bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Digital Libraries to Support Undergraduate Learning in Geomorphology
Authors: Darby Stephen , Priest Sally J. , Fill Karen , Leung Samuel
Published: May 2010

In this chapter we outline the issues involved in developing, delivering, and evaluating a Level 2 undergraduate module in fluvial geomorphology. The central concept of the module, which was designed to be delivered in a “blended” mode, involving a combination of traditional lectures and online learning activities, was the use of online digital library resources, comprising both data and numerical models, to foster an appreciation of physical processes influencing the evolution of drainage basins. The aim of the module was to develop the learners’ knowledge and understanding of drainage basin geomorphology, while simultaneously developing their abilities to (i) access spatial data resources and (ii) provide a focus for developing skills in scientific data analysis and modeling. The module adopts a global perspective, drawing on examples from around the world. We discuss the process of course and assessment design, explaining the pedagogy underlying the decision to adopt blended delivery. We share our teaching experiences, involving a particular combination of “face-to-face” lectures and online sessions, complemented by independent online learning, and supported by the associated virtual learning environment. Finally, we discuss the issues highlighted by a comprehensive module evaluation.
Engaging with Environmental Management
Authors: Wright Jim , Clark Michael J. , Priest Sally J. , Nawaz Rizwan
Published: May 2010

There is an inherent antithesis between environmental management as professional practice and as concept or philosophy. Not only does this antithesis pose a problem in teaching environmental management, but also learners often have difficulty with the broad-based, multi-disciplinary nature of the subject and the value-laden nature of many environmental management decisions. Furthermore, field experience is an inherent part of environmental management and fieldwork is thus a necessary component of most environmental management modules. E-learning offers a mechanism through which to address these potential problems, through virtual practical experience and by serving as a virtual management laboratory. In this chapter, the undergraduate focus of a module on Upland Catchment Management and on environmental management is compared with e-learning for postgraduate delivery (a module on GIS for Environmental Management). The differing styles of delivery highlight the flexibility of e-learning as a vehicle for acquiring skills and knowledge, and underpin the claim that the result is an enhanced engagement with the practice of informed management.
Earth Observation
Authors: Mackay Louise , Leung Samuel , Milton E. J.
Published: May 2010

In our experience of earth observation (EO) online learning we highlight the usefulness of the World Wide Web in terms of its software, functionality, and user accessibility for developing and delivering a range of activities and delivery modes to both undergraduate and advanced learners. Through the mechanism of developing teaching materials and adapting them for the online classroom, EO learning can become highly interactive and well-illustrated by linking to online image processing software and relevant image data, make use of the Web’s graphical interface to reinvigorate DOS-based remote sensing programs to be more student-friendly, and with the advent of collaborative Web software, such as Wiki, provide a networked community for EO learners. In this chapter we showcase a variety of delivery modes for our EO materials—online lectures delivered within a blended learning module for the undergraduate to individual online activities (remote sensing practical exercises and an electronic learning diary) for the advanced EO learner. Examples of our learning materials are discussed in this chapter to show how adapting to online delivery and making use of Web technology has supported our teaching of EO.
Semantic Tools to Support the Construction and Use of Concept-Based Learning Spaces
Authors: Smith Terence R. , Zeng Marcia Lei
Published: May 2010

We describe a digital learning environment (DLE) organized around sets of concepts that represent a specific domain of knowledge. A prototype DLE developed by the Alexandria Project currently supports teaching at the University of California at Santa Barbara. Its distinguishing strength is an underlying abstract model of key aspects of any concept and its relationship to other concepts. Similar models of concepts are evolving simultaneously in a variety of disciplines. Our strongly-structured model (SSM) of concepts is based on the viewpoint that scientific concepts and their interrelationships provide the most powerful level of granularity with which to support effective access and use of knowledge in DLEs. The SSM integrates a taxonomy (or thesaurus), metadata (or attribute-value pairs), domain-specific mark-up languages, and specific models for learning scientific concepts. It is focused on attributes of concepts that include objective representations, operational semantics, use, and interrelationships to other concepts. The DLE integrates various semantic tools facilitating the creation, merging, and use of heterogeneous learning materials from distributed sources, as well as their access in terms of our SSM of concepts by both instructors and students. Evidence indicates that undergraduate instructional activities are enhanced with the use of such integrated semantic tools.
Simple Geography-Related Multimedia
Authors: Treves Richard
Published: May 2010

Teaching geography at university level involves students in study of complex diagrams and maps. These can be made easier to understand if split into parts. This chapter reports the work of a team writing a series of courses in geographic information systems (GIS) and their solution to the problem, which involved authoring simple multimedia animations using Microsoft PowerPoint™ software. The animations were authored by those writing the courses with little input from the multimedia Web specialist supporting the team. The techniques that the team used to produce the animations are explained, as are the nine points of best practice that were developed and how the animations were used with other non-animated content. Three sub-categories of these animations are described and explained and the issues of maintenance and reuse of the animated content is considered.
Collaborative Geographic Information Systems
Authors: Balram Shivanand
Published: May 2010

This chapter describes the origins, boundaries, and structures of collaborative geographic information systems (CGIS). A working definition is proposed, together with a discussion about the subtle collaborative vs. cooperative distinction, and culminating in a philosophical description of the research area. The literatures on planning and policy analysis, decision support systems, and geographic information systems (GIS) and science (GIScience) are used to construct a historical footprint. The conceptual linkages between GIScience, public participation GIS (PPGIS), participatory GIS (PGIS), and CGIS are also outlined. The conclusion is that collaborative GIS is centrally positioned on a participation spectrum that ranges from the individual to the general public, and that an important goal is to use argumentation, deliberation, and maps to clearly structure and reconcile differences between representative interest groups. Hence, collaborative GIS must give consideration to integrating experts with the general public in synchronous and asynchronous space-time interactions. Collaborative GIS provides a theoretical and application foundation to conceptualize a distributive turn to planning, problem solving, and decision making.
Eigencombining
Authors: Siriteanu Constantin , Blostein Steven D.
Published: May 2010

This chapter unifies the principles and analyses of conventional signal processing algorithms for receive-side smart antennas, and compares their performance and numerical complexity. The chapter starts with a brief look at the traditional single-antenna optimum symbol-detector, continues with analyses of conventional smart antenna algorithms, i.e., statistical beamforming (BF) and maximal-ratio combining (MRC), and culminates with an assessment of their recently proposed superset known as eigencombining or eigenbeamforming. BF or MRC performance fluctuates with changing propagation conditions, although their numerical complexity remains constant. Maximal-ratio eigencombining (MREC) has been devised to achieve best (i.e., near-MRC) performance for complexity that matches the actual channel conditions. The authors derive MREC outage probability and average error probability expressions applicable for any correlation. Particular cases apply to BF and MRC. These tools and numerical complexity assessments help demonstrate the advantages of MREC versus BF or MRC in realistic scenarios.
Random Array Theory and Collaborative Beamforming
Authors: Ochiai Hideki , Mitran Patrick , Poor H. Vincent , Tarokh Vahid
Published: May 2010

In wireless sensor networks, the sensor nodes are often randomly situated, and each node is likely to be equipped with a single antenna. If these sensor nodes are able to synchronize, it is possible to beamform by considering sensor nodes as a random array of antennas. Using probabilistic arguments, it can be shown that random arrays formed by dispersive sensors can form nice beampatterns with a sharp main lobe and low sidelobe levels. This chapter reviews the probabilistic analysis of linear random arrays, which dates back to the early work of Y. T. Lo (1964), and then discusses recent work on the statistical analysis of two-dimensional random arrays originally derived in the framework of wireless sensor networks.
Advanced Space-Time Block Codes and Low Complexity Near Optimal Detection for Future Wireless Networks
Authors: Chin W. H. , Yuen C.
Published: May 2010

Space-time block coding is a way of introducing multiplexing and diversity gain in wireless systems equipped with multiple antennas. There are several classes of codes tailored for different channel conditions. However, in almost all the cases, maximum likelihood detection is required to fully realize the diversity introduced. In this chapter, we present the fundamentals of space-time block coding, as well as introduce new codes with better performance. Additionally, we introduce the basic detection algorithms which can be used for detecting space-time block codes. Several low complexity pseudo-maximum likelihood algorithms will also be introduced and discussed.
Space-Time Modulated Codes for MIMO Channels with Memory
Authors: Xia Xiang-Gen , Wang Genyuan , Fan Pingyi
Published: May 2010

Modulated codes (MC) are error correction codes (ECC) defined on the complex field and therefore can be naturally combined with an intersymbol interference (ISI) channel. It has been previously proved that for any finite tap ISI channel there exist MC with coding gain comparing to the uncoded AWGN channel. In this chapter, we first consider space-time MC for memory channels, such as multiple transmit and receive antenna systems with ISI. Similar to MC for single antenna systems, the space-time MC can be also naturally combined with a multiple antenna system with ISI, which provides the convenience of the study. Some lower bounds on the capacities C and the information rates Ii.i.d of the MC coded systems are presented. We also introduce an MC coded zero-forcing decision feedback equalizer (ZF-DFE) where the channel is assumed known at both the transmitter and the receiver. The optimal MC design based on the ZF-DFE are presented.
Blind Channel Estimation in Space-Time Block Coded Systems
Authors: Vía Javier , Santamaría Ignacio , Ibáñez Jesús
Published: May 2010

This chapter analyzes the problem of blind channel estimation under Space-Time Block Coded transmissions. In particular, a new blind channel estimation technique for a general class of space-time block codes is proposed. The method is solely based on the second-order statistics of the observations, and its computational complexity reduces to the extraction of the main eigenvector of a generalized eigenvalue problem. Additionally, the identifiability conditions associated to the blind channel estimation problem are analyzed, which is exploited to propose a new transmission technique based on the idea of code diversity or combination of different codes. This technique resolves the ambiguities in most of the practical cases, and it can be reduced to a non-redundant precoding consisting in a single set of rotations or permutations of the transmit antennas. Finally, the performance of the proposed techniques is illustrated by means of several simulation examples.
Fast Beamforming of Compact Array Antenna
Authors: Sun Chen , Ohira Takashi , Taromaru Makoto , Chandra Karmakar Nemai , Hirata Akifumi
Published: May 2010

In this chapter, we describe a compact array antenna. Beamforming is achieved by tuning the load reactances at parasitic elements surrounding the active central element. The existing beam forming algorithms for this reactively controlled parasitic array antennas require long training time. In comparison with these algorithms, a faster beamforming algorithm, based on simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA) theory with a maximum cross-correlation coefficient (MCCC) criterion, is proposed in this chapter. The simulation results validate the algorithm. In an environment where the signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) is 0 dB, the algorithm converges within 50 iterations and achieves an output SINR of 10 dB. With the fast beamforming ability and its low power consumption attribute, the antenna makes the mass deployment of smart antenna technologies practical. To give a comparison of the beamforming algorithm with one of the standard beamforming algorithms for a digital beamforming (DBF) antenna array, we compare the proposed algorithm with the least mean square (LMS) beamforming algorithm. Since the parasitic array antenna is in nature an analog antenna, it cannot suppress correlated interference. Here, we assume that the interferences are uncorrelated.
Direction of Arrival Estimation with Compact Array Antennas
Authors: Taillefer Eddy , Cheng Jun , Ohira Takashi
Published: May 2010

This chapter presents direction of arrival (DoA) estimation with a compact array antenna using methods based on reactance switching. The compact array is the single-port electronically steerable parasitic array radiator (Espar) antenna. The antenna beam pattern is controlled though parasitic elements loaded with reactances. DoA estimation using an Espar antenna is proposed with the power pattern cross correlation (PPCC), reactance-domain (RD) multiple signal classification (MUSIC), and, RD estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance techniques (ESPRIT) algorithms. The three methods exploit the reactance diversity provided by an Espar antenna to correlate different antenna output signals measured at different times and for different reactance values. The authors hope that this chapter allows the researchers to appreciate the issues that may be encountered in the implementation of direction-finding application with a single-port compact array like the Espar antenna.
MIMO Beamforming
Authors: Li Qinghua , Eddie Lin Xintian , Zhang Jianzhong ("Charlie")
Published: May 2010

Transmit beamforming improves the performance of multiple-input multiple-output antenna system (MIMO) by exploiting channel state information (CSI) at the transmitter. Numerous MIMO beamforming schemes are proposed in open literature and standard bodies such as 3GPP, IEEE 802.11n and 802.16d/e. This chapter describes the underlying principle, evolving techniques, and corresponding industrial applications of MIMO beamforming. The main limiting factor is the cumbersome overhead to acquire CSI at the transmitter. The solutions are categorized into FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) and TDD (Time Division Duplex) approaches. For all FDD channels and radio calibration absent TDD channels, channel reciprocity is not available and explicit feedback is required. Codebook-based feedback techniques with various quantization complexities and feedback overheads are depicted in this chapter. Furthermore, we discuss transmit/receive (Tx/Rx) radio chain calibration and channel sounding techniques for TDD channels, and show how to achieve channel reciprocity by overcoming the Tx/Rx asymmetry of the RF components
Smart Antennas for Code Division Multiple Access Systems
Authors: Durrani Salman , Bialkowski Marek E.
Published: May 2010

This chapter discusses the use of smart antennas in Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems. First, we give a brief overview of smart antenna classification and techniques and describe the issues that are important to consider when applying these techniques in CDMA systems. These include system architecture, array antennas, channel models, transmitter and receiver strategies, beamforming algorithms, and hybrid (beamforming and diversity) approach. Next, we discuss modeling of smart antennas systems. We present an analytical model providing rapid and accurate assessment of the performance of CDMA systems employing a smart antenna. Next, we discuss a simulation strategy for an adaptive beamforming system. A comparison between the analytical results and the simulation results is performed followed by a suitable discussion.
Cross-Layer Performance of Scheduling and Power Control Schemes in Space-Time Block Coded Downlink Packet Systems
Authors: Sang Aimin , Yue Guosen , Wang Xiaodong , Madihian Mohammad
Published: May 2010

In this chapter, we consider a cellular downlink packet data system employing the space-time block coded (STBC) multiple- input-multiple-output (MIMO) scheme. Taking the CDMA high data rate (HDR) system for example, we evaluate the cross-layer performance of typical scheduling algorithms and a point-to-point power control scheme over a time division multiplexing (TDM)-based shared MIMO channel. Our evaluation focuses on the role of those schemes in multi-user diversity gain, and their impacts on medium access control (MAC) and physical layer performance metrics for delay-tolerant data services, such as throughput, fairness, and bit or frame error rate. The cross-layer evaluation shows that the multi-user diversity gain, which comes from opportunistic scheduling schemes exploiting independent channel oscillations among multiple users, can increase the aggregate throughput and reduce the transmission error rate. It also shows that STBC/MIMO and one-bit and multi-bit power control can indeed help the physical and MAC layer performance but only at a risk of limiting the multiuser diversity gain or the potential throughput of schedulers for delay-tolerant bursty data services.
Smart Antennas for Automatic Radio Frequency Identification Readers
Authors: Karmakar Nemai Chandra
Published: May 2010

Various smart antennas developed for automatic radio frequency identification (RFID) readers are presented. The main smart antennas types of RFID readers are switched beam, phased array, adaptive beamfsorming and multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antennas. New development in the millimeter wave frequency band?60 GHz and above? exploits micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) devices and nano-components. Realizing the important of RFID applications in the 900 MHz frequency band, a 3×2-element planar phased array antenna has been designed in a compact package at Monash University. The antenna covers 860-960 GHz frequency band with more than 10 dB input return loss, 12 dBi broadside gain and up to 40° elevation beam scanning with a 4-bit reflection type phase shifter array. Once implemented in the mass market, RFID smart antennas will contribute tremendously in the areas of RFID tag reading rates, collision mitigation, location finding of items and capacity improvement of the RFID system.
Field Programmable Gate Array Based Testbed for Investigating Multiple Input Multiple Output Signal Transmission in Indoor Environments
Authors: Bialkowski Konstanty , Postula Adam , Abbosh Amin , Bialkowski Marek
Published: May 2010

This chapter introduces the concept of Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) wireless communication system and the necessity to use a testbed to evaluate its performance. A comprehensive review of different types of testbeds available in the literature is presented. Next, the design and development of a 2×2 MIMO testbed which uses in-house built antennas, commercially available RF chips for an RF front end and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) for based signal processing is described. The operation of the developed testbed is verified using a Channel Emulator. The testing is done for the case of a simple Alamouti QPSK based encoding and decoding scheme of baseband signals.
Ad Hoc Networks Testbed Using a Practice Smart Antenna with IEEE802.15.4 Wireless Modules
Authors: Watanabe Masahiro , Obana Sadao , Watanabe Takashi
Published: May 2010

Recent studies on directional media access protocols (MACs) using smart antennas for wireless ad hoc networks have shown that directional MACs outperform against traditional omini-directional MACs. Those studies evaluate the performance mainly on simulations, where antenna beam is assumed to be ideal, i.e., with neither side-lobes nor back-lobes. Propagation conditions are also assumed to be mathematical model without realistic fading. In this paper, we develop at first a testbed for directional MAC protocols which enables to investigate performance of MAC protocols in the real environment. It incorporates ESPAR as a practical smart antenna, IEEE802.15.4/ZigBee, GPS and gyro modules to allow easy installment of different MAC protocols. To our knowledge, it is the first compact testbed with a practical smart antenna for directional MACs. We implement a directional MAC protocol called SWAMP to evaluate it in the real environment. The empirical discussion based on the experimental results shows that the degradation of the protocol with ideal antennas, and that the protocol still achieves the SDMA effect of spatial reuse and the effect of communication range extension.
LOLA
Authors: Lupion Torres Patricia
Published: May 2010

The Online Learning Laboratory, LOLA, is a collaborative learning methodology for classroom-based and distance learning that was defended in a PhD thesis and used in several subsequent research studies. In this chapter the author describes the first results of a case study undertaken with students on a postgraduate course in education. A further activity (the construction of a concept map) was added to the six activities in LOLA, and its inclusion was the object of this study. The methodological approach used in this research was a case study with an exploratory objective. To answer the questions raised in the study, a new review of the literature related to the following subjects was carried out: restructuring, implementing and following up the online learning laboratory methodology using concept maps; drawing up and applying a questionnaire; and analysis and discussion of the data obtained. A nonprobabilistic convenience sample was used. Their analysis and preliminary considerations focus on the data gathered from the students.
Collaborative Learning and Concept Mapping for Language Teaching
Authors: de Cássia Veiga Marriott Rita
Published: May 2010

This chapter outlines how collaborative learning and concept mapping have been incorporated and implemented within a blended foreign language course. Focusing on these two approaches, it introduces the reader to LAPLI – The Language Learning Lab: a methodology of integrative CALL using the Internet. The aim in LAPLI’s 12 activities is to challenge high-intermediate and advanced language students to go beyond their limitations and be more active and responsible for their own learning. Students, based on authentic material selected by themselves, work individually and collaboratively throughout its activities. They are stimulated to develop fluency and accuracy in the foreign language, focusing on the development of their reading and writing skills, but also promoting their oral and social skills. Some feedback from the students is presented. The chapter concludes with a few considerations on the challenges of life-long education.
The Assessment of Interactive Learning
Authors: Santos Edméa , Silva Marco
Published: May 2010

This chapter proposes the use of a communicational approach to rethink conceptual and methodological aspects of learning assessment in the context of interactive online information and communication technologies. The approach makes use of the digital online portfolio interface together with cognitive mapping techniques (mind maps and concept maps) as devices for assessing learning in online education. The examples described in the text are the result of pedagogical practice and research undertaken by the authors.
Eliciting Thinking Skills with Inquiry Maps in CLE
Authors: Okada Alexandra
Published: May 2010

The first aim of this chapter is to present the contributions drawn from the study exploring the use of inquiry maps in academic research for eliciting thinking skills. The second objective of this work is to highlight the potential collaborative learning environments (CLEs) have to enable students to learn different mapping techniques and to help them share ways in which they can apply inquiry maps to elaborate their scientific projects. While the study is informed by qualitative research methodology, it employs quantitative data to describe the fieldwork: an online course, which was organized by the author. The participants were lecturers and research students from different countries: Brazil, United Kingdom and Portugal. Findings indicate six kinds of inquiry maps that can be applied in academic research and may contribute to developing thinking skills such as, critical thinking, content thinking and creative thinking.
Concept Maps as a Tool for Promoting Online Collaborative Learning in Virtual Teams with Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: Ng Wan , Hanewald Ria
Published: May 2010

The chapter provides an overview of concept mapping and a description of a theoretical framework that adopts concept maps as a tool to enhance collaborative learning in virtual teams in an online learning environment. It was developed by drawing on the relevant literature and on research in online collaborative learning in the pre-service teacher education programs at an Australian university. The framework is underpinned by socio-constructivist learning theories for collaborative learning with online technologies. The use of a concept map to illustrate the framework is presented and the pedagogical benefits are highlighted. The framework is applicable to all higher education courses in promoting collaborative virtual team learning.
Distance Collaboration with Shared Concept Maps
Authors: Tifi Alfredo , Lombardi Antonietta
Published: May 2010

This chapter aims to review Web-mediated practices in collaborative concept mapping which were set up in informal partnerships among teachers from different schools and countries, and their students. Starting with various examples of such practices, we will outline some models of collaboration which will be compared and criticised in the hope that they will be useful in challenging other teachers to plan suitable strategies for engaging in similar experiences. It is important firstly to examine the context in which distance collaboration can be established and then outline some theoretical background to show the reasons why this kind of collaboration should be recommended as an objective for educationalists.
Collaborative Learning
Authors: Chaka Chaka
Published: May 2010

This chapter explores the interface between collaborative learning (CL), concept mapping (CMing) and cognitive flexibility theory (CFT). The major argument of the chapter is that concept maps (CMs) are versatile and multi-purpose tools with cross-disciplinary applications. In view of this, the chapter reports on 15 research studies to serve a dual purpose: to support its argument and to demonstrate the link between CL and CMing on the one hand, and between CMing/CL and CFT on the other hand. The focal points of the chapter are: CMs as tools for supporting and facilitating CL; CMs as assessment tools in CL environments; CMs as drivers for collaborative curricular initiatives; CMs as higher-order thinking and problem solving tools; and CL/CMs and CFT.
Teaching Critical Thinking and Team Based Concept Mapping
Authors: Meers-Scott Dawndra , Taylor LesLee , Pelley John
Published: May 2010

Critical thinking cannot be fully developed without involvement in collaborative learning activities that elicit problem solving dialogue. Concept maps are effective tools for dialogue because they require decisions about the organization of and the relationships between facts and concepts. This active decision making process develops both long term memory and the ability to apply that knowledge. The authors describe a new method for incorporating scored concept maps into an established collaborative learning method, Team-Based Learning, as a way to improve the effectiveness of individual preparation and for enhancing the problem solving dialogue during group activities. Their new method, Team-Based Concept Mapping, has advantages for students with different personality types and with different backgrounds because it provides greater clarity and precision in the group dialogue. The effect of concept mapping on the interaction between different personality types is discussed and suggestions for future studies to develop this method are offered.
Intersubjective Meaning-Making in Dyads Using Object-Typed Concept Mapping
Authors: Basque Josianne , Pudelko Béatrice
Published: May 2010

In this chapter, we investigate, with an intersubjective epistemology approach, how a concept mapping software tool that integrates a typology of knowledge objects (nodes) and a typology of links mediates the process of meaning-making and of meaning-negotiation of a dyad of adult learners engaged in a collaborative concept mapping activity, more specifically in the context of a text comprehension task. This case study shows that the tool and its object-typed concept mapping language induce certain types of epistemic actions as well as the formation of diverse representational rules by participants, which were jointly and progressively elaborated by them in an intensive effort to share meaning.
A Systematic Review of Research on Collaborative Learning with Concept Maps
Authors: Adesope Olusola O. , Nesbit John C.
Published: May 2010

This chapter reviews research about the collaborative use of concept maps for learning. Although decades of research have produced some understanding of the cognitive effects of using concept maps in individual learning, theories about their effects in collaborative learning are less firmly established. The review incorporated a systematic literature search, analysis of dependent variables as effect sizes, and discussion of representative studies. Students who learned collaboratively by constructing concept maps outperformed those who learned from other activities such as studying texts, outlines, lists and lectures. However, no effect of studying pre-constructed concept maps in collaborative settings was statistically detected. There was homogeneity across the subsets of studies investigated. The review concludes with suggestions for future research in learning with concept maps in collaborative environments.
Expanded Collaborative Learning and Concept Mapping
Authors: Miranda Correia Paulo Rogério , Infante-Malachias Maria Elena
Published: May 2010

The synergic effects of knowledge accumulation, information technology development, and globalization have produced a new set of social paradigms. The transition towards a post-industrial society became evident at the beginning of the 21st century. New challenges are presented to the educational system, and a revision of methodological procedures is imperative to prepare citizens capable of dealing with complex contemporary issues. This chapter proposes ‘expanded collaborative learning’ for didactic activities involving peer review of any material produced by groups of students. We present a particular experience in which higher education students produced peer reviewed collaborative concept maps during an introductory course about natural sciences. Besides posing an unusual task for students, peer review changes the evaluation paradigm in traditional classrooms, reduces the power asymmetry between teacher and students, and promotes a truly collaborative atmosphere. This learning environment presents favorable conditions for empowering students, fostering them to act as autonomous citizens capable of transforming society.
Using Concept Mapping to Improve the Quality of Learning
Authors: Pérez Cabaní Maria Luisa , Bosch Josep Juandó
Published: May 2010

The European Higher Education Area, created to contribute to the development of quality education and encourage cooperation between Member States of the European Union, has created an opportunity for reflection on teaching methods in universities. These circumstances provide momentum for the use of learning strategies. Along these lines, this chapter presents work done on concept mapping, one of the methods that could significantly help prepare both students and teachers for the new roles expected of them. The results of two lines of study are presented: on the one hand, research that analyses the influence of the differential use of concept maps on the quality of learning; and on the other, an innovation in the use of concept maps in a course developed in the area of initial teacher training. Both initiatives serve to highlight increased interest in concept mapping in the field of learning and especially in collaborative learning.
Enhancing Autonomy, Active Inquiry and Meaning Negotiation in Preschool Concept Mapping
Authors: Gomez Gloria
Published: May 2010

This chapter reports on a case study where a teacher, unfamiliar with Novak’s concept mapping method, employed a personally custom designed Authoring Concept Mapping Kit for evaluating preschoolers’ knowledge on big cats. The Kit provides drawing and voice-recording features which were designed under constructivist learning and user-centered design principles. In a single session these features enabled eleven five-year-olds to build a map with verbally-labeled symbols because they made their conceptual and propositional meanings explicit. With teacher guidance and despite the absence of arrows, mapping was possible: meanings were categorized, edited, revisited, retained, shared, and preserved. Such activities promoted active participation, knowledge organization and manipulation, and facilitated teacher instruction in a way that has seldom been reported for any approach currently employed in preschool concept mapping. Together these and other results from related studies showing use of arrows and hierarchy, support the assertion that with a tool of this type, preschoolers can use concept-mapping-related skills to structure knowledge individually and collaboratively.
Concept Maps and Meaningful Learning
Authors: Lupion Torres Patricia , Forte Luiza Tatiana , Bortolozzi Josiane Maria
Published: May 2010

The search for meaningful learning promotes a rethinking of the approach adopted by teachers and students to take into account innovative methodologies based on previous experience of learning objectives. This article therefore describes the fundamentals of collaborative learning and the use of concept maps with different individuals in a hospital setting to promote learning about the complexity of their particular situation and in turn achieve higher levels of quality of life for school children receiving hospital treatment. The study also aimed to involve health professionals and health educators in this process and thus gather information to develop a Learning Object.
Justice Beyond the Courts
Authors: Adler Michael , Henman Paul
Published: May 2010

This chapter considers the implications of computerisation for procedural justice in social security. It outlines an approach to the analysis of administrative justice—defined as the justice inherent in routine administrative decision making—that is derived from Jerry Mashaw’s pioneering study Bureaucratic Justice. This approach explains the prevailing system of procedural justice in terms of the ‘trade-offs’ between six normative models of adminstrative decision making. The six models are associated with bureaucratic, professional, legal, managerial, consumerist, and market forms of decision making, and the ‘trade-offs’ reflect the outcomes of power struggle between different groups of social actors who champion the various models. This chapter attempts to determine whether, and if so how, computerisation affects the balance of power between the competing models of procedural justice and the groups of social actors who seek to promote them. It is based on an expert-informant study carried out by the authors. Two indicators for each of these six models were formulated and expert informants in 13 OECD countries were asked first to rate their importance on a 1–5 scale and second to assess, using another 1–5 scale, whether computerisation had made them more or less important. The main findings reported in the chapter suggest first that bureaucracy, followed by managerialism and legality are the most important determinants of administrative justice in social security, while the market followed by professionalism and consumerism are the least important, and second that the effect of computerisation has been to further entrench the bureaucratic and managerial models and undermine the professional model. The chapter relates these findings to data on to the aims of computerisation, the extent to which social security systems had embraced computerisation, and the emphasis that social security systems placed on data protection. In addition to generalising about the experiences of the 13 countries in the study, the chapter also describes the experiences of individual countries. It concludes that computerisation has altered the characteristics of service delivery by promoting some forms of administrative justice over others in particular by strengthening ‘top-down’ and managerialist forms of accountability at the expense of ‘bottom-up’ and rights-based approaches, and ends with a plea for a greater research focus on the administration of welfare and its justice implications.
Electronic Justice in Brazil
Authors: Filho Roberto Fragale , Veronese Alexandre
Published: May 2010

It has become commonplace to talk about a silent revolution in the Brazilian Judiciary for which the widespread use of ICT has been of great impact. In this chapter, we examine how ICT made its way through and is shaping the future of the Brazilian Judiciary. The first part is dedicated to a brief description of the Brazilian judicial system. The second part is divided in three different moments, always related to the use of ICT in the courts. Initially, we exam the earlier experiences, mostly related to electoral matters. Then, we investigate the debate over the national PKI system and electronic process statutes. Finally, we take a look at different ICT initiatives, focusing especially on labor courts. In the final part, we draw some conclusions, trying to sketch a future agenda of research and listing some references for those willing to go further on the matter.
The Belgian Case
Authors: Poullet Yves
Published: May 2010

This chapter examines the ambitious Phenix project, a global project for the whole computerization of all Courts and Tribunals in Belgium, with the use of ICT by all stakeholders. It focuses especially on the legislative measures that have been taken, mainly in relation to data protection and legal value of the documents generated by the use of the electronic procedure.
E-Health Marketing
Authors: Walji Muhammad F. , Valenza John A. , Zhang Jiajie
Published: May 2010

In this chapter, we review key concepts, using the marketing mix framework, to identify the needs of healthcare consumers, and the tools and services that can fulfill these needs. Unlike traditional healthcare delivery, patient-centered e-health (PCEH) involves the consumer as a partner and has a number of marketing implications. A more informed understanding of PCEH will help practitioners and researchers to formulate marketing strategies that improve healthcare outcomes and are acceptable to patients.
Using Interaction Design to Improve Usability of a PHR User Interface Based on Visual Elements
Authors: Forti Stefano , Purin Barbara , Eccher Claudio
Published: May 2010

This chapter presents a case study of using interaction design methods for exploring and testing usability and user experience of a Personal Health Record (PHR) user interface based on visual and graphical elements. To identify problems and improve the design of PHR user interface we conducted two taskoriented usability testing based on the think-aloud technique for observing users during their interaction with a high-fidelity PHR prototype, and questionnaires and semistructured interviews for measuring user satisfaction. Our study demonstrates that a user-centered approach to interaction design involving the final users in an iterative design-evaluation process is important for exploring innovative user interfaces and for identification of problems in the early stages of the development cycle of a PHR.
Exploring the Technology Adoption Needs of Patients Using E-Health
Authors: Gallant Linda M. , Irizarry Cynthia , Boone Gloria M.
Published: May 2010

An extended version of the technology acceptance model (TAM) is applied to study hospital Web sites, one specific area of e-health. In a review of literature, five significant factors from TAM research are identified that are logically related to e-health sites from the user’s perspective: usefulness, ease of use, trust, privacy, and personalization. All five factors emerged in the data analysis of 30 participants using a hospital Web site. We discuss the implications of this study for guiding development of effective patient-centered e-health.
Navigating a Speckled World
Authors: Leach Matthew
Published: May 2010

The Speckled Computing project is a large multisite research project based in Scotland, UK. The aim of the project is to investigate, prototype, and produce tiny (1mm3) computational devices, called Specks, that can be configured into wireless sensor networks, called SpeckNets. Our particular interest is in how people might interact in such environments, what interaction tools they require, and what characteristics are required to be provided by the operating system of the Specks. Interaction in these environments places the human physically inside an information space. At one time, the human may be interacting with one Speck, at another with a hundred, and at another with several thousand. Moreover, the Specks themselves have no input method, apart from their sensors, and no output display. We explore these issues through taking some theories of distributed information spaces, some design principles from information visualization, and report on some empirical studies of prototypes and simulations that have been developed.
Contested Terrain
Authors: Bakke John Willy
Published: May 2010

Workplaces are key loci for expressing and studying organizational identity, even in distributed work. In organization studies, there is a growing recognition of the importance of spatial processes, and workplace design has become an instrument for organizational change. This chapter explores organizational identity through a change process where the office layout was redesigned to strengthen organizational identity and increase productivity. The study shows that identity processes get shaped by the material environment and by technologies enabling distributed and mobile work. It also shows that previous events frame the interpretation of current processes. The chapter is based on a qualitative and quantitative study of the national branch of an international oil company.
Technosocial Space
Authors: Laegran Anne Sofie
Published: May 2010

The chapter is based on a study of Internet cafés in Norway, and interrogates the way space and place is produced in interconnections between people and technology in the Internet café. Drawing on actornetwork theory and practice-oriented theories of place and space, the Internet café is understood as technosocial spaces producing connections between people and places at different levels. Firstly, the Internet café can be understood as a hybrid, a site where users and technologies as well as space are coconstructed in entwined processes where gender, as well as other identity markers, are central in the way the technology, as well as the cafés, develop and are understood. The next level looks at the production of Internet cafés as technosocial spaces. Despite being perceived as an “urban” and “global” phenomenon, Internet cafés are configured based on local circumstances, in urban as well as rural communities. Differing images of what the cafés want to achieve, as well as material constrains, are at play in this process. Finally, the chapter shows how Internet cafés are places of connections, producing space beyond the walls of the café, linking the local into a translocal sphere.
Representing Space
Authors: Davis Stephen Boyd
Published: May 2010

The chapter is concerned with the relationship between the planar space of graphic representations and the world space that they represent. To achieve some coherence in thinking about the spatiality of different media such as film, television, and videogames, two opposed modes of composition, the configurational and the pictorial, are described, both historically and in current practice. The film theory concepts of diegetic and extra-diegetic are also unified with these two modes of composition. It is argued that the historical, developmental path to the spatiality of modern media suggests an almost irresistible pictorial imperative. So while we may at times regret the dominance of one particular mode of picture-making that, for some purposes, certainly has weaknesses in both informational and affective terms, in the end we must acknowledge its attraction and its power.
The Spatial Development of the Visual-Narrative from Prehistoric Cave Paintings to Computer Games
Authors: Carroll Fiona
Published: May 2010

The art of the visual-narrative is not a new phenomenon. Artists and designers have been using images to tell stories for thousands of years. From cave paintings to computer animations; they have been manipulating visual elements and tailoring techniques to attract our attention; to stimulate our interest; and to entice us into a process of interpretation and story making. Indeed; it is a tradition that has worked its way successfully through time; adapting along the way to meet the advancements of each successive and increasingly visual generation. The aim of this chapter is to explore the spatial journey of the visual-narrative. In particular; it will examine how each new medium has brought with it a new treatment of space; and then how this has influenced the visual-narrative and the art of storytelling.
Space, Place, and Memory Prosthetics
Authors: Turner Phil
Published: May 2010

Recent years have witnessed a number of initiatives to develop technology (“memory prosthetics”) to enhance and extend human memory. Typical of these is “Memories for Life,” which is one of the Grand Challenges in Computing identified by the British Computer Society in 2004. So far, the emphasis has been on the development of psychologically informed technology. This chapter, in contrast, proposes a conceptual framework based on the Heideggerian concepts of being-with and being-in for the development of such technology.