bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Architectural Strategies for Green Cloud Computing
Authors: Sasikala P.
Published: June 2012

Opportunities for improving IT efficiency and performance through centralization of resources have increased dramatically in the past few years with the maturation of technologies, such as service oriented architecture, virtualization, grid computing, and management automation. A natural outcome of this is what has become increasingly referred to as cloud computing, where a consumer of computational capabilities sets up or makes use of computing in the cloud network in a self service manner. Cloud computing is evolving, and enterprises are setting up cloud-like, centralized shared infrastructures with automated capacity adjustment that internal departmental customers utilize in a self service manner. Cloud computing promises to speed application deployment, increase innovation, and lower costs all while increasing business agility. This paper discusses the various architectural strategies for clean and green cloud computing. It suggests a variety of ways to take advantage of cloud applications and help identify key issues to figure out the best approach for research and business.
A Framework for Analysing the Impact of Cloud Computing on Local Government in the UK
Authors: Chang Jeffrey
Published: June 2012

Cloud computing is hailed as the next-revolution of computing services. Although there is no precise definition, cloud computing refers to a scalable network infrastructure where consumers receive IT services such as software and data storage through the Internet like a utility on a subscription basis. With an increasing number of data centres hosted by large companies such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft cloud computing offers potential benefits including cost savings, simpler IT, and reduced energy consumption. Central government and local authorities, like commercial organisations, are considering cloud-based services. However, concerns are raised over issues such as security, access, data protection, and ownership. This paper develops a framework for analysing the likely impact of cloud computing on local government and suggests an agenda for research in this emerging area.
The Tension Between Human and Cyborg Ethics
Authors: Gerdes Anne
Published: June 2012

This article makes no argument against progress but stresses the importance of making it with foresight. The connection between biotechnology, treatment, and enhancement is discussed, stating the need for regulation. Next, the ideas of transhumanism are presented as a framework for an examination of our human condition and it is illustrated that cyborgs will possibly develop other values than Homo sapiens. Thus, the second part of the article discusses what it means to be an ethical being from the perspective of Francis Fukuyama’s ideas of the importance of human nature to our humanity, and further elaborated on by bringing attention to the significance of the vulnerability to moral reasoning. Furthermore, the article suggests a near connection between embodiment and morality. In the light of this assumption, one can ask about ethical values and democratic cohesion in a world with sub-cultures of cyborgs. Thus, John Rawls’ theory of justice is introduced as a framework for reflections about inter-human costs of a posthuman condition. It is concluded that science need democratic regulation, in order to avoid technocratic decision processes, and guidelines for a regulatory body is given.
Teaching Cyberethics
Authors: Holtz Peter
Published: June 2012

The discussion of moral dilemmas is often proposed as one way to teach ethics. But can ethics be taught to everyone? Do participants’ value orientations predict the acquisition of moral competence in an educational context? This study presents data from an evaluation of a course on the social consequences of information technology (IT). IT-related dilemma discussions were used extensively in the course. The participants answered questionnaires at the beginning of the course and before their final exam at the end of term. Moral competence was measured with the Moral Judgment Test (MJT). A questionnaire on individual reflexive values was used for the assessment of value orientations. Although the participants’ average level of moral competence did not change significantly, there was evidence that participants with a high degree of materialistic values were less likely to acquire moral competence during the course.
Transparent Classrooms
Authors: Ganito Carla
Published: June 2012

This article analyzes the use of the mobile phone in Portuguese classrooms in order to examine new practices of disclosure and transparency. A literature review provides a global context of the nature of the mobile phone, and contextualizes an overview of the current usage trends in Portugal. The high uptake rates of mobile phone usage in Portugal means that this country can be considered an interesting case study for the usage of mobile phones in educational settings. Evidence of a young mobile culture gathered in recent research studies conducted at the national level and on a qualitative case study of high-school teachers, provides a basis for a practical discussion of the impact of the mobile phone on the Portuguese education system. Building on the views from different actors- students, teachers, parents, and school administrators- the paper closes with the proposition of the mobile phone as a valid educational tool that requires new skills and strategies for a successful integration.
An Analysis of Prospective Teachers’ Digital Citizenship Behaviour Norms
Authors: Sincar Mehmet
Published: June 2012

This study analyzes prospective teachers’ digital citizenship behaviour norms. The sample consists of the seventeen prospective teachers who studied at the University Of Gaziantep Faculty Of Education in the academic year 2009-2010. Qualitative methods were utilized in the collection and the analysis of data. The results indicated the teachers adequately demonstrated behaviour norms regarding digital communication and digital literacy, yet only few showed behaviour norms concerning digital access, digital etiquette, digital commerce, digital rights and responsibilities, digital law, digital health and wellness, and digital security categories. Therefore, these results highlight the fact that the digital citizenship behaviour norms should be included in teacher training programs in Turkey.
Cheating in Exams with Technology
Authors: Curran Kevin , Middleton Gary , Doherty Ciaran
Published: June 2012

Traditional methods of detection may no longer be wholly successful in fully preventing cheating in examinations. New strategies need to be considered and employed to better manage the advancement of technology use for illegitimate purposes. This paper investigates technology used to cheat in examinations, how such cheats are carried out, and how to prevent such methods of cheating. To show the full extent of the progression of cheating over the years, this report also documents some of the traditional methods of cheating. The devices which are used to cheat are investigated to see how they can provide an advantage to those who are taking examinations.
Evolution and Change in American Legal Education
Authors: Bernstein Mark P. , Cannan John
Published: June 2012

This chapter examines the changing trends and best practices for collection development in academic law libraries. It begins by examining the historical development of the law school as a professional school, and the need for academic law libraries to become learning laboratories for educating lawyers and providing them with the tools and resources to practice law. It then charts how law school collections evolved in response to the emergence of electronic legal research resources. The increasing use of electronic databases and the subsequent development of the Internet have led libraries to examine what are the best practices in collection development. Along with internal forces, external influences, such as “Educating Lawyers: Preparation for the Profession of Law,” a report by the Carnegie Foundation calling for more practice and skills-based training, will require academic law libraries to adapt their collections in light of changing trends in legal education and scholarship (Sullivan, Colby, Wegner, Bond, & Shulman, 2007).
Understanding the Nature of Design and Its Implications for Design Collection Development
Authors: Serrano Amauri R.
Published: June 2012

This chapter is meant as an overview of collection development for design disciplines in higher education including selection, planning and assessment, budgetary issues, and marketing the collection. It addresses the specific challenges of design collection development to meet the technical, theoretical, and research components of the design curriculum. These challenges include its cross-disciplinarity, transition within the fields from technical know-how to whole system thinking, the selection of trade and academic materials, and format and access issues.
Information Sources and Collection Planning for Engineering
Authors: Baer William , Renfro Crystal
Published: June 2012

This chapter will provide background for practicing librarians who have collection development responsibilities for engineering programs at academic institutions. Although it is intended as a resource for all engineering bibliographers, new librarians or those new to the technical fields may find it especially useful. Engineers (and engineering students) use information quite differently than other disciplines, and this can make collection development a daunting task. Furthermore, it is common for librarians with no background in engineering or technology to be assigned to manage the engineering collection. The information and tips contained in this chapter are meant to make this job easier.
A Question of Degrees
Authors: Zybeck Kathryn L.
Published: June 2012

Librarians responsible for allied health or health sciences materials collect and maintain resources, such as print and electronic books and journals, non-book materials, such as anatomical models and flashcards, citation and full-text databases, and point-of-care resources. To simplify the process, there are selection aids for all stages of collecting as well as methods of assessing a collection’s strengths and weaknesses. Librarians who are involved in the collection development process will find support from professional organizations that provide opportunities for further development of skills and knowledge, venues for presenting, and avenues for members’ to share advice and expertise. This chapter will provide guidance for the librarian new to collecting in the health sciences on each step of the process and point to best practices to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
Graphic Design Collections
Authors: Pettijohn Patricia , Etzel Allison , Killenberg Anne
Published: June 2012

Library collection development in support of professional programs in graphic design involves acquisition of materials in all formats and media, with an emphasis on content with high quality visual properties, whether print, digital, or ephemeral. The integral role played by technology and software in graphic design means that meeting the ongoing information technology needs of students and faculty is a challenge. This chapter intends to guide the graphic design librarian in the strategic development of library collections by reviewing the major characteristics of the discipline and literature of graphic design, exploring core resources, genres and formats, and describing their acquisition and organization. An overview of the primary professional organizations in graphic design, along with a brief discussion of accrediting bodies and their requirements is included. Major publishers, content providers, and discovery tools are discussed, and the implications of emerging trends and controversies for collection development are considered.
Asking the Right Questions, Finding the Right Answers
Authors: Schroeder Heidi M.
Published: June 2012

This chapter presents an overview of collection development in support of academic nursing populations, programs, curriculums, and research, focusing in particular on evaluation, selection, and maintenance. Crucial factors to consider and tools and resources to facilitate nursing collection development decisions will be discussed. Evaluation criteria to assist with the selection of potential materials will also be outlined. Finally, an overview of collection maintenance issues, including withdrawals, gifts and free materials, and digitization will be provided. Future directions are also briefly considered. Topics covered in this chapter should provide academic institutions interested in building or maintaining nursing collections with applicable guidelines and best practices.
Developing a Library Collection in Bioinformatics
Authors: Martin Victoria
Published: June 2012

This chapter provides guidelines for developing a university library collection for bioinformatics programs. The chapter discusses current research and scholarly communication trends in bioinformatics and their impact on information needs and information seeking behavior of bioinformaticians and, consequently, on collection development. It also discusses the criteria for making collection development decisions that are largely influenced by the interdisciplinary nature of the field. The types of information resources most frequently used by bioinformaticians are described, specific resources are suggested, and creative options aimed at finding ways for a bioinformatics library collection to expand in the digital era are explored. The author draws on literature in bioinformatics and the library and information sciences as well as on her ten years of experience providing bioinformatics user services at George Mason University. The chapter is geared towards practicing librarians who are charged with developing a collection for bioinformatics academic programs as well as future librarians taking courses on collection development and academic librarianship.
Building a Transsystemic Law Library Collection
Authors: Côté Maryvon
Published: June 2012

The Faculty of Law of McGill University decided to take an unprecedented step in 1999 in replacing the approach of training to undergraduate law students with the creation of a new legal education curriculum referred to as “transsystemic legal education.” This unique program, geared towards all undergraduate McGill Law students, consists of learning two legal systems, including civil and common law in a comparative and interdisciplinary approach. This article discusses how the law library at McGill had to break from a traditional approach of building a law library collection regarding the practice of Canadian law to acquire the scholarly material needed by professors and students. This meant a complete rethinking of the collection development profile with an increased focus on multilingual legal material from Europe and other legal jurisdictions worldwide, and could only be done with a good collaboration between the library and the faculty members.
Collection Development in Architecture
Authors: Opar Barbara
Published: June 2012

Most new and even many experienced librarians are initially daunted by collection development and the decision making involved in choosing, deselecting, transferring, helping to assign call numbers, or responding to queries about issues like binding. What can become a gratifying experience also requires subject knowledge, information about specific patron needs, sound judgment, and numerous big and small management decisions. Most librarians assigned such new tasks have wished for some guidance and practical tips those first years. This chapter is intended to provide an overview of the tasks involved in building and maintaining an academic architecture collection. It will also address related duties such as liaison work and scholarly communication. The extensive bibliography is intended to provide sources for further reading on topics addressed in the book chapter.
Difficulty and Scenario Adaptation
Authors: Hocine Nadia , Gouaïch Abdelkader
Published: June 2012

Post-stroke therapeutic games are considered to be a promising rehabilitation tool since they can enhance the rehabilitation outcomes by creating a motivating environment. A therapeutic game could provide a personalized rehabilitation session in which the training intensity, duration, and challenges could be adapted to patient’s abilities and training needs. This chapter presents a generic adaptation approach that aims to customize the therapeutic game’s experience. The objective is to provide the readers with a design steering method that takes into account practical issues related to the adaptation of post-stroke therapeutic games.
The Journey from Dissenter to Advocate
Authors: Atkinson Terry S.
Published: June 2012

This chapter details the experiences of a university professor whose perspectives shifted from one of initial dissent to eventual advocacy for online learning as a delivery mode for her reading/literacy courses. Spanning eight years, her distance education teaching practices were shaped by her personal ventures as an online student, the outcomes gained by enhancing the social presence of her online courses, collaboration with colleagues, and systematic examination of her online teaching practice relative to its rigor, quality, and effectiveness within a teacher preparation program. Insights gained while teaching online conclude with recommendations for faculty members, institutions, systems, and organizations with vested interest in the future of teacher education.
Perceptions of Preparation of Online Alternative Licensure Teacher Candidates
Authors: Brigman M. Joyce , Petty Teresa
Published: June 2012

This chapter seeks to investigate the perceived sense of preparation for the classroom that leads to teacher effectiveness. The focus of this chapter is an exploration of the increasing role of alternative licensure and distance education in the preparation of teachers and results of a recent study concerning perceptions of a sense of preparedness espoused by alternative licensure teacher candidates after their online program completion.
Training Teachers for Virtual Classrooms
Authors: Journell Wayne , Beeson Melissa Walker , Crave Jerad J. , Gomez Miguel , Linton Jayme Nixon , Taylor Mary O.
Published: June 2012

The increased demand for online instruction within higher and K-12 education has created a need for teacher education programs to provide pre-service and practicing teachers with training in online pedagogy; however, research has shown that such courses are rare within most teacher training programs. This chapter describes “Theory and Practice in Online Education,” an experimental course designed to train teachers for virtual instruction that was offered by the first author in Spring 2011. In this course, students explored the history of online education, online learning theories, the creation of online communities, online assessments, and ways to differentiate online courses for learners with special needs. Students were then able to put this theoretical knowledge into practice by experiencing various forms of synchronous and asynchronous communication and designing their own online course. The authors provide this description in hopes that others may use it as a starting point to create their own courses in online pedagogy.
Creating Virtual Collaborative Learning Experiences for Aspiring Teachers
Authors: Dunaway David M.
Published: June 2012

Finding time for reflection and collaboration presents challenges for teachers. Combined with this are feelings of isolation from colleagues. Web 2.0 tools can assist in alleviating these difficulties for teachers. This chapter discusses the potential of Web 2.0 tools, the development and uses of these tools, and considerations to make when using Web 2.0 tools. The chapter also presents ways colleges of education can support reflection and collaboration while diminishing feelings of isolation. The experiences of one instructor in implementing Web 2.0 strategies in Master’s of School Administration classes are shared throughout the chapter to support the rationale for utilization of Web 2.0 tools.
Investigation of Blended versus Fully Web-Based Instruction for Pre-Teacher Candidates in a Large Section Special Education Survey Course
Authors: O’Brien Chris , Freeman Shaqwana M. , Beattie John , Jordan LuAnn , Hartshorne Richard
Published: June 2012

This chapter summarizes the results of a quasi-experiment conducted to determine the relative effectiveness of preparing pre-teacher education university students using a fully web-based course conducted asynchronously versus a blended model of instruction using the same LMS for forty percent of instructional time. The project evaluated two large sections of SPED 2100, “Introduction to Students with Special Needs.” Data was collected to evaluate the extent to which pre-teacher education students developed understanding of critical information related to human development factors, psychological, sociological, and policy foundations of teaching students with special needs. Further, data collection examined student preferences in learning and the extent to which students developed comparable perception of preparedness for the future teaching roles. Results indicated no significant differences regarding content knowledge, but varying perspectives on the potential for success in fully web-based courses dependent largely on learner profile and the point of development in university coursework.
Preparing Pre-Service Secondary English Language Arts Teachers to Support Literacy Learning with Interactive Online Technologies
Authors: Rodesiler Luke , Pace Barbara G.
Published: June 2012

In this chapter, the authors present the framework and methods they employ to integrate online learning opportunities into an English teacher education program at a large, public university in the southeastern United States. The authors focus on their efforts to extend pre-service secondary English language arts teachers’ understandings of what constitutes literacy and what counts as text in the secondary English language arts classroom in a blended technology- and media literacy-focused methods course, a required component of a three-semester English Education Master’s degree program. Specifically, the authors document the ways they nudge pre-service teachers to consider the kinds of literacy events they might design and the types of literacy practices they might promote to support literacy learning with interactive online technologies and popular media in English language arts classrooms.
Taking Action Research in Teacher Education Online
Authors: Dana Nancy Fichtman , Krell Desi , Wolkenhauer Rachel
Published: June 2012

The systematic, intentional study by teachers of their own classroom practice is critical for powerful professional development. Action research, or practitioner inquiry, provides teachers with a vehicle to engage in this professional development in order to raise teacher voices in educational reform and capture and share the knowledge generated by teachers within their classrooms. The quality of any piece of action research completed by a practitioner inquirer is directly related to the coaching s/he receives in the process, but the scope and reach of teacher educators’ action research coaching is often constrained by limitations of time and space. Extending the coaching of action research to online environments may provide possibilities for negotiating challenges of time and space and enhance both the quantity and quality of the teacher educator’s action research coaching opportunities. The purpose of this chapter is to explore online tools that can facilitate distance action research coaching.
ARTI
Authors: Dawson Kara , Cavanaugh Cathy , Ritzhaupt Albert D.
Published: June 2012

Action research is recognized as a powerful tool for professional development and teacher preparation (Cochran-Smith & Lytle, 2009; Zeichner, 2003) and teachers require powerful professional development to effectively integrate technology (Hew & Brush, 2007). ARTI (Action Research for Technology Integration) is an online tool designed to support the merger of action research and technology integration. This chapter provides an introduction to ARTI followed by a discussion of its theoretical foundations. Next, the conceptual design of ARTI is described in terms of the three main purposes for its development which are to provide: (1) an online scaffold for teachers to inquire about their technology integration practices, (2) a mechanism to synthesize action research information from multiple teachers, and (3) a mechanism to capture evidence of student learning within technology integration inquiries. Finally, examples of ARTI implementation, implications and future possibilities for the tool in teacher preparation are discussed.
Improving Student Learning in a Fully Online Teacher Leadership Program
Authors: Day Scott L. , Bogle Leonard , Swan Karen , Matthews Daniel , Boles Emily
Published: June 2012

This chapter describes how faculty in a fully online Master’s program in teacher leadership are using a design-based approach, grounded in theory and informed by data, to iteratively improve core courses and student learning from them. Specifically, the authors revised their courses to meet Quality Matters (QM) standards for online course design, and then made incremental and ongoing revisions focused on course implementation and based on student responses to the Community of Inquiry (CoI) survey. The first part of the chapter describes the online program in which course improvements are taking place, and the QM and CoI theoretical frameworks. In the main body of the chapter, specific course revisions are discussed and initial findings reported which show significant improvements in student outcomes as a result of these revisions. This section also describes the design-based approach the authors adopted and provides recommendations for others who might want to similarly improve individual courses or program offerings as a whole. The chapter closes with a brief discussion of directions for future research and conclusions, which highlight what the authors believe are the most important aspects of this work.
Teacher Education with simSchool
Authors: Gibson David
Published: June 2012

This chapter introduces an innovative online learning platform for the preparation of teachers through simulations, which addresses some of the systemic challenges of teacher education in the US. The chapter contrasts traditional course-based online learning experiences with a simulation approach to four areas of teacher preparation: conceptions of teaching & learning, the organization of knowledge, assessment practices and results, and the engagement of communities of practice. The chapter outlines a rationale for the new approach based in self-direction and personal validation in a complex but repeatable practice environment, supported by emergent interdisciplinary knowledge concerning the unique affordances of digital media assessment and social media. The online simulation simSchool is used as an example model that embodies the new paradigm.
Windows into Teaching and Learning
Authors: Heafner Tina L. , Plaisance Michelle
Published: June 2012

Windows into Teaching and Learning (WiTL), a project conceived and actualized by authors situated in a large urban university in the southeastern region of the United States, captures the nuisance of online learning as a method for transforming school-based clinical experiences in teacher preparation programs. This chapter introduces and describes the theoretical context in which the project was developed in hopes to convey the potential for uncomplicated and intuitive innovations in teacher education to recalibrate current practices to the demands of the 21st Century classroom. An overview of the challenges facing colleges of education in providing meaningful and relevant clinical experiences to pre-service teachers enrolled in online distance education courses is discussed and serves as the impetus of WiTL. In the chapter, the authors explain the methods and technology used by the researchers to demonstrate the project’s practical duplicability in almost any course with clinical requirements. Furthermore, the authors provide a glimpse into the potential impact of WiTL as a means of facilitating meaningful field experiences in distance education and traditional coursework, as well as corollary benefits realized for student participants and mentor teachers.
Factors in the Usage of Mobile Phones in Japanese University EFL Classrooms
Authors: MacLean George R. , Elwood James A.
Published: June 2012

This chapter considers factors that can play roles in the use of mobile phones in university English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms in Japan. While recent developments have made such devices an increasingly attractive alternative to computers in education, issues such as cost and privacy have been noted by other research to be of some concern. This study investigated the use and perceptions of mobile phones by 249 university students studying EFL in Japan. Results indicated that although students declared varying levels of proficiency with their mobile phones, most were able to complete the tasks queried. Among factors that might inhibit successful implementation of the use of mobile phones for education, cost and security concerns were minimal, but student reservations about using mobile phones for educational tasks appeared to be a mediating factor.
A Possible “Catalytic” Effect of Multimedia Learning Content
Authors: Ellis Jim
Published: June 2012

Good design is critical for the success of e-learning tutorials and previous research has yielded various principles to guide practitioners. While the evidence for these are generally coherent, there are occasional exceptions and inconsistencies that cannot always be fully explained. One possible cause was thought to be a ‘seductive’ effect of some content; however, further research into this revealed its own microclimate of discrepancies. A new perspective—catalytic content—is presented here and this is described as material that is important, not because of its direct relevance to the learning outcomes, but because it supports the process of learning the material that is directly relevant.
Is It Better to be Alone or in Company?
Authors: Mazzoni Elvis , Gaffuri Pietro , Selleri Patrizia
Published: June 2012

This chapter presents an empirical study involving first-year students enrolled in the Faculty of Psychology (University of Bologna), who are following a practical formative activity based on Computer-Supported Group-Based Learning. The learning activity is conducted in a blended-learning format—three face-to-face lessons and three online activities; students were randomly associated to two different experimental conditions of participation: Individual Learning (IL) and Group-Based Learning (GBL). Focusing on GBL students, this chapter intends to verify whether different Structural Profiles of Interpersonal Skills (SPIS) might improve the students’ comprehension of a scientific text. By analyzing the results of test and re-test, the students with a High Actor-SPIS make a significant improvement, and the groups with a High Density and Low Centralization make significant progress at the ReTest.
The Power of Digital Literacy to Transform and Shape Teacher Identities
Authors: Hughes Janette , Robertson Lorayne
Published: June 2012

In this chapter, the authors focus their attention on the case studies of three beginning teachers and their use of digital storytelling in their preservice education English Language Arts classes. They undertook this research to determine if preservice teachers who are exposed to new literacies and a multiliteracies pedagogy will use them in transformative ways. The authors examine their subsequent and transformed use of digital media with their own students in the classroom setting. One uses a digital story to reflect on past injustices. Another finds new spaces for expression in digital literacy. A third uses the affordances of digital media to raise critical awareness of a present global injustice with secondary school students. The authors explore their shifting perceptions of multiple literacies and critical media literacy and how these shifts in thinking help shape or transform their ideas about teaching and learning in English Language Arts.
The Teaching Assistants’ Community of Practice Facilitates Undergraduate Online Learning in a Blended Course
Authors: Chen Xiaojun , Choi Jea H. , Yu Ji Hyun , Newby Timothy
Published: June 2012

This chapter describes a peer-led community of teaching assistants. The aim is to illustrate ways in which peer-led mentored training enables the creation of a teaching assistant community in which all actors are encouraged to contribute to the establishment of a body of knowledge and expertise about the effective use of technology for educational purposes. There is an expectation that instructors would be taking the lead in the use of technology, as well as establishing a body of knowledge and experience about the effective use of technology. Little scholarly research, however, has been conducted in either the training or support of faculty and graduate teaching assistants in their methods to teach within the online learning environment. The community of practice model supports this shift in roles and activities for teaching assistants and faculty by increasing peer-to-peer engagement and offering new opportunities to engage with experts and expert practice. Specifically, this chapter will illustrate these ideas by referencing one undergraduate blended course (combining online and face-to-face settings).
Attitudes towards Diverse Learners
Authors: Maina Faith , Burrell Marcia M.
Published: June 2012

University educators are often faced with the challenging task of equipping both pre-service and in-service teachers with the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively teach diverse students. It becomes even more problematic to teach mathematics when using a problem solving approach where mathematical ways of knowing are emphasized. These teachers tend to believe that mathematics is “just numbers,” “speaks a universal language,” is “culturally neutral” and has no relevance whatsoever with social issues that affect students. Coupled with this is the mistaken belief that “people know or don’t know math.” Pre/in service teachers, often meet the notion that math literacy can be achieved by all learners with skepticism and patronizing behaviors. However, given the space to step outside the classroom, talk with peers, and argue with veteran teachers, a shift in attitude about the potential for diverse student potential is self-evident. These preliminary findings were assembled when a hybrid course that enrolled eight pre/in-service teachers was developed.
Technology
Authors: Gravina Rita , Pereira-Raso Helena
Published: June 2012

Collaboration is an important aspect of how our world functions today and an element at the core of rich learning opportunities. The role of educational institutions is one that provides provoking settings so that learning is deep and sustained well beyond the classroom walls. Learners are currently in a paradigm where they are able to learn at all hours of the day; they are no longer in a framework where learning is exclusive to a classroom. Teachers and students at The Bishop Strachan School are exploring this through the various uses of teaching and learning strategies and enriching these strategies with Web 2.0 applications. This chapter will present early explorations in the school with Wiki pages, social networking tools, such as NINGs, interactive timelines, and real-time applications, such as Google apps. Each of the cases provides an authentic learning experience for students and moves the student’s work out into the world.
Choosing the Right Course Management System for Distance Education Courses
Authors: Unal Zafer , Unal Aslihan
Published: June 2012

In the current market space there are many commercially available Course Management Systems (CMS) from which to choose, such as BlackBoard and Desire2Learn. The open source community has also been active in creating alternative course management system choices that are free of licensing costs (Moodle, Sakai). Institutions now have the choice between these competing CMSs, and it is not enough to just pick a package based on its price or feature list. Institutions considering implementing a CMS must carefully evaluate it before putting it to use with a student population. A trial was undertaken to consider whether Moodle warranted a more formal consideration as an alternative to the institution’s current CMS (BlackBoard) at a southeastern university. This report documents a detailed comparison of BlackBoard and Moodle CMSs based on students’ experiences that used both systems during the same course and investigates if Moodle warrants consideration as an alternative to the institution’s current course management system.
Using Web for Delivery of Open and Distance Learning Programmes
Authors: Sunil Kumar , Salooja M. K.
Published: June 2012

This case study focuses on the usage of Web as a delivery mode for open and distance learning programmes in India. It describes the designing and delivering of a postgraduate level academic programme at Indira Gandhi National Open University. The university has been struggling with teething problems tied to the initial stage of acquisition of an online learning platform. It is a bit of an extensive chapter, as it documents academic and administrative policies being practiced by the largest university in the world to overcome these problems. The objective of this case study is to reflect on the evolution process and to identify conducive factors for successful delivery of online programmes. The interpretative case study methodology also facilitates distinguishing the evidence-based best practices. Access to technology and its robustness are the main constraints in delivery of education through online platforms for any developing country. The online programmes are able to attract a good number of foreign students. The institution has to concurrently put in place a policy framework covering aspects like: friendliness to the online interface; standardization of design, delivery, and assessment of the online programmes; recognition to the teachers and administrative staff involved in online programmes; and the use of open educational resources. This case study provides valuable insight for foreign universities ready to plunge into the vast higher education market in India and other developing countries without crossing political borders. It is also very helpful for universities, which are either planning or in the initial stage of acquiring online learning platforms.
Constructing a Working Life-Oriented Model for Online Course Modernization
Authors: Leppisaari Irja , Kleimola Riina , Maunula Markus , Hohenthal Tuula
Published: June 2012

Working life should be more actively integrated in higher education as a partner in education design. The e-Learning of the Future project (2009–2012, ERDF) meets work-oriented online education development challenges through working life mentoring that utilizes social media. In the project’s operational model, educational technology experts design and develop teaching in online courses collaboratively with higher education instructors and working life experts. This chapter examines how development of the model was initiated and what problems and challenges emerged. The study will help to establish directions on including working life in online education development through a virtual media laboratory. The model’s use in updating online courses to produce authentic content appears promising. The following critical factors, however, can be found when implementing the model: 1) structuring of the modernization process, 2) supervision of an online interaction process between modernizers/actors, and 3) finding a meaningful role in the process for the working life mentors.
Juggling Channels and Turn-Taking in a Dual Channel Synchronous Class
Authors: Suggs Christie L. , Dennen Vanessa Paz , Myers Jennifer B.
Published: June 2012

As synchronous distance education classes increase in number, the need for understanding how turn-taking occurs in this environment can help professors learn how to set up communication interaction rules to improve the class facilitation and reduce extraneous cognitive load. This chapter examines how turn-taking occurs in the online synchronous course and ways that professors may create proficient turn-taking procedures. The traditional turn-taking rules identified by Sacks, Schegloff, and Jefferson (1974) were still applicable to the audio portion of the class. However, these rules did not apply to the text-based chat portion of the class. An examination of the use of conversation analysis when applied to the multi-modal online environment found that conversational analysis techniques were applicable only when both the text-based chat and the audio portion were examined together; when the two modes of discourse were decoupled, conversation analysis was ineffective.
Consumer Information Search and Decision-Making on M-Commerce
Authors: Maity Moutusy
Published: June 2012

This study compares consumer decision-making experiences across two channels (m-commerce and e-commerce), and investigates the moderating role of product type in each channel. Cognitive cost, the technology acceptance model, unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, and social cognition theory are used to formulate propositions. E-mail messages sent by the participants after undertaking a decision-making task on a channel are analyzed using Critical Incident Technique (CIT). Study findings suggest that product type moderates consumer decision-making on both channels. Findings also suggest that decision-making in m-commerce is perceived as stressful. Findings also highlight the differences between the two channels. The chapter concludes with managerial and theoretical implications and directions for future research.
Mobile Banking in the Youth Market
Authors: Ratten Vanessa
Published: June 2012

Mobile banking is a technological innovation that is changing the way business is conducted. One of the most entrepreneurial and learning orientated segments of the population is the youth market. The purpose of this chapter is to examine the behavior Australian youths have towards mobile banking. Social cognitive theory is the theoretical framework in which a conceptual model is empirically tested. The conceptual model includes five constructs (media, modeling, outcome expectancy, learning orientation and entrepreneurial orientation), which are proposed to influence an individual’s intention to adopt mobile banking. The conceptual model is tested in a sample of Australian youths and the analysis supports a portion of the proposed conceptual model. The findings support the link between the media and an individual’s entrepreneurial orientation with their intention to adopt mobile banking. The chapter highlights how social cognitive theory is a useful foundation to understand an individual’s desire to adopt mobile banking.
Consumers’ Intention to Use Mobile Commerce and the Moderating Roles of Gender and Income
Authors: Eze Uchenna Cyril , Poong Yew Siang
Published: June 2012

Mobile commerce is increasingly becoming a key aspect of human activities with the advancement of mobile technology and services. This chapter examines key factors that influence m-commerce adoption and the moderating roles of gender and income. The conceptual framework is underpinned on an extended technology acceptance model. The data was collected using a questionnaire given to participants selected from Malaysia. The analysis was based on 260 valid responses. Findings reveal that five hypotheses developed for this chapter were supported for female participants, except perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use was unsupported for male participants. Perceived usefulness and social influence were the most important factors for participants earning low and high income, respectively. Surprisingly, high-income earners indicated that cost is an important factor. The contributions to research and practice, including suggestions for future studies, are discussed.
Factors Affecting Mobile Phone Use Among Undergraduate Students in Turkey
Authors: Acilar Ali
Published: June 2012

Mobile phones are one of the fastest-adopted innovations in history. Globally, mobile phones have rapidly become widespread in most parts of the world, especially among the young generation. Young people constitute an important and significant part of mobile phone users. In this study, the author examined the factors affecting mobile phone use among undergraduate students in a developing country. The research data was collected through a convenience sample of undergraduate students in a public university in Turkey. Exploratory factor analysis was used to examine the underlying factors in mobile phone use. Nine factors are identified from the results of factor analysis such as “Information,” “Attitude,” “Mobility,” “Functional service,” “Entertainment/Relaxation,” “Convenience,” “Fashion,” “Sense of security,” and “Multimedia service”.
Mobile Social Networks
Authors: Varnali Kaan
Published: June 2012

Social networks are migrating to mobile. Mobile social networks combine community-level interactivity with mobile communications and location-awareness, and hence represent a novel phenomenon with unique properties. Due to the growing business potential of this new trend and its increasing impact on the realm of communications, mobile social networks started to draw scholars’ attention. Researchers in computer-mediated-communication have been investigating the phenomenon from a variety of angles, yet marketing literature is falling behind. This chapter aims to review existing academic knowledge on mobile social networks and provide a conceptual framework to study and understand this complex, emergent phenomenon and discuss related future research avenues.
Designing Effective Mobile Advertising with Specific Reference to Developing Markets
Authors: Tripathi Shalini N. , Siddiqui Masood H.
Published: June 2012

Mobile advertising is a potentially powerful tool for direct and interactive marketing. Unlike e-commerce, the acceptance of m-commerce by customers has seen only modest growth, especially in Third World countries. The reason is lack of consumer responsiveness. This study aims to propose a hierarchical utility package (in the consumers’ perception) with reference to mobile advertising, thus aiming to enhance its acceptance amongst the consumers. Customization of messages and location based messaging are the strongest positive drivers of consumer acceptance of mobile advertising, followed by inclusion of incentives and self deleting advertisements. Firms making use of the mobile channel as part of their promotional strategies should take into cognizance the perceived usefulness that the addition of the channel brings, and consumer preferences with reference to their information needs. Thus by incorporating the utility package in the mobile advertising format, the mobile phone as an information channel might result in a symbiotic bonding relationship with its customers. Thus a marketer, by incorporating the utility package in the mobile advertising format, can not only ensure its greater acceptance (among consumers) but also develop a leverageable, competitive advantage.