Abstract: This paper explores the challenges and opportunities of collaborative work with colleagues across the globe in a community of practice. The rise of technology and globalization has made it easier for professionals to collaborate with colleagues from different parts of the world. However, this also comes with its own set of challenges. The paper discusses the challenges such as time zone differences, cultural barriers, and communication issues that may arise when working with colleagues from different parts of the world. It also highlights the opportunities such as diverse perspectives, knowledge sharing, and cross-cultural learning that can be gained from collaborative work in a global community of practice. The theoretical framework is based on the concept of communities of practice, which emphasizes the importance of social learning and knowledge sharing within a group of individuals who are united by a common interest or profession. The paper delves into how collaborative work within a community of practice can lead to the development of new ideas, best practices, and innovative solutions to complex problems.

Abstract: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of educational comics on cognitive and affective learning in teaching the subjects of the environmental education course taught in universities and to describe the opinions of pre-service teachers about teaching with educational comics in environmental education. For this purpose, the research was conducted with mixed design method. The research was conducted on 87 pre-service social studies teachers studying at a state university in the Black Sea Region. There were 46 pre-service teachers in the experimental group and 41 pre-service teachers in the control group. Quantitative data of the study were obtained with the academic achievement test and attitude towards the environment scale, and qualitative data were obtained with the semi-structured interview forum. As a result of the application, there was a statistically significant difference between the pre-test and post-test mean scores of academic achievement and attitude towards the environment of both the experimental group students, in which activities were carried out with educational comics, and the control group students, in which activities were carried out according to the constructivist approach, in favor of the post-tests. When the effect of academic achievement pre-test scores was controlled, it was found that the academic achievement post-test scores of the students in the experimental and control groups differed significantly and this difference was in favor of the experimental group. When the effect of the pre-test scores of attitude towards the environment was controlled, it was found that the post-test scores of the students in the experimental and control groups differed significantly and this difference was in favor of the experimental group. According to the qualitative data analysis, it was determined that the qualitative pre-service teachers had a positive affective perspective towards teaching with educational comics.

Abstract: Retail outlets in rural South African communities are increasingly concerned about sustainability. Many of these outlets are therefore adopting digital marketing as a means to assist with sustainability initiatives. The implementation of digital marketing within this context face challenges. These challenges therefore limit the full potential of digital marketing. This study therefore set out to assess the uptake of digital marketing among consumers in rural Flagstaff. Using a qualitative research approach, data was gathered through five focus-group discussions involving an average of six participants each. Thematic analysis of the data revealed a limited adoption of digital marketing by in Flagstaff, with some consumers admitting to never having used digital devices. The main barriers cited were inadequate internet access due to poor mobile network coverage and the absence of WiFi hotspots. To improve adoption rates, the study recommends enhancing network infrastructure, offering affordable data plans, and improving access to digital devices by rural consumers. These measures may aim to increase the utilisation of digital marketing initiatives within South African retail outlets.