In the past ProTechnida was published biannually. An Editorial Committee decision was taken in July 2000 to publish only one issue per year. It was also decided to include outstanding higher degree student contributions. This current issue is the first of the new era of ProTechnidas.

The first three contributions were written by B Tech Computer Studies students in collaboration with their supervisors; the first dealing with evaluation of students in an online collaborative classroom, followed by a paper on digitised music and ways to minimize music piracy. The third article investigates issues of competitiveness and preparedness in the software development industry.

One of our lecturers, Hamilton Williams currently studying in Australia, contributed views on a constructivist/postmodernist definition of literacy.

Moving the focus to Engineering, Martin Mgangira looks at the role of the civil engineering industry in ensuring quality in engineering education.

In her article on Solo Taxonomy, Ilse Asquith investigates the application of this method as a possible tool for assessing students in higher education.

The next two articles deal with important African issues, namely how Africa can benefits from globalization and the identification of typology categories focusing on the current socio-economic situation and farming systems of Allan Waters, a communal area near Queenstown in the Eastern Cape Province.

This issue is concluded with an article by Theda Thomas, one of our latest doctorates, supplying suggestions - some slightly tongue in the cheek - on finding time for research from a mother's perspective.

The editorial staff hope to receive many more deserving contributions from higher degree students in the future.

R E Gerber

PRINCIPAL LECTURER: BUREAU FOR EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT