer programming.

Dr Oyetade graduated with Doctor Technologiae in Information Systems under the Faculty of Applied Computer Sciences at the University’s recent Spring Graduations.

With a thesis titled “A Framework of the Adoption of Hacketon for Teaching and Learning of Computer Programming”, Dr Oyetade’s study has been lauded as critical and timely, given that educational institutions in South Africa are still in the early stages of using hackathons.

In his research, Dr Oyetade was successful in validating the conceptual framework which indicated variables that influence or have a relationship with behavioural intention to adopt hackathon. Hackathons originated from the evolution and revolution of computers primarily designed as a collaborative tool for solving computer-related tasks or theorising new possibilities based on specific infrastructures. According to him, this knowledge will contribute towards transforming the learning environment from a teacher-centred to a learner-centred one by promoting a form of social learning where knowledge is created amongst students when interacting. “In turn, this will help in building relationships, and supporting the learning process that occurs from cooperation, dependence and helping each other,” he adds.

With the assistance of his promoter, Prof Tranos Zuva and co-promoter, Dr Anneke Harmse, Oyetade was exposed to new ideas in research – from idea conceptualisation to data analysis and paper writing. Also, a key highlight from the thesis is the publication of six papers in peer reviewed accredited journals and Scopus indexed conferences.

Asked how he feels about this milestone, the Nigerian-born who works as a Product Specialist for one of the leading health switching houses in South Africa, had this to say: “I feel great, joyful, fulfilled, and thankful to God to have achieved this feat.” He said his graduation highlights include getting to plan his wedding at the start of the program while also maintaining a work-life-study balance which did not affect each other.

Academic journeys are different, and students are bound to face challenges. During his journey at VUT, Dr Oyetade faced the dilemma of not knowing the right office to contact. He highlighted that there’s a lack of well laid down procedures for post-graduate students.” It can be streamlined and improved to ease the process for new students to attract more students to fulfil VUT’s strategic goal 2 and 4,” he advised.

His words of encouragement to students or fellow colleagues looking to study further: “The journey might seem rough and tough now but with continued discipline and the future goal in mind, they will achieve their academic feat.

He added: “It wasn’t a train smash or a bed of roses on this journey, I got depressed, fell ill, felt like giving up several times but with the emotional support from my supervisor and family, I pulled through. You can do that as well by seeking the right support as you will need it.”

Vaal University of Technology funded his studies.