bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of a Model for Information Technology Education
Authors: Trkman Peter , Baloh Peter
Published: October 2017

In the paper, a model for planning and evaluation of education is presented. In this model, the main goal of education is divided into 4 sub goals that should be obtained in every educational activity. The 4 main components identified in the model are: total knowledge gained, degree of usefulness of that knowledge, reduction of effort in later learning and effort invested in the educational process. The importance of each of those components varies depending on the level and purpose of education. The model is then specially adapted for computer literacy education at various levels of education. It is shown how the emphasis shifts between different sub goals at different levels of education from kindergarten and lower grades of primary school to workplace learning. At the end, the use of the model is shown on a case study that deals with teaching information technology use at university level.
Towards a Self-Healing Network in Controlling Access to Network Applications
Authors: Gani Abdullah , Manson Gordon
Published: October 2017

A self-healing network is a ‘dream’ for every network designer today. Abstractly it is a network that capable of maintaining the availability of network services. This would not be impossible to be turned into a reality if the networks are embedded with intelligence. By having the intelligent capability the network can be self- managed in response to events that taken place within the network itself through the learning mechanisms. This paper presents the User Manager Agent System (UMAS) learning performance in controlling a request for network application session. ANFIS of Matlab v5.3 has been used to simulate the learning process in which it bases on the training data of network state. The work also had revealed some weaknesses of ANFIS in processing a large volume of training data sets and substantial amount of time taken for processing.
The Value of User Participation in E-Commerce Systems Development
Authors: Terry Julian , Standing Craig
Published: October 2017

The importance attached to user participation in contributing to the success of an information system has been a long held theoretical belief. Systems development techniques have been promoted that involve user participation such as prototyping, rapid application development and joint application design. Interestingly, the research literature on the topic has not been conclusive about the real value of user partic i-pation, although the perception of value has still existed. The importance of user participation could be seen as a myth in information systems. In e-commerce the pressure to develop Web based systems in Internet time and the propagation of the view that e-commerce is different and subject to different rules has led developers to question the value of customer participation in the development process. Indeed, the notion of the "user" has become confused. The IS/E-commerce discipline may be guilty of misinformation. This paper proposes and validates a model to examine the role of key users or stakeholders in e-commerce application development. This framework for analysing user participation and system success takes into account the different requirements of each distinct group. Despite the business need for remote, untrained users to quickly feel comfortable and satisfied in an e-commerce site encounter, it appears that many organisations are making little effort to engage users in e-commerce site developmental activities.
Experiences Developing Low-cost Courseware for an Onsite Taught M.Sc. Course
Authors: Russell Gavin , Pitt Ian , Couse Gary
Published: October 2017

This paper describes experiences designing and developing a low-cost courseware system to support the taught M.Sc. course in Multimedia Technology in the Computer Science Department of University College, Cork, Ireland using a combination of both original and modified open-source components. The requirements analysis, design, development and testing phases of the system are all described. Finally, observations on its first year of operation are presenting including suggestions for why the completed system fell out of use before the years end.
Misinformation: Understanding the Evolution of Deception
Authors: Covacio Silvia
Published: October 2017

The ensuing discussion of the evolutionary principles surrounding misinformation describes how misinformation creates similar mindsets and behaviour patterns. The evolutionary process of misinformation is often a battle of opposing entities or forces - the rhythm of domination and subservience, altruism and egoism. For misinformation to succeed it requires all interrelated actors to remain, inadvertently or voluntarily, silent and cooperative with the misinformation sender. The negativity breeds negativity, which creates an unstable organisational environment leading to the collapse of the system supported on a misinformation foundation. Many organisations are based on this rhythm, and Michel Foucault affirms that organisations are repressive systems that require misinformation to control and dominate through knowledge management. The dominating organisational forces often include the use of unethical practices utilizing misinformation to dominate individuals, committees, other organisations, and the market. The hope of survival lies in the rise of Comte’s altruistic and ethical behaviour patterns beginning on an individual level, spreading within the unethical organisation to related organisations, and governments.
A Virtual Learning Environment for Real-World Networking
Authors: Kneale Bruce , Box Ilona
Published: October 2017

Virtual learning environments are a solution to some of the problems of providing an authentic learning environment. We encountered problems such as lack of funding and physical space, and risks and threats to our network environment when we contemplated providing a real, physical specialist laboratory to teach computer networking. We solved most of our problems by developing Velnet, a virtual environment for learning networking. Velnet consists of one or more host machines and operating systems, commercial virtual machine software, virtual machines and their operating systems, a virtual network connecting the virtual machines, and remote desktop display software. Our first experiment with Velnet was in a standalone configuration, without remote desktop display. The initial pilot had students connecting to Velnet via our institution’s network. Velnet performed well under this restricted access environment. We are developing a virtual reality overlay of Velnet to be able to present computernetworking concepts. We are also investigating the changes we can make to our instructional design and assessment strategies, and the consequent learning experiences of the students.
Technology and the Human Dimension: Using Web-Based Technology to Develop and Record Generic Capabilities. A Library and Information Studies Case Study
Authors: Partridge Helen , Hallam Gillian
Published: October 2017

The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is committed to ensuring that its students are not only discipline savvy but also skilled in generic capabilities. To facilitate the development of generic capabilities within its educational programs QUT has supported a project, which involved the creation of a web based tool known as the Student Capability Profile (SCP). The SCP aims to be a dynamic and flexible vehicle for documenting individual student’s personal development and growth within the broad spectrum of workplace skills. The SCP will be an invaluable tool, especially in the recruitment process, as it will allow students to inform potential employers of their achievement and growth within generic capabilities. This paper will explore a case study of how the system is being used in teaching generic capabilities such as teamwork and communication skills within library and information studies. The paper discusses the practical implications of using technology to facilitate student development of generic capabilities and how it impacts on the teaching and learning process.
ICT in Rural Areas in South Africa: Various Case Studies
Authors: Herselman ME
Published: October 2017

The primary aim of this study is to indicate what has been done about ICT implementation in rural areas in South Africa by investigating various case studies like the SchoolNet programme in Mpumalanga Province and a possible web portal for rural schools. Rural schools and some communities currently lack access to quality education and resources that their urban counterparts consider basic.
A Study on the Relevance between the Progress of IT and Business Ethics in Typical Japanese Organizations
Authors: Hanaoka Sho
Published: October 2017

Each lower-level organization within in most Japanese companies has its own implicit code of conduct based on its own organizational culture. The structure of the ordinary Japanese organization is expressible as a closed space surrounded by higher walls on all four sides. Also the walls are expressible as roll-away fences, changing their positions by adapting to the changes in the environment. The position of each wall becomes more indefinite by adapting to new business models such as SCM, ERP, ASP, etc. As a consequence, some of these walls become to invisible from time to time, and most companies are confronted with unconformity and confusion between the organizations in doing business. Moreover, the progress of internationalization adds momentum to the confusion. In this paper, first, the author elucidates the peculiar characteristics of the Japanese organization's culture and problems it poses in bus iness ethics. Then, the issue of using IT on business ethics is discussed. Finally, a "wall-in model" expressing the gaps of the adjacent organizations is proposed. Then we discuss the effective use of IT for solving the problems of business ethics.
Information, Interactivity and the Prospects of a Global Citizenry: An Inquiry into the Nature and Function of Online News
Authors: MacDougall Robert
Published: October 2017

The United States has one of the most technically advanced, most expansive, most evenly distributed, and most freely accessed communication system on the planet. Yet Americans are simultaneously one of the most poorly informed populations (in terms of diversity of opinions/sources, depth and breadth of knowledge, etc.). The proliferation of personalized information services, photo news galleries, computer simulations, and a host of interactive media links on commercial Internet news sites have been hailed recently as one remedy for this troubling statistic. By 2005 the nations comprising Western Europe will represent the largest concentration of netizens in the world with more than 300,000,000 people connected to the Net, many seeking the same conveniences enjoyed by their American counterparts. This paper examines the relationship between technical features and usage patterns on several of the leading Internet news sites. I argue that as the Internet becomes more technically sophisticated, a proportionate, though inverse trend in the epistemological sophistication of its user base will be inevitable. Finally, I discuss the implications this trend holds for the future of a “global citizenry.”
Visualized System Dynamics models as Information and Planning Tools
Authors: Skartveit Hanne-Lovise , J. Goodnow Katherine , Viste Magnhild
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we describe the use of visualization of system dynamics models as client information and management tools. System dynamics is a methodology for analyzing and understanding how complex systems change over time. System dynamic models have been developed for a broad range of information to client applications - from resource management problems to the mapping of stocks and flows on factory floors. The problem faced by many users of system dynamic models is their graphic complexity for users not trained in the field. This paper addresses new research into visualization of system dynamics models to make client information more efficient and accessible. This research involves the use of narrative, video and sound embedded in statistical material. This paper also considers one particular client group - that of politicians, planners and civil society in developing countries.
Applications of Customer Focused E-Learning
Authors: Montandon Corinne , Zentriegen Marianne
Published: October 2017

This paper provides information on customer focused e-learning (CFEL). It is an overview on the application area of CFEL and the potential of its business applications. Training of customers holds some undiscovered potential. CFEL is a new concept and little technical literature is available yet. In the majority of cases a differentiation is made between the category groups e-learning as business segment (private training) and e-learning as marketing instrument (educommerce). In this paper product training is considered as a third type of CFEL. For the illustration of possible applications of CFEL, numerous practical examples are given. This paper then goes on to develop these ideas in a practical way through case studies of the e-learning provision of three Swiss companies. This paper refers solely to corporate e-learning, whereas employee and supplier training is not considered. Especially in the sectors of computer science, financial services, staffing and employment service, and health care, the odds for an early breakthrough of CFEL are promising.
Toward Assessment of Information Systems Programs: Evaluating Learning Outcomes in Systems Analysis and Design Courses
Authors: Jarmoszko A.T. , Petkova Olga , Gendron Michael
Published: October 2017

This paper describes a research in progress on the assessment of an undergraduate program in Information Systems. Different assessment methods suitable for MIS program assessment are discussed and a brief description of pilot assessment is provided.
Using the New Generation of IS Development Techniques in Effective Group Learning: A Pilot Study of a Team-Based Approach in an IT Course
Authors: Linton Van Der Vyver Glen , Lane Michael
Published: October 2017

Adaptive and fluid applications development methodologies such as Prototyping, RAD, FAD and Extreme Programming have emerged in recent years in response to organisational realities that include rapid change, uncertainty and ambiguity. These methodologies are well suited to the team-based approach that has become so important in the modern organisation. Yet, many educational programmes in the West still focus on individual learning and assessment. This paper reports on a pilot study where team-based methods are incorporated into a demanding undergraduate I.T. course. An attempt is also made to create a learning environment that incorporates elements of the ‘real world.’ It is established that a team-based approach, where there is a focus on interdependency and group learning, can lead to some dramatic improvements in the performance of IT students but a number of unexpected problems emerge.
Survey of Masters Degree Program
Authors: Duggal Sudesh , Mastruserio Charles
Published: October 2017

The need of professional master’s degree program in Information systems (MSIS) has been in great demand during the past few years. There may be several reasons for the people to pursue this particular degree. May be that obtaining MSIS degree help the people to climb to the next level of their current position, or as a source to networking with other people for future jobs, or for self esteem and their satisfaction, or as a graceful exit from the long road to a PhD program. Whatever the reason may be there is increase in demand for MSIS program. The purpose of this paper is to survey the MSIS degree programs and their curriculums from twenty colleges and universities across the United States. The information gathered from this survey as well as information gathered in previous such surveys is evaluated and used to create a suggested program curriculum, which provides useful information for academic heads and faculty who are interested in starting a new MSIS program, or revising an existing program.
Bush, the Media & the New American Way
Authors: Montgomery Louise
Published: October 2017

The run-up to a full-scale U.S. military attack on Iraq - “shock and awe” -- provided an unusual and ideal test the effectiveness of a parsimonious content analysis methodology designed to determine when a national leader made or would make a decision to go to war. As W. Ben Hunt’s work that is the model for this study anticipated, editorials in The Wall Street Journal clearly ramped up war fever with not only the number of “get to it, George” editorials but also with the language. Critical editorials ad-vised/urged/demanded Bush to get on with the second phase of the long-planned remaking of the Middle East -- taking out Saddam Hussein. The paper links several aspects of post-Cold War, postmodern American life -- low levels of knowledge, use of poll data throughout society, declining news consumption and others -- to paint a picture of a newly vulnerable society, one willing - polls would indicate - to listen to and follow clear, perhaps simplistic, policies even to the point of a pre-emptive strike on a small nation that many could not locate on a map.
Panel on: The Creation and Distortion of Communication through Information Technology Misinformation published on the Internet: It's time to update the Sullivan Rule
Authors: J. Levine Kenneth
Published: October 2017

The United States Supreme Court has ruled on several cases concerning the publication of misinformation, either intentional or unintentional. In the leading case, New York Times v. Sullivan, the Court ruled that public figures can recover damages for misinformation by proving "actual malice" from the publisher. As "publication" on the Internet provides the ability to quickly and anonymously modify text, this presentation will suggest that the Court should review Sullivan in light of the new technology
Panel on: Engaging Communities: The Role of ICTs
Authors: Tim Stephen , A. Webber Scott , Luke Robert
Published: October 2017

It is estimated that by the end of 2005, over two billion human beings will be connected to each other through networked systems of mobile communications devices. By that time, the amount of communication that takes place between and among machines will exceed the amount of communication that takes place between and among human beings. It is important, therefore, that we focus our efforts on matching communications technology with societal needs. This panel examines the various ways that ICTs can engage, instruct and empower communities in the 21st century. The topics on this panel include: developing more user-friendly access to information on the Internet; teaching democracy to the emerging class of cyber-citizens; promoting accessibility and digital literacy to ICT users with disabilities; and how NGOs can help foster civic engagement in Eastern Europe through ICTs.
Panel on: The Problems and Prospects of Teaching in the Digital Age
Authors: Dewitt Jean , Birchak Chris
Published: October 2017

These four panelists tackle some of the thorny issues raised by teaching in the digital age. Topics include: preventing misinformation; the effects of digital technology on storytelling; developing appropriate e-learning tools; and unequal access to educational technologies
Biases and Heuristics in Judgment and Decision Making: The Dark Side of Tacit Knowledge
Authors: Maqsood Tayyab , Finegan Andrew , Walker Derek
Published: October 2017

The crux of knowledge management theory is to devise different strategies to capture the tacit knowledge of the people in the organization, to make it explicit and to share it throughout the organization. This paper draws from the literature in cognitive psychology and highlights the limitation of the human mind by observing that knowledge is lost out of memory over time. Judgment and gut feelings are usually associated with different forms of biases and heuristics that may influence decision making negatively by altering the context in which the knowledge has been constructed. The paper argues that the timing and context in which tacit knowledge has been shaped is of immense importance when attempting to capture it. It is suggested that, while striving to capture the tacit knowledge of the individuals, it is important to make sure that it is not under the influence of any bias and its context is accurately perceived and preserved. Biased and incomplete knowledge may do more harm than good and should be avoided.
Information Quality: The Relationship to Recruitment in Pre-Tertiary IT Education
Authors: Clayton Kaylene
Published: October 2017

Iivari and Ervasti’s (1994) Construct for User Information Satisfaction is used within a case study to examine information quality and the satisfaction of the students, teachers and guidance officers with curriculum and career guidance information. It was found that there are curriculum quality differences and dissimilar levels of IT resources available between schools. Independent school students had access to additional IT subjects and information, which enabled them to make a more informed decision about studying IT in higher classes or tertiary institutions. Independent school students were also better equipped to enter elective IT subjects in Years 11 and 12, having gained the foundations of the knowledge in earlier years. Finally, there was general dissatisfaction amongst the students with the educational experience and problems with the ability of teachers and guidance officers being able to remain current about new technologies and the changes in job descriptions in the IT industry.
Software Development: Informing Sciences Perspective
Authors: Roussev Borislav , Roussev Yvonna
Published: October 2017

This work examines the process of software development from Informing Sciences (IS) point of view. We explore how the three IS precursor theories--Shannon and Weaver’s Model of the communication process, Leavitt’s Change-equilibrium model, and the “Meta-approach” to mod-eling--justify a model-driven approach to software development and we argue that modeling through abstraction, metaphoric mapping and metaphoric comparison is the link holding together the three cornerstone theories of IS.
Exploring the Research Ethics Doman for Postgraduate Students in Computing
Authors: Fielden Kay
Published: October 2017

In this paper Nicholson’s (1994) four-fold conceptual framework has been applied to ethical issues in research by postgraduate students undertaking theses or dissertations in computing. Ethical dilemmas are explored showing how knowledge in this area is acquired, shared and integrated from one research project to the next and within any one postgraduate cohort. Ethics of performing research within computing rather than professional codes are discussed. A major challenge in raising the level of awareness of professional ethics is in encouraging students to make the upwards shift from not only learning and applying technical skills but also integrating these skills with knowledge of the larger social system in which technology sits. A broad overview of how research ethics is practiced by postgraduate students undertaking thesis or dissertation is also discussed.
Enterprise Applications Portfolio Management Utilizing COTS
Authors: Kotani Masafumi
Published: October 2017

The software assets that an enterprise applies toward the management of its business processes are bound to evolve in response to business model transformations dictated by changing management environments. Both a given set of software and its associated data form an asset portfolio that needs to be well managed to generate the greatest possible return over time. Tradeoffs between the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership, consisting of development and subsequent maintenance costs) and implementation speed present significant challenges to management decision-making. Here, a portfolio configuration management framework designed from a decision-maker’s point of view is proposed, and an experimental evaluation result is reported.
Accessibility Improvement of Multicultural Educational Web Interface by using the User Centred Design (UCD) Approach
Authors: Shah Jahan Miah Md
Published: October 2017

Designing of web accessibility features need to accommodate cultural differences in the multicultural world. This paper finds the literature on how the web accessibility features of educational website can be improved for multicultural users by using the User Centred Design (UCD) approach. This paper reviews previous research on multicultural approach, accessibility functions and UCD approach. The reviews found some multicultural factors interpreted in terms of some cultural variables like Power distance, Uncertainty avoidance, Individualism, Universalism, Masculinity, Neutral Culture, Specific culture and Achievement level during the designing of multicultural web sites, and the close observation on multicultural user’s understanding is important in designing well-functioned accessibility features. This paper explores the background on the UCD approach in designing the multicultural web accessibility, beyond the access for users from different cultures. In particular, this paper intends to explain the opportunity of UCD approach in designing the multicultural accessibility features.
Evaluation of Web Pages as a Tool in Public Relations
Authors: Trkman Peter , Lindic Jaka
Published: October 2017

The paper deals with the question, how the efficiency and successfulness of web pages in information dissemination can be measured. The paper concentrates on the use of a corporate web page in public relations with different interest groups. Basic principles of public relations theory are summarized. The importance of web-page credibility is emphasized and different factors that can have influence on it are identified. Obviously, reliability, punctuality and quality of published information are of utmost importance. However other factors that can affect credibility (such as technical quality, page structure etc.), are also studied. Special attention is paid to another important topic in public relations theory - how can a web page be used to build and flourish dialogue relationships between the company and different interest groups that affect company’s performance. The newly developed model CUT (Content, Usability, Technology) for evaluation of web pages is presented. The model includes evaluation of web pages from different perspectives. While accurate, complete and up-to-date information is certainly crucial, other factors from usability and technology perspective are also emphasized. The model use is demonstrated on a case study of companies from different countries and industry branches.
Logical Soft Systems Modelling for Programme Development: An Action Research
Authors: Tsoi Ho-Leung
Published: October 2017

Business Information Systems education-such as majoring in Business Computing, E-Commerce and Business Computing, and Information Systems--is the basic foundation of all Information Systems professionals. So good planning of these programmes is an indispensable element in the development of computing disciplines. The traditional ways of planning an education programme are mainly based on understanding the goals and including appropriate teaching modules to fulfil the requirements. The major drawback of this development methodology is that the importance of different (though relevant) modules in the development process may be undermined. For instance, human and environmental factors are fundamental to planning an education programme and must be taken into account. Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) is a well-known model for information system design. This paper proposes to see an education programme as a system and adopts the soft systems concept to represent the design of the programme. Based on the soft systems concept, a new methodology, named Soft Systems Programme Planning Methodology (SSPPM), for programme planning is proposed to support designing and planning a new postsecondary programme. The SSPPM not only considers all relevant facets, but it also helps the school management to clarify the connectivity of the elements in the design of a programme.
Critical Thinking and Reasoning for Information Systems Students
Authors: Thomas Theda , Davis Tim , Kazlauskas Alanah
Published: October 2017

It is important for higher education institutions to produce Information Systems graduates who can think and solve problems effectively. This paper is a rich description of the first cycle in an action research project defined to investigate the effectiveness of using a specially developed unit in the first year of an Information Systems course in order to facilitate the enhancement of students’ critical thinking and reasoning skills. Introduced for the first time in Semester 2, 2003, the unit does not try to teach thinking and reasoning skills in isolation but shows how they can be applied within the field of Information Systems in a direct way. This paper describes the unit content together with qualitative comments depicting the students’ and the lecturers’ experiences with the unit and an analysis of and reflection on what worked and what did not. The skills covered in this unit should then be able to be applied in units offered elsewhere in the course.
Insights into Using Agile Development Methods in Student Final Year Projects
Authors: Morien Roy
Published: October 2017

The paper will report upon the experiences and reflections of undergraduate students undertaking industrial development projects, as part of their curriculum, in the situation where they have been required to utilize a prototyping / agile / lightweight methodology. The paper is partly evangelistic (demonstrating the author’s enthusiasm for a particular development methodological viewpoint), and partly methodological (discussing the characteristics of, and success in using, a particular methodological approach). A clear position in support of agile development methods is taken, and a particular method, called the Focal Entity Prototyping Approach, published by the author, is a main item of interest in this discussion.
ICT Education and Training in Sub-Saharan Africa: Multimode versus Traditional Distance Learning
Authors: (Joey) Jansen van Vuuren JC , (Petrie) Coetzee FP
Published: October 2017

The concept of distance learning by advanced educational technology is at present only emerging in Africa. This applies particularly to education and training in information and communication technology (ICT). A learner support system needs to be put in place to assist students to use relevant technologies. Learners in Africa tend to have difficulty understanding the technologies underpinning the ICT era. Research shows that distance learning requires much self-discipline on the part of students. Compared to conventional learning, students tend to become more isolated in distance-learning programmes. Strategies to reduce negative factors should be put in place to ensure the increase of competent ICT specialists in Africa. The strategy recommended here is a multimode strategy incorporating both face-to-face and e-learning into distance learning environments, customized according to subject content.
Preparing Teachers for the Challenges of Technology Integration
Authors: Ziegel Melina
Published: October 2017

Technology and the corresponding constructivism are creating an educational agenda where the process of learning is valued at least as highly as the outcome. Since technology entered the classroom, learning goals have expanded from facts and knowledge by subject to intellectual curiosity and a love of learning. Students are engaging in their own meaning-making, or knowledge production, through project-based learning that reflects their interests and abilities rather than solely seeking to meet content area standards. New learning goals for students have greatly altered the role of teachers. This paper will explore some of the primary issues in teacher training and development that accompany technology integration into classrooms including: • What teachers need to learn pedagogically, technically and psychologically to incorporate technology into the curriculum; • How teachers can learn the necessary skills required for such classroom change; and, • What role teachers can and should play in the change process.
Does Technology Impact on Teaching Styles or Do Teaching Styles Impact on Technology in the Delivery of Higher Education?
Authors: Jewels Tony , de Pablos Heredero Carmen , Campbell Marilyn
Published: October 2017

Although there are many teaching styles in higher education, they can usually be reduced to two: the traditional, on campus attendance, lecturing, student-passive style and the newer, distance education, self-paced, student-active style. It is the contention of this paper, illustrated by two case studies of one Spanish and one Australian university, that the differences in technology seem to have evolved due to these different teaching styles. On the other hand, both institutions seem to be in the same stage of technological implementation, although the technological product appears different. A discussion is provided to consider the interaction effects in practice, teaching styles and institutional adoption stage on web based technologies in these two universities.
A Framework for Teaching Mobile and Wireless Technology
Authors: Jentzsch Ric , Mohammadian Masoud
Published: October 2017

This paper discusses a framework for teaching of mobile and wireless technology. The framework is evolving with the numerous changes that are occurring in the related technology as well as the changes that are occurring in the teaching environment. In today’s business environment the use of wireless applications is beginning to play an ever increasing important role. Many people use and interact with wireless and mobile devices each day both in their business and in their personal lives. Tomorrow’s mobile business environment will be a force that can influence the competitive nature of business. The teaching of and about the technology and environment is only just beginning.
Automatically Grading Essays with Markit©
Authors: Williams Robert , Dreher Heinz
Published: October 2017

Markit© is an Automated Essay Grading (AEG) system capable of running on typical desktop PC platforms. Its performance compares favourably with human graders and with commercially available systems. A distinct advantage of Markit over existing commercial systems is that it requires only one model answer against which the student essays are compared. In this paper we report on a trial of Markit with second year law students’ essays.
Web Supported Group Learning
Authors: Hawryszkiewycz Igor
Published: October 2017

The paper describes ways to provide web based support for group learning especially in large subjects involving many groups. It begins by describing support tools that enable groups to carry out case studies. It distinguishes between different levels of support services ranging from group management systems, through support for informal exchange of information to proactive agent support systems that facilitate knowledge construction processes. It then outlines some experiences in the use of the system.
Action-Guidance: An Action Research Project for the Application of Informing Science in Educational and Vocational Guidance
Authors: Cartelli Antonio
Published: October 2017

After a short introduction that describes the author’s interest in educational and vocational guidance, this paper reports on the psychological and pedagogical contributions to the analysis of the phenomenon. The limits of the above approaches are then analyzed and the need for the monitoring of the students’ cognitive, relational and affective spheres is explained. The last section of the paper focuses on monitoring of vocational and educational guidance, and offers a proposal to hit this target. In the author’s opinion, the analysis of the guidance processes, its further control and the planning of new actions can only be obtained with the joint adoption of the action research strategies, of the use of the ICT, and of a special Information System. As a consequence of the above hypothesis, Informing Science appears as the transdiscipline that can play a relevant role in educational and vocational guidance.
What is the Place of Innovative ICT Uses in School Counseling?
Authors: Campbell Marilyn
Published: October 2017

With our ever-changing society there seems to be more pressures on young people. Recent epidemiological studies in Australia have found that adolescent mental health is an important public health problem (Sawyer et al., 2001). As many as one in five Australian children aged from 4 to 17 have significant mental health concerns (Zubrick, Silburn, Burton, & Blair, 2000). However, only one in four young people receive professional help (Sawyer, et al., 2001). Schools in Australia provide school counselors to assist students, yet many young people do not avail themselves of this service. However, young people do seek help from telephone help-lines (in 2002 almost 1.1 million phone calls were made to Kids Help Line) and from the Internet (Kids Help Line, 2003a). Perhaps more anonymous forms of counseling, such as cybercounseling, could deliver a more effective service within a school setting. The difficulties and benefits of school based webcounseling are discussed in terms of therapeutic, ethical and legal issues, as well as technical problems and recent research outcomes.
Searching for Tomorrow’s Programmers
Authors: de Raadt Michael
Published: October 2017

Interest in beginning a career in programming is declining. Programming is no longer selling itself to novices at high school and university levels as well as it once did. This paper considers why this is the case, what may happen if this trend continues, and what can be done to restore interest for the next generation of programmers.
Submission and Peer Review of Learning Objects Using a Community-Based Repository
Authors: Box Ilona
Published: October 2017

A community-based learning object repository supports the sharing and collaboration of learning object development within discipline or topic area communities. The repository is built using an object-oriented method and implemented using JADE, an object-oriented technology platform. The repository is a software system aimed at improving the creation, collection, quality assurance, and ultimately the accessibility of learning objects. The initiatives regarding learning objects and the double blind review process for research publications are the two key influences on the learning object repository design. The repository is a significant advance on existing learning object technology as 1) it is built using an object-oriented method and platform including the database; typically learning object collections are stored in relational databases, and 2) it incorporates an automated submission and double blind peer review process before learning objects are made public. The use of the repository by the learning object creators, reviewers, moderators, administrators and educators will determine the success of the product.
Cyber Crime Influencing Businesses in South Africa
Authors: Herselman Marlien , Warren Matt
Published: October 2017

This study shows that cyber crime is a recent addition to the list of crimes that can adversely affect businesses directly or indirectly. This phenomenon was not directly prosecutable in South Africa until the enactment of the ECT Act in July 2002. However this Act also prevents businesses to fully prosecute a hacker due to incompleteness. Any kind of commercially related crime can be duplicated as cyber crime. Therefore very little research appears or has been documented about cyber crime in South African companies before 2003. The motivation to do this study was that businesses often loose millions in cyber attacks, not necessarily through direct theft but by the loss of service and damage to the image of the company. Most of the companies that were approached for interviews on cyber crime were reluctant to share the fact that they were hacked or that cyber crime occurred at their company as it violates their security policies and may expose their fragile security platforms. The purpose of this study was to attempt to get an overall view on how South African businesses are affected by cyber crime in the banking and short term insurance sector of the South African industry and also to determine what legislation exist in this country to protect them. The case study approach was used to determine the affect of cyber crime on businesses like banks and insurance companies and higher education institutions. Each case was interviewed, monitored and was observed over a period of a year. This study discloses the evaluation of the results of how cyber crime affected the cases, which were part of this study. The banks and higher education institutions felt that they were at an increased risk both externally and internally, which is likely to increase as the migration towards electronic commerce occurs. The insurance industry felt that they are not yet affected by external cyber crime attacks in this country.
Formative Assessment Visual Feedback in Computer Graded Essays
Authors: Williams Robert , Dreher Heinz
Published: October 2017

In this paper we discuss a simple but comprehensive form of feedback to essay authors, based on a thesaurus and computer graphics, which enables the essay authors to see where essay content is inadequate in terms of the discussion of the essay topic. Concepts which are inadequately covered are displayed for the information of the author so that the essay can be improved. The feedback is automatically produced by the MarkIT Automated Essay Grading system, being developed by Curtin University researchers.
Modeling Human Activity Systems for Collaborative Project Development: An IS Development Perspective
Authors: VAT Kam
Published: October 2017

This paper investigates the idea of human activity systems (HAS) appropriate to the characterization of the purposeful human activities behind the design of suitable information systems (IS) support, especially in the context of group-based project work. Specifically, we are interested in the knowledge context of a group of people collaborating in the peculiar scenario of project development. Our discussion describes a traceable framework of information systems development (ISD), which should accommodate the application of soft systems methodology (SSM) that acknowledges the importance of people in organization. The paper situates our discussion in the action research experience of the author conducting a junior core course of Software Psychology, delivered through the pedagogy of problem-based learning (PBL), in our four-year undergraduate program of Software Engineering. We intend to clarify the contextualization of designing IS support in relation to teamwork design. This is done by elaborating the IS design issues through the exposition of the human processes in which, in a specific organizational scenario, a particular group of people can conceptualize their world and hence the purposeful action they wish to undertake. That provides the basis for ascertaining what IS support is needed to undertake the necessary action and how modern information technology (IT) can help to provide that support. We conclude by reiterating the challenge of designing truly relevant HAS systems in which people selectively perceive parts of their world, attribute meaning to what they perceive, make judgment about their perceptions, form intentions to take particular actions, and carry out the action themselves. All these activities carry tremendous connotations in the HAS-based process of IS development for group project work, especially in collaborative project participation.
Using Technology-Mediated Learning Environment to Overcome Social and Cultural Limitations in Higher Education
Authors: Bhatti Arif , Tubaishat Abdallah , El-Qawasmeh Eyas
Published: October 2017

Adoption of Internet-based communication and learning technologies could overcome the limitations caused by the social and cultural values of a society. Zayed University (ZU) is a female-only university in a modern Arab country that holds dear its high appreciation to cultural and social values. This paper explores the impact and effectiveness of the outcome-based technology-mediated learning environment for the College of Information systems (CIS) students. This environment compliments the classroom activities. The paper concludes with some discussion on findings from a case-study of a database course. Results shows studying in this environment helped students: (a) be more confident in expressing their ideas, (b) develop their communication skills, (c) be independent learners, and (d) be more confident to do their best work.
CAB - Collaboration across Borders: Peer Evaluation for Collaborative Learning
Authors: Whatley Janice , Bell Frances , Shaylor Jan , Zaitseva Elena , Zakrzewska Danuta
Published: October 2017

Use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and the development of tools to enable communication, can change the ways in which students in higher education learn, including online learning, both as individuals and through collaboration with other learners. This paper is a review of two cases of online peer evaluation of web sites or multimedia presentations, between students from several countries. Examining the research feedback from these collaborative activities has contributed to our understanding of online learning tasks, and led to the development of a dedicated online portal for carrying out collaborative activities. We have found that there is a clear benefit to be derived from incorporating activities of this type within the learning of students in higher education. The CAB portal we have developed helps tutors, wishing to set up a collaborative activity, to address issues of reciprocity of learning outcomes and guidelines for students’ participation.
Talking Past Each Other - Staff and Student Reflection in Undergraduate Software Projects
Authors: Fleming Stewart
Published: October 2017

Group projects are an important part of Software Engineering education. However, conflicts that arise from group work can affect overall class learning and performance. It can be difficult for teachers to fully understand the social context of these issues. We explore the nature of self, peer and staff reflection to identify and mediate issues within a class. We have used a protocol that encourages reflection to explore conflicts that arise from group work in a Software Engineering course. We have found a way to explore and mediate student impressions and expectations and to identify conflicts with staff expectations and course objectives. We present a lightweight and flexible approach for such investigations.
Developing a Framework for Assessing Information Quality on the World Wide Web
Authors: Knight Shirlee-ann , Burn Janice
Published: October 2017

The rapid growth of the Internet as an environment for information exchange and the lack of enforceable standards regarding the information it contains has lead to numerous information qual ity problems. A major issue is the inability of Search Engine technology to wade through the vast expanse of questionable content and return "quality" results to a user's query. This paper attempts to address some of the issues involved in determining what quality is, as it pertains to information retrieval on the Internet. The IQIP model is presented as an approach to managing the choice and implementation of quality related algorithms of an Internet crawling Search Engine.