Submitted by Samip Manandhar, Samyak Tamrakar, Pratik Pokharel, Sonia Masqsood, and Roshna Gurung

1. INTRODUCTIONWith the continuous development of smart devices and the internet, a growing number of online services have become available worldwide. However, security concerns are increasingly prevalent across various sectors, including banking, government applications, healthcare, and more as data can be accessed or manipulated easily. Thus, authenticating users of internet services has become crucial.

Submitted by Audrey Dale Salang Barangan, Chanikan Polpattanakul, John Rey Mendoza Montejo, Manjusha Thomas, and Pravallika Thunga

​Abstract: This paper looks at how Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) can be optimised through evaluation of the cost, security, and user experience, accepting the fact that conventional methods of single-factor authentication are open to more risks compared to before. The study calls for the development of MFA that would help reduce risks attached to cyber threats that threaten organisations and data privacy. Different forms of MFA approaches are discussed in the project, including the use of SMS codes and email codes, biometric identification, hardware tokens, and application notifications, and the advantages, constraints, and applicability of the various approaches are highlighted. 

Submitted by Dr. Nicos Souleles

​In the beginning...
In 2005, six years after the term ‘e-learning’ was devised, I authored a paper titled “Staff use of e-learning and graduate competencies for the knowledge economy: A study of the misalignment between rhetoric and practice” (2005). Incidentally, ‘e-learning’ became ‘elearning’ without the hyphen in the early 2000s as online learning became widespread. This paper examined the dominant rhetoric of this initial period of elearning adoption by higher education (HE) institutions and the professional development of academics. At the time, the rhetoric was alarmist. For example, the Commission of the European Communities (2000) warned about addressing the skills gap in elearning and information and communication technology (ICT) skills as a pre-condition for participation in the global knowledge economy (KE). It was argued that participation in the KE has numerous advantages, such as increasing individuals' knowledge, boosting economic competitiveness and generating employment opportunities. Likewise, the consultation paper 'Towards a Unified eLearning Strategy' by the Department for Education and Skills (United Kingdom) (2003) explicitly outlined the interrelationships between skills, education, and KE, as well as the British government's commitment to incorporating the e-agenda into HE curricula through a systematic approach and nationally integrated strategies. A report by the Education Network Australia also addressed similar themes (2003).

In 1973 Christmas Island was one of many offshore locations of CESA Examinations. In fact, in that year there almost 1,000 CESA examinations overseas and about 2,000 in Australia for Basic and Advanced Level Diplomas in Accountancy and Management.
                “Christmas Island lies in the eastern portion of the Indian Ocean, 890 miles from Singapore and 1,408 miles from Fremantle, Western Australia.         The island was discovered and named by the captain of an East India Company ship in 1643. The first recorded landing was by Dampier’s crew in 1688. The island was uninhabited until late in the nineteenth century. In 1888 it was annexed by H.M.S. Imperieuse and placed under supervision of the Straits Settlement Government.

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What are some of the ways to detect AI? What are the positive benefits of AI? What are some of the dangers of AI? It is sometimes claimed that in commerce, including business and law, artificial intelligence (AI) is more efficient than humans, for example, in compiling expository literature reviews or composing affidavits. Is there substantial evidence for this? When is it justifiable to utilise AI without breach of academic integrity? What are some of the ways to detect AI? What are the positive benefits of AI? What are some of the dangers of AI?

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​As face-to-face teaching and peer reviews of teaching become the norm again after the Covid lockdowns which varied considerably among our various jurisdictions, it was thought appropriate to return to some aspects of classroom management in which learning should occur. Many students, and some teachers, have only experienced ‘remote’ teaching and learning!
There has been much discussion about classroom management in recent media claims about the lowering of student achievement. While for most of us this may not be a serious issue, some colleagues have suggested that it might be timely to recall some of the elements of this topic. To do so, I have chosen some parts from a chapter of that title in a textbook which goes back to the era of old-fashioned, but very effective, teachers’ colleges. 

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The COVID-19 lockdowns of recent years compelled a shift to remote learning for students, ushering in an era of what can be termed as guided discovery, reminiscent of educational approaches popularized in the sixties. This method, although often ridiculed at its inception, bears resemblance to Jerome Bruner's concept of guided discovery, aimed at fostering both self-mastery and mastery of the material, particularly in reading [3].
Guided discovery, akin to "intellectual orienteering," entails the teacher designing a series of experiences to guide students toward desired learning outcomes. Contrary to a caricatured notion of throwing students into a physics laboratory and expecting them to derive the theory of relativity, guided discovery involves active participation and mentorship [14]. As Bruner himself noted, "Much of what we call ‘instruction’ is but the provision of an atmosphere in which learning can take place" [3].
While this approach may cover less material in any given timeframe, it emphasizes depth of understanding and student engagement [cf. 11]. As John Dewey famously stated, "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself" [4]. In the post-lockdown era, as schools readjust to in-person learning, there's an opportunity to re-examine the efficacy of guided discovery within the high school setting. This note explores the principles of guided discovery and their potential application in organizing effective seminars, tutorials, and capstone subjects [cf. 7,13]. By revisiting these fundamentals, educators may foster deeper learning experiences and better prepare students for academic challenges ahead.

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AbstractThis report delves into the topic of improving efficiency in a possibly hybrid work environment. It explores how to do this for a team which utilizes Microsoft Teams for both remote and in-office tasks. Despite some of the perceived advantages of working remotely, there is evidence which suggests that productivity may decrease. The study uncovers significant issues, such as communication difficulties, complexities in maintaining work-life balance, and financial considerations. These problems are highlighted as crucial to address for the overall integrity and productivity of the workplace. Additionally, the report presents an analysis of these identified issues by drawing upon knowledge from various disciplines. In particular, the report is composed of various components which aid in assessing the financial state of an organization. These include a projected profit and loss table, an analysis that evaluates profitability based on different numbers of office days per week, and a projected balance sheet. The outcome suggests that the most balanced approach would be to have a three-day work-week at the office. Additionally, it proposes solutions such as investing in technology, incorporating flexible working hours, and maintaining clear communication channels. Further research recommendations focus on exploring long-term effects and considering environmental factors. Moreover, future plans involve studying how remote work technologies are evolving and ensuring business sustainability. In essence, this report serves as a comprehensive guide for organizations aiming to optimize their hybrid work model in terms of productivity and financial effectiveness.

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