International Institute of
“Real Language”: Combining Intermediate Spanish Language Learners and ESOL/Native Speakers for Vernacular Language Acquisition
LaValle, Joe (United States)
ABSTRACT:
This paper addresses the possibilities of combining Spanish language learners and English language learners in high school and post-secondary institutions for mutual benefit to learn authentic language. Academic or “classroom” Spanish is insufficient to empower students for today’s workplace. The concept behind “Real Language” is illustrated by an example of an interdisciplinary activity to facilitate communicative interaction in genuine language and promote cultural understanding between intermediate Spanish students and ESOL/native speakers at the high school and post-secondary level. Students are asked to utilize their life skills in interactive, freestyle conversation without the intervention of an instructor. The learning space for language exchange is an out-of-class venue for a non-intimidating, more authentic setting. This simple qualitative study investigates the potential value of this sort of interdisciplinary activity. The intent is to evaluate attitudes of the participants in relation to confidence in their ability to use the target language, and their willingness to use it in social and professional environments and, in addition, to facilitate cultural understanding. The positive result of the project is validated by the voice of the student participants as they reflect on their experience in “Real Language”. Could this concept facilitate evolving strategies for interdisciplinary contemporary foreign language learning?
A Journey to Reading Hub: A Repository of Bangla Reading Skill Development through Technology
Sharmin, Aklima *; Lutfeali, Shirin ** (* Bangladesh, ** United States)
ABSTRACT:
Reading is the basic foundation for all other learning activities for a child. Children who do not learn to read in the primary grades are more likely to struggle as they continue their schooling. Many scholars have proved that early grade reading skills are essential for all children to master in order to progress academically. Nonetheless, schools and students around the world still struggle with literacy development in the first years of schooling. Technology can be a tool to overcome this obstacle and several simple innovations in this area have proven to help children develop reading skills. This paper outlines the ways in which the READ (Reading Enhancement for Advancing Development) project has developed digital resources for early grade learners, using a web-based platform without any other dependencies. This paper also describes the steps taken to develop the web-based platform, how teachers were trained to use it, the successes and challenges in making this platform accessible to all, and how such a platform works in rural schools in Bangladesh.
A Study on the Meaning of the ‘Lifelong Learning to Be’ Implicated in the Philosophy of Nietzsche
Lee, Kwanchun; Choi, Soo Yeon; Choi, Un Shil (South Korea)
ABSTRACT:
The purpose of the paper is to examine the meaning of ‘lifelong learning to be’ as the essence of lifelong education, which has been implied in the thoughts of Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1844-1900). This will be approached from the perspectives of ‘learning to know’, ‘learning to do’, ‘learning to live together’
and ‘learning to be’, which are the four pillars of education in UNESCO’s 1996 Delors Report. Despite Friedrich Nietzsche being one of the most influential scholars of the nineteenth century, few types of research have been carried out concerning his philosophy and its impact on lifelong education. This article,
first and foremost, seeks to argue that Nietzsche is a significantly prominent lifelong educator whose philosophy contains significant implications on lifelong learning in today’s period of uncertainty. Secondly, we will discuss the ‘learning to be’ as the pillar of lifelong learning suggested in both Faure and Delors Report. In the final part, the article explores the implications of Nietzsche’s idea on the four pillars of lifelong learning.
A Transcendental Decision Making Model
Vera, Ricardo; Nuño, José Pablo (Mexico)
ABSTRACT:
In this research, a transcendental decision-making model is developed considering three critical factors: financial, emotional state and spirituality as the driver and priority factor. The decision-making research process includes a survey designed to inquire a large sample of persons to find out about their decision making outcomes before and after experiencing contemplative prayer under different periods of time. The survey underwent several modifications to be very clear about the meaning of each question, and to have just key questions and factor subcomponents. The most important contribution of the decision-making model presented here, is that human beings take into account other aspects, and not just financial issues in decision making. Every decision you make at the professional or personal level turns out to be more integral adding the other two factors mentioned above, meaning that decisions are more humane, taking time to analyze each situation, although there might be times where urgency seems to discard the model proposed here. That's why we proposed an effective decision-making model to support the decision process.
An Active Learning Module to Introduce Students to the Importance of Flowcharts and Technical Documentation
Budnik, Mark M.; Thomas, Rebecca; Rosasco, Nicholas; Thomas, Stewart (United States)
ABSTRACT:
The nature of problems typically tackled in initial programming courses can lead students to dismiss problem solving techniques and processes. Faculty and students in Programming 1 and 2 classes are prone to focus on the mechanics and syntax of programming at the expense of building increasingly complex and realistic models of the solution. To motivate undergraduate students to accept the importance of flowcharts, pseudo-code, documentation, and other development tools, we present a series of active learning lessons for introductory programming classes built and tested at Valparaiso University. These lessons introduce development tools and problem solving as vital components of an overall solution and provide opportunities for students to see their value in real world applications. Following the lessons, 100% of the students recognized the importance of development tools, and 95% of the students identified a desire to learn more about how they can be used.
An Approach for Achieving Matrix Consistency in AHP for an Online Module Evaluation
Ilunga, Masengo (South Africa)
ABSTRACT:
Judgment matrix consistency is a requirement for validity or consistency of AHP technique. This study is a companion paper of a previous study and the random substitution procedure of initial pairwise comparison matrix (PCM) from experts is done for the main criteria of an online module evaluation. This procedure enables to achieve consistency of the aggregated PCM of the experts. The on-line module considered is EUP1501 (i.e. Ethical Information and Communication Technologies for Development Solutions), which is taught by the University of the South Africa (Unisa). The criteria (standards) for evaluating EUP1501 were “introductory and orienting information on the site (J), learning experience (K), teaching and learning approach” (L), “general features of the online environment facilitate learning” (M) and “Assessments” (N) and were based on their calculated weights. It was found out that the ranking order from highest to lowest standard was teaching and learning approach, Assessments, Introductory and orienting information on the site and Learning experience/general features of the online environment facilitate learning. This could indicate to the EUP1501 teaching department, areas of prioritisation during curriculum review/development of the on-line module.
Analysis of the Use of Digital Media to Design a Blended Learning Environment by the Example of a Master Course Lecture
Vogelsang, Kristin; Hagerer, Ilse; Liere-Netheler, Kirsten; Hoppe, Uwe (Germany)
ABSTRACT:
The rising use of digital technologies also affects higher education institutions. In this paper a blended learning concept is introduced and evaluated as an alternative to conventional lectures. It consists of online video tutorials, face to face reading seminars and guest lectures from practitioners. In this regard the learning outcomes and the acceptance of the concept are analyzed. Ex-cathedra lectures suffer from weaknesses like little individual interaction and temporal effort at a fixed time. This paper presents a blending learning concept, in order to reach higher learning levels than those from conventional lectures. We compare of the learning levels achieved along the taxonomy of Anderson and Krathwohl. The concept is evaluated by a questionnaire. Digital technologies in use are assessed by categories from the technology acceptance model (TAM). Students were asked how their life distinguishes in the blended learning concept from the conventional lectures. Analysis shows that both basic constructs “Perceived Ease of Use” and “Perceived Usefulness” highly impact the intention to use the system. Concluding the results, the blended learning concept can be considered as successful. Students perceive the system as easy to use, as useful and experience higher flexibility because they can prepare
individually for the exam.
Are We Meeting Pedagogic Requirements? – The Quadratic Equation
Hendel, Russell Jay (United States)
ABSTRACT:
Hendel [8] recently proposed four pillars of good pedagogy: executive function, goal-setting, attribution theory and self-efficacy. These pillars are consistent with and supplement the pedagogical hierarchies [1,4,5,16,29,30,31]. These pillars also supplement the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics [NCTM] Process Standards [13,23] as well as the Standards of Mathematical Practice (SMP) of the Common Core State Standards of Mathematics(CCSSM) [11,24]. A natural follow-up question is whether, and how, current and past textbooks are meeting these requirements. This paper addresses this follow-up question by studying five pre-2000 textbooks [2,6,10,26,27] and three post-2000 books [12,17,28]. For purposes of specificity, the paper exclusively focuses on the treatment of the quadratic function/equation. Using the four pillars the following questions are asked: What would executive function require for teaching the quadratic function/equation? What does the theory of goal-setting tell us about teaching the quadratic function/equation? What does attribution theory require? The paper’s main conclusions are that: i) some pre-2000 textbooks are already meeting these requirements; ii) no single textbook meets all requirements; iii) the requirements of pedagogic excellence – of Hendel, the Process Standards or the SMP – should be met by placing a primary focus on verbal problems.
Assessing Changes in Turkish Public Opinion: Current Trends and Future Prospects
Baybars Hawks, Banu (Turkey)
ABSTRACT:
It would be unfair underestimating the accumulated knowledge and efforts which target to assess public opinion on certain issues and put forward effective plans. However, many of the research aiming to analyze public opinion handle the issue mostly during political election periods, and they do not have much idea about the different actors and factors that would be effective in the formation of public opinion. There is only a few research done in Turkey that measures public opinion regularly. Therefore, this study aims to bring together different variables who address different aspects of the issue. This research will reveal what the public thinks about current issues in Turkey, and whether the recent trends have any reflections on social, political, and cultural structure of the country. The data collected with this research may not only provide important insights into public’s opinion regarding current and potential issues in Turkey, but could also guide policymakers in shaping the public policies. By doing this study regularly, the author intents to contribute to social sciences literature and argues that increasing the frequency and quality of academic exchange on public opinion research would be a vital part of wider actions that could be taken on different policy measures. The outputs of this study may also encourage scholars and researchers from different fields and backgrounds to study and discuss public opinion with its complex dynamics and milieu of dimensions.
Cloud-Based University Information System
Beranek, Marek; Kovar, Vladimir (Czech Republic)
ABSTRACT:
Comprehensive university information systems that manage student administration and support everyday student activities have been implemented in most universities today. This allows students to access study materials online from any location with an Internet connection. It is evident, that a good information system can play very important role for the university and can result in a significant competitive edge. In this paper, we describe our efforts to develop a comprehensive cloud-based university information system at the Unicorn College in Prague, Czech Republic. The aim of the paper is to share our experience with the design and development of the system and to describe
the applications that support the teaching process.
Curriculum Development of an Enhanced Automation and Control Course by Emphasizing on Programmable Logic Controllers in Electronics Engineering Technology Program
Islam, Rafiqul; Jannik, Adam; Al Sharab, Jafar; Benalla, Mohammed (United States)
ABSTRACT:
Automation and control represents a rapidly growing discipline and one that will continue to grow, given present-day increases in population and advancements in the automation and control areas. Automation has become an integral part of the industrial process control to achieve quality production by saving time, cost, and labor. Since Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are highly configurable and reliable, they have been widely used in various industries such as automotive, pulp and paper, material handling, food processing, and manufacturing. PLC is also the heart of automation and industrial process control. More emphasis will be placed on PLC programming using ladder diagrams and industrial automation by enhancing the current automation and control course and associated laboratory. The primary objective of this paper is to enable Electronic Engineering Technology major students to use PLC technology on a limited scale in the laboratory; but be prepared to use the same knowledge on a larger scale in industry.
Design and Develop of Virtual Reality Game Based Examination for STEM Education
Zhang, Lei; Sharma, Dinesh; Whiteley, Benjamin; Dabipi, Ibibia (United States)
ABSTRACT:
In this paper, we present our experience to improve STEM education through the design, develop and application of Game-Based-Learning (GBL) modules, based on the latest Virtual Reality (VR) technologies. This work is part of an on-going project sponsored by the Department of Education. A series of VR game modules have been developed to integrate various learning contents for different courses, including a VR arrow-shooting game. During exams, students will choose the answer for each question by shooting the corresponding target. Through this way, the instructor can easily develop exams for different courses by simply posting questions and answers in the corresponding files of the game, while students can enjoy the exam through the game playing process. Feedback from both developers and players participated have shown the remarkably positive impact on the learning process of involved STEM courses.
Development of an e-Library Web Application
Shahzad, Farrukh *; Alwosaibi, Fathi M. ** (* United States, ** Saudi Arabia)
ABSTRACT:
A digital library (or e-Library) is an online collection of digital objects. These object include text, visual, audio, and video material stored in electronic media formats. A library system also provide means for organizing, storing, and
retrieving the information contained in the library collection. In this paper, we present the architecture and development of a digital library application called HodHood. It is a team effort initiated and maintained by al-Huda University
in Houston, Texas. The project will build and maintain a platform for all Islamic Sciences, in as many languages as possible or there is authentic relevant material. At the early stage it will form a container for written or published books, articles videos etc., and eventually grow to translate contents. We utilize state-of-the-art web technologies to develop a demo single-page application to show the functionality of the e-Library system.
Empowering Teachers to Raise Career Awareness in Computing: Lessons Learned
Javidi, Giti; Sheybani, Ehsan (United States)
ABSTRACT:
Students’ attitudes towards Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) has been a topic of enduring interest in the field of STEM education over the past decade – but why? After all, there is no sense in which people are concerned about students’ attitudes towards the learning of English or history. So what drives the interest in these topics? Previous research has suggested a relationship between teachers’ and students’ attitudes towards a subject area. In order to increase student representation in STEM, we need teachers who have positive attitudes and can provide role models to encourage their students to pursue STEM careers. In this paper we argue that in order to engage students’ interest in the technical career paths, we must start with inspiring and training teachers to instill such interest in their students at early age. We present our experiences and outcomes from a teacher training program. Through the training, we were able to help teachers explore ways to incorporate programming into their curriculum, gain STEM career awareness and develop an understanding of importance of soft skills in STEM. The results show that teachers were able to gain confidence in incorporating their subject matter into Scratch-based classroom activities and teaching this material in a classroom setting and gain a better understanding of careers in STEM.
Examining Collaborative and Adversarial Argumentation on the Computer in Supporting Students’ Ability to Construct Evidence-Based Arguments
Iordanou, Kalypso *; Kuhn, Deanna ** (* Cyprus, ** United States)
ABSTRACT:
The aim of the present work is to examine the effect of engagement in adversarial vs. collaborative argumentation on the computer on supporting students’ ability to construct evidence-based arguments. We particularly examined the effect of engagement in an argumentive activity, where students had discussions with peers who held either the same opinion as themselves – collaborative condition – or an opposing position – adversarial condition. 83 5th and 6th graders engaged in an argumentive curriculum over nine 90-minute sessions. Students’ individual argument skills were assessed at both initial and final assessments through written essays on a non-intervention topic. Results showed that students in the adversarial condition increased the use of evidence from initial to final assessment. No change was observed in evidence use in students in the collaborative condition. The majority of evidence used served to support students’ own position. Our findings show that engagement in adversarial argumentation is a promising pathway for developing an appreciation of the role of evidence.
High School Students’ Understanding of the Concept of Relative Motion Using a Video-Based Laboratory in Physics Education
Trudel, Louis; Métioui, Abdeljalil (Canada)
ABSTRACT:
The relative speed concept was chosen since it is linked with the relative nature of motion and it is likely that the students would harbor many alternative conceptions about it. Our research objective consists to identify the various ways students conceive relative motion at the start of an investigation of its properties in a video-based laboratory (VBL). Qualitative data collected in various forms of representation received a categorization analysis. With respect to this concrete situation, several models of students’ understanding about relative motion had been identified which differ from more formal situations such as paper and pencil tests. Moreover, according to our students, the ease with which the computer produced different types of representations allowed them to test their hypothesis about relative speed more easily and more thoroughly. We conclude by suggestions to the classroom teacher to help his students to progress to higher level of understanding with respect to relative motion. This multiple-cases study involving only two classrooms cannot claim the generalization of results or transfer to the classroom. This research may help to clarify the opportunities that ICTs offers to inform us about the process and difficulties of students with respect to physics concepts such as relative speed. Future research should involve a more diversified sample of student teachers as well as to cover more scientific disciplines.
How Can We Improve the Training of Laparoscopic Surgery Thanks to the Knowledge in Robotics?
Candalh-Touta, Ninon; Szewczyk, Jérôme (France)
ABSTRACT:
Laparoscopic surgery becomes a standard for many surgical procedures due to its advantages over open surgery in terms of cosmetic results or patient recovery time. Unfortunately, for the surgeon and the student in medical school this surgery is imparted with many difficulties. These difficulties stem from a lack of depth perception, a poor hand-eye coordination, an alteration of haptic feedback, a reduction of the movement to four degree of freedom, a fulcrum effect and musculoskeletal pains. Moreover, the training sessions are generally not optimal, mainly because too much information must be processed by the student at the same time. It is painful, difficult and frustrating for the student who sometimes ends up by choosing another specialty. The learning curve is too long and can be improved by more efficient training session during the first year of residency. We expose in this article a global approach for improving laparoscopic surgery training. We proposed to enhance the set-up with the use of multi-sensory feedback, to improve the task by decomposing the difficulties, and also to take into account certain individual psychomotor skills.
Impact of Customer Relationship Management on Customer Loyalty, Customer Retention and Customer Profitability for Hotelier Sector
Orantes-Jiménez, Sandra-Dinora; Vázquez-Álvarez, Graciela; Tejeida-Padilla, Ricardo (Mexico)
ABSTRACT:
Since the entrance of strategies oriented to marketing relational in Hotelier Sector, the traditional way of travel agents and other representatives arranging hospitality services for hotel and travel reservations has changed. The strategies oriented to customer relationship management are a relatively new area of specialty loyalty marketing in the hotel and hotelier sector, with
advancements being made constantly. The use of this type of strategy can allow hoteliers or companies to tailor special guest programs, services and promotions based on hotel guest preferences. The hotel can use the data collected in a program to identify the needs of particular customers across hotel chains to be
able to use marketing that can be targeted at specific groups of people. It also gives hoteliers the opportunity to evaluate frequent guest programs, personalize their services and perform trend analysis. A program based in marketing relational is typically run by hotels and companies to collect guest information and transaction data for use and examining to allow hoteliers to see target groups that should be marketed too. Based on these transactions hotels are able to create and manage guest loyalty programs and reward schemes.
This research approach is to appraise the impact of customer relationship management on customer profitability as mediated by customer loyalty and
customer retention within the hotelier sector of Mexico, and specifically for those hoteliers classified like of three stars. A sample of 100 hotels three stars was interviewed as respondents in this study. The objective of the study was to find the impact relationship between effective customer relationship implementation, customer loyalty, and customer retention and customer profitability. The findings of the study add value to hotels three stars in Mexico, and provide some invaluable statistical results essential for hotel managers and owners to successfully enhance customer loyalty, customer retention and customer profitability. By applying a questionnaire that count with seven blocks different one each other, the results of our study identified and provide path analysis
of the relevant systems; and enumerated among the relevant system, those critical inter-component relationships within this highly competitive industry. This
study’s findings add to the body of knowledge and enable the managers of this sector to implement customer relationship management in the best shape possible, to match it with Mexican market-needs thereby creating more loyal and repeat clientele.
Infusing Writing and Research in Technology Courses through Multi-User Virtual Environments
Braman, James; Yancy, Barbara (United States)
ABSTRACT:
Innovative and exciting online spaces such as multi-user virtual environments (MUVEs) allow for rich interactive experiences for both students and educators. The affordances of these online worlds can be used to teach both research and writing skills. These environments can also be used to teach technology skills while exploring these unique places by infusing elements into interactive activities enhancing student engagement. In this paper, we briefly discuss how MUVEs can be used in this capacity and explore how they can be integrated into the classroom for writing and research initiatives within a technology course. Several recommendations will also be presented for faculty with a focus on technology courses.
Internet Psychotherapy with „Net-Step“ - A Therapist Delivered Tool for the Treatment of Depression and Anxiety Disorders in Primary Care Patients Tested in a Pilot RCT
Sprick, Ulrich; Köhne, Martin (Germany)
ABSTRACT:
Purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness and possible side effects of therapist delivered online CBT in primary care patients. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of depression or anxiety disorder (social phobia or panic disease) were recruited from general practitioners or the hospital´s ambulance. Every patient had a face-to-face contact and a specific testing in the hospital´s ambulance prior to therapy. In a randomized trial therapist delivered CBTs were offered to 80 patients with either depression or anxiety disorders. Effects were compared with 2 control groups - a waiting group and a group of face-to-face controls.
Macro, Meso, and Micro Impact of Terrorism
Leclerc-Sherling, Christine (United States)
ABSTRACT:
This paper describes the complexity of the cultural systems in Afghanistan and how, as open and learning systems, cultures can be traumatized systems. It goes on to describing terrorist organizations as threats on the meso level to the macro cultural systems with implications on the micro level. Finally, it posits that if terrorist organizations on the meso level benefit from the micro implications of the cultural breakdown to recruit young males, it is in the collective and the macro resources, but on the micro level, that interventions are likely to foster long-term posttraumatic growth.
Mobile Technologies and Motivation…Influential Drivers of Learner Control?
Adadi, Elizabeth (United States)
ABSTRACT:
To many educators and instructional designers, "learner-controlled instruction" is an approach that emphasizes the learner's freedom to choose those learning activities that suit his or her own individual preferences and needs. Cognitive load theory advocates that learning happens best in environments that are structurally aligned with human cognitive architecture. Research suggests that the use of mobile technology in classrooms creates an authentic learning environment in which learners can adapt learning content to the real-world setting they find themselves in. A closer investigation of learner control, however, indicated a discrepancy in student effectiveness of instructional choices due to a number of mediating factors. Although there has been little consideration given to motivation in efforts to improve learning and performance, research shows that motivation plays a substantial role in this aspect. This paper reviews the literature on aspects surrounding learner control and the use of mobile learning technologies in the classroom.
Participation of Student Teachers in a Video-Based Laboratory in Kinematics: A Multimodal Case Study
Trudel, Louis; Métioui, Abdeljalil (Canada)
ABSTRACT:
During laboratory activities, kinematics is often taught with an emphasis on applying the right formulas to get anticipated results. As a consequence, student participation is passive and at a low cognitive level. To remedy this situation, this research aims to gain a deeper understanding of the ways learners approach the study of kinematics in laboratory. One way to do so consists in involving student teachers for the following reasons. Indeed, some researchers explain that by acting as students, student teachers have the opportunity to gain pedagogical insights, and by acting as teachers, they have the opportunity to gain content insights. Thus, as a case study, the researchers explored in depth the interaction of the preservice teachers with computer modeling software programs while they were studying the concept of acceleration. To study their participation in the video-based laboratory, we measured the direction of their gaze while student teachers were collecting and analyzing data, using the software Star Gazer 9.0, to identify the points on the screen where their gaze lingered as well as the time sequence of these fixations. As a conclusion, eye-tracking methods may help us getting more precise information about the process students follow when they collect and analyze data with computer software in the laboratory. We concluded by stating advantages and limits of the research and propose suggestions for new research.
Perceptions and Preferences of High School Students in STEM: A Case Study in Connecticut and Mississippi
Zhou, Bin (Brenda); Anderson, Clifford; Wang, Feng; Li, Lin (United States)
ABSTRACT:
This study uses data collected at two National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) programs in Connecticut and Mississippi to investigate high school students’ perceptions and preferences about education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Family background has a significant impact on a high school student's interest in STEM, as shown during the student recruitment stage and by the analysis of the students' college education plans prepared upon graduation from the two NSTI programs. The building exercise and competition instrument is the most effective among the few examined, while passive learning is not what young people prefer when briefly introduced in the two NSTI programs.
Perspectives in the Medical Latin Language E-Testing
Karulis, Miervaldis (Latvia)
ABSTRACT:
The study is dedicated to e-testing of knowledge of Medical Latin terminology among international medical students at Rīga Stradiņš University (Latvia). It offers examples of e-test models and evaluation algorithms using Moodle environment. The research population were 149 first year medical students who took the end-of-semester test in the study course “Medical Terminology in Latin”. E-test results were expressed in percentage (n = 140; 1st quartile – 61% , 2nd – 71%, 3rd – 77%). Structured questionnaire and open-ended survey questions were used to reveal complexity and usefulness of e-testing from students’ point of view. No statistically significant difference of opinions was found among e-test takers – those who considered e-tests useful for checking their knowledge and those who did not – on such e-test taking factors as immediate feedback, paper and time economy, stress and additional influencing factors (computer literacy, time restriction, technical failures). Statistically slight significant difference of opinions was found among e-test takers – those who considered e-tests more complicated to perform and those who did not – on such e-test taking factors as immediate feedback and additional influencing factors (computer literacy, time restriction, technical failures). Students who did not considered e-tests more complicated to perform were more critical of these factors. Students acknowledged e-testing as a modern testing mode.
Physical Education in the Early Childhood: A Perspective of Investigation in Education from the Neuroscience
De Souza Martins, Marlucio; Posada-Bernal, Sandra; Lucio-Tavera, Paula Andrea (Colombia)
ABSTRACT:
In this study the main purpose has been to evidence the importance of Physical Education in Early Childhood Learning as a source of research in education from the perspective of neuroscience. Students, when initiating the process of education and learning, are in a constant training and building of knowledge. In this way, Physical Education contributes to the process of research in education: as evidence of social and ethical personal development, and addressing the holistic education of children in physical, cognitive, emotional and social aspects. With this approach, Physical Education is related directly to the perspective of neuroscience, by means of recreational activities and actions of daily movements that are based on the basic concepts necessary for living.
Reducing the Effect of Local Conditions on the Capacity Intersection Approaches with the Support of Intelligent Transportation Identification Software
Figueroa-Tejada, Gisella; Sotil, Andrés; Un Jan, Alberto (Peru)
ABSTRACT:
Public transportation in Peru was regulated in the mid-90´s to encourage improvements in service, routes and quantities of vehicles. Since then, contrary to what was expected, traffic jams, accidents, and overall poor levels of service are encountered in expressways, avenues and intersections alike. Mismanagement, lack of knowledge, political interests and even constitutional restrictions do not help improving the current conditions (Quistberg, Koepsell, Boyle, Miranda, Johnston and Ebel, 2014). Within this context, this paper focuses on conditions at intersections that can be improved if proper organization is provided. Saturation and capacity of intersections approaches are governed by equations by factors. The Highway Capacity Manual HCM (Transportation Research Board TRB , 2010) explains these factors, like grade, bus blocking, parking maneuvers, right and left turns, pedestrian and bicycle activity, number of lanes, presence of heavy vehicles, and other similar factors. The purpose of this paper is to identify such conditions, rank them, and provide solutions (which may include traffic sanctions/tickets) to reduce their effect on the capacity of intersection approaches. The paper will apply Systems Dynamics. With the support of intelligent transportation solution will provide the foundations of the “E-Lean Traffic” concept based on the application on System Dynamics approach, the use of Internet of Things technology and methodologies as “Lean Manufacturing” in Industrial Engineering and “Lean Construction” in Civil Engineering.
Social Media Integrated into ERP Undergraduate Curriculum at Farmingdale State College for Student Preparation into the Workforce
O’Sullivan, Jill Anne (United States)
ABSTRACT:
According to current research, businesses today indicate that enterprise social media is a highly important part of their overall business strategy so why not provide an opportunity for students to learn and understand this at the college level right before they plunge into the workforce. Students in this tech savvy generation know very well how to use social media tools to engage so teaching them how to use this to be effective in business in an ERP system will provide an advantage for them after graduation. With social media taking an increasing role in business, students need to know how this is used in organizations to enrich customer service, create innovative marketing strategies, increase sales, and improve the competitive advantage. [1]
Social Media, Visual Culture and Contemporary Identity
Stokes, Jennifer; Price, Bianca (Australia)
ABSTRACT:
In developed nations, university students lead a rich digital life which includes maintaining connections through image-based social networks such as Instagram, Snapchat and Tinder. These ubiquitous technologies are shaping student identities and social practices in an ongoing manner. Social media is used to construct identity through visual branding, wherein individuals utilise imagery designed to attract followers and maintain careful curation of an online persona. In this digital economy, social capital is attached to attributes such as trustworthiness, authenticity and attractiveness. Regular social media use assists in the development of sophisticated visual practices, through which the everyday user shifts their own representation. Network members draw upon increased compositional knowledge and digital tools to depict themselves in a flattering manner which conveys a positive message about their identity as brand. Attractiveness and creativity become dominant factors in these online fora, whereas the widespread use of image editing tools draws trustworthiness and authenticity factors into question. This paper uses Social Learning Theory to explore the use of social media for identity construction, identifying issues inherent for students who place themselves in constant comparison to a wide range of peers, and ways in which educators can utilise these perspectives to inform teaching.
Student Satisfaction and Outcomes of the Touro College iPad Program
Molinsky, Rivka (United States)
ABSTRACT:
This study sought to determine the level of student satisfaction and outcomes of the Touro College iPad Program. Some of the pros of using iPads in the classroom include: iPads do not take away from learning and can increase class participation [1]; iPads contribute positively to students' learning and engagement; iPads increased interest and convenience in classroom [2]. There is some evidence of the cons of iPad use in education including that students prefer a low tech environment [3]. A survey was distributed to the students in their junior year at the Touro College School of Health Sciences Undergraduate Studies Department. Participants in this study included twenty students (N=20) 10 of who had an iPad and 10 who did not. Results of the study indicate that for 61.5% of the participants, iPad use enhanced classroom experience use enhanced ability to learn material. For 80% iPads are more helpful for studying than traditional methods. 70% reported that classroom participation did not increase since using the iPad. Finally, 85.7% of participants perceived that the iPad program was successful. The results indicate that the iPad seems to enhance classroom experience, productivity, and the ability to learn material, can be helpful for studying, and is not a distraction in class. However, there was no conclusive evidence that the iPad leads to an improvement in grades or increased classroom participation.
Study on the Influence of Students’ Social Capital and International Mindset on Employability: Taking Students’ Learning Outcomes as Mediator
Peng, Michael Yao-Ping; Ho, Sophia Shi-Huei (Taiwan)
ABSTRACT:
Higher education policy fails to meet the requirement of rapidly-changing society and employers' expectation in Taiwan, resulting in the great gap between university education and employment. This study aims to explore the relationships among students’ social capital, internacional mindsets. learning outcomes and employability in higher education institutions (HEIs). Via analyzing a purposely sample size of 801 undergraduates from 16 Taiwanese HEIs with structural equation model, and Result show that the influences of students’ social capital and international mindsets on their employability are evident. Based on the findings, specific implications for HEIs are provided
Teach Network Forensics Course with Experiential Learning
Xu, Wenjuan; Pan, Xunyu (United States)
ABSTRACT:
In this paper, we introduce our experiential learning based forensics course teaching targeting to increase the students’ knowledge, skills and abilities in handling the real world forensics cases. To engage the students with direct experience in forensics analysis, we have different labs and projects designed for the students. Especially, we explain how we construct a virtual network infrastructure and on top of that, how the students learn to handle the different forensics cases.
Teaching and Learning Chinese Language on CMS
Mao, Weihsun (United States)
ABSTRACT:
Online learning offers many advantages over traditional learning methods, but leveraging these advantages to generate improved student learning remains a challenge. This paper provides a ‘case study’ for how technological innovations can enrich and enhance the teaching of Mandarin language at the college level. A set of tools, games, and apps that engage students in meeting the challenges in language learning, specifically the challenges learning Mandarin, is first described. Next, the paper compares student performance and achievement of learning outcomes over three years between a traditional on-campus setting and an online Mandarin teaching and learning environment, showing that an online context leads to significantly improved performance. Finally, this paper posits areas of opportunity in the development of technologies that would improve remote language learning, specifically in the area of pronunciation feedback.
The ICT, E-Reading and Media Ecosystem
Peicheva, Dobrinka; Milenkova, Valentina; Manov, Boris; Raycheva, Lilia (Bulgaria)
ABSTRACT:
The rapid developments of ICT facilitate significant transformations in contemporary media ecosystem. The similar features of the new mobile devices, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc. and their interchangeability contribute to their widespread deployment.
The new multi-media products are changing gradually the reading habits and generally – the reading culture. Development and improvement of е-reading skills are a matter of grave concern and one of the key factors in the European Strategy for Growth 2020.
The article focuses on one the essential consequences of media convergence – the status-quo of the new media hybrid products. Its emphasis is on those of their dimensions that contribute to the erosion of the media ecosystem, such as these media explications which contain combination of non-truths and half-truths, intolerant language, etc. in traditional and new media formats, thus contaminating media atmosphere.
Finally, the paper tries to identify the liaison between the ICT developments and e-literacy
The merge between national languages as well as the developments of the audiovisual means of expression bring to the fore the need to conceptualize the specificity of e-literacy.
The Integration of Research and Education: Graduate Research Assistantship
Natale, Kirstin; Servilio, Kathryn (United States)
ABSTRACT:
Graduate students have the ability to gain extensive experience of real-world processes through the integration of research and education as a Graduate Research Assistant that can set them apart from peers in the same professional pool of candidates. This article provides a narrative on a specific experience of a graduate research assistant, as well as documented research to support importance of the assimilation of education and research. The methodology behind professional relationships that are built throughout the process is also discussed. Specific, testimonial cases by which leading a research project and learning related to the professional realm of education are reflected in this article. Ultimately, it is predicted that by utilizing an alliance between research and education, graduate students can increase their academic performance based on modeling. It has been found that by integrating research and education at the university level, graduate candidates become more marketable and provide great value to the workplace.
The Learning Science through Theatre Initiative in the Context of Responsible Research and Innovation
Smyrnaiou, Zacharoula; Georgakopoulou, Elena; Sotiriou, Menelaos; Sotiriou, Sofoklis (Greece)
ABSTRACT:
Fostering Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is the next big step in the methodological teaching of Science. This is the solution towards an open classroom and innovation system of learning. The school science teaching needs to become more engaging. Science education should be an essential component of a learning continuum not only in classroom, but also for all, from pre- school to active engaged citizenship. “The Learning Science Through Theatre” Initiative creates a network of knowledge and collaboration between different communities by learning about science through other disciplines and learning about other disciplines through science. Forty Three (43) theatrical performances during the school years 2014-2016 were organized by secondary school students (2000 subjects) which embed both scientific concepts and
cultural/ social elements which are expressed by embodied, verbal interaction and analogies. The methodology constitutes a merging of qualitative, quantitative and grounded theory analysis. The data were classified into categories and they were cross- checked by registrations forms, filled by the teachers. Results show that the acquisition of knowledge is successful with the co- existence of multiple semiotic systems and the theatrical performances are compatible with the principles of RRI.
The Pros and Cons of Requiring SCRATCH in the Applied Linguistics Classroom: Student and Student-Teachers' Reactions and Recommendations, Instructor's Observations
Garcia Quan, Clarisa (Guam)
ABSTRACT:
For six Fall semesters (2010-2014, 2016), undergraduate and graduate students and student-teachers taking Applied Linguistics (LN400, LN500) at the University of Guam were required to design, present at a regional conference, and submit A final project using SCRATCH, a free, downloadable children’s programming software from MIT. Their projects had to reflect second / foreign language learning and teaching theories, as well as their own personal fields of specialization and interests, from teaching language and literature, to other content areas like pragmatics, rhetoric/composition, and sociolinguistics. At the
end of the semester, every student had to submit a CD / thumb drive and paper discussing their personal experiences in attempting to link theories of learning and teaching to designing actual lessons with SCRATCH. They were told that their projects had to reflect their imaginative creativity, multi-cultural and ethnic sensitivity, familiarity with second language learning theories, and teaching ability. This presentation will continue to discuss the value of SCRATCH in the applied linguistics classroom by summarizing six semesters’ worth of students’ comments about the rewards and frustrations with the program, and the instructor’s observations and assessment of students’ projects.
The Use of the Media in Arabic Language Teaching and Research
Bernikova, Olga; Redkin, Oleg (Russian Federation)
ABSTRACT:
The role of media in the present-day world cannot be overestimated. They reflect key tendencies of the modern world in general and language evolution in particular. Spread of digital media opened new opportunities for linguistic analysis and provided new topics for investigation. The paper aims at analyzing the role of mass media in Arabic teaching and research, taking into consideration peculiarities of the language of the media and modern linguistic situation in the Arabic-speaking world. Recently media of the Middle East countries has undergone modernization changes due to transformations of political regimes, globalization, and technological advances. These changes affected the language of mass media, primarily its vocabulary. ICT development made the Arabic language to coin new terminology, “Arab spring” caused appearance of new meanings of words. These tendencies may be found in the language of media, which mirrors modern trends in the social development. That is why the use of media in Arabic teaching is compulsory, since it provides interdisciplinary approach, which is necessary for the training of highly qualified specialists, ready to problem-solving.
Therapeutic Communication: Phenomenology Analysis to Former Mental Disorder Survivors in Recovering Mental Illness Patients
Rustanta, Agustinus; Kali Palindangan, Linus (Indonesia)
ABSTRACT:
Interpersonal communication is not only useful to exchange messages among communication participants but it has the power of healing. Interpersonal communication becomes an extraordinary power that recovers patients with mental illnesses or psychological disorder. Mental disorders patients are not always recovered by consuming expensive medicines or through special doctors or therapists, but intensive personal relationship might work better especially for patients of mental illnesses. This research is to describe the experiences of survivors (those who suffered from mental disorder and they are able to return to normal) how they contribute in healing patients with mental illnesses. It is a phenomenological research; the truth is something based on personal experience. This research is a qualitative inquiry with constructivism paradigm. Data were collected by interviews with survivors. There are three findings; first
is communication and empathy. Communication helps patients of mental disorder aware of the ‘self’. Recovering illness especially mental illnesses by
communication is an alternative of empowering any other human resources and save the world. Good listeners will have empathy, high level of empathy where speaker and listener are sharing feelings and experience. Empathetic communication is described as communication that emphasis the proses of emotional engagement of the care givers with the patients. Second, experience is the best teacher. These volunteers (care takers) are not doctors or therapists but they are able to help patients with mental disorder because they have an experience of being mentally sick. Third is affection. Communication, which is done openly, directlt, and honestly will become the power of healer. Empathy and effective interpersonal communication are useful to persuade patients to think positively and to be adaptive so that they are confident to be part of the society. The conclusion is that mental disorder can be experienced by anyone. Chronic stressful situation, mental pressure, and depression may cause mental disorder if there is no way out from it. To be recovered, they give special treatment such as patience, understanding, and empathy from the care givers. Mental disorder patients are not to be alienated or isolated because they are not contagious. They can be recovered by giving more attention.
Tutorial Continuing Education: Innovative Strategy in a Tertiary Specialized Health Unit
Maciel, Flaviana; Acioly, Mariana; Fragoso, Viviane; Santos, Thalita; Martins, Carolina (Brazil)
ABSTRACT:
Hospital Pelopidas Silveira-IMIP/SES/SUS is a tertiary-unit, specialized in cardiology, neurology, neurosurgery and interventional radiology. It is the only hospital of Brazilian Public-Health-System (SUS) with this profile and a 24h-acute-cardio/neurovascular facility. Challenges of Continuing-Education include a) guaranteeing appropriate level of basic knowledge, b) empowering clinical staff to remain up to date in current knowledge. HPS Continuing-Education Program is based on three branches: a) Classroom-Tutorials (CT), b) Online-Tutorials at “Pelopidas Digital” Virtual-Teaching-Platform (PD-VTP) and c) Daily-Practice Evaluation (DPE). This paper presents logistic details of HPS Continuing-Education Program. Training team coordinate tutorial meetings and performs continuous statistical analysis. Evaluation team visit hospital departments daily, observing in practice the incorporation of information provided, and retraining individuals in their work scenarios. Both teams perform curriculum development, meeting planning and creation of digital-training-modules. Tutorial meetings have pre/post-tests, allowing monitoring of attendance, topic significance and short-term retention. Tutorial groups are formed by 6-12 employees sharing similarities in training needs. CT is offered to 4 groups-of-interest: a) nurses, b) nursing assistants, c) administrative staff, porters, drivers, d) cleaning, laundry and security staff. Problematization and active strategies have resulted into an attractive, structured educational program customized to produce short-term results. The strategy is of interest to institutions sharing similar challenges.
UCD Pre-Design Research Methods in ICT for Development
Ndwe, Tembalethu J.; Jumbam, Ndze D.; Isabirye, Naomi (South Africa)
ABSTRACT:
User-centered design (UCD), also referred to as usability engineering or human-centered design, is a structured product development methodology for employing usability that involves users throughout all the stages of development in anticipation of creating a product that meets users' needs through the consideration of the stakeholders’ business objectives and the users’ needs. Generally, UCD consists of three main stages known as the pre-design, the design, and the post-design stages. In this paper we address the methods that are involved in the pre-design stage of the UCD as experienced in the development of speech technology that is aimed at people living in the developing regions of the world. In this paper we observe speech technology development issues from the users’ point of view and less from other stakeholders’ perspective. The research examines pre-design methodologies that were deployed in two case studies that involve the development of two disparate Voice User Interfaces (VUI) in the sub-Saharan region of Africa. We have established that selecting the proper research methods in engaging the users is critical not only during the pre-design phase but also later in other phases of the development.
Using Modern Technology to Address Traditional Geographic and Economic Limitations in Education
Suzuki, Akiyoshi; Nakamura, Norio; Kurata, Shin; Matsumoto, Kōichi (Japan)
ABSTRACT:
The purpose of this article is to present an idea to address education inequality stemming from economy and geography, especially in English education as a foreign language. Schools in small islands in Japan serve very small numbers of students. While they have advantages in English education because of the small teacher-to-student ratio, they have disadvantages given the limited interaction they have with people of various cultures and with various English accents, pronunciations, and expressions to improve academic skills in English and to cultivate the ability to understand and respect others. Some students spend a great deal of money to move big cities in order to be able to interact with people of diverse backgrounds and with higher education. This is true of schools in small islands and secluded areas in other countries as well. Numerous people in large cities come from rural areas. Therefore, a joint class in a cyber-metropolitan school created by connecting schools in small islands, secluded areas, and in several countries could be beneficial, especially by utilizing Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Such a scheme could help address the problem of educational inequality.
Virtual Ethnic Communities as Political Actors – The Case of Sami People
Gribanova, Galina; Nevzorov, Maxim (Russian Federation)
ABSTRACT:
The role of virtual communities in the sphere of politics is constantly growing. One of the most influential on the decision making process are Internet groups based on shared ethnic identity that in their perception is under threat. The article analyses how Sami being an indige-nous divided between four different countries people use Internet in order to preserve their ethnic and cultural her-itage, to save and distribute their languages and to form a joint basis for lobbing political authorities in Nordic countries and Russia. By combining online and offline political activity Sami managed to find their own unique place in modern world serving as an inspirational exam-ple for other indigenous people.
Copyright © 2017 by International Institute of Informatics and Systemics
Published by International Institute of Informatics and Cybernetics