bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Politiques des objets et objets politiques
Authors: Gangneron Fabrice
Published: February 2018

L’objectif de cet article est de discuter des dispositifs socio-techniques que sont les adductions d’eau en milieu semi-urbain en Afrique de l’Ouest, d’interroger trois aspects qui tous peuvent être qualifiés de politiques. (1) Leurs « matérialités organisées » façonnées de main d’homme, projettent des scénarios qui exercent un pouvoir d’action sur la nature des usages et les modes de gestion (l’outil contraint). (2) Leurs inscriptions concrètes dans les univers sociotechniques de leurs usages montrent qu’ils « s’accordent » avec les humains qui en ont la charge, qui les interprètent (l’outil « coopère »). (3) Enfin, les discours des bailleurs de fonds, des acteurs politiques et des opérateurs de développement sur les dispositifs confinent au mythe technologique d’un dévelop-pementisme unilinéaire (l’outil est instrumentalisé par le discours).
Performing Maps and Masculinity in Irrigation Planning in Nepal
Authors: Liebrand Janwillem
Published: February 2018

Cet article explore pourquoi le mythe de la modernisation persiste malgré une réflexivité professionnelle à propos de l’activité de planification. L’article a pour objet la planification de l’irrigation depuis les années 1950 dans le district de Chitwan au Népal. L’analyse porte sur les convictions modernistes et la réflexivité professionnelle et met en avant l’usage d’artefacts tels que les cartes et la « masculinité » d’une culture professionnelle, celle de l’irrigation. L’analyse suggère que les usages de cartes dans la planification de l’irrigation trouvent leur utilité pour les profes-sionnels parce qu’ils permettent de normaliser une association entre ingénieurs (hommes), l’idée de supériorité, et des revendications sur la prééminence de la technologie et de la science en ce qui concerne les savoirs sur l’eau. Ainsi, les cartes sont performatives car elles encadrent et normalisent des associations entre convictions modernisatrices, experts (hommes) et « masculinité » dans le secteur de l’irrigation.
Randomized Controlled Experiments to End Poverty?
Authors: Abdelghafour Nassima
Published: February 2018

L’expérimentation aléatoire ou essai randomisé contrôlé (ERC) est une méthode d’évaluation inspirée des essais cliniques, transposée à l’économie du développement au début des années 2000. Rapidement devenue populaire, cette méthode est promue comme « l’étalon-or » de l’évaluation d’impact. Cet article examine un des premiers ERC, évaluant l’impact sur l’absentéisme scolaire d’un traitement vermifuge administré aux élèves dans une région rurale du Kenya. À travers l’étude de ce cas, il s’agit de mettre en évidence les processus par lesquels les ERC s’imposent comme une pratique d’évaluation incontournable. En insistant sur la production de résultats statistiquement non biaisés, les économistes défendant les ERC disqualifient les autres méthodes d’évaluation d’impact, et accentuent l’importance d’isoler l’impact causal d’une intervention de l’effet d’autres facteurs. Le type de preuves produites par les ERC engage ainsi un mode d’organisation des pratiques de lutte contre la pauvreté fondé sur la mise en compétition des interventions. Enfin, l’analyse d’une controverse scientifique venant remettre en question les résultats de l’expérimentation ouvre une discussion sur les politiques fondées sur les données probantes (evidence-based policy). Le poids de ces dernières n’est pas dû à une claire séparation entre science et politique, mais précisément à la manière dont science et politique sont entremêlées.
A Swift Kick
Authors: Rekun Mikhail Sergeyevich
Published: February 2018

This chapter examines the unusually swift downturn in Russo-Bulgarian relations between 1879 and 1883. In 1879, relations between the two countries were unusually good, founded on a basis of mutual sympathy, geopolitical necessity, and strong administrative ties. By 1883, however, a series of lapses in Russian diplomatic practice damaged Russo-Bulgarian relations to the point that all of Bulgaria's political elite was united in opposition to the Russians, and by 1886 diplomatic relations were severed altogether. This chapter examines three incidents in particular – the Titles Controversy of late 1879/early 1880, the Coup of 1881, and the tenure of Generals L. N. Sobolev and A. V. Kaul'bars in 1882-1883. Ultimately, this chapter demonstrates how flawed diplomatic practice may result in undesirable foreign policy outcomes.
The Ethical Dilemma of Early Global Childhood Education
Authors: Topor F. Sigmund , Hysell June C.
Published: February 2018

This chapter investigates ethical dilemmas associated with early childhood education in Confucian heritage countries. It draws on literature in philosophy, psychology, sociology, and anthropology in concluding that sociocultural differences between Eastern and Western civilizations amount to an ethical dilemma, which threatens to prevent a basic epistemology as well as a pedagogy for the education of children in the context of globalization and the information technology revolution. As evidenced by inventions, innovations, developments, and other technological and scientific breakthroughs, Western learners enroll in science and technology courses. It seems as though Eastern learners are duty-bound to fulfill a national or cultural objective, which calls for studies in the science and engineering disciplines at the expense of subjects in the arts, independent of individual desire or competency.
Cities and Extension Plans in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies
Authors: Carlone Giuseppe
Published: February 2018

In Italy in the nineteenth century the bourgeoisie decreed the end of the old model of urban development which had been limited by the rules of military architecture. In the years of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, the Bourbons established the Consigli Edilizi. Between 1859 and 1860 Francis II established 19 Consigli Edilizi; 13 were in municipalities of an administrative district. With the decree of foundation of the suburb of Bari, Gioacchino Murat donated the state land to the city and ordered that private persons and holy places were obliged to register for assessment or to sell to the municipality any land lying within the perimeter of the suburb unless they wanted to build on it. The new regime of public ownership of the land ratified by the Murattiano decree was confirmed by the “Statutes for the regular formation of the suburb of Bari” approved on 1st December 1814. The last step for assignment of land takes place before a notary. This is the signing of the assessment contract which involves the mayor, the building commission called Deputazione del borgo and the applicant. This chapters details these steps.
Rules for a New Town After a Disaster
Authors: Fasolino Isidoro
Published: February 2018

A catastrophic event, although often very painful, can provide a unique opportunity to experiment with new settlement models and improve the livability of a city or village. The reconstruction can, in fact, present a chance to reduce the effects of future disasters by improving the construction quality, avoiding hazardous locations, while also improving spaces for emergency management from the community. This chapter examines cities that were based on orthogonal or grid reconstruction plans, characterized by streets intersecting at right angles to form blocks of regular size and spacing. The case studies allow for a comparative analysis and allow a technical evaluation of the experiences of the past from which the main settlement rules for future interventions can be extracted. The logic of the reconstruction has been linked to design criteria that reduce the vulnerability of the settlement.
The Time of the Finished World Has Begun
Authors: Dalzero Silvia
Published: February 2018

This chapter is the first study systematically analysing the field of evaluation of territorial-political division as resulting from the practice of migration. In particular, the project is aimed to study all those places at the limits, the walls that divides territories and people, observing as the place where a new identity expressed by temporary settlements arose in a milieu characterized by a deep relation between social, politics, typical cultural, and revolutionary practices. Therefore, drawing the line is an act of duty, necessary to confront and as a social need to guarantee a certain recognition to the people and territorial identity. On the other hand, crossing the border does not imply elimination of it but rather its momentary transformation in open space, used, organized.
New Public Management Reforms and Modernization Changes in Australia
Authors: Rana Tarek
Published: February 2018

This chapter explores and explains recent modernisation changes in the Australian Public Sector and provides insights on implications of new public management style reform for public sector accounting, auditing and accountability systems and practices. By adopting a narrative analysis approach, this chapter reconnoitres the change by dissecting the public-sector governance, performance and accountability reform and identifies significant modernisation changes in public sector management which has switched focus from a “rules-based” to “principles-based” accountability framework. Moreover, this chapter highlights the changes, challenges and opportunities that arises with the implementation of the new framework which can be seen as an innovative determination of modernisation. The modernisation change in Australia has produced new ideas of good governance and requirements for meaningful accountability systems and practices by mobilising various accountability mechanisms such as accountable authority, corporate plan, program evaluation, performance measurement, and risk management.
EAGLE_Index
Authors: Santos Carlos , Ferreira Augusta da Conceição Santos , Marques Rui Pedro Figueiredo , Azevedo Graça Maria do Carmo
Published: February 2018

Considering the efforts made to bring public administration entities closer to citizens, there is a set of instruments, resolutions and legislation which promote this approximation. The obligation for public administration bodies to publicise the accounts on their institutional websites is one of the measures used to enhance e-government accountability. However, the periodic assessment of requirements has not been a practice in most bodies. From this, the need for an index to assess e-governance accountability has arisen. Thus, this chapter presents an index - the EAGLE_Index - which allows evaluating the accountability maturity of the websites of several types of public bodies or any type of public institution that works mostly with public capitals or capitals donated by other financiers. This chapter introduces the index, its dimensions and indicators, in order to assess the online quality, the online financial and performance reporting, and the online maturity of the services provided by public institutions websites. The methodology and metrics needed to apply it are also presented.
Developing a Conceptual Framework for Knowledge-Based Urban Development in Isfahan, Iran
Authors: Farhangi Marjaneh
Published: February 2018

We have witnessed vast economic, social, technological, and environmental changes that have influenced patterns of urbanization. Through all these years urban planning has also experienced major reforms. During last two decades, with emergence of knowledge economy, it is claimed that the nature of urban development has changed; this new notion of development is called knowledge-based urban development. As there is not clear methodology for directing cities development process, this chapter aims to formulate a conceptual model for cities leadership towards knowledge-based urban development. This chapter considers the city of Isfahan, Iran as a case study. Finally, a model is proposed according to literature review and using ANP method for analyzing the data gathered from the context. This conceptual model has also prioritized effective factors for KBUD.
Opportunities for and Constraints on the Transformation Into a Knowledge-Based Economy
Authors: Kıyan Zafer , Yüksel Hakan
Published: February 2018

As information and communication technologies (ICTs) change economic and social activities creating a new economic paradigm based on the production and processing of knowledge, all aspects of human life are being transformed, including cities people live in. All around the world, countries are trying to adopt this new paradigm referred to as a knowledge-based economy (KBE) and organize their cities to possess a more competitive position in this new context. Turkey is one of these countries wishing to build KBE. The chapter analyzes Turkish efforts in building KBE and organizing its cities in this respect. It emphasizes that Turkey once had an important advantage in building KBE due to its developed telecommunication industry that offered the material infrastructure of KBE but lost this technological capacity owing to the implementation of inappropriate strategies. Turkey also conceptualizes KBE in such a narrow sense that leads to the adoption of other wrong policies effecting the country's economy, society, and cities.
Learner Performance and Satisfaction Level in Personalized Learning Environments
Authors: Sural Irfan , Yazici Müjgan
Published: February 2018

The overall aim of this chapter is to determine the personalizable online learning environments and learner participation in these environments, learner satisfaction in using them, and the effect of the environment on learners' course performance in terms of learning. With this purpose in mind, the researchers have tried to determine the learners' personalization preferences of content order and appearance in online learning environments offered and personalization-related satisfaction and performances. In data collection and analysis processes, both quantitative and qualitative methods were used and the study is designed as mixed model. In conclusion, more than half of the students carried out the personalization procedure and females customized the appearance of their environment in a high frequency rate compared to males. The study indicated that, in general, learners are satisfied with the personalization procedure and there is a significant difference in performances of students who fulfilled the procedure compared to those who did not.
Computational Thinking and Participatory Teaching as Pathways to Personalized Learning
Authors: Hamilton Eric , Owens Aileen M.
Published: February 2018

This chapter discusses personalized learning by briefly outlining historical trends and deficiencies associated with what can be referred to as production style or assembly line approaches to education before contrasting personalized learning definitions. The chapter extends those definitions. It discusses participatory teaching as a personalized learning strategy by which students take on roles of co-teaching, co-designing lessons, or co-designing curriculum with adult teachers. One participatory teaching example involves an international group of students who help one another learn science and mathematics through shared video production. This example involves a US school involved in a larger districtwide effort comprehensively designed to involve each student. Organized around computational thinking, multidisciplinary innovation, arts integration, and collaborative problem-solving, the district may be viewed as a case study in implementing personalized learning. The chapter furnishes several examples that blend participatory teaching and computational thinking.
Flipping the Class for Students to Learn to Teach Economics
Authors: Moos van Wyk Micheal
Published: February 2018

The current debate at colleges of teacher education about introducing and redesigning learning programmes by including flipped classroom pedagogy emerged as a technology-integrated teaching strategy as a means to support students in an open distance learning approach. The flipped classroom pedagogy (FCP) is a student centeredness teaching strategy that the lecturer and student teachers interact through in-class or out-of-class activities. This chapter explores to what extent does a Flipped Classroom Pedagogy enhances student teachers' learning as compares to Direct Instruction method when learning to teach Economics at an open distance learning university. The study adopted quasi-experimental design, encompasses a pre-test, post-test and Flipped Classroom Pedagogy Questionnaire. A purposive sampling of Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) and Batchelor of Education (BEd: Senior and Further Education and Training phase) student teachers (n=371) was selected. Results showed that the used of Flipped Classroom Pedagogy in the quasi-experimental design and on the online survey influenced student teachers' performance as compared to the Direct Instruction method in the course. Further research is needed with larger samples including other teacher teaching methodology courses that will yield different results.
Realtime BioSensing System Assessing Subconscious Responses of Engagement
Authors: Psaltis Anthony , Mourlas Constantinos
Published: February 2018

Inferences of physiological responses are seen increasingly in dynamically adaptive environments, towards personalization, learning, and interactive instructional design. In search of conclusive interpretations, scientists consider bio-sensing and physiological metrics in addition to formal assessment methodologies. Devices developed for laboratory use impose limitations that yield them prohibitively unsuitable for wider use due to their strong dependence on electrodes and kinetic restrictions. Additionally, synchronisation, diverse format and frequencies of data produced by assorted equipment, contribute to precision concerns. The development cited in this chapter circumvents the above constraints by using a proprietary real-time system. An algorithm assessing coinciding excitation of two important physiological quantities is used to evaluate classifiers indicative to focused attention and engagement. Experiments and interpretations are delineated, exposing system accuracy and potential to assist in substantiating propositions towards improved learning performance and adaptive personalisation.
The Impact of Grammatical Aspects on Cognition Level in Foreign Language Learning Process
Authors: Cebeci Nur
Published: February 2018

Linguistics as the study of the nature of languages has a visible impact on various fields such as education, language teaching, philosophy, computer science, and anthropology. However, the nature of language is a broad idea, which makes it hard to give a clear, simple definition. One of the most fundamental assumptions is the rule-governed feature of the human language interrelated with pronunciation, word formation, and grammatical construction. The aim of this chapter is to discuss how the rules of the language have an impact on foreign language learning process and how it affects foreign language learners' storing and processing the language in the brain. In doing so, some predetermined samples of lexical items and formal structures of language are analyzed in terms of the foreign language learners' cognition as prospective teachers of English in the teacher training process.
Supporting University International Students Through Supportive ESL Instruction and Corrective Feedback
Authors: Ito Kinji , Hilliker Shannon M.
Published: February 2018

Teaching and learning in an English as a second language (ESL) course is something that we find essential to international student support not only in overcoming difficulties but also in aiding understanding of the new language and culture that these diverse students are now a part of. Although it can take an almost insurmountable length of time to overcome and understand such difficulties, we know that a supportive environment and welcoming ESL instructors can make a difference. It is especially important that ESL instructors regard international students as assets and make sure that the academic community values their important contributions to the campus. That is, they can be a great motivator for ESL learners to continue to pursue their academic objectives. For this particular reason, this chapter sheds light on corrective feedback as a powerful pedagogical and motivational tool that could help language learners improve their linguistic performance.
International College Students' Experience of Racial Prejudice
Authors: Berthelemy Clémentine
Published: February 2018

This chapter intends to discuss the experiences of international college students regarding racial prejudice on campus and explore the role of student associations as a way to increase cross-cultural interactions between domestic and international students. The aim is to examine how prejudice, more specifically racial-ethnic prejudice, affects their college experience. The findings suggest that active involvement in campus activities promote interaction across cultures and reduce racial prejudice. This chapter engages qualitative individual interviews with Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Nigerian, Kenyan, and Ghanaian undergraduate international students (N=31). It is believed that this method is best suited to apprehend their experiences and to fully understand how they create meaning of perceived racial prejudice. Their testimonies are presented through verbatim transcripts of the interview sessions conducted in 2014-2015, in three New York research universities. A discussion of their experiences follows and suggestions for future research conclude this chapter.
Impact of Climbing Plants on Buildings and Their Environment
Authors: Borowski Jacek
Published: February 2018

In this chapter, the impact of climbing plants on facades of buildings and their surroundings is presented. Benefits and risks of plant growth on the walls are discussed with respect to their durability. Economic benefits from the presence of vines are shown including energy savings for home heating and cooling. Additionally, the phytoremediation (cleaning up the environment by plants) properties of vines are describe. It should be stated that climbing plants can contribute to damage only in places where facades are damaged, plaster cracked, or where plants are incorrectly planted.
Flexitarianism and Social Marketing
Authors: Dagevos Hans , Reinders Machiel J.
Published: February 2018

Society increasingly expresses concerns about the meat-centred food system, there is an increasing choice of plant-based meat substitutes and a growing amount of food consumers abstain from eating meat for several days per week (i.e., flexitarianism). However, consumers differ in their engagement regarding meat consumption moderation, leading to different transition routes of reducing meat consumption. Social marketing strategies are relevant when it comes to this transition and can be divided along a spectrum from light (“education”) to heavy (“law”). In the middle of this spectrum, nudging may be typified as aiming to unconsciously change behaviour by intervening in the context of consumption. This chapter presents two field experiments showing how these unconscious behavioural interventions could offer opportunities to effectively reduce meat consumption. Despite the promising contributions of these nudging interventions, a sustainable transition towards less meat consumption also requires changes in both prevalent consumers' mind-set and consumer culture.
Genius, Creativity and (Not) Eating Meat
Authors: Tekiner İsmail Hakkı , Al-Baarri Ahmad Ni'matullah , Bogueva Diana
Published: February 2018

A major hypothesis argues that the dietary shifts of the proto-humans towards animal proteins enabled humans to develop large brains as well as build planning, cooperating, socializing, exploring and creative skills, related to food techniques, including using fire, cooking, fermentation, agriculture and animal domestication. Many million years later, human population has drastically increased and livestock has grown even faster creating unprecedented global environmental, climate change and health challenges. This chapter asks whether animal meat continues to be essential for human nutrition. It refers to prominent people in human history considered geniuses because of their creative and intellectual abilities. It explores whether there is a link between genius, creativity and eating meat and answers this in the negative based on well-known geniuses who have negated the meat-eating diet. Social marketing can anchor some of its techniques in using such personalities as role models for changing the current high dependence on meat.
Extremely Low Frequency Electric Field Emissions for Space Applications
Authors: Nikolopoulos Christos D.
Published: February 2018

This chapter focuses on understanding the behavior of the extremely low frequency (ELF) electric field emissions of EUTs from spacecraft subsystems and on reviewing reliable equivalent models combining measurement techniques in order to acquire a complete system electromagnetic cleanliness. More precise time variations of the electric fields produced by spacecraft equipment have to be characterized, measured, and modeled. The proposed methodology is employing equivalent dipole modeling (EDM) to describe the ELF electric field spectral dependency. Each spectral component of the measured field is considered isolated and produced by one electric dipole. In order to validate the accuracy of the proposed methodology, various ELF signals in different distances are studied. In addition, since the validation of the proposed methodology would require “on ground” measurements and due to the low-frequency range, test facilities decoupling techniques are discussed. Moreover, early considerations including contributing phenomena for the complete spacecraft system modeling are reviewed.
Transient Electromagnetic Phenomena–Standardization and EMC Requirements–Mitigation Techniques
Authors: Nicolopoulou Eleni P. , Papastamatis Panagiotis K.
Published: February 2018

In this chapter, the spacecraft charging effects that lead to ESD events, as well as the associated immunity testing required, are presented in detail and compared to the human-induced discharges, mainly simulated by most commercial ESD generators. Additionally, design guidelines for mitigating the effects of these ESD occurrences, essential for every space application designer, are discussed. Finally, the measurement requirements, as well as the test setups, regarding the immunity testing to power leads transients are described thoroughly. This chapter aims at reviewing the current international standards and the recent bibliography, summarizing and commenting on the EMC requirements, regarding the transient phenomena, pinpointing the differentiations of these standards and their effects on the design procedure and testing creditability.
Interacting With Augmented Reality Mirrors
Authors: Portalés Cristina , Gimeno Jesús , Casas Sergio , Olanda Ricardo , Giner Martínez Francisco
Published: February 2018

This chapter deals with the topic of Augmented Reality Mirrors (ARMs) – a kind of specular interfaces making use of Augmented Reality technology. The review presented in the chapter first analyses the current setups for the construction of ARMs. Secondly, it presents a study on their potential for inferring in human perception (e.g. behaviour and emotions) and the high interactivity potential and usability they have. In the third place, it shows their use in different areas of knowledge, namely entertainment, edutainment, clothing, arts and medical therapy. Then, the chapter presents a discussion, highlighting the current technological barriers and the need for more research. Finally, future challenges are provided.
Mobile Augmented Reality
Authors: Sánchez-Acevedo Miguel A. , Sabino-Moxo Beatriz A. , Márquez-Domínguez José A.
Published: February 2018

Users who have access to a mobile device have increased in recent years. Therefore, it is possible to use a mobile device as a tool which helps to users in their daily life activities, not only for communication. On the other hand, augmented reality is a growing technology which allows the interaction with real and virtual information at the same time. Mixing mobile devices and augmented reality open the possibility to develop useful applications that users can carry with them all the time. This chapter describes recent advances in the application of mobile augmented reality in automotive industry, commerce, education, entertainment, and medicine; also identifies the different devices used to generate augmented reality, highlights factors to be taken into account for developing mobile augmented applications, introduces challenges to be addressed, and discusses future trends.
Cognitive Fitness, Assessment, and Cognitive Rehabilitation of Older Population
Authors: Diaz-Orueta Unai
Published: February 2018

In recent years, it has been assumed that brain may be trained as a muscle (use-it-or-lose-it hypothesis) so the higher amount of cognitively stimulating activities we are involved at, the better the cognitive status will be when we reach the old age. Though this assumption needs to be properly verified with additional scientific evidence, there has been an increasing number of studies on cognitive intervention (training, stimulation, rehabilitation) that have obtained diverse results with regards to their efficacy in maintaining cognitive function over time and transfer their gains to older people's daily life activities and challenges. The current chapter revises latest years of research on cognitive tests and interventions, and incorporates the added value of the latest developments in computerized and virtual-reality based assessment and training tools, to respectively measure and improve cognitive status in older populations. Moreover, key recommendations on how existing tools could be improved will be provided.
Virtual Design Teams in Virtual Worlds
Authors: Rive Pete B.
Published: February 2018

Design innovation increasingly requires cross-functional virtual teams and is becoming plural, collaborative and distributed. In order for global companies to compete they must be able to sync with the rapidly increasing pace of change and be able to tap the international talent that may, in the future, only connect via virtual worlds and virtual reality. It is important to recognise how design innovation and knowledge flow are regulated and how the virtual ecosystem can either inhibit or excite collaboration and the creation of new ideas, and the design of useful prototypes. This chapter presents a theoretical framework using three models, with examples, to explain and understand how virtual design teams can identify the regulation of knowledge flow and collaboration in the virtual world, Second Life.
Virtual Reality and Education
Authors: Sala Nicoletta Melida
Published: February 2018

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology which combines hardware and software solutions. It permits to create three-dimensional (3D) virtual worlds and virtual objects. This chapter describes how VR technologies find positive application fields in educational environments. VR, combined with multimedia technologies and in support of different learning styles, offers potential help in teaching and in learning paths. This chapter shows a set of examples in the applications of VR at different age levels schools, and in different countries (USA, Italy, Morocco, Romania, and Switzerland). VR, and their applications, are also described here.
Battlefield Cyberspace
Authors: Dawson Maurice , Omar Marwan , Abramson Jonathan , Leonard Brian , Bessette Dustin
Published: February 2018

The threat of cyber terrorism has become a reality with recent attacks such as Stuxtnet, Flame, Sony Pictures, and North Korea's websites. As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to become more hyperconnected it will be imperative that cyber security experts to develop new security architectures for multiple platforms such as mobile devices, laptops, embedded systems, and even wearable displays. The futures of national and international security rely on complex countermeasures to ensure that a proper security posture is maintained during this state of hyperconnectivity. To protect these systems from exploitation of vulnerabilities it is essential to understand current and future threats to include the laws that drive their need to be secured. Examined within this chapter are the potential security related threats with the use of social media, mobile devices, virtual worlds, augmented reality, and mixed reality.
The Theory and Process Involved with Educational Augmented Reality Game Design
Authors: O'Shea Patrick , Campbell Chris
Published: February 2018

This chapter explores the issues associated with training teachers to become effective Augmented Reality game designers in their own educational settings. Within the context of defining and defending the use of games as instructional tools, the authors of this chapter describe a project in Queensland, Australia which involved training 26 teachers from the greater Brisbane area on the theory and process of designing narrative-based Augmented Reality games. This process resulted in usable games that the participants could then implement in their own educational setting. This chapter includes a discussion of the issues and challenges that were faced throughout this training process, and the authors propose potential solutions to address those challenges. Additionally, the authors propose future directions for further research into this area.
Preparing for Online and Distance Learning Courses
Authors: Asunda Paul A. , Calvin Jennifer , Johanson Rosalie
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this descriptive study is to investigate students' perceptions of online learning courses at a 4 year mid-level mid-western university and whether or not these perceptions influenced their decision to continue taking online courses or not. The findings of this study concur with Lim (2004) in that thorough preparation prior to online course work can help to curb dropout rates and can better prepare learners for successful completion of the course.
Active Learning Application of Technology Tools and Services and Increased Student Achievement
Authors: Ololube Nwachukwu Prince
Published: February 2018

This chapter evaluated the use of technology tools and services and increased student achievement in online and blended learning environments in higher education institutions, which have experienced universal uptake and is responsible for enormous changes in online and blended learning environment, not only in industrialized nations, but in developing countries education as well, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. Given the role that online and blended learning can play in educational development worldwide, higher education institutions, students, employers, and governments are increasingly urged to examine the economic, demographic, and technological environments of the present so as to ensure comprehensive preparedness for the future. This study employs an inclusive data gathering process. The findings reveal a significant improvement in the use of online and blended learning methods to achieve effective and active academic performance in students. The impact of online and blended learning in higher education institutions is evidenced in the changing instructional strategies to increase student academic achievement, which results from more active interactive learning processes.
Understanding Online Cultural Learning Styles and Academic Performance of Management Students in an Ethnic Context
Authors: Bokhari Syed Raza Ali , Panhwar Iqbal Ahmed
Published: February 2018

This study utilizes Structural Equation Modeling with maximum likelihood discrepancy function to examine the relationship among various cultural dimensions and multicultural learning styles, and subsequently the impact thereof on student academic performance. 210 MBA students who enrolled in an online class were examined. The hypothetical model integrated proven learning styles and cultural theories. While Kolb's Learning Styles Inventory (LSI) version 3.1 captured attributes of learning style preferences, the Cultural Dimensions of Learning Framework questionnaire developed by Parrish and Linder-VanBerschot (2010) captured cultural preferences. Three structural models (epistemological beliefs, social beliefs, and temporal perceptions dimension of culture) were analyzed. It was found that epistemological beliefs and temporal perceptions dimensions of culture exhibited a positive relationship with multicultural learning styles; the social relationship dimension showed negative relationship, while total effect on student academic performance across was relatively similar across all models.
A Skype-Buddy Model for Blended Learning
Authors: Macharaschwili Carmen E. , Coggin Linda Skidmore
Published: February 2018

Universities are challenged with providing quality educational experiences that meet students' needs for engagement and collaboration. The availability of computer-mediated communication tools provides opportunities for such needs to be met as well as allows students the opportunity to complete higher education degree requirements in virtual environments This chapter discusses how Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) was used in a unique Skype-Buddy system to provide virtual face-to-face participation in traditional doctoral classrooms. Students' and professors' satisfaction, benefits, challenges, and surprises in this system are examined. Results and recommendations from this study are applicable in undergraduate and secondary level classrooms.
The Psychological Domain
Authors: O'Connor Adrian , Seery Niall , Canty Donal
Published: February 2018

This chapter will attempt to frame the potential of a flexible approach to teaching and learning that provides diagnostic and formative evidence to enhance traditional practice in K-12 education. Commencing with a brief account of the Community of Inquiry model (Garrison, Anderson, & Archer, 2000) as a potential framework for online and blended learning, this chapter investigates what is it about traditional classroom practice that researchers wish to enhance, the challenges facing contemporary systems of online and blended learning, and how new ubiquitous configurations for teaching and learning have become possible. With an emphasis on supporting discourse through the development of social and cognitive behavior, this chapter will endeavor to qualify the processes that evidence psychological development in a ubiquitous learning environment and provide data to inform the relative efficacy of utilizing such processes in the design of a new pedagogical approach.
The Adaptation of a Residential Course to Web-Based Environment for Increasing Productivity
Authors: Tüzün Hakan , Sarıca Hatice Çıralı , Çetin Nihal Menzi , Kokoç Mehmet , Sert Gülşen , Alır Arman
Published: February 2018

This study examines the design process of a blended learning environment using a learning management system to transform Basic English courses into the web-based distance learning format in the School of Foreign Languages at a large scale research university in Turkey. The research design was based on design-based research and the ASSURE, which is an instructional design model. A design plan was created based on the needs indicated by the analysis, and the necessary materials were developed and transferred to the learning management system. A usability test of the environment was conducted for increasing efficiency of environment, facilitating learning, increasing productivity and making the environment more user-friendly. As a result, an environment was designed where instructors can create the desired multimedia materials (videos, exercises, quizzes). Students can access these materials, discuss with each other and instructor (chat, discussion) and assess their learning outcomes (weekly homework, quizzes, games).
Cross-Analysis of the Activity Systems of Higher Education International Students in Online Learning
Authors: Murphy Elizabeth , Rodríguez-Manzanares María A.
Published: February 2018

This chapter presents the results of a cross-analysis of the seven portraits of the activity systems of higher education international students in online learning. The cross-analysis relies on Activity Theory as a tool to identify and sort patterns in the data, in this instance across seven portraits. The cross-analysis aggregates findings from across all seven portraits into the Activity Theory components of subject, object, tools, norms, community, division of labour, and outcomes. The chapter provides an aggregate portrait of the activity system of the seven students.
Culturally Responsive Online Learning for Asian/Pacific Islanders in a Pacific Island University
Authors: Stoicovy Catherine E.
Published: February 2018

This chapter examines the socio-cultural contexts of Asian/Pacific islanders in a Western Pacific island to identify key components for culturally responsive online course development. A model for constructing an online learning environment is proposed using McLoughlin and Oliver's (2000) principles as design frameworks for designing a culturally inclusive instructional design that will support Asian/Pacific islanders' learning in blended courses.
Applying the Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education to Blended Learning Environments
Authors: Babb Stephanie , Stewart Cindy , Johnson Ruth
Published: February 2018

Hybrid courses are a blend of traditional and online courses. Chickering and Gamson (1987) identified Seven Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate Education; these principles have been repeatedly tested in online and traditional courses, and shown to be effective at meeting learning outcomes. In order to apply the seven principles to hybrid courses, instructors should: encourage contact and communication between themselves and the students; provide multiple opportunities for interactions between students; create well-designed student-presented projects and assignments that require participation, engagement, and feedback; provide prompt feedback on both assignments and inquiries; establish both deadlines and expectations for time spent on learning assessments; communicate high expectations for the course through a well-designed syllabus, challenging assignments, and praise for excellent performance; and allow students autonomy in assignment topics.
Faculty Participation in Online Higher Education
Authors: Hoffman Michael S.
Published: February 2018

In the past decade, enrollments in distance education, and specifically online education, have grown dramatically in the United States. According to the 2009 Sloan Report (), enrollments in online courses increased from 9.6% of total postsecondary enrollments in 2002 to 25.3% in 2009. Unfortunately, a number of barriers exist that may result in an inability of higher education institutions to provide quality online education programming in sufficient scale to meet the expected student demand. The Managing Online Education report () identifies the resistance of faculty towards teaching in an online environment as foremost among ten factors that “impede institutional efforts to expand online education programs” (p. 1). An understanding of the factors that both motivate and discourage faculty member participation in online education programs is critical if institutions are to leverage their existing faculty to meet the current and future demand for online education. This case study first presents a number of motivating and inhibiting factors and then discusses how St. Bonaventure University leveraged these factors in an attempt to boost faculty participation in online education.
Taking Advantage of MOOCs in K-12 Education
Authors: Briggs Samantha , Crompton Helen
Published: February 2018

Technological opportunities are opening new ways for educators to enhance K-12 instruction. While many educators are incorporating digital technologies into their teaching, there is evidence to show that K-12 educators have a lack of training, time, and resources to implement learner-centered digital instruction. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCS) have gained a reputation for providing online learning in higher education and are now extending to K-12. The unique digital advantages as well as the rising number of students enrolled in schools has led to discussions about the potential of MOOCS for students in K-12 (ages 4-19 years) education. This chapter provides a review of the literature of early pioneering work of MOOCs in K-12 within North America. Early MOOC classes are explicated and positives and challenges discussed. It appears from the review that there is a place for MOOCs to be embedded into a blended K-12 environment to extend and enhance existing curricula.
Gamified - Blended Learning Professional Development
Authors: Vu Phu , Knoell Christopher Michael , Nebesniak Amy , Strawhecker Jane
Published: February 2018

This descriptive case aimed to examine a new model of job-embedded and on-going professional development using both blended learning and gamification approach as a delivery method. Qualitative and quantitative data collected for the study were from different sources to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings. The quantitative data findings indicated that participating in the PD first module impacted both the teachers learning of effective mathematics teaching, as well as their mathematical content knowledge. Furthermore, they planned to implement what they learned from the PD into their classroom teaching. Qualitative data findings identified three common themes emerging from the data analysis including awareness of high quality resources, students' engagement through the use of games and technology, and tasks to promote students' mathematical thinking.
Blended Instruction
Authors: Evans Sue C.
Published: February 2018

Universities and colleges offering degrees at the associate and bachelor's levels are facing many changes such as the ages of their student populations, the degrees being sought, amount of time dedicated to university studies, and the technology applied toward these educational pursuits. As more and more nontraditional-age students pursue degrees of higher education, universities are being required to reflect on the special characteristics and needs of these students and to make adjustments in their course scheduling as well as many of their student-support related services. In addition to offering evening and weekend courses for the nontraditional, part-time student, many universities are examining and introducing additional delivery modes for their course offerings. Online course delivery has made paramount changes in the operations within the halls of colleges and universities, but blended or hybrid courses are also finding success both for the college/university student populations and many institutions of higher education.
The Teacher's Role in the Blended Classroom ... Or When 1 + 1 > 2
Authors: Fahlvik Morten
Published: February 2018

Despite the fact that schools have undergone many changes, there are still those who believe that classrooms and the activities that take place in them have not changed. Some insist that modern classrooms still mirror the structure of old. In this chapter, the author argues that it is time to put this myth to rest. At the same time, he points out what today's teachers can achieve if they exploit the potential that the modern day classroom has to offer. With technological development, learning can occur in a variety of settings: either in a virtual classroom or in a physical space. When learning takes place in the combination of these two learning environments it is referred to as blended learning, and teaching that applies both modalities is referred to as blended teaching. The two classroom formats offer different characteristics that teachers can utilize for different purposes. A well-balanced blend will provide both teachers and students with great opportunities to experience visible teaching and visible learning.