International Institute of
A Case Study of Mobile Learning through Place-Based Pedagogy in the Development of 21st Century Competencies
Koh, Richard *; Chan, Xiao Yi *; Shear, Linda **; Patel, Deepa ** (* Singapore, ** United States)
ABSTRACT:
In Crescent Girls’ School (CGS), Secondary One students go through a Communicative Arts Programme, which integrates Literature and English with a focus on oral communication. A challenge that teachers have often faced is to teach the students to understand poems at a deeper level. One poem that is discussed with students deals with the battle that took place at a local historical site, Bukit Chandu, during World War II. This poem creates images explicitly for the students but there is a need to engage them emotionally so that they can uncover the deeper meanings of the words used in the poem.
Based on design principles anchored on place-based pedagogy, the teachers from CGS designed a digital learning trail to shape students’ experiences at Bukit Chandu and to render their experiences more real and concrete. The experiences were designed to be mobile, student-centric and interdisciplinary to examine how place-based learning influenced student learning. Aside from having greater appreciation of local history, students also learnt about literature and, more importantly, developed 21st century competencies such as collaboration skills and the ability to construct knowledge.
An Innovative Approach for Evaluating an e-Learning Module
Ilunga, Masengo; Jabulani, Nyoni (South Africa)
ABSTRACT:
An analytic hierarchy process (AHP) variant for the evaluation of an e-learning module offered by the University of South Africa was carried out innovatively.
The innovation in AHP technique is based on module experts’ judgement consistency that is derived from random substitution concept of initial entries of the pairwise comparison matrix (PCM) of the sub-criteria. This was tested preliminarily on selected evaluation subcriteria of EUP1501 module (i.e. Ethical Information and Communication Technologies for Development Solutions). Based on their local weights, the selected subcriteria could be ranked under their respective criteria or minimum standards. The results revealed that sub-criteria “student orientation to on-line environment” and “information on student support” under criterion “introductory and orienting information on the site” were most critical factors for EUP1501. Besides, sub-criterion “students’ skills to apply knowledge in problem solving and to analyse the usefulness of information and data from multiple sources” was the most critical factor under
criterion “teaching and learning”. These results could have practical implications in guiding EUP1501 academic unit in the next review/update of the on-line module.
Architecting an Academic Enterprise. Applying Enterprise Architecture Principles to an Academic Process
Assidmi, Luay; Sulaiman, Abdullah; Al-Ammary, Saad; Al-Shihri, Khalid (Saudi Arabia)
ABSTRACT:
Education and training are different but highly related concepts. They have common goals and means to achieve their objectives. Students face difficulty finding organizations willing to devote their time and energy training temporary summer interns, especially when dealing with sensitive information both in content and security. In this paper, we demonstrate the applicability of an academic institute as an enterprise to train students in theoretical concepts such as Enterprise Architecture principles, using as, an example, the process of preparing a quality check instrument such as a Course File.
ASIE Model: An Innovative Instructional Design Model for Teachers in Enhancing and Sustaining the Quality of the 21st Century Learning
Zain, Ismail Md. (Malaysia)
ABSTRACT:
An effective and systematic design of instruction will determine the quality of learning and teaching practices. Hence, instructional design models are required, to move from just adopting a standard approach to developing
models that have an impact on learners’ profiles, creating a much better learning experience, skills, and knowledge both in the classroom and online. The 21st Century Learning Framework requires learners to develop their
thinking skills, communication skills, collaborating skills and enhancing their creativity, (4Cs) towards establishing “globally competitive learners.” An Integral ASIE Instructional Design Model is an innovative 21st Century teachers’ designing tool that provides a solution to the above challenges.The Model assist teachers in Planning, Utilizing and Sharing (PLUS) instructions with others
across nations. It promotes the Professional Learning Community practices where educationist, stakeholders, parents, and corporates work collaboratively ensuring its quality and sustainability in addressing the future employability issues of the learners. Results from 5 Likert Scales Questionnaires given to teachers in workshops and pilot project conducted, shows positive views on the model.
Assessing Student Learning in a Capstone Strategic Management Course
Jordan, Paula F. (United States)
ABSTRACT:
This paper will discuss the use of an online business simulation in assessing student learning in the MGT 482 Strategic Management Course in an Undergraduate Business Curriculum. The MGT482 Strategic Management Course is the last, capstone course in the Bachelors of Science in Management Degree at National Louis University. This course utilizes Glo-Bus, a business management simulation (www.glo-bus.com), which allows for assessment of learning outcomes.
Automated Development of Physics and Chemistry Educational Content for Mass Individualized Education
Chirtsov, Alexander; Sychov, Sergey (Russian Federation)
ABSTRACT:
The article considers the base structure and mechanisms of developing science education constructors designed with the use of Physical Object Oriented Models (PhOOM). This approach makes it possible to create a number of customized applications for natural science education. Some models for physics and chemistry courses are mentioned. PhOOM combines model demonstration, test problem design and easy adjustment by the user in one easily manageable product or online service for the purpose of engineering and natural science
education. A further development of the approach is a system generating test problems, based on real time simulation, for advanced plasma physics courses.
Automatic Tagging as a Support Strategy for Creating Knowledge Maps
De Araújo, Leonardo Moura *; Ramos, Doris Cáliz ** (* Germany, ** Spain)
ABSTRACT:
Graph organizers are powerful tools for both structuring and transmitting knowledge. Because of their unique characteristics, these organizers are especially valuable for institutions which have information-based assets, such as museums. While Mind Maps are simpler to be structured and comprehended,
Knowledge Maps offer challenges that required new strategies to minimize the complexity and support individuals during their creation. This paper presents automatic tagging as one answer to this problem. In addition, we present some results of a usability test performed to measure the efficiency of the automatic tagging feature as a structuring semantic approach to both the organization and correlation of topics, and how well concepts can be communicated through the visual representation of the network. Our preliminary findings suggest
this feature accelerates the construction of graphs, and aids their interpretation, because of certain topological characteristics that afford the identification of importance and correlation of concepts.
Bitalino Use and Aplications for Health, Education, Home Automation and Industry
Páris, César; Barbosa, Jorge; Ferreira, Emanuel; Gomes, Anabela (Portugal)
ABSTRACT:
This paper aims to present a project, developed in the context of higher education, where Bitalino was used. It explains its working mode, its practical applications and possible uses in the development of applications for several purposes. This project includes the development of several practical applications for each of the components of Bitalino. Their interaction possibilities with the user and the enhancement of utilization examples for their various sensors will also be explained. Based on the same microcontroller used in the Arduino Uno R3, the ATmega328P, the base kit of Bitalino is composed of several modules that results in a low-cost vital sign reading platform. These modules, linked together, serve as a platform for the different sensors and actuators that we can connect to Bitalino. The Bitalino MCU module is responsible for converting the analog signals from the sensors into digital signals so that they can then be processed by the software and used by the applications. This conversion is done using its own firmware; which is recorded on the integrated circuit of the MCU and it is upgradeable. Included with the kit is also a pair of electrodes that allow the sensors to read the body's electrical activity so that we can interpret the same signals (muscular, cardiac or others). The software included with Bitalino is named Open Signals and allows the acquisition and visualization of the different signals acquired by the different sensors processed by the MCU. A relatively simple application has been created that allows the viewing of sample signals acquisition from all the MCU inputs. This same application was later expanded to contain mini applications that react directly to one or more specific modules. In order to exemplify the operation and utility of each of the sensors, mini applications have been created that use or combine different sensors/actuators. As the applications were being developed, there were ideas of tools and applications for expanding Bitalino, so we considered that there is potential for this work to be continued with immense applications in the area of health, people with special needs or care, education, home automation and industry. This paper suggests some of these possibilities.
BYOD as One Interdisciplinary Response to Address Gaps between In-School and Out-of-School Learning in the 21st Century
Robertson, Lorayne; Corrigan, Laurie; Muirhead, Bill; Heuchert, Sean (Canada)
ABSTRACT:
BYOD or bring your own device generally describes the practice of bringing a personal learning device to the learning or work environment, and BYOD’s wide-spread adoption continues to grow across all sectors. This investigation of BYOD research in interdisciplinary settings is designed to help organize key issues and opportunities afforded by BYOD implementation. Digital technology use is opening new learning spaces in K-12 and higher education, but enthusiasm for innovation is balanced with considerations of how these new technology-enabled learning spaces promote safe, well-managed, and enhanced learning. We examine the research on e-learning with a specific lens on BYOD, 1-1, and pervasive technologies across disciplines and sectors of education. Our investigations have led to the design of a framework of possibilities and challenges that have been identified with BYOD. These findings suggest that it would be prudent to maintain an open, investigative stance toward the potential of ubiquitous personalized e-learning and to use the opportunities BYOD presents as a catalyst to shift education toward more personalized, learner-centered approaches.
Can You Hear Me Now? An Innovative Approach to Assess and Build Connections with Online Learners
Serafini, Tina M.; Blair, Risa (United States)
ABSTRACT:
Having your "voice" present in an online classroom develops connections and guides learners to take action. Written communication lays flat on the page. When learners hear you, they listen and engage. Voice feedback is a great way to make connections with learners while delivering positive and constructive comments. In the online setting, learners often feel alone and disconnected. An interactive discussion does develop a connection, but a discussion which is focused and directed within the scope of the course. Although, most facilitators agree discussions are the “heart” of an online course, they do not take the place of face-to-face communication with classmates and the instructor. Learners appreciate receiving personalized vocal feedback because of its similarity to a conference, albeit it is one-sided. Research study findings by Merry and Orsmond (2008) indicate that audio feedback can improve the learner’s experience in the online classroom, as well as deliver feedback in a more personalized form (King, et al, 2008; Lunt and Curran, 2010). Online university professors and corporate trainers continue to seek strategies to enrich the learner’s experience, in addition to reducing attrition. Audio feedback can assist facilitators in developing an engaging relationship with their learners. The utilization of Vocaroo software to deliver voice feedback is the method we explored.
Computer-Aided Assignment Verification of Programming Exercises
Novak, Damijan; Čep, Aleš; Novak, Bojan; Verber, Domen (Slovenia)
ABSTRACT:
This paper discusses the computer-aided assessment of programming assignments for students for Computer Science (CS) courses at the university level of education. Over the years, we have developed a straightforward process which facilitates a periodic assessment of students' submissions of programming assignments. Such an approach allows for a faster and more objective assessment of the students' comprehension of the subject matter. We use those procedures in the undergraduate study process with freshmen majoring in CS at the University of Maribor, Slovenia. We estimated that the extra effort is justified for those courses with more than 20 participants.
Coping with Turn-Taking: Investigating Breakdowns in Human-Robot Interaction from a Conversation Analysis (CA) Perspective
Arend, Béatrice; Sunnen, Patrick (Luxembourg)
ABSTRACT:
In a single case study, we show how a conversation analysis (CA) approach can shed light onto the sequential unfolding of humanrobot interaction. Relying on video data, we are able to show that CA allows us to investigate the respective turn-taking systems of humans and a NAO robot, thus pointing out relevant differences. Our fine grained video analysis points out occurring breakdowns and their overcoming when humans and a NAO-robot engage in
a multimodally uttered multi-party communication during a sports guessing game. Our findings suggest that interdisciplinary work opens up the opportunity to gain new insights into the challenging issues of human robot communication.
Design Teaching: Identification of Innovative Educational Outcomes
Crea, Nicola (United Kingdom)
ABSTRACT:
Complexity of the design profession is progressively increasing. Design schools must educate future designers in different areas of knowledge. To become designers, students need to acquire specific intellectual abilities. Are they being taught these today? In which form? To answer these questions, a hypothetical list of thinking qualities has been defined, informed by the work of widely recognized authors. This involved the comparison of the most relevant pedagogical perspectives in order to understand the best timing and the most effective acquisition process. The final outcome, is a final map of a pedagogically correct design thinking educational path, combining in one chart designers’
desirable thinking qualities and the best way and time to acquire them. Moreover, with the extensive use of the internet alternative forms of teaching are developing; the fast growth of virtual development technologies will allow more time for the thinking and creative process. The purpose of this study was to improve the curricula and communication in order to respond to the needs of the evolution in progress. The impact on design teaching programs is significant. It opens up to a wide discussion about the real priorities of design education and how these choices can be functional to the scenario which is opening for the next future
Developing an Experiential Learning Model for Additive Manufacturing - Perspectives from Product Design Education
Killi, Steinar; Lavatelli Kempton, William; Morrison, Andrew (Norway)
ABSTRACT:
Tools for fabricating digital design models, such as Additive Manufacturing equipment and 3D printers, have been available to design students for more than 20 years. Typically, these tools have been used in Rapid Prototyping for developing concepts and models for products intended for conventional mass production. In the last 10 years industry, research and design education
experience increasing interest for using Additive Manufacturing equipment as tools for production of end-use artefacts, as well as in prototyping. This leap towards Additive Manufacturing creates a need to develop appropriate ways for learning and teaching Additive Manufacturing and 3D printing. We have attempted this through what we term an Additive Experiential Learning Model. In the model we elaborate on a set of related mindsets: Designing through the technology and designing with the technology. While the former focuses on AM as a tool for realizing product ideas, the latter seeks out to exploit and develop
knowledge on the premise of the technology. The approaches offer pedagogical avenues and inspirations for industry in quests to use Additive Manufacturing and 3D printing in novel ways.
Development of Effective ESP Course Design Integrating Analysis with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Tobita, Rumi (Japan)
ABSTRACT:
The purpose of this study is developing an effective course design by using analysis with Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for Japanese English as a Foreign Language Learners (EFL) at a technical college from the viewpoint of brain science and educational technology to meet English for Specific Purposes (ESP) curriculum goals: to develop global engineers who can work in the English-only professional settings. The experiment presented in this paper analyzed the amount of blood flow in the brain while learners were training to improve their English communication skills and attempts to clarify the preferable combinations of learners’ characteristics and teaching methods, i.e., listening and shadowing, by comparing the brain activities of learners in different English proficiency levels while they were training to improve their English conversation skills. The data suggested that the analysis using NIRS enabled to propose an effective course design for EFL learners.
Discovering and Analyzing Important Real-Time Trends in Noisy Twitter Streams
Alhayyan, Khalid N. *; Ahmad, Imran ** (* Saudi Arabia, ** Canada)
ABSTRACT:
We present an approach, called StreamSensing, that is suitable for processing real-time data in noisy streams. This approach consists of six stages: (1) tokenization, (2) stop words removal, (3) stemming, (4) filtering, (5) conversion into Term Document Matrix (TDM), and (6) pattern analysis. The approach was experimentally tested and implemented using a fast in-memory processing system, called Spark. The results of such implementation are reported and analyzed. The findings of this paper fall into two perspectives: theoretical and practical. The theoretical perspective is represented in the introduction of the StreamSensing approach, while practically; this approach can be employed to perform trend analysis on any real-time text data stream.
Does Attending a Public or Private University Make a Difference for Students in Colombia?
Correa, Juan-Santiago; Cayón, Edgardo (Colombia)
ABSTRACT:
In this paper, we explore the difference in quality between public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) in Colombia. We test whether the differences in the national exam that measures student performance (Saber Pro) between public and private institutions is statistically significant by employing a propensity matching score approach based on common financial characteristics to avoid issues of selection bias. The results indicate that the difference in student performance between public and private institutions is positive and statistically significant. There is evidence that students in private HEIs perform better in most areas of the Saber Pro than their public counterparts. This performance difference can be attributed to the substantial differences in the patterns of teaching expenditures and income per student between public and private HEIs. The results are robust, since we controlled for statistical differences between private and public universities in terms of growth of revenue, number of undergraduates, number of full-time professors, and income per student by using propensity matching estimators for counterfactual samples that are randomly matched by comparing common attributes.
Education for Managing Digital Transformation: A Feedback Systems Approach
Von Kutzschenbach, Michael *; Brønn, Carl ** (* Switzerland, ** Norway)
ABSTRACT:
“Digital transformation” is becoming the newest mantra of business leaders. It is clear that there are tremendous business opportunities resulting from this revolution, but there is also a price to be paid. Most management literature focuses on the benefits of digitalization, reflecting the desire to increase investments in selected business units. However, digital transformations may lead to the disruption of established ways of doing the work of the firm, stakeholder power may be fundamentally changed, and there is the potential for redefining the nature of the firm itself. Consequently, the decision to “go digital” requires managers to develop perspectives that have the requisite variety to cope with the challenges. Feedback systems thinking is a powerful means for managers to develop and communicate business models that include those aspects of digitalization that affects their firm’s theory of success. The Uber case illustrates the principles of applying feedback systems thinking to the dramatic changes that it has presented the public transportation sector.
Effect of Programming Education Using Software Development Methods
Kofune, Yasuyo; Koita, Takahiro (Japan)
ABSTRACT:
It is necessary for high school students to learn knowledge and skills of software design in order to improve their programming skill. Students participate in a programming contest in class as a way to improve programming skill while enjoying programming. In programming contest application creation, Agile, MindMap, UML and pair programming techniques are used. In this study, we show the effect and problem of improvement of students' programming skill by using these methods, and consider the student software design class method in which high school students cooperate.
e-Learning Effectiveness Using Video Learning Materials for After-School Lesson Preparation at an Elementary School in Japan
Matsunami, Noriyuki; Nagai, Masahiro (Japan)
ABSTRACT:
Japanese schools, at present, are required to promote not only the children's ability to acquire knowledge and skills, but also their ability to utilize these skills in their learning. Therefore, the concept of “active learning” is emphasized in the government's next education guidelines as one of the essential features to realize “self-directed and interactive learning” that is not considered “superficial learning.” A survey of children’s attitudes revealed that schools need to develop lessons that are oriented toward active learning. However, teachers are apprehensive about their ability to accomplish such an objective; that is, teachers do not have sufficient time to promote student utilization of active learning skills because they spend most of the lesson time on the teaching and learning of basic knowledge and skills. In order to resolve this problem, we used the e-learning method on after-school 103 arithmetic lessons. We analyzed the responses to interviews and questionnaires administered to the children, questionnaires administered to parents, the test scores of each unit, and scores on the academic achievement test. It was clear that video learning materials for lesson preparation positively affect children’s understanding and appreciation of face-to-face lessons and improvement of learning at home.
Engaging Digital Natives through Social Learning
Sarkar, Nina; Ford, Wendy; Manzo, Christina (United States)
ABSTRACT:
Digital natives account for a substantial portion of the total enrollment in higher education. This calls for significant educational reforms because traditional education systems do not cater to the needs and interests of digital natives. The most effective way that both students and instructors can benefit from this paradigm shift is to integrate technology that is appropriate to the cognitive learning patterns of the digital natives into the curriculum. This paper builds upon previous research in technology/personality theory and specifically attempts to provide examples of technology that will address the instructional needs of digital natives. Further this paper provides empirical evidence of the impact of technology integration on the learning outcomes of digital natives. In this study, the authors explored the impact of targeted technology on academic performance in three businesses courses. Three functional technologies were used by the authors to build engaging course content, efficiently manage course content, and to interact with digital native students. This study found that these technologies can assist digital natives in the learning process and lead to better academic performance.
Ensuring Effective Flexible Learning through Blended Learning
Van der Stap, Nanda (Netherlands)
ABSTRACT:
This paper discusses how Flexible Learning can be implemented through blended learning at the teacher trainer college of the University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, Netherlands. To ensure quality blended learning programmes, it is essential that teachers developing blended learning courses are trained, particularly in relation to applied methodology. To understand how best to implement blended learning at the teacher trainer college extensive research was carried out, the findings of which were made available to the University’s teachers in the form of a content-based, yet hands-on blended training programme with TPack as its exit point. The student results showed a marked improvement when following a blended learning course developed by teachers who were trained in the programme as compared to blended learning courses developed by non-trained teachers, In addition, the results of the blended courses (which were developed by trained teachers) showed a vast improvement of the non-blended courses, it’s so called ‘regular’ variant.
Enterprise Architecture Framework for IT Management in Colombia: Adoption and Challenges
Rodríguez Álvarez, Claudia Milena; Merchán Herrera, Carlos Arturo; Gaviria, Esteban Armando; Bejarano Lobo, Jorge Fernando (Colombia)
ABSTRACT:
governmental entities to organize, standardize and guide the staff on how to manage Information Technology (IT) in order to improve the services for the citizens, to articulate and align institutional, sectoral and governmental strategies with that one of IT, and to become more efficient and transparent. As a consequence, the Colombian Enterprise Architecture Framework for IT Management (CEAF-IT) as a tool that allows to the Colombian government to
operate in a more efficient and articulated way thought the use of IT. Its main objective is to foster a positive transformation in the public management and to simplify the life all the citizens. This paper presents a conceptual model which establishes a structure, defines guidelines and principles, incorporates IT best practices and defines a way to modernize and address the above mentioned
issues. In order to promote its adoption by the governmental entities, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (MinTIC) designed a strategy with two main components: an awareness and support program and, an incentives scheme. This document shows 1. a context; 2. The Enterprise
Architecture Framework structure; 3. The use and appropriation strategy for the CEAF-IT; 4. Some critical factors of success; 5. The challenges; 6. and the conclusions.
Extensions of Man and Human Development
Baykal, Ali (Turkey)
ABSTRACT:
The ultimate aim of education is the construction of wisdom which is the highest level of human development. Wisdom can hardly be achieved free of contents. As the scientific and technological knowledge explodes new subject matter areas are emerging. Also the body of knowledge within the present ones is
getting bigger and larger. Since the overlaps between the contents of different domains are also intensifying there is a need to refine the information content of curricula. The conversion of information into instructional messages is a necessary condition but not sufficient. There has to be ways and means for its
handling with care. It takes media –extensions of man- to store, to multiply, to transport, to transform if needed and to retrieve the codes of messages. The purpose of this paper is to sustain the system characteristics of instructional practices with a special emphasis on media component. The conclusion at the beginning is that media can replace neither any other component nor the
whole instructional system even within an infinitesimal span of time. All components are mutually interdependent without losing their unique attributes.
Flipped Science Inquiry@Crescent Girls’ School
Goh, Peishi *; Wan, Azrina *; Patel, Deepa **; Shear, Linda ** (* Singapore, ** United States)
ABSTRACT:
This study shares the findings of a school-based Action Research project to explore how inquiry-based science practical lessons designed using the Flipped Science Inquiry@CGS classroom pedagogical model influence the way students learn scientific knowledge and also students’ development of 21st century competencies, in particular, in the area of Knowledge Construction.
Taking on a broader definition of the flipped classroom pedagogical model, the Flipped Science Inquiry@CGS framework adopts a structure that inverted the traditional science learning experience. Scientific knowledge is constructed
through discussions with their peers, making use of their prior knowledge and their experiences while engaging in hands-on activities.
Through the study, it is found that with the use of the Flipped Science Inquiry@CGS framework, learning experiences that are better aligned to the epistemology of science while developing 21st century competencies in students.
Forming a Culture of Evidence by Using Learning Analytics to Establish a Holistic Eco-System for Student Development and Support at an Australian Regional University Whose Main Teaching Modality is Online
Padró, Fernando F.; Kek, Megan Y. C. A. (Australia)
ABSTRACT:
Many university programs are under pressure to create an analytics-based evidence culture to demonstrate performance excellence and justify their continued existence. How and where to begin are questions often asked by programs feeling that they have little data (or the right kind of data). The temptation is to work through methodological issues first; however, as experience at one Australian regional university demonstrated, this is the wrong place to start. A better place to start is knowing what the program is and what it is about and then placing this understanding in the broader context of university and sector regulatory compliance requirements and expectations. Presented here are the questions that were asked and a summary of acheivements showing the student learning and development assistance portfolio in a central Learning and Teaching unit was heading in the right direction.
ICT Infrastructure in the Metal Mechanical SMEs of Quito and its Relationship with Business Management
Ibujés Villacís, Juan (Ecuador)
ABSTRACT:
The central argument which supports this research is that Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are not only a key element for economic and social development of towns, but also introduce new variables to the analysis of the effects of the exchange of information in the markets, such as those related to productivity and competitiveness. In addition, from a business perspective, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a very important role in the development of any economy, mainly because of its impact on the generation of jobs and promoting economic growth. In this study of SMEs in the metal mechanical sector of Quito, capital of Ecuador, it determines the importance that this business group gives to ICT from three different areas but they are related. The first of these is focused on determining the importance that this type of SMES gives to investments in ICT in the annual budget for management, the second relates to know what type of ICT infrastructure invests this type of SMEs in and in which productive activities they use them. Finally, the study analyzes how ICT can help this business group to face the challenges of increasing productivity and competitiveness in the domestic and international markets. By grouping the three components of the research it will determine if there is evidence of the positive impact of ICT on the productivity of the companies.
Informatics in Information Richness: A Market Mover? An Examination of Information Richness in Electronic Markets
Samuel, Jim; Pelaez, Alexander (United States)
ABSTRACT:
Electronic markets have moved from their traditional environments into a largely informatics stimulated ecosystem. There have been tremendous changes in market informatics and in the way information is managed using advanced technologies, analytics and artificial intelligence. Along with informatics advances, information dynamics have grown significantly resulting in enormous data volumes, which continue to grow in size and complexity. Theoretically, such advances are supposed to have a positive impact on markets, leading to increased efficiency and decreased volatility. The present research discusses the various dynamics surrounding informatics stimulated electronic markets and argue that increased richness of information dimensions will not necessarily improve market efficiency. Instead, rapid espousing of informatics changes and increasing richness of information can lead to higher volatility and market aberrations. The discussion leads to strategic hypotheses which posit that informatics stimulated information richness will lead to higher volatility and potential aberrations in electronic markets with implications for electronic commerce at large. The paper concludes with hypotheses for information
management in electronic markets in the presence of informatics stimuli.
Infusing 21st Century Competencies into the Curriculum: A School-Level, Multi-Disciplinary Perspective
Tan, Tze Yong *; Lim, Siew Yee *; Tham, Chin Pang *; Patel, Deepa **; Shear, Linda ** (* Singapore, ** United States)
ABSTRACT:
This study sharing the findings of a school-wide approach to infusing 21st Century Competencies into various subjects in the Instructional Program. Each team of teachers designed its own action research study to investigate questions that were relevant and meaningful for their respective content area.
Through these studies, a cross-study analysis was conducted to explore how innovative teaching could support students in developing 21st Century Competencies. At the same time the ways in which pedagogical approaches such as inquiry-based learning and place-based learning support innovative teaching was also investigated.
Through this analysis, it was found that innovative lessons do provide students with meaningful opportunities to develop 21st Century Competencies. Both students and teachers also reported that innovative teaching methods had resulted in lessons being more student-driven and students were motivated to find out more about the subject area.
Internet Addiction in Kuwait and Efforts to Control it
Hamade, Samir N. (Kuwait)
ABSTRACT:
Internet Addiction has reached an epidemic level worldwide. Since the 1990‟s the Internet has exploded to become an important part of our daily lives. It was best described as a sword with two edges. On one side it brought the whole world to our fingertips. On the other side, the excessive use of it can and will lead to a state of mental disorder hence the term Internet Addiction Disorder IAD. Kuwait, a tiny nation in the Arab Gulf countries was the first in the area to shed some light on the problem in 2009 by conducting a public awareness campaign in the traditional media. Since then, the government, along with other organizations, started to take some measures to control this disorder without any success because most of the measures were restrictive in nature rather than positive. This paper will revisit the Internet addiction scene among university students in Kuwait after 8 years from publishing the first paper as measured by the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) to measure the level of awareness and percentage of highly addicted students compared to the early results, and describe the efforts taking place to control it at the government, organization, and family levels.
Political Participation in Times of Bologna and Social Web – A Grounded Theory from a Students’ Point of View
Wolf, Gerald (Germany)
ABSTRACT:
Today’s students, as adolescents and young adults in general, are publicly perceived to be less engaged in conventional politics than previous student generations. This PhD dissertation deals with the question if the Social Web plays a role as a new medium of political participation. In other words the aim of this thesis is to reveal more about students´ attitudes to and experience with political participation in times of Bologna and Social Web. Employing a qualitative-empirical research design to analyse empirical data gathered in guided interviews, I decided to use and work with the methodology of Grounded Theory by Strauss and Corbin. The concept of mediatization is the theoretical frame of my doctoral thesis.
Problem-Based Learning in Teaching the Module “Optimization for Business Improvement”
Dornberger, Rolf; Hanne, Thomas (Switzerland)
ABSTRACT:
In this paper we discuss the background and concepts of a university course within a Master study program of Business Information Systems at our university. The module on “Optimization for Business Improvement” deals especially with approaches from Computational Intelligence which are applied to various business related problems. A major teaching aspect is the usage of student assignments which are focused on research questions with the aim to reach maturity of peer reviewed conference papers. Besides considered learning objectives, we discuss design aspects of the course, and results obtained during a number of course conductions. As an outcome of various revisions of the course design we find an improved student performance not only measured by our grades but also in terms of student papers being accepted for conferences.
Teaching Human-Machine Interaction
Kaindl, Hermann (Austria)
ABSTRACT:
The abundance of new devices and machines in addition to more traditional computers involves many usability problems. Most of these devices include embedded computers today, but there are additional challenges involved in their relation with humans, such as mobility and context-awareness. While all this is known by scientists, ubiquitous usability problems in current devices
suggest that many of the embedded engineers currently in charge of designing and implementing them appear to be even unaware of this issue. Partly, this appears to be a matter of their education, which is strong in the technical sense, but obviously weak with respect to human factors and human-machine interaction. For the new master program Embedded Systems at the Electrical
Engineering Faculty of TU Wien, this author insisted on including a teaching course Human-Machine Interaction, and volunteered for preparing and giving it. This paper briefly reviews the current situation of related courses and studies internationally. Primarily, it elaborates on the particular course and the rationale
for its structure and content, and its (anonymous) evaluation by students. As a consequence, at least some of the currently educated embedded engineers should have a certain awareness of the issue and will, hopefully, create machines with fewer usability problems.
Technology Enhanced Electrical Engineering Education in Context of CRUNT TEMPUS Project
Adascalitei, Adrian *; Todos, Petru **; Secrieru, Nicolae ** (* Romania, ** Moldova, *** Republic of)
ABSTRACT:
In the CRUNT TEMPUS project, epedagogy of using ITC learning environments was used. Elearning inter-university network of Moldova uses a virtual learning environment for training and learning process improvement dedicated to engineering students. Several web courses, based on Blended Learning methodology are highlighted. Elearning modules provide student with information examples containing rich multimedia elements: text, glossary, webography, bibliography, knowledge and skills assimilation assessment. The modules are divided into a number of teaching and learning units which can be studied autonomously (or independent). Electrical Engineering and Technology (EET) Discipline model is a new approach to learning electrical technology-one that presents concepts in the customary logically developed order but illustrates them with exemplars that reflect the applications students are interested in. EET Discipline resources are especially for secondary school teachers and students, with topics ranging from introductory to advanced EET. These principles focus on a few specific pedagogical pointers: providing multiple representations and descriptions; making linked referential connections visible; presenting the dynamic and interactive nature of electrical engineering; promoting the transformation between 2D and 3D; reducing cognitive load by making information explicit and integrating information for students.
The Countenance of Info- Communication Technologies: Re-Inventing the Quality of Schooling Methodology
Hamdan, Mohamed Ziad (Jordan)
ABSTRACT:
The interchanged effects of digital information and communication technologies and the overwhelming globalization movement had freed schooling by the end of Twentieth Century from its static massive book-bound and large group rigid educational methodology to differentiated open-ended infinities of blended and digital alternatives. As such, profound schooling developments have been tentatively materialized but many others are still flowing. The above emerging advances have negated the extreme practice of exclusive learning text, sole teacher, one classroom, one school location, one daily schedule, passive lecturing, didactic teaching, and negligent paper and pencil summative exams. Factors and means of schooling at K-12 and higher education levels in regard of curricula, instruction, learning, assessment, psycho-physical contexts, and geographic space are transforming deeply due to ICT effects. This article explores the following main re-inventions in primarily methodology of schooling: Transnational education, student centered education, blended and online schooling, paperless education, multi-learning levels of schooling, systemic blended educational assessment, and Knowledge Society.
The Development and Evaluation of a Mobile App for Learning Violin Vibrato
Ho, Tracy Kwei-Liang; Lin, Huann-Shyang; Lee, Ling; Chen, Ching-Kong (Taiwan)
ABSTRACT:
This paper presents the development and evaluation of a mobile application (app) called “myVibrato” that runs on an iPhone and allows violinists to reflect on their own vibrato techniques. The visual and quantitative analysis facilitated by the app provides users with the foundation for making technical adjustments that can improve their techniques. A preliminary follow-up evaluation showed that problems in how students performed vibrato could be identified and categorized. This app will be effective in enabling students to identify problems that they were not aware of. The study has shown that the myVibrato app is effective in providing students with useful quantitative data for reflection and construction in their technique learning.
The e-Portfolio in Pre-Service Teacher Education: Diversity of Documents and Reflections
Bellin-Mularski, Nicole (Germany)
ABSTRACT:
The purpose of this quantitative/ qualitative study was to examine how pre-service teacher students use their (e)- portfolio for reflection purposes during their in-school training. The University of Potsdam (Germany) implemented an electronic development portfolio that was used by pre-service teachers during their in-service training period (winterterm 2014/15). This process was evaluated in terms of implementation, user conduct and portfolio work. Using a questionnaire (N=50) at the beginning and at the end of the in-service training, preservice teachers were asked about different aspects of portfolio work. E-portfolios (N=10) were analyzed regarding their reflective content and diversity of documents.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Course Outcomes
Ali, Mahir S.; Hussein, Abdullah (United Arab Emirates)
ABSTRACT:
Measuring the quality of academic course delivery, students’ comprehension, and understanding are a must in today’s learning environment. Many traditional tools such as exams, homework, and projects are used to measure students’ understanding of course materials but course outcomes are much more comprehensive measures because they combine many, if not all the just mentioned tools into a clear and concise measurement of the course value than any of the tools alone. However, it is possible to manipulate course outcomes in such a way so that they can give the desired numerical result irrespective of the course quality. This paper discusses the possibilities of misusing course data to show the desired outcomes by manipulating the measurement tools and assigning different but subjective weights to each tool in order to achieve the required results. We also introduce a procedure that can be used with course outcomes to minimize biasness and to accurately reflect the course outcomes.
The State of Open and Distance Education (ODE) in Comparison with Traditional Higher Institution in Nigeria: Quality and Acceptability
Abdulkadir, Adamu (United Kingdom)
ABSTRACT:
The value of education for a country’s holistic development cannot be underestimated. Nigeria has positioned education as a key strategy towards the attainment of its developmental goals. The paper explores the challenges of quality and acceptability of Nigeria’s system of Higher Education (HE). In this case, it compares Open and Distance Education (ODE) to Conventional School-Based HE in the country and comes to the conclusion that ODE holds more prospects for the future generation if and only if challenges are addressed. The research findings highlight the role of the National Universities Commission in spearheading educational reforms to avoid the further decline of a sector that is of utmost importance to Nigeria’s development. Moreover, it recommends on better administration and building of relationships among stakeholders for sustainable development.
The Swedish Information Economy: Current Evidence and Key Governmental Policy Implications
Pashkevich, Volha; Haftor, Darek M.; Pashkevich, Natallia (Sweden)
ABSTRACT:
It is well known that most of the largest economies in the world are becoming information economies (understood as an aggregate of economic activities that produce information outputs) in terms of value added (GNP) and jobs. Sweden is among the most advanced adopters of ICT and represents therefore a suitable empirical base for the investigation of an information economy. The data reveal that the largest part of the Swedish economy in terms of GNP value added is constituted by information services. This study presents some surprising economic structures never before uncovered, which are discussed here and then contextualized in terms of implications for public policy making.
Towards a Conceptual Framework for Pervasive Education in Institutions of Higher Education
Bulbulia, Zahra; Padayachee, Indira; Prabhakar, Rontala (South Africa)
ABSTRACT:
According to certain scholars the primary benefit of applying pervasive computing technology for education is due to its ability to supersede the limitations of traditional blended learning which include restricting students to pre-defined times, locations and communication. Additionally blended learning and online learning has changed the way education is provided all over the world. While comprehensive work has been carried out proposing frameworks for implementation of pervasive learning environments there has been limited research focusing on the potential factors that support pervasive education in a blended learning higher education context. This study aims to address this knowledge gap and propose a conceptual framework that supports pervasive education and explores factors that potentially affect the adoption of pervasive education in higher education institutions.
University Processes and Information System Analyses
Kern, Tomaz; Urh, Benjamin; Roblek, Matjaz (Slovenia)
ABSTRACT:
Middle sized university [10] has decided to improve the efficiency in addition to raising the quality of teaching and research. The basis for this effort was a clear understanding, analysis, and renovation of the key processes. This should be followed by an improvement of the IT support for the basic processes, management and leadership processes and supportive processes. Article presents the concept, the methods and some preliminary results of system mapping and analyses.
Validating Technology Integration through the Danielson Framework
Hall, Cassidy; Hamilton, Melinda (United States)
ABSTRACT:
Over 600 educators across Idaho gathered for four-day summer professional development institutes focused on integrated STEM education. Integrating use of technology into the classroom was emphasized and participants received training in technology use within the context of the Danielson Framework. Pre-institute and post-institute surveys revealed that teachers were comfortable using technology for lesson planning and delivery of lessons, but less so with use of technology for student collaboration, assessment and participating in professional learning networks. Academic year follow up professional development will focus on these aspects of technology integration.
Work Towards a Single Student 8-Week Undergraduate Computer Information Systems Capstone Course
Baggs, Rhoda; Holbert, Brian (United States)
ABSTRACT:
Program assessment is an integral part of any university level program that must follow accreditation guidelines. Program assessment is used as a means of providing a measure of the value of a program and a measure that students are learning or achieving certain outcomes and goals. (Mills, Hauser, & Pratt, 2008) (Ziv & Patil, 2010). Computer Information Systems (CIS) is considered to be a more technical program than Information Systems (IS). Often the demarcation is defined by the college or school that houses IS programs: whether it be Business, Computing, or Engineering. The capstone course has emerged as a popular vehicle of assessment of students. The process of designing a capstone course includes the necessity to define the tangible set of skills, methods, tools, and software products that a student will learn. The purpose of this paper is to define a 1 semester capstone for the undergraduate Bachelor of Science program in computer information systems at Florida Technical College’s School of Computing. It is at the proposal stage with the intent of developing the actual course in the coming 12 months.
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Published by International Institute of Informatics and Cybernetics
