bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E-Governance at the Grass Roots
Authors: Rahman Hakikur
Published: October 2011

Ever growing and evolutionary technologies of the Internet have lured nations in utilizing information and communication technologies to upgrade the livelihood of their citizens. Governments of most countries have initiated multi-faceted programs and initiatives to provide enhanced services through means and methods that are being facilitated by the Internet. However, forms and norms of services have taken shapes and domains depending on the ground context, expansion and maturity of ICTs in their countries and communities. This chapter will explore situations of electronic forms of the government, which it argues is a pre-requisite for good governance and thus enable governments to reach the people at large. Particularly, the chapter will review the emancipation of ICTs in eight countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). It investigates some basic parameters of ICTs retrieving archived data from various institutions and organizations. Later on, the chapter tries to generalize the situation in terms of recommendations.
Evaluating Web Sites of Municipal Corporations
Authors: Kumar Muneesh , Sareen Mamta
Published: October 2011

While evaluation of government websites has been a matter of interest for researchers, the perspectives and parameters of such evaluation used in these have been diverse. It is primarily because the evaluated web sites had different objectives and only a general matrix could be used for their assessment. Fortunately, web sites of Municipal Corporations have a unique advantage in this respect. The kind of information needs and citizen services required in different cities do not differ significantly in most cases. In this chapter, an attempt has been made to evaluate municipal websites of twenty major cities in India. It also examines the relationship between the income levels of the city and the quality of municipal website. While the glaring differences were observed among municipal web sites of different cities, no significant relationship could be established between the quality of municipal websites and income levels in the city.
Information Security Threats in ERP Enabled E-Governance
Authors: Sahi Geetanjali , Madan Sushila
Published: October 2011

E-governance offers different e-Services to its citizens so that they can interact with the government in a more effective way. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), when implemented in the e-governance domain, combines all the government functions together into one single integrated system with a central database. This system serves the information needs of all the departments across geographies, while allowing them to communicate with each other. For this it is necessary to understand that government has become more dependent on modern technologies that have the potential to create seamless, responsive, and citizen-centric government for the benefit of all. At the same time, it has become increasingly vulnerable to a range of risks, from interruption of operations that are based on computers to loss of confidential data. Government agencies at all levels (national, provincial, and local) must protect the computer systems that they own and operate. Information security requires a combination of business, management, and technical measures in an on-going process. Security is costly, but like privacy, it should be addressed in the design phase and periodically reviewed. This chapter contributes to the ERP enabled e-governance literature for understanding threats and risks, clarification and investigation of the techniques in mitigating these challenges and issues involved in improving e-governance security. The interest generated by the ERP phenomenon in the public sector, and the peculiarities of this sector make specific studies of ERP in government organizations necessary. This is an issue which has not yet been widely addressed in the open literature.
Virtual Community Building and the Information Society
Authors: El Morr Christo , Maret Pierre , Dinca-Panaitescu Mihaela , Rioux Marcia , Subercaze Julien
Published: October 2011

This paper reports the results of an investigation into the life cycle model needed to develop information systems for groups of people with fluid requirements. For this purpose, we developed a modified spiral model and applied it to the analysis, design and implementation of a virtual community for a group of researchers and organizations that collaborated in a research project and had changing system requirements. The virtual knowledge community was dedicated to support mobilization and dissemination of evidence-based knowledge produced by the Disability Rights Promotion International Canada (DRPI-Canada) project.
Online Communities
Authors: Jensen Jakob Linaa
Published: October 2011

I will take the point of departure in traditional sociological understandings and definitions of community. Next, I will give a brief summary of the history of online social phenomena, major debates and attempts to define community online. It is followed by a thematic discussion of ideas and practices of online social relationships. I will argue that the traditional focus on community as the dominant metaphor in understanding social formation online might be somehow mistaken as the Internet, although not necessarily unable to foster genuine social relations, is materially different from the realm in which traditional communities were shaped. It is claimed, in the end, that a framework encompassing logics of network might be appropriate in understanding online communities.
Virtual Communities in a Services Innovation Context
Authors: Bugeaud Florie , Soulier Eddie
Published: October 2011

This chapter focuses on both the activities of the telecoms’ innovators (i.e. actors of the innovation) and the emergence of some “service communities” which are interesting facets of virtual communities. These innovators are part of a remote and inter-professional network which forms a “design community”. They are involved in the telecom operators’ design process (opportunities research, service design, development, deployment and market launch). During the first stage, this community has to describe customers’ services situations, discover lacks and opportunities and find some ideas of adapted solutions. Theoretical and professional difficulties have been noted during this key step. The main problem is related to the concept of service which is a multidimensional and still poorly understood object. Based on the service literature and the emergent field of Service Science, we propose a theoretical framework and a semi-formal semantic method to describe, co-model (through a mereotopological ontology of assembled and interconnected scenes) and simulate (through an animation of each scenario) the targeted Services Systems. These Services Systems are configurations of dynamic/processual entities that reveal not only the service field of experiences but also the actors’ performances within different spatiotemporal situations.
Identification vs. Self-Verification in Virtual Communities (VC)
Authors: Shen Kathy Ning
Published: October 2011

Identity-related processes have been identified as important in explaining virtual community (VC) member behavior as well as informing system design of VCs. In particular, the two distinct identity processes of self-verification and identification have been identified and investigated separately, portrayed as two distinctive or contradictory identity processes with different practical implications. This chapter compares and reconciles these two theoretical perspectives in explaining VC participation. Based on a critical and comprehensive review of prior literature, the author identifies three major theoretical gaps that suggest how VC research and management can be advanced through an identity perspective. Finally, the chapter is concluded by discussing key implications of applying identity perspectives in VC research and future research agenda.
Freedom, Control, Security
Authors: Hans Knahl Martin , Cox Geoff
Published: October 2011

Internet Governance is concerned with the organisation, control, and strategic development of the Internet. It is a prominent and widely debated topic Furthermore, from the operational perspective, administrative control and technical operation of the Internet are crucially relevant issues for the global dissemination of information, online virtual communities and the global economy. Therefore political and technological aspects and considerations are interconnected and cannot be separated. Key Internet operation and maintenance organisations such as the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) are stakeholders in the process of defining the scope and agenda of future Internet governance with significant implications for virtual communities and online services. These developments have a major impact and are omnipresent in the operation of the Internet with additional implications regarding Internet security and control aspects inside Internet groups and communities. Governance and security are issues motivated by the need of protection - protection from from perceived chaos and instability, real physical or symbolic violence or even terrorism. However the question of who governs and secures the Internet against such threats remains an open issue. Furthermore it must be asked who will protect us from security. These issues are discussed from different perspectives at different scales. The Botnet case study further demonstrates how control is distributed both horizontally and vertically in keeping with contemporary forms of governance and security, reflected in the technical infrastructures of the Internet itself.
Dynamic Capacity Management (DCAMM™) in a Hospital Setting
Authors: Story Pierce
Published: October 2011

DCAMM starts with an analysis of dynamic demand, matched against dynamic capacity. This brings forth simple yet important operational concepts that take a dynamic, “systems” level view of the entire care structure (e.g. a hospital or a community). Using specially designed simulation models and the power of predictive analytics, we can achieve a very different perspective on the variability and interdependencies that were once considered chaos. By “managing to” the variation, and understanding and predicting the dynamism of the system, concepts such as “Dynamic Standardization” and “Outlier Management” can augment the existing, static process improvement systems such as Lean and Six Sigma. This chapter will provide an overview of the concepts and structures necessary to profoundly change the way our hospitals, and health systems, are managed.
Simulation Modeling of Healthcare Delivery
Authors: Gibson Ian W.
Published: October 2011

Healthcare has delivered incredible improvements in diagnosis and treatment of diseases but faces challenges to improve the delivery of services. Healthcare is a complex system using expensive and scarce resources. Benchmarking, experience, and lean management techniques currently provide the basis for developing service delivery models and facility planning. Simulation modeling can supplement these methods to enable a better understanding of the complex systems involved. This provides the basis for developing and evaluating options to provide improved healthcare delivery. Simulation modeling enables a better understanding of the processes and the resources used in delivering healthcare services and improving healthcare delivery systems. Options to improve the cost effectiveness can be evaluated without experimenting with patients. This chapter reviews the current challenges and methods including the use of simulation modeling. Analysis of emergency patient flows through a major hospital shows the capability of simulation modeling to enable improvement of the healthcare delivery system. This chapter enables healthcare managers to understand the power simulation modeling brings to the improvement of healthcare delivery.
Modeling Clinical Engineering Activities to Support Healthcare Technology Management
Authors: Gaetano Laura , Puppato Daniele , Balestra Gabriella
Published: October 2011

In the chapter we describe a model to estimate the number of clinical engineers and biomedical equipment technicians (BMET) that will constitute the Clinical Engineering department staff. The model is based on the activities to be simulated, the characteristics of the healthcare facility, and the experience of human resources. Our model is an important tool to be used to start a Clinical Engineering department or to evaluate the performances of an existing one. It was used by managers of Regione Piemonte to start a regional network of Clinical Engineering departments.
Intensive Care Unit Operational Modeling and Analysis
Authors: Dong Yue , Lu Huitian , Gajic Ognjen , Pickering Brian
Published: October 2011

The outcome of critical illness depends not only on life threatening pathophysiologic disturbances, but also on several complex “system” dimensions: health care providers’ performance, organizational factors, environmental factors, family preferences and the interactions between each component. Systems engineering tools offer a novel approach which can facilitate a “systems understanding” of patient-environment interactions enabling advances in the science of healthcare delivery. Due to the complexity of operations in critical care medicine, certain assumptions are needed in order to understand system behavior. Patient variation and uncertainties underlying these assumptions present a challenge to investigators wishing to model and improve health care delivery processes. In this chapter we present a systems engineering approach to modeling critical care delivery using sepsis resuscitation as an example condition.
Enabling Real-Time Management and Visibility with RFID
Authors: Hawrylak Peter J. , Ogirala Ajay , Norman Bryan A. , Rajgopal Jayant , Mickle Marlin H.
Published: October 2011

Radio frequency identification (RFID) and Real Time Location Systems (RTLS) provide a wireless means to identify, locate, monitor, and track assets and people. RFID technology can be used for resource and patient location, to reduce costs, improve inventory accuracy, and improve patient safety. A number of pilot deployments of RFID and RTLS technology have yielded promising results, reduced costs, and improved patient care. However, there are three major issues facing RFID and RTLS systems, privacy, security, and location accuracy. As described in this chapter the privacy and security issues can be easily addressed by employing standard security measures. Location accuracy issues are physics-related and new advances continue to improve this accuracy. However, in hospital applications accuracy to the room level is sufficient.
Healthcare Delivery as a Service System
Authors: Parasher Arjun , Goldschmidt-Clermont Pascal J. , Tien James M.
Published: October 2011

Both during and after the recent reform efforts, healthcare delivery has been identified as the key to transforming the U.S. healthcare system. In light of this background, we borrow from systems engineering and business management to present the concept of service co-production as a new paradigm for healthcare delivery and, using the foresight afforded by this model, to systematically identify the barriers to healthcare delivery functioning as a service system. The service co-production model requires for patient, provider, insurer, administrator, and all the related healthcare individuals to collaborate at all stages – prevention, triage, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up – of the healthcare delivery system in order to produce optimal health outcomes. Our analysis reveals that the barriers to co-production – the misalignment of financial and legal incentives, limited incorporation of collaborative point of care systems, and poor access to care – also serve as the source of many of the systemic failings of the U.S. healthcare system. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act takes steps to reduce these barriers, but leaves work to be done. Future research and policy reform is needed to enable effective and efficient co-production in the twenty-first century. With this review, we assess the state of service co-production in the U.S. healthcare system, and propose solutions for improvement.
Reducing Consultation Waiting Time and Overtime in Outpatient Clinic
Authors: Zhecheng Zhu , Hoon Heng Bee , Liang Teow Kiok
Published: October 2011

Outpatient clinics face increasing pressure to handle more appointment requests due to aging and growing population. The increase in workload impacts two critical performance indicators: consultation waiting time and clinic overtime. Consultation waiting time is the physical waiting time a patient spends in the waiting area of the clinic, and clinic overtime is the amount of time the clinic is open beyond its normal opening hours. Long consultation waiting time negatively affects patient safety and satisfaction, while long clinic overtime negatively affects the morale of clinic staff. This chapter analyzes the complexity of an outpatient clinic in a Singapore public hospital, and factors causing long consultation waiting time and clinic overtime. Discrete event simulation and design of experiments are applied to quantify the effects of the factors on consultation waiting time/clinic overtime. Implementation results show significant improvement once those factors are well addressed.
Reducing Patient Waiting Time at an Ambulatory Surgical Center
Authors: Ben-Arieh David , Wu Chih-Hang
Published: October 2011

This chapter describes a methodology to reduce patient waiting time in a for-profit ambulatory surgical center. Patients in this facility are scheduled in advance for the various operations, and yet operations start late, last longer than expected creating undesired delays. Although this facility is limited to ambulatory surgery, it provides a large number of different surgeries, which are scheduled using “block” scheduling approach. The methodology presented generates a more accurate schedule by creating better time estimates for the operations and with lower variability. The effect of sequencing the surgeries, such that the ones with lower variability are performed earlier in the day, is also discussed.
Using Patient Flow to Examine Hospital Operations
Authors: Konrad Renata , Kucukyazici Beste , Lawley Mark
Published: October 2011

Adopting an admission-to-discharge patient flow perspective has the potential to improve hospital operations. Flow paths provide insight regarding patient care needs, support resource allocation and capacity planning decisions, and improve the operational performance of the hospitals. Studying patient flow through systems engineering tools and applications can help decision makers assess and improve care delivery. This chapter presents current research and techniques used to describe, measure, and model inpatient flow. We formally define patient flow from an operational standpoint and discuss why it is crucial for operational decisions. Systems engineering techniques, which describe and analyze inpatient flow, are introduced. The chapter concludes with a discussion of emerging approaches to capture patient flow.
Screencasting for Mathematics Online Learning
Authors: Loch Birgit
Published: October 2011

This chapter presents a case study of technology integration to support student learning in a first year operations research course at a dual delivery mode university. The course is taken by on-campus and distance students at the same time. It is shown how both groups are treated the same in this course in terms of provision of course material, access to the course learning management system, and to screencasts of live classes and additional explanations. The only difference between the two groups is the on-campus students’ ability to attend live face-to-face classes and to interact with the lecturer. The chapter demonstrates how screencasting is used effectively in online learning. Its objective is to share good practice of technology enhanced learning.
Implementation of Learning Outcomes in Mathematics for Non-Mathematics Major by Using E-Learning
Authors: Divjak B.
Published: October 2011

Learning outcomes are considered to be a key tool for student-centered teaching and learning. They can be successfully implemented in teaching and learning mathematics on higher educational level and together with appropriate level of technology enhanced learning can provide the framework for successful learning process even for students that have not been primarily interested in mathematics. The aim is to present the case study of implementation of learning outcomes and e-learning in several mathematical courses at the Faculty of Organization and Informatics of the University of Zagreb. First of all, there are examples of mathematical courses in the first year since the first study year is crucial for retaining students. Further, there are mathematical courses taught at higher years of undergraduate study and the first year of graduate study. Again, educational process is appropriately supported by ICT and executed through blended e-learning, as well as the use of social software.
Online Communities of Practice as Vehicles for Teacher Professional Development
Authors: Meletiou-Mavrotheris Maria
Published: October 2011

The affordances offered by modern Internet technologies provide new opportunities for the pre-service and in-service training of teachers, making it possible to overcome the restrictions of shrinking resources and geographical locations and to offer high quality learning experiences to geographically dispersed teachers. The focus of this chapter is the question of how information and communication tools made available online could be effectively exploited to build and study network-based services with the aim of fostering online communities that promote teacher learning and development. The chapter presents an overview of the main experiences gained from a study which investigated the forms of collaboration and shared knowledge building undertaken by a multinational group of teachers participating in EarlyStatistics, an online professional development in statistics education targeting European elementary and middle school mathematics teachers. Findings from the study provide insights into the factors that may facilitate or hinder the successful implementation of an online community of teaching practitioners.
Teaching Mathematics Teachers Online
Authors: Jarvis D. H.
Published: October 2011

Online course offerings in continuing teacher education are rapidly becoming standard features for faculties of education involved with the professional development of in-service teachers. However, instructors of mathematics education courses which are offered online must navigate certain formidable obstacles in the planning and delivery of their online learning experiences. In an era of reform-oriented mathematics education (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2000; Ontario Ministry of Education, 2005), which emphasizes the increased use of manipulatives, technology, groupwork, problem-based learning, and varied assessment, the “virtual” instructor must develop creative methods for modeling these important aspects of teaching and learning. Drawing upon the relevant research literature, and based on nearly a decade of online instructor/course evaluation feedback and on the author’s own observations, the following paper presents five key strategies for bridging this technological gap, and for navigating the intersection of andragogy (i.e., adult education), technology, and reform-based mathematics education within emergent online teaching models.
Formula Editors and Handwriting in Mathematical E-Learning
Authors: Misfeldt Morten , Sanne Anders
Published: October 2011

Teaching and learning mathematics at university level is increasingly being supported by Learning Management Systems. In this chapter, we report from the e-learning initiative, DELTA, and in doing so we aim to describe how formulas, drawings, and other mathematical representations influence student communication. We describe a practice that combines handwriting and discussion forums facilitated by a Learning Management System (LMS). We have experienced lack of student activity in the discussion forums and introducing a new LMS (Moodle) with improved formula editor capabilities into the environment, does not seem to considerably improve the situation, whereas a scanner-based handwritten communication seems to successfully support the assignment communication between the students and the teacher.
The Role of Technology in Mathematics Support
Authors: Mac an Bhaird Ciarán , O’Shea Ann
Published: October 2011

In this chapter we will discuss the importance of using technology to enhance mathematics education and mathematics support. We present our initial steps in the use of technology in the National University of Ireland Maynooth as a pilot study. This essentially falls into two categories: the use of online courses to address mathematical issues faced by incoming at-risk students; and the development and use of additional resources such as pdfs (using touchscreen technology), podcasts and screencasts to complement existing services. We give a detailed description of the introduction, development, and implementation of these strategies including the advantages and disadvantages from both the teaching and learning perspectives. We also present the initial feedback concerning the use of these technologies with mathematics support services. This shows that students who made use of the help available reported that it had a significant impact on their learning experience. However, we will also discuss the major issue of getting students to actively engage with these extra supports. We also present the changes we are making to these services as a result of this pilot study and how they tie in with our long term strategy for a more complete mathematics support system for our students. We consider the implications for the future of mathematics education and mathematics support and give an overview of activities and resources already in existence.
Integrated Technology for Culturally Competent Communication in Urban Schools
Authors: Linas Maura Wechsler , Aitken Joan E.
Published: October 2011

A disproportionately high number of students who live in urban centers are found eligible for special education services. For some of these students, teachers and administrators may misinterpret communication and other behaviors. This chapter will provide ideas generated from the literature and lessons learned about interpreting communication and behavior in the urban context. Although the primary focus is face-to-face communication, the authors also discuss ways to integrate technology to support the communication process.
Using Spatial Constructivist Thinking Theory to Enhance Classroom Instruction for Students with Special Needs
Authors: Bull Prince Hycy
Published: October 2011

Spatial constructivist thinking theory is an alternative method of presenting digital materials to enhance the learning process of special needs students in a 21st Century classroom. Spatial constructivist thinking is the integration of pictures, animations, videos, color schemes, abstract plans, applets, graphics, and formatted texts in a presentation to represent text and verbal concepts. Concepts can be simple or complex, literary or symbolic representations of the concepts. This representation addresses Bloom’s revised taxonomy to challenge students’ thinking to create knowledge. Spatial constructivist thinking also posits that spatial representation is influenced by ones visual and verbal knowledge, and prior experiences. Spatial constructivist thinking is also influenced by the multiple intelligences theory. Presentations done by an instructor or knowledgeable peer using spatial constructivist thinking theory reflect the best spatial representation of the presenter’s visual and verbal repertoire for concepts presented. For each spatial representation there is a corresponding verbal representation.
Wheelchairs as Assistive Technology
Authors: Carroll Judy L.
Published: October 2011

Federal law supports the use of assistive technology in the education of students with disabilities. Arguably, wheelchairs are included as assistive technology. However, many barriers exist to selecting the appropriate technology and supporting its use within the educational setting. An informed team including the parent, educator, therapists, and wheelchair supplier can assist the student in reducing these barriers.
Trial and Error with Assistive, Accessible, Augmentative Technology
Authors: Blaser Arthur W.
Published: October 2011

This chapter describes the author’s experiences in using assistive technology in undergraduate teaching. He argues for the importance of recognizing social factors that contribute to inequalities involving people with disabilities. The objective is to offer the simple, practical example of the author’s use of communications technology.
Communication Technology Integration in the Content Areas for Students with High-Incidence Disabilities
Authors: Evmenova Anna S. , Behrmann Michael M.
Published: October 2011

A myriad of assistive/instructional technologies are available for students with high-incidence disabilities (Learning Disabilities/Emotional/Behavioral Disorders), but which do teachers actually use to teach content? This case study examines the current assistive technology implementation by teachers working with students with learning disabilities and emotional/behavioral disorders. Through the chapter, one can learn about top technologies used in elementary, middle, and high school settings in language arts, math, science, and social studies, as well as discover creative and innovative ways to use assistive and instructional devices/programs in content coursework.
Signage as a Classroom Prompt
Authors: Loverro Ian J. , Majsterek David J. , Shorr David N.
Published: October 2011

No Child Left Behind emphasizes evidence-based practice (EBP) as a benchmark for educational interventions. Research summaries and meta-analyses have been forthcoming for teachers in content areas like reading and mathematics instruction. Less has been summarized about strategies for promoting targeted classroom behaviors. Visual prompts, in the form of signage, are explored as potentially effective strategies for facilitating a well run classroom. Single-subject design studies that provide initial support for signage in promoting target behaviors are described. Variables from these studies are considered as they may be related to an effective classroom environment.
Reflections on Teaching Students with Special Needs in an Online Master’s Program
Authors: Cohn Lora
Published: October 2011

Accommodations for a student with a traumatic brain injury in graduate level class go beyond extended time for completing assignments. Additional accommodations include breaking major papers into stages with peer editing at each stage, using shorter articles for article review assignments, and substituting threaded discussions for some article reviews. Greater attention to the affective dimension of teaching and learning also assists students with exceptionalities and can include specific threaded discussions where students give each other tips on completing assignments. Teaching students with special needs can enhance instructor consideration of the needs of all students and make the class better for all the students involved. Additional graduate program and societal involvement is needed to make college and graduate level education more accessible for students with exceptionalities.
Are you SMARTer than a SMART Board™?
Authors: Sonnenberg Mandi
Published: October 2011

Interactive whiteboards (IWBS) became obtainable in the early 1990’s. An IWB is an electronic, interactive board which is either mounted or mobile. While interactive whiteboards are just one of many different engaging technology tools available today, it is the most commonly seen in the classroom. IWBs offer opportunities for teachers to become facilitators of knowledge while students demonstrate their learning through physically moving components on the interactive whiteboard. Students from all different learning styles and backgrounds have come together and shown their enthusiasm through these one-touch systems which become the center of their classroom. This chapter will focus on the various ways interactive whiteboards, specifically SMART Board™, can be used in the classroom and also challenges associated with this type of technology usage. Interactive whiteboards provide environments where all types of learners have a common interest, interacting with technology which is both educational and fun.
Integrating Accessible Multiplication Games into Inclusive Classrooms
Authors: Anderson Cindy L.
Published: October 2011

Two accessible games were the focus of a study involving inclusive fourth grade classrooms in a suburban Chicago elementary school district. The games were created using software with universal design capability and were designed to teach multiplication facts. Data were collected that compared the classes using the software with classes that did not use the software. The statistical analysis used in the design of the study was analysis of covariance using a pretest assessment of multiplication facts as the covariate. Students used the games twice a week for four weeks during a period of 40 minutes a day. Results indicated a gain in accuracy of multiplication facts on the part of the groups using the games, but not enough to demonstrate significance. In addition to the analysis of covariance analysis, selected classes filled out surveys designed to measure the students’ opinions of the games and their effectiveness. Results of the surveys indicated that the students were somewhat unsure about their effectiveness as a tool to learn multiplication facts but found them enjoyable to play. Interpretation of both of these results is provided.
Do You See What I’m Saying?
Authors: Meadows Bryan
Published: October 2011

Ultrasound technology aids pronunciation training because it makes visible what ordinarily is not. Ultrasound technology produces a real-time visual image of speech articulations that take place inside of the mouth; thus, it contributes visual input to an instructional context. This chapter first reports on investigatory applications of ultrasound within the context of second language instruction. Two pilot studies have been conducted which, although they did not return statistically significant results, pointed to high potentials for pedagogical efficacy in instructional settings. Ongoing use of the ultrasound in language classrooms at the University of Arizona underscores the ultrasound’s applicability to pronunciation training settings. In light of the positive results in the language classroom, the implications for ultrasound applications to speech language pathology are considered. Two broad areas of potential application are diagnosis and treatment practices. Challenges facing ultrasound-enhanced pronunciation instruction are subsequently discussed, and future directions are suggested for continued research into ultrasound technology as an instructional aide.
Teaching What We Don’t Know
Authors: Harris Joy E.
Published: October 2011

When newly graduated teachers enter the classroom, they are expected to possess the knowledge to adequately teach students with a wide variety of needs including students with special needs, whether these students perform far above the majority of their peers or lag significantly behind. A disconnect exists, however, between the expectation and the reality. The truth is that most teacher education programs do not provide adequate training to teacher candidates in the area of special needs, and in terms of teaching pre-service educators what technological tools are available to enhance the educational opportunities of students with special needs, there is virtually no training whatsoever. The conclusions from this study come from a random sample (n=60) of National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education accredited schools and colleges of education in the United States and its territories.
Ten Hot Assistive Tech Websites That You Won’t Want to Miss
Authors: Thompson Alex
Published: October 2011

This chapter introduces ten websites that can be used to access and reference information on assistive technology. Assistive technology is defined as technology used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. With the advent of more advanced technology comes the need to understand what is available, how to get it, and how to use it. The Internet provides easy access to this information; however, search engines can make it difficult to screen the vast number of websites available. The authors have screened websites to facilitate those interested in assistive technology more than simply company products and advertising. The criteria for determining which websites to include were applicability for teachers and availability of additional resources. Each website has a listing of the website’s sponsor, the full Web address, and a description of what information, products, and tools can be found on the website. Website authors include companies, teachers, individuals with disabilities, and government organizations. The websites chosen range from those offering products and resources for entire classrooms to those customizing computer controlled devices for individual students.
Knowledge Sharing in a Learning Management System Environment Using Social Awareness
Authors: Kekwaletswe Ray M.
Published: October 2011

The premise for this chapter is that learning and knowledge sharing is a human-to-human process that happen independent of space and time. One of the essential facets of learning is the social interaction in which personalized knowledge support is an outcome of learners sharing experiences. To this point, this chapter does not directly address a specific learning management system (LMS) platform but addresses forms of communication that can be encountered as tools of LMS platforms. The chapter argues that LMS ought to be able to facilitate the social interaction among learners not confined to particular places. Learners, because of their mobility, perform tasks in three varied locations or contexts: formal contexts, semi-formal contexts, and informal contexts. In this chapter, learners use social awareness to determine the appropriateness of an LMS tool to engage in a knowledge activity, as they traverse the varied contexts. Thus, the chapter posits that a ubiquitous personalized support and on-demand sharing of knowledge could be realized if a learning management system is designed and adopted cognizant of learners’ social awareness.
Learning 2.0
Authors: Connolly Thomas , Gould Carole , Baxter Gavin J. , Hainey Tom
Published: October 2011

Technology, and in particular the Web, have had a significant impact in all aspects of society including education and training with institutions investing heavily in technologies such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), ePortfolios and more recently, Web2.0 technologies, such as blogs, wikis and forums. The advantages that these technologies provide have meant that online learning, or eLearning, is now supplementing and, in some cases, replacing traditional (face-to-face) approaches to teaching and learning. However, there is less evidence of the uptake of these technologies within vocational training. The aims of this chapter is to give greater insight into the potential use of educational technologies within vocational training, demonstrate that eLearning can be well suited to the hands-on nature of vocational training, stimulate further research into this area and lay foundations for a model to aid successful implementation. This chapter discusses the implementation of eLearning within a vocational training course for the engineering industry and provides early empirical evidence from the use of Web2.0 technologies provided by the chosen LMS.
Disability Standards and Guidelines for Learning Management Systems
Authors: Moreno Lourdes , Iglesias Ana , Calvo Rocío , Delgado Sandra , Zaragoza Luis
Published: October 2011

The method application is for all LMS, in order to illustrate the effectiveness of the evaluation method, we present a case study over the widely-used LMS Moodle1. In the case study, the accessibility of Moodle is evaluated thoroughly from the point of view of visually-impaired persons. The results obtained from the case study demonstrate that this LMS is partially accessible. The evaluation shows that the tool provides poor support to the authors of accessible educational contents.
Differences in Internet and LMS Usage A Case Study in Higher Education
Authors: Babo Rosalina , Rodrigues Ana Cláudia , Lopes Carla Teixeira , Coelho de Oliveira Paulo , Queirós Ricardo , Pinto Mário
Published: October 2011

The Internet plays an important role in higher education institutions where Learning Management Systems (LMS) occupies a main role in the eLearning realm. In this chapter we aim to characterize the Internet and LMS usage patterns and their role in the largest Portuguese Polytechnic Institute. The usage patterns were analyzed in two components: characterization of Internet usage and the role of Internet and LMS in education. Using a quantitative approach, the data analysis describes the differences between gender, age and scientific fields. The carried qualitative analysis allows a better understanding of students’ both motivations, opinions and suggestions of improvement. The outcome of this work is the presentation of the Portuguese students’ profile regarding Internet and LMS usage patterns. We expect that these results can be used to select the most suitable digital pedagogical processes and tools to be adopted regarding the learning process and most adequate LMS’s policies.
Strategies of LMS Implementation at German Universities
Authors: Kruse Carola , Tan Thanh-Thu Phan , Koesling Arne , Krüger Marc
Published: October 2011

In Germany, a learning management system (LMS) has become an everyday online tool for the academic staff and students at almost every university. Implementing an LMS, however, can be very different depending on the university. We introduce some general aspects on the strategies at German universities on how to implement an LMS. These aspects are mainly influenced by two main approaches, the top-down and bottom-up approach, which determine the decisions and actions on different levels at the university. In order to show how the strategies are carried out, we are presenting three case studies from universities based in the German federal state of Lower Saxony. We are going to reveal that both approaches play a part in each strategy, however differently weighted. It becomes clear that networking and collaboration plays a crucial role, not only concerning the technical development of the LMS software but also in organisational and educational terms.
Emission Assessment of Aviation
Authors: Turgut Enis T. , Rosen Marc A.
Published: October 2011

Aviation-related emissions and their impacts are comprehensively discussed in this chapter. Previous studies are described in “Previous Studies,” and their relevance is discussed throughout the chapter. In “Jet Engine Emissions,” five common emissions species with contrail formation are described along with qualitative and quantitative results from important investigations. Relationships between aviation emissions and fuel usage are also illustrated. In the mitigation strategies section, emission abatement methods are investigated, focusing on three main areas: technology, flight procedures, and alternative fuels. Both theoretical and practical methods with the potential to decrease emissions are discussed. In the legislation section, the status of emissions regulations is discussed, and emissions charges applied by airports are identified. Examples are provided throughout the chapter to illustrate the points addressed. To complement the main body of the chapter, much detailed information related to aircraft emissions compiled from various sources are provided in the appendix.
State-Of-The-Art Real-Time Jet Fuel Quality Measurement
Authors: Stevens Jed B. , Sprenger Greg , Austin Miles
Published: October 2011

This chapter discusses the historical approaches to monitoring aviation fuel quality, and the current industry movement towards continuous monitoring electronic measurement systems. The application of mature technology from other industries is reviewed and found to be inadequate. A new type of sensing system designed specifically for the needs of aviation fuel quality is introduced, showing advanced user features and proven to be far more accurate than any other method current available. This article also discusses a typical problem in real world applications where a combination of contaminant is encountered, and how only the new type of sensing system can properly measure the contamination to aviation fuel quality specifications.
The Evaluation of Wireless Communication Devices
Authors: Brown Lori J. , Dong Liang , Cerullo Anthony G.
Published: October 2011

This chapter will study the effectiveness of discreet, secure, hands-free, wireless communications methods for enhancing coordination during security incidents among cabin crewmembers, between the cabin and flight compartment, ground support personnel. It will identify breakthrough technologies to mitigate the likelihood of individual radical and/or violent behavior, resulting in catastrophic airline casualties, to improve communications and overall safety in-flight.
Evaluating the Performance of Active Queue Management Using Discrete-Time Analytical Model
Authors: Ababneh Jafar , Thabtah Fadi , Abdel-Jaber Hussein , Hadi Wael , Badarneh Emran
Published: October 2011

Congestion in networks is considered a serious problem; in order to manage and control this phenomena in early stages before it occurs, a derivation of a new discrete-time queuing network analytical model based on dynamic random early drop (DRED) algorithm is derived to present analytical expressions to calculate three performance measures: average queue length (Qavg,j), packet-loss rate (Ploss,j), and packet dropping probability (pd(j)). Many scenarios can be implemented to analyze the effectiveness and flexibility of the model. We compare between the three queue nodes of the proposed model using the derived performance measures to identify which queue node provides better performance. Results show that queue node one provides highest Qavg,j, Ploss,j, and (pd(j)) than queue nodes two and three, since it has the highest priority than other nodes. All the above results of performance measure are obtained only based on the queuing network setting parameters.
Quality Management in Web Warehouses
Authors: Marotta Adriana , González Laura , Etcheverry Lorena , Rienzi Bruno , Ruggia Raúl , Serra Flavia , Martirena Elena
Published: October 2011

Web Warehouses (WW) are data warehouses that consolidate data from the Web. The process of building them presents several challenges, most of them related to the autonomy and dynamicity of Web sources. In this context, managing quality aspects becomes a fundamental issue since information about quality is needed to properly select Web sources to populate the WW. Additionally, measuring and propagating quality values to the WW might provide final users with valuable information to improve decision-making processes. In this chapter, we present a reference architecture for quality aware Web Warehouses, which specifies the main components to evaluate and manage quality aspects through all the life cycle of a WW and considers quality regarding data and services.