bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Resource Allocation Model for Pervasive Healthcare Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Khanbary Lutfi Mohammed Omer , Vidyarthi Deo Prakash
Published: May 2011

Number of mobile devices, equipped with sophisticated services apart from communication, is increasing day by day. Today a vast set of high speed network infrastructure, both wired and wireless, exists. This work studies the mobility management model for healthcare services developed for the efficient utilization of the network infrastructure. The model assumes that the physicians (doctors) are highly mobile and are periodically changing their location to perform their daily work, which includes serving patients at different nodes (serving as health centre). The mobility information about these doctors dependents on their current location. A location-aware medical information system is developed to provide information about resources such as the location of a medical specialist and patient’s records. In the author’s previous work, a framework is developed to describe the relations between types of hospitals and specialists with the use of Hospital Information Systems (HIS). The model for pervasive healthcare is to manage the specialists’ movements between the hospital nodes with the objective to serve the maximum number of patients in minimum amount of time. In this work, they carried out simulation experiments to evaluate the performance of the proposed model towards servicing the patients. It has been observed that the model performs better in servicing the patients in the service area.
Exploring the Notion of ‘Technology as a Public Good’
Authors: Watson Sunnie Lee , Mulvihill Thalia
Published: May 2011

This chapter aims to explore the historical, sociological, and economic factors that engender inequities related to digital technologies in the East Asian educational context. By employing critical social theory perspectives, the chapter discusses and argues for the notion of “Technology as a Public Good” by examining the Chinese, Japanese and Korean societies’ digital divide. This chapter examines how East Asian societies are exhibiting similar yet different problems in providing equitable access to information communication technologies to the less advantaged due to previously existing social structures, and discusses the urgency of addressing these issues. Based on the analysis of the digital divide in the East Asian context, this chapter also proposes and argues for the notion of “technology as a public good” in public and educational policies for information communication technologies. Finally, the chapter invites policymakers, researchers and educators to explore a more active policy approach regarding the digital divide solution, and provides specific future research recommendations for ICT policies and policy implementation in digital divide solutions.
Paulo Freire’s Liberatory Pedagogy
Authors: McShay James C.
Published: May 2011

This chapter explores why there is a need for scholars to not only systematically couple discussions about technology use along with technology access, but ground their inquiries in a theory of critical multiculturalism as they seek to fully understand ways for minimizing the digital divide. In order to help explain why using this critical framework is important, this discussion is set against the historical backdrop of the country of Brazil whose past in many ways parallels the United States with regard to its history of oppression and servitude of people based upon their racial heritage. Moreover, this work provides a brief discussion of Paulo Freire’s work with African Brazilians and how he helped them to develop critical understandings about how hegemonic structures limited the extent to which they were able to experience their own humanity. This chapter draws from the historical experiences of African Brazilians as a way to deconstruct how issues of technology and educational inequalities are examined in the U.S. The author of this chapter claims that if U.S. educators are to help prepare students to become productive and reflective decision-makers, they must first acquire tools for understanding their own social realities and learn ways for re-creating them to reflect the ideals of democracy and social justice. Furthermore, the author made calls for educational scholars develop a new language that captures the spectrum of questions at the center of the digital divide debate concerning access and use, but also foregrounds issues of liberation, agency and social change.
Digital Equity in a Traditional Culture
Authors: Leigh Patricia Randolph , Blake J. Herman , Moore Emily L.
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, the authors explore the history of the Gullah people of the Sea Islands of South Carolina. In examining the history of oppression and isolation of Black Americans of Gullah descent, the authors look at how a history of racism and inequity set the stage for the digital inequities experienced by Gullah communities since the onset of the information age. They find that despite the Gullahs’ tenacious struggles for education and literacy during enslavement, many are left behind in this age of digital technology. The authors examine the effects that the isolated and closed Gullah communities, which were forced conditions during slavery, had upon many Gullahs’ reluctance and resistance to engagement in information communication technologies (ICTs) centuries later. They contend that this continued isolation inadvertently contributed to the loss of Gullah land as well as a pattern of gentrification that severely compromises Gullah traditions and values.
Governing Digital Divides
Authors: Amoretti Francesco , Musella Fortunato
Published: May 2011

A great part of the rhetoric accompanying the rapid diffusion of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in Western societies in recent decades has put the spotlight on their potential for generating economic growth and development in the socio-political arena. Yet mechanisms that generate disparities among citizens do not go away with the advent of electronic citizenship, as asymmetric access to economic and political resources limit access to new technologies. This contribution will be divided in three sections. In the first part, the concept of “digital divide” will be analysed by considering its first formulation in the US political debate during the Nineties, as well as the more recent efforts to consider the multidimensional nature of such category. In the second section significant quantitative measure of digital disparities between countries will be provided. Finally, it will show how developing countries adopting proprietary softwares are becoming dependent on the power of providers of ICT goods and services, which are mainly concentrated in the United States.
State of Practice in Secure Software
Authors: Whyte Bill , Harrison John
Published: May 2011

The authors present a synthesis of expert views on some important actions to improve the state of practice in secure software. The main conclusions are: the skill base is lacking; business cases for security good practice are poorly developed: choosing between different ‘good practices’ is difficult; research will only have impact if compatible with the commercial environment of developers and their existent skills. The study is grounded on experiences as panel moderators, rapporteurs and report writers involved in drafting the views of experts. Some research directions are indicated.
Multi-Agent Based Formal Verification of Data in RFID Middleware
Authors: Lockman Muhammad Tarmizi , Selamat Ali
Published: May 2011

As the load of traffic increases in RFID middleware, RFID system can no longer manage the RFID tags. Because of the incapability of the RFID system to handle vast amount of RFID tags, there are possibilities that the data cannot be processed efficiently in the RFID middleware. Implementation of agent technology is useful for verification and validation in RFID system architecture because intelligent agent is autonomous and has the capability to define specific verification process to increase efficiency and trustworthiness of the data in RFID middleware. Therefore, in this research, the authors have implemented the multi-agent based verification of data in RFID middleware. The results of the implementation have been encouraging based on the investigation and verification done on the simulation platform. As a result, the verification of RFID middleware system architecture is clearly understood and has been successfully implemented in RFID system.
Kaohsiung County Unified Broadband Mobile Network
Authors: Chiu Ran-Fun , Yeh Yuan-Sen , Yang Chiu-hsing
Published: May 2011

Since 2005, the Taiwanese government has invested over $1.2 billion into the M-Taiwan program to bolster Taiwan’s broadband mobile communications industry and modernize its IP network infrastructure. In addition to building a nation-wide IP fiber backbone and providing R&D grants for developing new technologies and novel applications, it has also co-funded the constructions of four large-scale test networks, and the Kaohsiung County unified broadband mobile network is the largest one. The network construction has three major tasks: (1) building a large scale wireless mobile network with WiMAX as the core technology and supplementing with Wi-Fi where the deployment of WiMAX is not feasible; (2) converting all telephones in the county’s government offices and schools from the conventional PSTN circuit-switched systems to VoIP to unify the two separated voice and data networks to one common IP network; and (3) deploying a host of new application services that include services promoted by the M-Taiwan program and county specific services. This chapter gives an overview of the system architecture, the employed technologies, the application services, the test results, and the challenges.
Need and Possible Criteria for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Computer-Mediated Communication
Authors: Ho Yi-Chieh
Published: May 2011

Computer-mediated communication (CMC) has been a ‘hot’ topic in computer-assisted language learning (CALL); however, its effectiveness remains uncertain. This chapter reviews the nature of CMC, pinpoints the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating it into language learning, considers factors that may affect the quality of CMC, and identifies possible directions for future studies. The author argues that sound criteria are lacking for the evaluation of the effectiveness of CMC and attempts to identify a set of possible criteria for classroom-based studies drawing from literature in language teaching and learning. The author also urges engineers to consider these criteria when designing new software, so that end users can conveniently measure its effectiveness and record their own progress.
Visual Inspection System and Psychometric Evaluation with Correlation for Multiple Perceptions
Authors: Hayashi Hidehiko , Minazuki Akinori
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, authors propose a new method for improving detection probabilities of the defect inspection in quality control on the FRP product surface. The proposed method has improved the detection probabilities by using the joint probabilities of dual attributes with correlation for multiple perceptions. In order to obtain the improving detection probability, three kinds of attributes: size, aspect ratio, and color density are prepared in experiments. The experiments were performed by the paired comparison under constant stimuli. The result of our experiment qualitatively shows that the improving ratio of detection probabilities for dual attributes:P12, P23, P31 respectively rise approximately 21%, 26% and 24% for the mean in the case of dual attributes experiments. In addition, detection probabilities to be obtained by the method for multiple perceptions such as using dual attributes experiment were improved approximately 28% in comparison with the detection probability of past single attribute. These results showed this method was effective in raising detection probability for multiple perceptions.
The Emerging Ethics of Knowledge Sharing
Authors: Masrom Maslin , Ismail Zuraini
Published: May 2011

A key challenge that is emerging for organizations in nowadays is how to encourage knowledge sharing. Knowledge sharing is an activity through which knowledge is exchanged among people, a community or organization. Knowledge constitutes a valuable intangible asset for creating and sustaining competitive advantages. Knowledge sharing activities are generally supported by knowledge management systems. Nevertheless, technology comprises simply one of the several issues that influence organizational knowledge sharing, such as organizational culture, trust, and incentives. So, knowledge sharing entails a key challenge in the field of knowledge management because some individuals tend to resist sharing their knowledge with others (it may be an individual, a group, a community, or an organization). The aim of this chapter is to describe and discuss three emerging ethics of knowledge-sharing, namely: (1) hacker ethics, (2) participatory culture ethics, and (3) proselytization commons ethics. Future research directions are suggested and concluded the chapter.
The Trouble with Digital Copies
Authors: Pagallo Ugo
Published: May 2011

This chapter analyzes some of the most relevant ethical issues and social dilemmas in knowledge management and organizational innovation, by focusing on a paramount feature of digital technology, which is “copying.” The new ways in which information is produced, distributed, and shared in digital environments have in fact changed crucial aspects of human life. Whereas, most of the time, scholars consider such transformations in connection with the impact of digital copies on copyright law, the aim of the chapter is to widen this perspective by examining data protection as well as file sharing application systems. The new economical scenarios and business models proposed by this copy-based technology suggest new ways for balancing property rights and “the right to freely participate in the cultural life of the community.”
From “Connectivism” to “Ethicism”
Authors: dos Reis António
Published: May 2011

Distance learning characteristics has been changing dramatically, namely since the fourth generation of distance learning. Moreover, e-learning impressive “evolution” enabled a trade-off between learning outcomes and ethical behaviour, which traditional learning theories do not embrace and that connectivism endeavours to illustrate. Although, two important queries arise: what challenges e-learning 2.0 and 3.0 impose? And, does connectivism promote ethical knowledge? Therefore, this chapter aims to endorse a theoretical debate regarding e-learning, as well as to understand if connectivism will act as 21st century learning theory, or if the quest for an ethical connective knowledge and e-learning fusion with knowledge management itself will require a novel contribution (connethionicism). Despite the assumption that connectivism has been promoting a reasonable debate, the author‘s personal experiences highlight the need for ethicism.
Knowledge Worker Fair Compensation
Authors: Costa Gonçalo
Published: May 2011

One of the key characteristics in knowledge management is the importance of human resources. Therefore, main stream literature has been discussing the concept of knowledge worker, its characteristics, and duties versus rights, and human resources policies in its dissimilar perspectives (knowledge workers retention, personal mastery, intellectual property rights, among others). Although, empirical studies seem to disregard if knowledge workers feel that are well compensated, or what dimensions entail faire compensation. Hence, this chapter aims to recognize knowledge workers feeling about faire compensation, and what elements are essential to achieve it through a conceptual framework. For that, the chapter is divided into six sections: the research questions; knowledge worker (key characteristics and responsibilities versus rights); fairness (etymology and the contribution of Rawls); linking the theoretical basis; empirical results (methodological remarks, findings and discussion); future research directions (the surrealist assumption, Dali surrealism and the metaphorical assumption).
Ethical Evaluation of Learning Organizations
Authors: Costa Gonçalo Jorge Morais
Published: May 2011

A key assumption for recognizing knowledge society is the existence of learning organizations. As a result, literature has been fruitful in engaging a wide debate concerning its characteristics, dimensions, evolution, evaluation procedures, or ethical behaviour. Likewise, it is interesting to denote that research appears to pay little regard to the impacts of existing ethical and social dilemmas about knowledge creation, retention/use and sharing within organizational contexts. Therefore, the key purpose of this manuscript is to present a conceptual framework that denotes these dilemmas and their impacts in organizational strategy.For that, this contribution resumes an ongoing research project which intends to approach ethical and social dilemmas in learning organizations. Moreover, it suggests that these dilemmas impact on organizational strategy, as well as that existing evaluation models for learning organizations do not promote the ethical evaluation.
Do You See What I Mean? Computer-Mediated Discourse Analysis
Authors: Fitzpatrick Noel , Donnelly Roisin
Published: May 2011

This chapter explores a sociolinguistic approach to computer-mediated communication (CMC), by examining how higher education teachers use digital media to manage interpersonal interaction in their online courses, form impressions, shape and maintain relationships with their students. Previous studies have often focused on the differences between online and offline interactions, though contemporary research is moving towards the view that CMC should be studied as an embedded linguistic form in everyday life.The study of language in these contexts is typically based on text-based forms of CMC, (often referred to as computer-mediated discourse analysis). Within this, focus in the chapter is on the devising and implementation of pragmatic linguistics of online interactions; at a high level this refers to meaning-making, shared belief systems and intercultural differences; at a specific level this includes issues such as turn-taking and the sequential analysis and organisation of virtual ‘interlocution’.
ePortfolios for Learning, Assessment, and Professional Development
Authors: Watson C. Edward , Zaldivar Marc , Summers Teggin
Published: May 2011

ePortfolios are becoming increasingly popular as a means to address a variety of challenges in higher education, such as academic assessment requirements, specific teaching and learning goals, and emerging student professional development needs. This chapter explores these three applications of ePortfolios to provide administrators and faculty the information they need to make informed decisions regarding ePortfolios in academic settings. The relevant history of portfolios, assessment, and associated pedagogies sets a context for this discussion. Current trends in ePortfolio usage are outlined, including a survey of available technologies. This chapter concludes with a primer regarding the management of ePortfolio campus implementations as well as a brief examination of the key questions regarding the future of ePortfolios.
Online Support for Students' Writing Skills Development in a Technical Communication Introductory Module
Authors: Cleary Yvonne
Published: May 2011

This chapter explores the development of online support for writing skills in one technical communication module taught at the University of Limerick. It demonstrates the need for writing support by exploring the many complexities of teaching and learning writing skills. Central to the discussion is the principle of process, rather than product, orientation. Students on the module have been surveyed over the past two years to determine their attitudes to, and perceptions of, their writing strengths and weaknesses. The chapter outlines and exemplifies the types of writing-problems students and instructors identify. Online support is posited as an intervention which facilitates autonomous learning. The chapter concludes by discussing how online resources, and especially the university virtual learning environment, Sakai (called Sulis at University of Limerick), can support students. It also suggests related research opportunities, especially in the area of using Web 2.0 technologies to foster autonomy.
A Knowledge-Based SDSS for Medfly Area-Wide Control
Authors: Cohen Y. , Cohen A. , Broday D.
Published: May 2011

The aim of this chapter is to describe the motivation to develop a knowledge-based spatial decision support system (KB-SDSS) for medfly control in citrus in Israel, its development approach and procedure, its validation, and the steps towards its assimilation among the zone-managers. Development of the KB-SDSS for medfly control in Israel, also known as MedCila involved four main phases: 1. acquisition of expert and domain knowledge related to the control decision process; 2. identification of the relevant criteria and modeling each criterion and the overall decision making procedure; 3. its integration into a GIS environment; and 4. its performance evaluation by an expert-panel considering four aspects: verification, validation, acceptance and effectiveness. Comparison with data-mining approach exemplifies the effectiveness of the KB approach in this case. Our results show that the MedCila may reduce spraying actions by at least 8%, which is estimated to save ca. 13.3 ton/year of chemicals. Ceratitis capitata; Medfly control, knowledge-based spatial decision support system, Stanford certain factor algebra, expert panel, verification, validation, acceptance, effectiveness.
A Participatory Approach for Analyzing and Modeling Decision Processes
Authors: Kirchner Kathrin , Erfurth Ivonne , Möckel Sarah , Gläßer Tino , Schmidt André
Published: May 2011

Most decision analytic research does not focus on initial steps of modeling and mostly concentrates on selecting preexisting algorithms. In this chapter we present how we can formalize decision intensive business processes based on a case study on a Decision Support System (DSS) for cultivation planning. Decisions in this problem area depend notably on expertise and experience acquired by the farmer. As a first step the decision process of the agriculturist needs to be explored, analyzed and documented. Afterwards all information and data, which leads up to a decision, will be collected, systemized and grouped. We will apply user participative techniques that integrate the farmer as a cooperative partner into the modeling process. The outcome of this modeling leads to a formalized model later on. On account of this approach the DSS will represent the real decision process of the farmer and increases trust in the decisions suggested by the system.
Decision Support System for Greenhouse Tomato Yield Prediction using Artificial Intelligence Techniques
Authors: Zhang F. , Iliescu D. D. , Hines E. L. , Leeson M. S. , Adams S. R.
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces a decision support system which is capable of predicting the weekly yields of tomatoes in a greenhouse. The development of this system involves a set of Artificial Intelligence based techniques, namely Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Genetic Algorithms (GAs), and Grey System Theory (GST). The prediction was performed by an ANN using a set of optimised input variables, chosen from all available environmental and measured yield parameters. The reduction and optimisation of the inputs was done using either GAs or GST and compared in terms of the ANN’s performance. It was shown that the use of artificial intelligence based methods can offer a promising approach to yield prediction and compared favourably with traditional methods.
Integrated Production and Information Process Modelling for Decision Support in Quality Management
Authors: Lehmann R. J. , Reiche R. , Fritz M. , Schiefer G.
Published: May 2011

Enterprises in the agri-food sector are challenged by an increasing number of public and private requirements regarding traceability, food safety, food quality and other aspects of sustainability, which has lead to a growing number of information system development and process (re-)design activities. Decision makers need to identify sector and enterprise requirements, transfer them into interrelated production and information process models, develop decision alternatives and evaluate the achievement for the given objectives considering different possible future scenarios. An integrated modelling approach for quality management is presented, which supports decision makers to come to a well-founded decision by integrating functional, behavioural and informational supply network models using the Unified Modeling Language (UML) and discrete-event simulation.
Expanding the Boundaries of Healthcare Human Resources Planning
Authors: Pate Christopher L. , Leahy Nancy M. , Leos Leonard
Published: May 2011

Human resources are central to healthcare services, yet leveraging these resources to meet strategic operations and operational outcomes can present challenges to leaders and human resources professionals because of the complex and dynamic nature of healthcare delivery. Although the traditional roles of human resources management are necessary in supporting an organization in meeting its goals, economic, strategic, and cultural considerations are becoming increasingly important to human resources management and workforce planning in healthcare settings. This chapter presents several features of these different lenses to assist human resources managers in developing a holistic view of human resources planning in health care.
Re-Theorizing Human Resource Management and Human Resource Management in Context
Authors: Beil-Hildebrand Margitta B.
Published: May 2011

In this chapter an attempt is made to focus on the ideological and practical implications of the new people-oriented forms of healthcare management variously described as strategic human resource management, high-performance management, human capital management, or high commitment management. The chapter details the managerial and academic claims concerning the management of human resources and goes on to emphasize the impact that the literature of Human Resource Management (HRM) has had on healthcare employees and healthcare organizations. The restrictions of the applied research approaches are also highlighted and the author argues that the managerial and post-structural literature is limited in that its conceptualization of HRM and changing performances is incomplete. Also considered is a range of literature that has been used to study individual and organizational change with a labour process perspective and explains why an approach based upon the study of the disparity between the “HRM rhetoric” and the day-to-day practice, as well as how people experience and respond to that disparity within a wider frame of social, political, and economic relations, is to be preferred. As a basis for further contextualization, the powerful and privileged positions of healthcare professionals and the distinctive character of their employment relationship are considered. The chapter concludes that a more critical analysis is necessary to challenge the way in which the concept of HRM is examined by healthcare management academics and practitioners.
Information and Communication Technologies in the Spanish National Healthcare System – Current Status
Authors: Kontaxakis George , Conesa José Luis , Rodrigo Jorge , Padilla Isidoro , López-Barrio Carlos A.
Published: May 2011

The implementation of information and communication technologies (ICT) for health in Spain is described. In the framework of the Healthcare Online program put into operation by the Spanish government, a series of initiatives have been undertaken at the regional level in Spain, in order to address the demand from both citizens and healthcare professionals for better, more efficient, and cost-effective care. This chapter focuses on the results of a study at the national level on the current status of basic healthcare services based on ICT, such as the individual health card, interoperable electronic healthcare records, e-prescription, etc. During recent years, strategic projects carried out by the Spanish government, in collaboration with the Regional Departments of Health, have demonstrated significant progress towards the adaptation of the National Healthcare System to current information technologies, by optimizing the utilization of available resources, controlling healthcare expenditures, and consequently offering more efficient and sustainable healthcare services and tools for professionals and citizens for easy access to better and more structured information for their healthcare-related decisions.
Provision of Web 2.0 Services by Interoperable GIS-Powered Local Administration Portal Systems
Authors: Tsitsanis Anastasios , Koussouris Sotirios , Peters Rob
Published: May 2011

eGovernment for municipalities, a rather mature field when talking about the traditional and plain service delivery to citizens, is nowadays seeking ways to provide more quality based services to the citizens and to become more direct in terms of communication and interaction. In this direction, the most modern implementations are already coming up with the utilisation of various Web 2.0 services in an attempt to become more attractive to the users and to gain a larger user base. However, the introduction of Web 2.0 application to eGovernment portals does not seem to be the solution on its sole; in contrast, when these solutions are accompanied with GIS powered technology, participation and utilisation of those portals seems to reach the anticipated figures, as interoperable GIS systems are able to offer added-value and more “personalised” services to users.
Characterization and Modelization of Surface Net Radiation through Neural Networks
Authors: Ferreira Antonio Geraldo , Soria Emilio , López Antonio J. Serrano , Lopez-Baeza Ernesto
Published: May 2011

Artificial neural networks have shown to be a powerful tool for system modeling in a wide range of applications. In this chapter, the focus is on neural network applications to obtain qualitative/quantitative relationships between meteorological and soil parameters and net radiation, the latter being a significant term of the surface energy balance equation. By using a Multilayer Perceptron model an artificial neural network based on the above mentioned parameters, net radiation was estimated over a vineyard crop. A comparison has been made between the estimates provided by the Multilayer Perceptron and a linear regression model that only uses solar incoming shortwave radiation as input parameter. Self-Organizing Maps, another type of neural model, made it possible to get knowledge in an easy way on how the input variables are related to each other in the data set. The results achieved show the potential of artificial neural networks as a tool for net radiation estimation using more commonly measured meteorological parameters.
Artificial Intelligence Applied to Natural Resources Management
Authors: Adamatti Diana F. , de Aguiar Marilton S.
Published: May 2011

There are three computational challenges in natural resources management: data management and communication; data analysis; and optimization and control. The authors believe these three challenges can be dealt with Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, because they can manage dynamic activities in natural resources. There are several AI techniques such as Genetic Algorithms, Neural Networks, Multi-Agent Systems or Cellular Automata. In this chapter, the authors introduce some applications of Cellular Automata (CA) and Multi-Agent-Based Simulation (MABS) in natural resources management, because these are areas that the authors approach in their research and these areas can contribute to solve the three computational challenges. Specifically, the CA technique can face the challenge of data analysis because it can be extrapolated and new knowledge will be acquired from an area not known or experienced. Regarding the MABS technique, it can solve the challenge of optimization and control, because it works in an empiric way during the decision-making process, based on experiments and observations.
A Brief History of eLearning
Authors: Kidd Terry T.
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this chapter is to explore prior research associated with the history of eLearning. While issues related to the eLearning, technology and innovation adoption, the online environment, the role of faculty in online environments, and preparing faculty for online instruction are important, it is prudent to examine the history of this innovation in order to chart the future of such practices.
Online or Traditional
Authors: Klaus Tim , Changchit Chuleeporn
Published: May 2011

Technological advancements currently penetrate society, changing the way that some courses are taught. It has become more apparent in higher education institutions that all classes are not as adaptive to an online format as others. Since many institutions of higher education further incorporate online courses into their curriculum, it is important to understand the characteristics of courses that affect students’ preferences for either traditional classroomenvironments or online environments. Indications of this can be seen in the attrition and retention rates of classes offered online. This study explores the characteristics ofcourses that affect students’ preferences towards onlineand traditional classroom settings. These results should help providing guidelines to institutions considering courses to offer online.
Supporting the Implementation of Online Learning
Authors: Surry Daniel W. , Ensminger David C.
Published: May 2011

Technology plays an important role in modern society. It is hard to imagine living in a world without such essential technologies as wireless communication, the Internet, laser surgery, polymers, and jet aircrafts, among countless other examples. Technology has had a profound effect on almost all aspects of our lives including banking, communications, medicine, transportation, energy, and the military. As inthese other areas, technology is now playing an increasingly important role in education. A variety of technologies have been introduced into the schools overthe last few decades. Among the most common of these are computer assisted instruction, multimedia presentations, classroom management software, and various assistive and adaptive technologies. In more recent years, distance and online learning technologies have advanced to the point where online learning is now a viable option for the delivery of high quality educational and training programs. The potential for technology, especially distance and online learning, to revolutionize education and training is beyond question.
Transitioning to E-Learning
Authors: Bovard Bethany , Bussmann Susan , Parra Julia , Gonzales Carmen
Published: May 2011

This case study explores the ongoing development of an online instructor training program, initiated in Spring 2002. Involvement of the learner-instructors (professional development instructors learning to teach online) in thedesign and development of this online instructor training program was key to its overall success. Significant outcomes of the program include a core group of experienced and highly dedicated online instructors, a new model for continuous professional development and support, and the formation of an active and dynamic learning community.
Virtual Tour
Authors: Holler Melissa B.
Published: May 2011

Perhaps for the first time since the computer made its debut, the teacher is in the position to command the technology-based instructional resources used in the classroom. Gone are the days when teachers must rely solely on the expertise of computer professionals to create computer-assistedinstruction. With the advent of the World Wide Web, creating student-centered, ageappropriate material rests in the hands of the classroom teacher. The Virtual Tour is the newest link to literally millions of content specific sites that supply images, sounds, and video media.
Opportunities for Open Source E-Learning
Authors: Dewever Fanuel
Published: May 2011

eLearning is often conceived as a single product. In reality however the market offering is very heterogeneous with a large product variety. Think of Learning Management Systems, Virtual Classrooms, Authorware, Test & Assessment Tools, Simulators and many more. And each of these eLearning applications is available from multiple vendors and middlemen. Next to more than 250 providers of commercial Learning Management Systems, more than 40 Open Source LMS offerings can be identified. In this paper I discuss if today open source applications foreLearning offer an alternative to commercial offerings, specifically in the context of Education. The lessons drawn here also apply to other (public) organisations and applications.
Awareness Mechanisms for Web-Based Argumentative Collaboration
Authors: Tzagarakis Manolis , Karousos Nikos , Karacapilidis Nikos
Published: May 2011

Much research has been performed on how computer-based technologies might facilitate awareness among cooperating actors. However, existing approaches in providing awareness services prove to be inadequate in data-intensive instances of argumentative collaboration. Moreover, they fail to address the needs of dynamic, Web-based communities. In this context, this article presents a list of awareness mechanisms that have been integrated in an innovative Web-based collaboration support tool, where the ultimate aim is to satisfy the requirements associated with the above remarks. The proposed mechanisms are described and elaborated with respect to variousawareness types reported in the literature.
Online Learning with the Use of WebVT Vista
Authors: Zapalska Alina M. , Brozik Dallas
Published: May 2011

The primary goal of this chapter is to offer reflections on various aspects of the use of WebCT Vista in onlinebusiness education at Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, U.S.A.. The chapter argues that with theproper systems in place, including adequate technology and support and the cooperation of educational administrators, WebCT Vista can augment current educational systems in remarkable ways. The chapter also argues that the use of WebCT strongly contributes to theeffectiveness of distance learning by improving the quality of students’ learning in the areas: of critical thinking; problem solving, decision-making, attention to detail, written communications, and organizational and analytical skills. The assessment tool presented in this chapter wasused to obtain students’ feedback concerning their learningoutcomes with and without the use of WebCT Vista. In general, most students positively evaluated the effect of WebCT Vista on their learning within areas such as critical thinking, problem solving, decision-making ability, oral communication, written communication, knowledge of information, and the ability to organize and analyze. As theresults of the above analysis indicate, almost all students benefited from using WebCT.
Resurrecting Graduate Conversation through an Online Learning Community
Authors: Pimentel Edson Pinheiro , Omar Nizam
Published: May 2011

This article reports on action research that implementsonline learning community (OLC) software to fosterconversation at a specific graduate school. The design of the research is informed by theories of conversation, onlinelearning, and social networking, as well as by popular Web 2.0 technologies. A distinguishing feature of this application is that it is oriented toward and controlled by individuals rather than being centered on courses. Results indicate that stakeholders—graduate students and faculty—appreciate and find value in the OLC we implemented.
An Online Virtual Laboratory of Electricity
Authors: Tejedor J.A. Gómez , Martínez G. Moltó , Vidaurre C. Barros
Published: May 2011

In this article, we describe a Java-based virtual laboratory, accessible via the Internet by means of a Web browser. This remote laboratory enables the students to build both direct and alternating current circuits. The program includes a graphical user interface which resembles the connection board, and also the electrical components and tools that are used in a real laboratory to build electrical circuits. Emphasis has been placed on designing access patterns to the virtual tools as if they were real ones. The virtuallaboratory developed in this study allows the lecturer to adapt the behaviour and the principal layout of the different practical sessions during a course. This flexibility enables the tool to guide the student during each practical lesson, thus enhancing self-motivation. This study is an application of new technologies for active learning methodologies, in order to increase both the self-learning and comprehension of the students. This virtual laboratoryis currently accessible at http://personales.upv.es/jogomez/labvir/ (in Spanish).
Developing a Community of Practice in an Online Research Lab
Authors: Cawthon Stephanie , Harris Alycia
Published: May 2011

The goal of this chapter is to present instructor and student perspectives on the development of a Communityof Practice within an online research laboratory for graduate students in psychology. A computer-facilitated learning environment was set up meet two goals: (1) to encourage individuals to work as a team on a live researchproject, and (2) to give students research skills needed to further their development as scholar-practitioners. The objective of this chapter is to identify, from the perspectives of the students and the instructor, how social factors influenced learning outcomes and how the group formed into a research team. This chapter begins with a brief overview of the Community of Practice literature and the context of the Online Research Lab in the School of Psychology at Walden University. The second section addresses strategies the instructor used to facilitate the sense of community in the Online Research Lab. The chapter concludes with a summary of challenges indeveloping a Community of Practice, as well as strategies instructors can use to overcome these obstacles.
Web 2.0 Technology for Problem-Based and Collaborative Learning
Authors: Buckley Clive N. , Williams Angela M.
Published: May 2011

Collaborative problem-based learning (PBL) has a well established history within medical and health care education. Undergraduate nursing students at the Glyndwr University undertake PBL to explore ethical issues of health care; traditionally these students meet in person to discuss scenarios, provided by tutors, and present the product of their deliberations to the rest of the class. The geographical dispersion of the students has meant that most discussions have been limited to those times when the students are physically on campus by virtue of their timetabled classes. By using Web 2.0 technologies, students are able to collaborate at distance, at a time that suits them. This chapter describes how students have used these emerging technologies to share ideas and resources to prepare for class presentations; described also are the underpinning theories that inform this work together with an analysis of student use and feedback.
Adult Learners Learning Online
Authors: Baylen Danilo M.
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents a case study in which an onlineexperience for adult learners facilitated improved understanding of blogs and its applications to K-12 classrooms. Data were primarily derived from archived documentation provided by students as components of several completed course assignments. The case studyillustrates and examines how the online experience, specifically the creation and maintenance of a blog, supported student learning about use and application of a specific technology. The chapter discusses processes and results given the contexts of adult learning and instructional technology as well as suggests directions for effective practice.
Delivery of a Social Science Online Program in India
Authors: Jain Shobhita
Published: May 2011

This narrative of an engagement with the open and distance learning system and its highpoint of launching anonline learning package in 2001 reveals an attempt to integrate various components of multi-media format of course development. The uneasy task of meeting the various needs of diverse learners became possible by using the information technology tools to communicate and interact more effectively. Well-structured architecture of the website of the program, including its peer-evaluated threaded discussion board has been well accepted by he learners. Rudimentary in its overall design, this first eversocial science on-line program in India may be, it has generated in the institution a live interest in encouraging further attempts at launching on-line programs of study
E-Learning Practice and Experience at Waseda E-School
Authors: Nishimura Shoji , Scott Douglass J. , Shogo Kato
Published: May 2011

In 2003, the School of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Japan, established the e-School, Japan’s first completeundergraduate correspondence courses enabling students to acquire their bachelor degrees solely through e-learning. Supported by the widespread availability of high-speed Internet connections, it has become possible to transmit videotaped lectures with an image quality close to that of television, not only throughout Japan, but also throughout the world at affordable rates. In addition, the lecture contents are transmitted in an image quality that allows students to easily read what is written on the blackboard.Waseda’s e-School has many features that contribute to its success. Among these are the coupling of online and on-campus courses enhancing the educational experience of all students. In addition, online courses are relatively small—most courses are capped at 30 students—and new courses are created to respond to students’ needs andinterests. This article outlines the e-School’s curriculum, management structure, and system and reports on the current status of the courses by analyzing the results of a questionnaire survey conducted after one year from their establishment and the state of credits registered andearned by students.
"Virtual Inquiry" in the Science Classroom
Authors: Toth Eva Erdosne
Published: May 2011

The article examines prior research on students’ difficulties with inquiry learning and outlines research-based decisions for the consideration of software-based scaffolds for inquiry teaching and learning. The objective is to detail research findings in a way that assists teachers in their development of pedagogical content knowledge as relevant to theselection and use of technological tools for classroom inquiry in the high school biology or college introductory biology classrooms. Employing a worked-out-example inthe popular domain of DNA science, the article illustratesthe research-based integration of instructional design decisions coordinated with the features of selected software tools. The coordination of software-design with instructional design has the potential of significantly enhancing students’ learning while also supporting thedevelopment of teachers’ technological pedagogicalcontent knowledge.
Do Orientation Materials Help Students Successfully Complete Online Courses?
Authors: Tomei Lawrence A. , Hagle Holly , Rineer Ashley , Mastandrea Lisa A , Scollon Jennifer
Published: May 2011

OCICU is the Online Consortium of Independent Colleges and Universities and consists of five provider institutions which are located throughout the United States and Ireland. This consortium is the first of its kind to exist in distance education. The researchers wanted to understand the importance of orientation materials to successfullycompleting an online course taken from another institution. The review of the literature revealed several factors of teaching online that supported the position that pro-active development of orientation materials is essential to the growth and development of online learning and results in additional revenue to participating institutions.