bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Web Authoring
Authors: DiMarco John
Published: May 2011

Web authoring is the process of developing Web pages. The Web development process requires you to use software to create functional pages that will work on the Internet. Adding Web functionality is creating specific components within a Web page that do something. Adding links, rollover graphics, and interactive multimedia items to a Web page creates are examples of enhanced functionality. This chapter demonstrates Web based authoring techniques using Macromedia Dreamweaver. The focus is on adding Web functions to pages generated from Macromedia Fireworks and to overview creating Web pages from scratch using Dreamweaver. Dreamweaver and Fireworks are professional Web applications. Using professional Web software will benefit you tremendously. There are other ways to create Web pages using applications not specifically made to create Web pages. These applications include Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint. The use of Microsoft applications for Web page development is not covered in this chapter. However, I do provide steps on how to use these applications for Web page authoring within the appendix of this text. If you feel that you are more comfortable using the Microsoft applications or the Macromedia applications simply aren’t available to you yet, follow the same process for Web page conceptualization and content creation and use the programs available to you. You should try to get Web page development skills using Macromedia Dreamweaver because it helps you expand your software skills outside of basic office applications. The ability to create a Web page using professional Web development software is important to building a high-end computer skills set. The main objectives of this chapter are to get you involved in some technical processes that you’ll need to create the Web portfolio. Focus will be on guiding you through opening your sliced pages, adding links, using tables, creating pop up windows for content and using layers and timelines for dynamic HTML. The coverage will not try to provide a complete tutorial set for Macromedia Dreamweaver, but will highlight essential techniques. Along the way you will get pieces of hand coded action scripts and JavaScripts. You can decide which pieces you want to use in your own Web portfolio pages. The techniques provided are a concentrated workflow for creating Web pages. Let us begin to explore Web page authoring.
Server-Side Technologies
Authors: DiMarco John
Published: May 2011

When this book went out for review, one of the reviewers was insightful enough to recommend that I include some information on server-side technologies. As I thought about the scholar’s comments, I came to a few conclusions about the importance of server-side technologies and their use within the Web portfolio. For the most part, you can create a simple Web portfolio by using only client-side tools. Client-side tools and technologies include Macromedia Dreamweaver, Adobe audition, Macromedia Fireworks, HTML, and JavaScript. But the reviewer made a good point in stating that ignoring server-side technologies seemed inappropriate. With this in mind, and with the help and research and writing contributions of my colleague and friend David Power, we provide a basic overview of PHP, ASP, ASP.net, CGI & Perl, and ColdFusion. These backend technologies have database driven components which may or may not be needed in today’s Web portfolio. But as content grows in quantity, quality, and resolution, they need for large-scale database management even on personal Web portfolio levels becomes more evident. In the future, the integration of server-side technologies will surely become a large part of personal Web portfolio activities.
Mobile Computing
Authors: Sofokleous Anastasis A. , Angelides Marios C.
Published: May 2011

Mobile communications and computing has changed forever the way people communicate and interact and it has made “any information, any device, any network, anytime, anywhere” an everyday reality which we all take for granted. This chapter discusses the main research and development in the mobile technology and standards that made ubiquity a reality: from wireless middleware to wireless client profiling to m-commerce services.
A Fast Handover Method for Real-Time Multimedia Services
Authors: Puttonen Jani , Viinikainen Ari , Sulander Miska , Hamalainen Timo
Published: May 2011

Mobile IPv6 (MIPv6) has been standardized for mobility management in the IPv6 network. When a mobile node changes its point of attachment in the IPv6 network, it experiences a time due MIPv6 procedures when it cannot receive or send any packets. This time called the handover delay might also cause packet loss resulting undesired quality-of-service degradation for various types of applications. The minimization of this delay is especially important for real-time applications. In this chapter we present a fast handover method called the flow-based fast handover for Mobile IPv6 (FFHMIPv6) to speed up the MIPv6 handover processes. FFHMIPv6 employs flow information and IPv6-in-IPv6 tunneling for the fast redirection of the flows during the MIPv6 handover. Also, FFHMIPv6 employs a temporary hand-off-address to minimize the upstream connectivity. We present the performance results comparing the FFHMIPv6 method to other fundamental handover methods with Network Simulator 2 (ns-2) and Mobile IPv6 for Linux (MIPL) network.
Securing Mobile Data Computing in Healthcare
Authors: Suslio Willy , Win Khin Than
Published: May 2011

Access to mobile data and messages is essential in healthcare environment as patients and healthcare providers are mobile. This is inline with the need of ubiquitous computing in everyday life. Mobile and wireless devices can assist in ensuring patient’s safety by providing easy availability of the data at the point of care. Portability and accessibility of these devices enhances use of them in healthcare environment. However, data integrity and confidentiality of information in them need to be ensured to provide safe, effective and efficient healthcare. Mobile healthcare involves conducting healthcare related activities through using mobile devices such as a smart phone, Personal digital assistant (PDA), wireless enabled computer, iPod and so on. Mobile computing is suitable for healthcare as healthcare providers are mobile. These would be suitable for conducting patient’s healthcare activities in emergencies, ward rounds, homecare, chronic disease management, conducting clinical trials, and so on. There are various projects using mobile devices to enhance patient’s care. With the advancement of medical informatics, telemedicine and information technology, mobile data devices play an enormous role in healthcare system. In this chapter, we outline the need of mobile devices in healthcare, usage of these devices, underlying technology and applications, importance of security of these devices, securing mobile data communication in healthcare through different security models and case examples of applications that we have developed, in particular (1) iPathology tool on iPod, (2) securing healthcare information using Pocket PC 2003, and (3) securing information on handheld devices. There were several incidents in the past due to the insecurity of mobile devices that can leak information to anyone who does not have access to the information. In this chapter, we will illustrate several techniques that we have developed to protect these malicious activities and how these are applicable for securing mobile data computing in healthcare.
Outsourcing and Offshoring Finance Activities
Authors: Terjesen Siri
Published: May 2011

This chapter reviews the outsourcing and offshoring of finance activities and the socioeconomic implications for home and host countries. Part one provides an overview of the hierarchy of finance activities in the firm and the phenomenon of outsourcing and offshoring of these activities. The phenomenon is then examined from a firm perspective, highlighting the major drivers, trends and issues using theoretical frameworks and case examples from the author’s in-depth interviews with 37 managers at 25 multinational firms. Finally, the socioeconomic issues and implications of offshoring activities are discussed in the context of both home and host countries.
IT Offshoring
Authors: Amberg Michael , Wiener Martin
Published: May 2011

Increasing competition in globalized markets drives IT offshoring worldwide. In the United States, the relocation of IT activities and processes to low-wage countries like India is already an established business practice, resulting in their leading position in the field of IT offshoring. However, at present, offshoring is gaining increasing recognition in European countries like Germany. A number of German major enterprises are already involved in or are planning offshoring initiatives, while numerous small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are currently considering how best to take advantage of offshoring. In consideration of this development, the following chapter examines company- and economy-related drivers and economic effects of the rising trend to IT offshoring in Germany as well as possible responses by German companies and policy makers.
An Evaluation of U.S. City Government Wireless Networks for Mobile Internet Access
Authors: Coaker Ben , Deans Candace
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this chapter is to provide guidelines for city governments considering implementing large-scale wireless networks to provide Internet access for their citizens and businesses. Case studies of cities in the United States that have implemented wireless networks will be evaluated in the context of opportunities and potential challenges. Some key considerations discussed in this chapter involve free versus fee-based models, security considerations, con?icts with local telecommunications companies, and network support. Opportunities to bene?t police and emergency services are examined in terms of potential bene?ts as well as considerations of security in mission critical situations. Strategy guidelines will be presented as a means for providing structure to this decision-making process.
A Framework for Information Systems Integration in Mobile Working Environments
Authors: García-Guzmán J. , Sánchez-Segura M. , Amescua-Seco A. , Navarro M.
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces a framework for designing; distributing; and managing mobile applications that uses and updates information coming from different data sources (databases and systems from different organizations) for helping mobile workers to perform their job. A summary of the state of the art in relation to mobile applications integration is presented. Then; the authors describe the appropriate organizational context for applying the integration framework proposed. Next; the framework components and how the framework is use are explained. Finally; the trials performed for testing the mobile applications architecture are discussed; presenting the main conclusions and future work. Furthermore; the authors hope that understanding the concepts related to the integration of mobile applications through the presentation of an integration framework will not only inform researchers of a better design for mobile application architectures; but also assist in the understanding of intricate relationships between the types of functionality required by this kind of systems.
Case Study Implementing SOA
Authors: Seshadri G.
Published: May 2011

SOA or service-oriented architecture is an innovative approach to enterprise application integration that increases the benefits of EAI by means of standardizing the application interfaces. This chapter explores the gradual evolution of SOA through various phases and highlights some of the approaches and best practices that have evolved out of real-world implementations in regional retail banks. Starting from a step-by-step approach to embrace SOA, the chapter details some typical challenges that creep up as the usage of the SOA platform becomes more and more mature. Also, certain tips and techniques that will help the institutions maximize the benefits of enterprise-wide SOA are discussed.
eLearning Tools for ePortfolios
Authors: Shafrir Uri , Etkind Masha , Treviranus Jutta
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes eLearning tools that focus the learner’s attention on meaning, rather than rote learning of text and rehearsing problem-solving procedures. These tools are the Interactive Concept Discovery Learning Tool and the Meaning Equivalence Reusable Learning Object (MERLO). Results of several evaluative implementations of these novel instructional methodologies, which encourage learners to interact directly with the conceptual content of to-be-learned material, demonstrate their potential to enhance learning outcomes and to provide authentic, credible, evidence-based demonstration of mastery of learning and formative assessments of learning processes and outcomes for inclusion in ‘learning ePortfolios’.
Developing an ePortfolio for Health Professional Educators
Authors: Lawson Mary , Kiegaldie Debbie , Jolly Brian
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes the development and implementation of an ePortfolio to support the Graduate Certificate in Health Professional Education (GCHPE) at Monash University, Australia. The GCHPE addresses the skills and knowledge of teachers working in health, and encourages the development of a professional approach to teaching practice. The ePortfolio was developed primarily to enable the preparation and sharing of reflective tasks and assessment items constructed from the workplace of the course participants, and to facilitate written peer and tutor feedback. The first interprofessional cohort completed the course in 2003. In this chapter, the development process, evaluation methods, and results of the first year of implementation will be summarized. Problems experienced in the development and implementation process are identified along with recommendations for further action.
The Repercussions of the Adoption of Information Technology in Co-Operative Innovation
Authors: Bayona-Saez Cristina , Garcia-Marco Teresa
Published: May 2011

The aim of this chapter is to analyse what repercussion the adoption of certain types of information and communication technology (ICT), by firms, may have on collaborative innovation. It is our belief that tools such as Internet access, e-mail, and the presence of internal and inter-organisational communication networks, will promote and facilitate the signing of cooperative agreements. The empirical analysis performed on a sample of 1,649 firms partially confirms this intuition, since the existence of a network, bringing the firm into contact with its subcontractors, customers, and/or suppliers, increases the propensity of firms to cooperate in innovation.
Strategic Alliances for Environmental Adaptation
Authors: Camison César
Published: May 2011

Although the literature on strategic alliances defines the role of information technologies (IT) as important, any reasoned explanation of it is still anecdotic. This study focuses on a particular type of technological relationship between firms and institutions for developing environmental management innovations through virtual cooperation. It goes into particular depth on the economic and strategic reasons explaining the formation of alliances based on IT. The development of environmental adaptation strategies can be effectively supported with public initiatives for providing advanced, knowledge-intensive services through the creation of technological extension infrastructures. The market’s failure to provide useful public goods for improving environmental development may be corrected effectively using virtual inter-organizational networks facilitating collective learning. This study presents an example of a regional initiative for a cooperative platform based on IT that can result in the assimilation of technological and organizational competences in environmental management by firms located in the area.
The Object-Oriented Design Knowledge
Authors: Garzas Javier , Piattini Mario
Published: May 2011

In order to establish itself as a branch of engineering, a profession must understand its accumulated knowledge. In this regard, software engineering has advanced greatly in recent years, but it still suffers from the lack of a structured classification of its knowledge. In this sense, in the field of object-oriented micro-architectural design designers have accumulated a large body of knowledge and it is still have not organized or unified. Therefore, items such as design patterns are the most popular example of accumulated knowledge, but other elements of knowledge exist such as principles, heuristics, best practices, bad smells, refactorings, and so on, which are not clearly differentiated; indeed, many are synonymous and others are just vague concepts.
Design Patterns as Laws of Quality
Authors: Gueheneuc Yann-Gaël , Guyomarc’h Jean-Yves , Khosravi Khashayar , Sahraoui Hourari
Published: May 2011

Software quality models link internal attributes of programs with external quality characteristics. They help in understanding relationships among internal attributes and between internal attributes and quality characteristics. Object-oriented software quality models usually use metrics on classes (such as number of methods) or on relationships between classes (for example coupling) to measure internal attributes of programs. However, the quality of object-oriented programs does not depend on classes solely: it depends on the organisation of classes also. We propose an approach to build quality models using patterns to consider program architectures. We justify the use of patterns to build quality models, describe the advantages and limitations of such an approach, and introduce a first case study in building and in applying a quality model using design patterns on the JHotDraw, JUnit, and Lexi programs. We conclude on the advantages of using patterns to build software quality models and on the difficulty of doing so.
A Catalog of Design Rules for OO Micro-Architecture
Authors: Garzas Javier , Piattini Mario
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents a catalog of different rules for help to design object-oriented micro-architectures. These rules form an important part of the object-oriented design knowledge. Rules, like patterns, or accumulated knowledge, are discovered, not invented.
Supply Chain Management
Authors: Quayle Michael
Published: May 2011

If your international supply chain management is the weakest link in your organisation, your board or chief executive will say good-bye — without a winking eye. How do you know your supply chain in the age of globalisation and internationalisation is effective? Literature in its many forms contains a lack of clarity and completeness in the how to’s of implementation. This chapter covers the nuts and bolts of what’s required and what can go wrong. I’ve been there, seen it, done it and didn’t get fired. Reality, therefore, pervades this chapter. Within this chapter, I will explore definitions and concepts of logistics and supply chain management, including the value chain, logistics management, global sourcing, and the bullwhip effect. Illustrations will be taken from the private and public sector along with a suggested interlock strategy.
Time Series Forecasting by Evolutionary Neural Networks
Authors: Cortez Paulo , Rocha Miguel , Neves José
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents a hybrid evolutionary computation/neural network combination for time series prediction. Neural networks are innate candidates for the forecasting domain due to advantages such as nonlinear learning and noise tolerance. However, the search for the ideal network structure is a complex and crucial task. Under this context, evolutionary computation, guided by the Bayesian Information Criterion, makes a promising global search approach for feature and model selection. A set of 10 time series, from different domains, were used to evaluate this strategy, comparing it with a heuristic model selection, as well as with conventional forecasting methods (e.g., Holt-Winters & Box-Jenkins methodology).
Prediction of the Consistency of Concrete by Means of the Use of Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Gonzalez Belén , Martinez M. Isabel , Carro Diego
Published: May 2011

This chapter displays an example of application of the ANN in civil engineering. Concretely, it is applied to the prediction of the consistency of the fresh concrete through the results that slump test provides, a simple approach to the rheological behaviour of the mixtures. From the previously done tests, an artificial neural network trained by means of genetic algorithms adjusts to the situation, and has the variable value of the cone as an output, and as an input, diverse variables related to the composition of each type of concrete. The final discussion is based on the quality of the results and its possible application.
Predicting Credit Ratings with a GA-MLP Hybrid
Authors: Perkins Robert , Brabazon Anthony
Published: May 2011

The practical application of MLPs can be time-consuming due to the requirement for substantial modeler intervention in order to select appropriate inputs and parameters for the MLP. This chapter provides an example of how elements of the task of constructing a MLP can be automated by means of an evolutionary algorithm. A MLP whose inputs and structure are automatically selected using a genetic algorithm (GA) is developed for the purpose of predicting corporate bond-issuer ratings. The results suggest that the developed model can accurately predict the credit ratings assigned to bond issuers.
Ontological Engineering in Pervasive Computing Environments
Authors: Tsounis Athanasios , Anagnostopoulos Christos , Hadjiethymiades Stathes , Karali Izambo
Published: May 2011

Pervasive computing is a broad and compelling research topic in computer science that focuses on the applications of technology to assist users in everyday life situations. It seeks to provide proactive and self-tuning environments and devices to seamlessly augment a person’s knowledge and decision making ability, while requiring as little direct user interaction as possible. Its vision is the creation of an environment saturated with seamlessly integrated devices with computing and communication capabilities. The realisation of this vision requires that a very large number of devices and software components interoperate seamlessly. As these devices and the associated software will pervade everyday life, an increasing number of software and hardware providers will deploy functionality in pervasive computing environments (PCE). That poses a very important interoperability issue, as it cannot be assumed that the various hardware and software components share common communication and data schemes. We argue that the use of Semantic Web technologies, namely the ontologies, present a intriguing way of resolving such issues and, therefore, their application in the deployment of PCE is a highly important research issue.
The Impact of the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act on Information Security
Authors: Dhillon Gurpreet , Mishra Sushma
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses the impact of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act on corporate information security governance practices. The resultant regulatory intervention forces a company to revisit its internal control structures and assess the nature and scope of its compliance with the law. This chapter reviews the organizational implications emerging from the mandatory compliance with SOX. Industry internal control assessment frameworks, such as COSO and COBIT, are reviewed and their usefulness in ensuring compliance evaluated. Other emergent issues related to IT governance and the general integrity of the enterprise are identified and discussed.
Protecting Privacy Using XML, XACML, and SAML
Authors: Simon Ed
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes how two new XML-based technologies, XACML (eXtensible Access Control Markup Language) and SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) can be used to help protect privacy in e-services. The chapter is primarily a tutorial, briefly introducing XML, and then detailing the privacy features of XACML and SAML including XACML’s ability to ensure the expressed purpose of an action matches a purpose allowed for the resource on which the action is to be performed and SAML’s support for pseudonymity and communicating consent. Concepts are illustrated with detailed examples. The author hopes that readers will be both informed and intrigued by the possibilities for privacy applications made possible by XML, XACML, and SAML.
Reframing, Retooling, and Reskilling
Authors: Cash Eugene , Yoong Pak , Huff Sid
Published: May 2011

An IS professional’s ability to perform in his or her role is vital to the utilisation of information systems within an organisation. The introduction of e-commerce has opened a new set of challenges for the IS professionals who are most frequently tasked with developing e-commerce solutions. However, they often do not have the competencies required to successfully execute these e-commerce projects. This competency deficit raises an important question: to what extent have the competency requirements of IS professionals changed because of the introduction of e-commerce? Furthermore, how do IS professionals managed the changes in their work environment due to the implementation of e-commerce in their organisations? Fifteen IS professionals, who are employed in businesses implementing or maintaining e-commerce strategies, were interviewed. The results indicate that the implementation of e-commerce in organisations has introduced three main areas of change to their internal work environment: (a) business changes – the perceptions of senior managers on their current role, (b) project changes – the realization that IS projects have to be managed differently and finally (c) competency changes – the need to acquire new skills and knowledge. As a consequence to these changes, the IS professional developed the following coping skills: (a) reframing – the changing of mental models that determine how we make sense of the world and how we take action based on these models, (b) retooling – the restructuring and reorganising of IS processes, especially around project management and (c) reskilling – the learning of new competencies in the e-commerce environment.
Managing IT Professionals
Authors: Luftman Jeffy , Kempaiah Rajkumar
Published: May 2011

Attracting and retaining top IT talent is a major concern for most organizations. In the early part of this decade when the dotcom boom turned to a bust, Y2K was over and the recession hit, everything came to a dramatic halt. Today the economy is improving and the hiring of IT staff is on the rebound. Today new skills are required to compete in a global economy where organizations have new alternatives to choose from. Finding IT professionals with specific skills is no easy feat these days. Today’s job skills require strong technical skills and also excellent business, industry, communication, marketing and negotiating abilities. This chapter will focus on the results of recent research and their implications to IT human resource considerations. It also discusses what IT professionals are seeking in a position, the retention of IT talent, stress in workplace, and IT career development.
Users Behaving Badly
Authors: Kanellis Panagiotis , Paul Ray J.
Published: May 2011

In its formative years and during the 1990s, Global Energy PLC (GE)1 went through a series of structural changes precipitated by the deregulation of the electricity industry in the UK. The severity of these changes had a disruptive effect on its enterprise information systems, which were found unable to adapt to the new and constantly emerging organizational realities. GE’s experiences illustrate the vulnerability of information systems in turbulent environments, provide for a rich description of the causes of misfit due to contextual change, and establish the ability of a system to flex and adapt as a dependent success variable. In addition, the idiographic details of this interpretive field study raise interesting questions about a number of assumptions we hold regarding the development of information systems and the means by which flexibility can be attained.
Information Sharing in Supply Chain Management with Demand Uncertainty
Authors: Huang Zhensen , Gangopadhyay Aryya
Published: May 2011

Information sharing is a major strategy to counteract the amplification of demand fluctuation going up the supply chain, known as the bullwhip effect. However, sharing information through interorganizational channels can raise concerns for business management from both technical and commercial perspectives. The existing literature focuses on examining the value of information sharing in specific problem environments with somewhat simplified supply chain models. The present study takes a simulation approach in investigating the impact of information sharing among trading partners on supply chain performance in a comprehensive supply chain model that consists of multiple stages of trading partners and multiple players at each stage.
Public Perception—A Newspaper Medium Perspective
Authors: Gao Jing
Published: May 2011

This chapter will present evidence to show that there is an absence of informed, broad, media discussion on e-commerce initiatives in Australia. As pointed out by several authors (e.g., Gittins, 1995), the newspaper medium is one of the main vehicles through which advisers and policy makers seek to influence society. Thus this medium takes on the role of a public forum on national issues. However, it was found that newspapers in Australia have failed in their role of preparing manufacturing industries for the impact of new technologies. In this interpretive study, major Australian newspapers were examined for public discussions about e-commerce in manufacturing industries. The political-legal, economic, social, and technological (PEST) framework was used as a lens to subdivide issues, problems, and opportunities identified in the academic e-commerce literature. This lens was then used to examine 103 newspaper articles identified using the keywords Australian manufacturing and e-commerce in what was believed to be all the major Australian newspapers. It was found that some articles merely report vendors’ promises of potential cost savings while overlooking the need for investment in technology, training, and maintenance costs, while other discussions focused on “users as victims” issues such as security and privacy. In-depth issues such as reliability, communication protocols, bandwidth availability, and integration problems were overlooked. In particular, the problem of business strategies was ignored.
Netrepreneur Simulation
Authors: Jiwa Salim , Lavelle Dawn , Rose Arjun
Published: May 2011

Entrepreneurship, or the move towards self-reliance, is increasingly seen as an important driver of economic growth and development in the UK. Enterprise education is seen as an expedient means of increasing both the number and quality of entrepreneurs. However, the nature, content, and relevance of entrepreneurship education have been subject to increasing scrutiny. There has been a growing interest in the process by which practitioners learn and the creation of entrepreneurial learning environments that emulate practitioner learning. The need to incorporate realism in educational requirements through a sense of presence experienced by learners has seen an increase in the use of virtual learning contexts. This chapter reviews the pedagogic requirements of entrepreneurial education within one specific context of e-commerce. Netrepreneur simulates the initial start-up phases of e-business creation and, through the modelling and electronic simulation of the e-commerce environment, it aims to create a holistic understanding of the entrepreneurial process as well as encouraging participants to learn by doing. This chapter documents the underpinning objectives of design conceptualisation and the integration of the real and virtual worlds within system development. The later section of the chapter reports on the user survey responses to Netrepreneur, which demonstrates a strong sense of presence experienced by participants. The sense of presence experienced by learners in a virtual environment can be considered to be a key feature in ensuring the efficacy of learning and the following transfer of knowledge and skills from the learning context to the “real world.”
Patent and Antitrust Problems Revisited in the Context of Wireless Networking
Authors: Lea Gary
Published: May 2011

The author seeks to illustrate some of the ongoing problems that patents present for those seeking to standardize in the ICT field. The chapter illustrates these problems by drawing on patent and international trade disputes surrounding the rollout of IEEE 802.11 family (colloquially, “WiFi”) technologies during 2003 and 2004. It then presents several solutions including the introduction of a more systematic approach to dispute resolution by standards development organizations (SDOs) based around ADR procedures derived from the domain name Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP), corresponding changes to dispute handling in international trade disputes and, in the long term, alternation to intellectual property laws to allow for appropriately-tailored standardization exceptions (at least at the level of interoperability).
Using an Audience Response System to Enhance Student Engagement in Large Group Orientation
Authors: Kift Sally
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses an innovative use of an audience response system (ARS) to address the vexed learning and teaching problem of how to manage effective student engagement in large group academic Orientation sessions. Having particular regard to the research that informs transition practice to enhance the first-year experience, the chapter addresses the pedagogical basis for the decision to adopt the ARS technology as integral to the learning design deployed. The Orientation exemplar discussed is drawn from practice in a law faculty; however, the general approach illustrated is capable of replication regardless of discipline or institution. In the hope that this case study might be transferred to other applications, the enactment of the learning design involving the ARS is described, and an analysis of the evaluation conducted is also presented.
Live Assessment by Questioning in an Interactive Classroom
Authors: McCabe Michael
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents an overview of audience response systems as tools for promoting learning in an interactive classroom. The comparison with a popular TV programme is used to introduce the role of questioning in face-to-face teaching, before examining the intrinsic pedagogical benefits of questions. Technical aspects of different systems are summarised, and pedagogical issues discussed, based on the author’s personal teaching experience. Appropriate ways of using audience response systems in the classroom, and guidelines for question delivery are presented. New technology will continue to open up opportunities, but the challenge for the future remains to use the technology effectively and in pedagogically sound ways.
Creating a Constructed Response System to Support Active Learning
Authors: Pelton Tim , Pelton Leslee Francis
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes the design and development of a constructed response system. The classroom interaction system (CIS) is a retro-hybrid technology that recovers most of the benefits of traditional slates while overcoming many of their limitations. Using “neo-slates” (handheld computers), students create responses to instructor prompts and submit them wirelessly to the teacher. The teacher may then, anonymously, present enlarged versions of exemplary, alternative, or erroneous student-generated representations to the class to illuminate concepts, enhance discussions and support student learning. The teacher can also review the database of student responses to support assessment, reflection, and follow-up intervention. Continuing development plans are discussed.
Some Insights into the Impact of ICTs on Learning Agency and Seamless Learning
Authors: Pillay Hitendra , Clarke John A. , Taylor Peter G.
Published: May 2011

The learning capacity of individuals is becoming recognised as the most valued commodity in a knowledge and information society and this has fostered an increased attention on the innovation, transfer, and management of knowledge. To explain these processes, it is necessary to move beyond what has traditionally been conceived of as a learning environment and to develop alternative models that acknowledge and accommodate the learning competencies required to successfully engage with a contingent and dynamic learning culture, the changing nature of knowledge, and the influence of the cultural background of learners. Such models need to explain the lifelong and continuous nature of learning as learners move seamlessly among a range of diverse learning environments. This chapter proposes the concept of learning agency which incorporates the intelligence inherent in learning environments as a mechanism to explain seamless learning within and across environments, particularly those that are rich in technology.
Cooperative Learning and ICT
Authors: Sala Nicoletta
Published: May 2011

ICT can promote the cooperative learning that is a teaching strategy where small teams, each composed by students of different levels of ability, use a variety of learning activities to improve their understanding of a subject. Recent studies emphasized that the computer can play a central role in a teaching environment based on cooperative learning. This chapter focuses on an educational experience that analyses 45 high school students’ cognitive abilities while they are developing a database that contains their school evaluations and which will be available online. This educational approach used cooperative learning and the “Learning by Doing” environment. The database has been protected with passwords to different levels of priority (e.g., principal, school manager, parents, and students). The project involved three classrooms of the fifth year (students aged 18 to 20) in the Laboratory of System and Techniques of Transmission in a High School in Italy.
Academic Experiences of Using VLEs
Authors: Newland Barbara , Jenkins Martin , Ringan Neil
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes the drivers which have influenced the adoption of e-learning within the UK HE sector and consequently resulted in the increasing adoption of VLEs within institutions. It identifies a range of issues at the institutional and individual academic staff levels which need to be considered and addressed when designing and implementing a VLE within an HE institution. The authors draw on their personal experience in supporting a diverse range of academic staff to integrate e-learning and VLEs within their academic practice and their experience in implementing VLEs in a range of institutions to develop a series of guidelines and lessons for institutions to consider. Evidence from a range of case studies undertaken by the authors is utilised to provide examples from academic practice, which illustrate how effective implementation of these guidelines and lessons can enhance the student learning experience and support the role of academic staff within the HE sector.
Patchwork E-Dialogues in the Professional Development of New Teachers
Authors: Hulme Moira , Hughes Julie
Published: May 2011

The encouragement of reflective writing within professional learning programmes is not new (Moon, 2003; Bolton, 2001; Winter, 1999). Electronic technologies, however, afford exciting opportunities to develop this practice to support participative and collaborative learning beyond barriers of time and place. This chapter explores the value of asynchronous dialogue in creating and sustaining communities of practice, with particular emphasis on the role of the e-mentor.
Peer and Self-Assessment in Portuguese Engineering Education
Authors: van Hattum-Janssen Natascha , Pimenta Pedro C.C.
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes the implementation of peer and self assessment intwo first-year engineering courses at the University of Minho in the northof Portugal. The results of a case study that was aimed at improving studentlearning by changing the assessment of learning, aim to illustrate the useof assessment as a powerful instrument to influence learning. The firstsection pays attention to learning and the influences of peer and selfassessment, with special attention to assessment within engineering courses.The second section focuses on the case study previously mentioned andillustrates how students assumed responsibility in their own assessmentprocess. Advantages and disadvantages of peer and self assessment arediscussed. The opportunities for e-learning in this case study are discussedin the penultimate section, whereas the last section highlights some of thelessons learned from the case study.
Interpersonal Assessment
Authors: Johri Aditya
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces and discusses the concept of interpersonal assessment.Interpersonal assessment refers to the act of assessing what other participantsin an online learning environment know and how they behave. Interpersonalassessment is critical for successful learning outcomes, especially incollaborative groups, since students need to know what others in a groupknow and how they act to be able to work them. Moreover, knowledge aboutparticipants has implications for self, peer, and group assessment. Althoughinterpersonal assessment is important for both online and traditionallearning environments, it is often more difficult to assess others in onlinelearning environments due to the lack of face-to-face interaction, mediatedcues, and unshared contexts. In this chapter, I review the literature tosupport this thesis theoretically and look at evidence from preliminary dataanalysis of an online class. I also suggest future directions for researchand practice.
A Framework for Assessing Self, Peer, and Group Performance in E-Learning
Authors: Daradoumis Thanasis , Xhafa Fatos , Perez Ángel Alejandro Juan
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we propose a framework that supports the analysis andassessment of collaborative learning of online groups of students workingon a complex task (software project, or case study) in a real Web-based,distance-learning context. On the one hand, our approach is based onprincipled evaluation criteria that involve and measure a variety ofelements and factors as well as on a combination of a basic qualitativeprocess and a quantitative method that provide a grounded and holisticframework to analyze and assess group and individual performance moreeffectively and objectively. On the other hand, the approach has been fullyimplemented and tested on an asynchronous collaboration platform. All inall, the aim of our work is to provide a better understanding of groupinteraction and determine how to best support the collaborative learningprocess.
E-Assessment
Authors: Thompson Darrall
Published: May 2011

This chapter explores five reasons for a reduced focus on exams byquestioning their value and sustainability in the assessment of studentlearning. It suggests that exam grades cannot provide accruingdevelopmental information about the students’ attributes and qualities vitalfor a changing world and workplace. It then argues for the integratedassessment of generic attributes (including those developed through exams)and describes two e-assessment tools developed by the author to facilitatethis approach. These tools are based on the concept that assessmentcriteria should encompass the complete range of attributes and qualitiesthat institutions proclaim their students will acquire. Given that assessmentdrives learning, explicit alignment between assessment tasks and criteria isessential. It is proposed by this chapter that the development of formativecriteria (numerically valued) together with expert-derived criteria groupscan facilitate students’ development of important qualities, or genericattributes at both school and tertiary levels of education.
Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning and the Central Research Questions
Authors: Carr Tony , Lally Vic , de Laat Maarten , Cox Glen
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines the theoretical and conceptual issues involved in gathering evidence to build a database for the design of virtual higher education (computer supported collaborative learning — CSCL — and networked learning — NL). After briefly surveying the current state of CSCL/NL research and its lack of theoretical synthesis, we propose three high-level research questions as a way of focusing our efforts on finding answers. We then offer two vignettes of empirical case studies from our own research. These studies are used to illustrate the challenges to be faced, and possible approaches to be used, in addressing the questions. In particular, we look at the way theory and praxis (theory-informed practice) might be more effectively engaged through “theory-praxis conversations,” in order to make effective use of empirical data in building the evidence base that will be needed to design and build virtual higher education over the next 10 years.
Brain-Based Learning
Authors: Cercone Kathleen
Published: May 2011

Neuroscience research that explains how the brain learns is a dynamic field. Since the 1990s, there has been explosive growth in information about the neurophysiology of learning. A discussion of the neuroanatomy that is necessary to understand this research is presented first. Following the discussion of anatomy and physiology, current brain research is described, with particular focus on its implications for teaching adult students in an online environment. In addition, two instructional design theories (Gardner’s multiple intelligence and Kovalik’s integrated thematic instruction) that have a basis in neuroscience are examined. Recommendations founded on brain-based research, with a focus on adult education, follow, including specific activities such as crossed-lateral movement patterns and detailed online activities that can be incorporated into an online learning environment or a distance learning class (and face-to-face classroom) for adults. Comprehensive recommendations and guidelines for online learning design have been provided as suggestions for making maximum use of the brain-based principles discussed in this chapter.
A Comparative Analysis of E-Government in Latin America
Authors: Curtin Gregory , Walker Christopher
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces the United Nations global e-government readiness reports, for which we serve as primary researchers, with particular focus on Latin America. The UN reports provide useful composite scores and rankings on 191 countries worldwide with respect to e-government, e-readiness, and e-participation, as well as highlighting best practices that have been identified throughout the world. In particular, the UN reports provide meaningful insights into the development of e-government in Latin America—facilitating comparative analysis between regions, as well as country comparisons within Latin America.Basing itself on the UN report, the chapter provides a comparative analysis of e-government in Latin America—both intra- and interregional comparisons—with the main objective of elevating e-government literature to a more quantitatively rigorous and sophisticated level. This chapter aims at introducing the UN report, outlining its main findings, and reporting how Latin America compares with the world in e-government readiness and development. It first outlines the background of the UN report, followed by the research methodology. Then it discusses the findings relevant to Latin America, with a brief conclusion on topics for future research and discussion.