bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adoption of Machine Learning Techniques in Ecology and Earth Science
Authors: Thessen Anne
Published: June 2016

The natural sciences, such as ecology and earth science, study complex interactions between biotic and abiotic systems in order to understand and make predictions. Machine-learning-based methods have an advantage over traditional statistical methods in studying these systems because the former do not impose unrealistic assumptions (such as linearity), are capable of inferring missing data, and can reduce long-term expert annotation burden. Thus, a wider adoption of machine learning methods in ecology and earth science has the potential to greatly accelerate the pace and quality of science. Despite these advantages, the full potential of machine learning techniques in ecology and earth science has not be fully realized.

This is largely due to 1) a lack of communication and collaboration between the machine learning research community and natural scientists, 2) a lack of communication about successful applications of machine learning in the natural sciences, 3) difficulty in validating machine learning models, and 4) the absence of machine learning techniques in a natural science education. These impediments can be overcome through financial support for collaborative work and the development of graduate-level educational materials about machine learning. Natural scientists who have not yet used machine learning methods can be introduced to these techniques through Random Forest, a method that is easy to implement and performs well. This manuscript will 1) briefly describe several popular machine learning tasks and techniques and their application to ecology and earth science, 2) discuss the limitations of machine learning, 3) discuss why ML methods are underutilized in natural science, and 4) propose solutions for barriers preventing wider ML adoption.
Empirical Research on the Effectiveness of MOOCs in Developing Design Students on Sino-foreign Cooperation University Programs
Authors: Zhu Tiejun
Published: June 2016

Nowadays, the implementation of Sino-foreign cooperative education program has become an essential way to internationalize Chinese higher education.The large number of MOOC online resources currently available, and their innovative teaching modes has provided a new and novel channel to promote such programs. In order to systematically illustrate and reveal the effectiveness of utilizing MOOC in these projects, which sponsored by Undergraduate cooperative education project of visual communication design between Anhui Polytechnic University and University of Bridgeport, researchers carried out a one-year targeted and systematic tracking, investigation, comparative analysis, consultation, summary and the real-time assessment. Experimental data and detailed research results show that the MOOC intervention mechanism achieved a positive effect in promoting and supplementing students’ knowledge and understanding of their major. It not only strengthened students’ skills and literacy, it was also found to significantly promote traditional classroom teaching at Anhui Polytechnic University. The project proved successful with design students by combining in class and online teaching. It is recommended that such projects be further promoted and applied in the future.
New Weighted Clustering Approach to Map and Prioritise Learning Knowledge Objects towards Learning Approaches
Authors: Sabitha Sai , Mehrotra Deepti , Bansal Abhay
Published: June 2016

To have a unique learning experience and a high learning impact, diverse courses should be incorporated in e-Learning. Learning Management System, a tool in e-Learning manages and delivers content to users. Learning Objects (LO), the course content is the fundamental unit of Learning Management System. Knowledge Object of Knowledge Management System can also be a viable resource in technology supported learning. A learning scenario for a given learner has to be identified. The course content (LO) has to match their learning skills. Data mining techniques can be widely used to find similar objects and K-Mean clustering technique can be used to produce more consistent clusters. The clusters can have strong and similar concepts of Learning Knowledge Objects. A new algorithm, a weighted cosine distance that gives real-valued distances between instances which further modifies the structure of the feature space is used for prioritising objects in clusters. These objects can be further mapped to learning approaches of the users. An experiment is conducted by using Learning and Knowledge Objects to understand the effectiveness of the weighted measure, thereby a personalized holistic learning environment is provided to the learners.
Exploration and Practice on Class Field in Information Engineering
Authors: Zheng Kun , Zhou Jing , Yang Chang-Yong , Sun Guang-Min
Published: June 2016

A lack of student knowledge practice is a problem under the influence of the concept of traditional teaching and traditional classroom. And the proportion of knowledge inheritance is far more than that of knowledge innovation. To improve students innovative design ability, considering the existed problems, this article puts forward the thinking about building a new experimental teaching method of Information Engineering experiment. Based on “Class Field”, the method is designed to guide the innovative practice. The six step of the method is introduced to create the Class Field, including real time tracking and evaluation of process model, etc. The six years’ data in the process of new teaching has been analyzed, and the result reflects that the method is effective in improving the students’ innovation ability.
Study on the Web Courses Resources Recommendation System based on WP Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Hua , Zheng Shi-jue , Xu Hong
Published: June 2016

To solve the problem of low WEB course resources utilization rate and help users quickly find the high-quality course resources, a WEB course resources recommendation system based on WP algorithm was established. In this system, course resources were automatically classified using WP algorithm, and a course quality evaluation model based on user implicit evaluation was also set up. The experimental results showed that the method had a very good classification effect, and it could effectively narrow the scope of the resources searched by users and improve resource search quality.
Research on Web-based Autonomous English Learning of Engineering Students
Authors: Yao Shuping
Published: June 2016

With the development of computer and internet technology, web-based autonomous learning is increasingly becoming an essential element in the learning process for college students. Web-based autonomous learning, based on humanism and constructivism, has combined autonomous learning and internet technology, and opened up a new path to college English learning. Mastering English is even more important for engineering students whose native language is not English, as many engineering graduates encounter difficulties in their English-related work. Most scientific papers or journals globally are written in English. Most engineering graphs are also marked in English. To prepare engineering students for their future careers and life-long study, research is conducted in this paper to investigate the current situation of web-based autonomous English learning of engineering students in particular and current problems in their process of learning. Based on research findings, possible solutions and suggestions are proposed to solve the problems and improve students’ autonomy in English learning.
Visualizing the Evolution of Mobile Learning Research
Authors: Özçınar Hüseyin
Published: June 2016

The aim of this research is to investigate the scope and change of mlearning literature taking stand from the author co-citation patterns revealed in the publications between the years 2002 and 2015 in mlearning field. This study uses the author co-citation analysis, a kind of bibliometrics, and PFNET analysis to obtain the intellectual structure of mlearning field. In this study, it was found that the mlearning research focus on design and effectiveness of mlearning environments, developing a pedagogic framework for mlearning, adoption and proliferation of mlearning assisted language learning, collaborative mlearning and augmented reality. Assessing the results of factor analysis together with the PFNET graphics, it can be said that these subfields are the fundamental orientations of the field and the main themes of the field will be these subjects in following periods as well.
Mobile-Assisted Language Learning
Authors: Nielson Katharine B.
Published: June 2016

This chapter outlines practical findings from the emerging body of research on Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL). After briefly situating the conversation within a framework of how best to use technology for language instruction, the chapter opens with a review of what we know about how to use mobile technology for language learning. Then, the discussion turns to how to best apply these findings in various instructional contexts, including K–12, higher education, and workplace training. By the end of the chapter, students will have both a solid understanding of how mobile technology can facilitate second language learning as well as concrete examples of how to develop and execute a mobile language learning strategy in various educational contexts.
The Commuter's Learning Journey
Authors: Mentor Dominic
Published: June 2016

This chapter covers a five-year research project using field observations to document mobile use in different contexts. The critical incident technique is used to interrogate the observation notes, discussions, interviews and reflections. The value of the field observations is important for planning mobile learning initiatives. The observed adults' Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) are interrogated for evidence of learning in the absence of formal assessments in either a formative or summative manner. The time frame and chapter will reveal patterns and behavioral changes which could inform future mobile learning and adoption of mobile technology for education.
Oral and Aural Communication Interconnection
Authors: Politis Dionysios , Tsalighopoulos Miltiadis
Published: June 2016

Speech science is a key player for music technology since vocalization plays a predominant role in today's musicality. Physiology, anatomy, psychology, linguistics, physics and computer science provide tools and methodologies to decipher how motor control can sustain such a wide spectrum of phonological activity. On the other hand, aural communication provides a steady mechanism that not only processes musical signals, but also provides an acoustic feedback that coordinates the complex activity of tuned articulation; it also couples music perception with neurophysiology and psychology, providing apart from language-related understanding, better music experience.
Diagnosis and Evaluation of Hearing Loss
Authors: Stavrakas Marios , Kyriafinis Georgios , Tsalighopoulos Miltiadis
Published: June 2016

Hearing disorders are quite common in our days, not only due to congenital causes, environmental factors abut also due to the increased rate of diagnosis. Hearing loss is one of the commonest reasons to visit an ENT Department both in the clinic and in the acute setting. Approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing. One in eight people in the United States (13 percent, or 30 million) aged 12 years or older has hearing loss in both ears, based on standard hearing examinations. About 2 percent of adults aged 45 to 54 have disabling hearing loss. The rate increases to 8.5 percent for adults aged 55 to 64. Nearly 25 percent of those aged 65 to 74 and 50 percent of those who are 75 and older have disabling hearing loss. These figures depict the impact on patients' quality of life and the necessity for early and accurate diagnosis and treatment. It is important to mention that congenital hearing loss and deafness is also a condition that requires early diagnosis and hearing aiding in order to develop normal speech. Profound, early-onset deafness is present in 4–11 per 10,000 children, and is attributable to genetic causes in at least 50% of cases.
Cochlear Implant Programming through the Internet
Authors: Kyriafinis Georgios , Chriskos Panteleimon
Published: June 2016

The ordinary user of cochlear implants is subject to post-surgical treatment that calibrates and adapts via mapping functions the acoustic characteristics of the recipient's hearing. As the number of cochlear implant users reaches indeed large numbers and their dispersion over vast geographic areas seems to be a new trend with impressive expansion, the need for doctors and audiologists to remotely program the cochlear implants of their patients comes as first priority, facilitating users in their programmed professional or personal activities. As a result, activities that need special care, like playing sport, swimming, or recreation can be performed remotely, disburdening the recipient from traveling to the nearest specialized programming center. However, is remote programming safeguarded from hazards?
Music in Colors
Authors: Margounakis Dimitrios , Politis Dionysios , Mokos Konstantinos
Published: June 2016

The evolutional course of music through centuries has shown an incremental use of chromatic variations by composers and performers for melodies' and music sounds' enrichment. This chapter presents an integrated model, which contributes to the calculation of musical chromaticism. The model takes into account both horizontal (melody) and vertical chromaticism (harmony). The proposed qualitative and quantitative measures deal with music attributes that relate to the audience's chromatic perception. They namely are: the musical scale, the melodic progress, the chromatic intervals, the rapidity of melody, the direction of melody, music loudness, and harmonic relations. This theoretical framework can lead to semantic music visualizations that reveal music parts of emotional tension.
Interactive Technologies and Audiovisual Programming for the Performing Arts
Authors: Markaki Eirini , Kokkalidis Ilias
Published: June 2016

While many scientific fields loosely rely on coarse depiction of findings and clues, other disciplines demand exact appreciation, consideration and acknowledgement for an accurate diagnosis of scientific data. But what happens if the examined data have a depth of focus and a degree of perplexity that is beyond our analyzed scope? Such is the case of performing arts, where humans demonstrate a surplus in creative potential, intermingled with computer supported technologies that provide the substrate for advanced programming for audiovisual effects. However, human metrics diverge from computer measurements, and therefore a space of convergence needs to be established analogous to the expressive capacity of musical inventiveness in terms of rhythm, spatial movement and dancing, advanced expression of emotion through harmony and beauty of the accompanying audiovisual form. In this chapter, the new era of audiovisual effects programming will be demonstrated that leverage massive participation and emotional reaction.
A Cloudy Celestial Jukebox
Authors: Pina Pedro
Published: June 2016

Cloud computing offers internet users the fulfillment of the dream of a Celestial Jukebox providing music, films or digital books anywhere and when they want. However, some activities done in the Cloud, especially file-sharing, may infringe copyright law's exclusive rights, like the right of reproduction or the making available right. The purposes of the present chapter are to briefly examine how digital technology like p2p systems or Cloud computing potentiate new distribution models, how they allow unauthorized uses of copyright protected works and to point out solutions to reconcile the interests of rightholders and consumers so that the benefits from digital technology can be enjoyed by all the stakeholders in a legal and balanced way.
HBCU Writing Centers Claiming an Identity in the Academy
Authors: Ford Dwedor Morais
Published: June 2016

Due to the dearth of literature regarding HBCU writing centers a team of writing center professionals at a North Carolina started “The Conversation” to claim an identity and to secure a place for HBCU writing centers in the larger institutional context. The team invited the writing center staff of the other 10 North Carolina HBCUs to join in the effort. Within a few months, “The Conversation” evolved into the North Carolina HBCU Writing Center Consortium.In this chapter, the author shares the history and future of the organization.
Mentoring Graduate Students at HBCUs
Authors: Robinson Sean
Published: June 2016

Several scholars contend that the reason for success of African-American graduate and professional students at HBCUs is that the students receive better support than they do at PWIs. Thompson (2009) describes the HBCU environments as an “academically rigorous and socially conscious environment that challenges in shape students intellectual as well as the social, political and spiritual lives” (p. 30). But a thorough examination of the essential support structures for African-American graduate students is generally lacking in the empirical literature. The purpose of this chapter, therefore, is to discuss the role of a mentoring, a particular type of support structure that has been shown to impact engagement, retention, and completion for graduate students. Given the limited research around mentoring for African-American students, including graduate students, we seek to highlight the impact that this particular type of relationship has for graduate students attending HBCUs.
Taking Advantage of a Changing Market
Authors: Wallace Bryan Kent , Davidson Adenike Marie
Published: June 2016

HBCUs can utilize new technology with the purpose of appealing to the growing market of nontraditional students. This chapter also expounds on the concept that simply introducing technology does not necessarily translate into higher student achievement. Improper implementation of technology can result in a lowering of academic productivity. HBCUs must invest heavily in development for its faculty and staff in best practices in online instruction such that their students can have the most rewarding academic experience possible. University administration must engage in their own leadership and technology development such that they can instill the necessary level of buy-in from all levels of University personnel to ensure the highest possibility of success in attracting, educating, and graduating the growing numbers nontraditional students. This chapter's significance to student engagement and retention is that HBCU's must explore ways of attracting students of the technology age, while providing them with challenging curricula that are conducive to the nontraditional student's life style.
An Integrated Approach for Sustainable Environmental and Socio-Economic Development Using Offshore Infrastructure
Authors: Koundouri Phoebe , Giannouli Amerissa , Souliotis Ioannis
Published: June 2016

Seas and oceans offer a vast renewable energy resource and production possibilities with great potential for innovation and growth. Multi-purpose offshore platforms are ocean energy and aquaculture synergies developed in order to achieve efficient use of marine space. Regarding the construction and operation of such infrastructures, environmental and socio-economic benefits should be taken into account. This chapter uses the Ecosystem Services approach and the total economic framework for evaluating different designs of multi-purpose offshore platforms and a participatory approach to ensure their public acceptability.
Green Growth in Mexico, Brazil, and Chile
Authors: Martinez-Zarzoso Inmaculada , Grunewald Nicole
Published: June 2016

This research focuses on identifying the main policy strategies that could potentially contribute to the advance of three Latin American economies, namely Brazil, Chile and Mexico towards a green growth model that is social and inclusive, given the actual patterns of development of those economies. With this aim, we first identify and describe past and current policies in each country in terms of economic, social and environmental indicators. A detailed analysis follows for Brazil, Chile and Mexico, in which we propose a series of green growth indicators and choose a definition and classification of green growth sectors. We estimate an empirical model to explain the determinants of greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation in Latin American countries. We broadly identify the sectors that contribute to its increase and describe the main green policies applied in each country. In turn we identify the sectors with higher potential for the future. Finally, we present policy recommendations and reflections for the future.
Conditions for Development of Renewable Energy in Poland
Authors: Osiecka-Brzeska Katarzyna
Published: June 2016

The Paper examines legal and financial tools which are used in Poland to succor the development of energy from renewable resources. In the first part a definition of sustainable development is given and the short history of this idea is shown. Then the concept of Sustainable energy is introduced. The second part describes main policies of European Union on sustainable policy and the Polish Legal System on Renewable Energy is described. The fifth part of the paper analyzes the sustainable development indicators provided by Eurostat for the energy produced from renewable resources. there are 6 indicators analyzed. In the end the forecasts for the development of RES in Poland is given. There are clues for development of different technologies in different provinces of Poland. There are also forecasts for the development of the renewable energy market in Poland.
Institutional Perspective on the Drivers of Green Innovations in Firms
Authors: Kittilaksanawong Wiboon
Published: June 2016

In recent years, firms have increasingly engaged in green innovations in response to mounting pressures on environmental protection. Regulative and normative institutions are the main drivers of this response, while its strength is contingent upon a firm's deficiency gap and resource profile. The entry into this emergent industry of diversifying incumbents is usually determined by regulative and economic opportunity while the entry of entrepreneurial start-ups is more influenced by the sociocultural environment. Under the industry deregulation, most incumbents tend to become more focused on their core competencies developed during the regulated period unless they have prior experience in green innovations. Corporate governance plays an important role in implementing green innovations because these environmental initiatives go beyond compliance and require substantial long-term resource commitment that has significant strategic implications.
Building Sustainable Enterprises through Innovations in Bulgaria
Authors: Dobreva Julia
Published: June 2016

This chapter aims to focus on the role of innovations for achieving sustainable development of Bulgarian enterprises. Following an analysis of the Bulgarian economy, the chapter explores a model for transforming businesses towards sustainability through innovations in production processes. The socioeconomic and environmental implications are considered in terms of defining the major outcomes of implementing sustainable business practices in Bulgaria. A comparison is made with the sustainable development levels in some EU countries to serve as a basis for identifying and further elaborating the main political and economic targets for Bulgaria.
Sustainability, Risk, and Business Intelligence in Supply Chains
Authors: Kara Merve Er , Fırat Seniye Ümit Oktay
Published: June 2016

Sustainable Supply Chain Management has become one of the most important managerial trends nowadays. Companies can optimize their supply chains by integrating risk management and sustainability programs. This chapter explains sustainability and risk management concepts in supply chains and discusses the relationship between these two issues in a multidirectional way. Business Intelligence tools are addressed in terms of their role and importance in supporting the management of supply chains, their risks and sustainability. The aim of the chapter is to provide a background to better understand the link between supply chain risk management, sustainability and business intelligence.
An Investigation on Fair Trade Business
Authors: Zhang Kaifeng , Liu Zheng
Published: June 2016

In the past 20 years, Fair Trade appears as an approach of trading encouraging minimal returns, safety, sustainability and ethics. There are some good practices of Fair Trade supply chain management in the western companies such as the Body Shop; however, the development of Fair Trade business is still a new concept in developing countries such as China. This proposed chapter will start with an introduction of Fair Trade, and then analyze successful cases in the western countries. There will be initial investigation into Fair Trade supply chain management in China, with a focus on its opportunities and challenges. Discussion will be made to address the critical issues of Fair Trade management, followed by a summary of the chapter.
Strategic Approaches to CO2 Emissions
Authors: Arjaliès Diane-Laure , Goubet Cécile , Ponssard Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2016

The ability of companies to turn an environmental constraint into a source of strategic opportunities is a controversial topic in published research. The article, which is based on a comparative study of the CO2 emission reduction strategies implemented by the cement and chemical industries, shows that companies' freedom to adopt a proactive approach to sustainable development is severely constrained by the characteristic features of the sector, in terms of its dependence on natural resources, of flexibility in the composition of the business portfolio, and of the structure of the downstream sector.
U.S. Public Support to Climate Change Initiatives?
Authors: Schmeida Mary , McNeal Ramona Sue
Published: June 2016

The Obama Administration Climate Action Plan is enforcing goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions below 2005 levels by 2020, regulating both stationary and mobile sources of pollution. As energy-related carbon dioxide emissions account for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions, the plan proposed carbon pollution standards for both new and existing plants. Impacts related to upgraded regulations have been projected as both favorable and not, with public and political opinions showing support among some groups and among other interests a concern. The purpose of this chapter is to analyze factors predicting which groups are supportive and non-supportive on setting stricter carbon dioxide emission limits on coal-fired electricity generating power plants. This topic is explored using multivariate regression analysis and individual level data. Findings suggest that comprehension of the policy area and individual financial situation are the most important factors in predicting support for stricter emission limits.
Teacher Conceptions and Approaches to Blended Learning Environments
Authors: Caravias Vicki
Published: June 2016

This chapter provides Australian perspectives on blended learning. An overview of the ways in which the concept of blended learning is interpreted in the Australian higher education is presented. This is followed by a discussion of the results of research carried out at one Australian University about teachers' conceptions on blended learning and their approaches to design and teaching in higher education. On the basis of twelve interviews with teachers, some important factors are analyzed pertaining to pedagogical, technological, interface, evaluation dimensions as well as resource support, management, ethical and institutional. Research results indicate that teachers consider their subject's learning objectives and apply the technologies and approaches that will work best for their students following the eight dimensions of blended learning environments.
Evaluation of Mobile Learning with The Eight-Dimensional E-Learning Framework
Authors: Kurt Özlem Efiloğlu , Şimşek Esra İşgör
Published: June 2016

Mobile learning has been a very popular topic in recent years as a result of the accelerating use of mobile devices. This learning type that offers education for everyone without any space and time limitation opens the doors for life-long learning. Even though mobile learning, which is employed to support the traditional education and ensure distant education, seems to have many advantages, it also possesses some disadvantages. Therefore, evaluating mobile learning in various dimensions will contribute to the literature through revealing the antecedents of these advantages and disadvantages. In this chapter, Khan's (2005) eight-dimensional e-learning framework is explained with its dimensions and adapted into mobile learning context. Subsequently, Coursera case which is among the MOOCs that are commonly used nowadays as a mobile interface is evaluated with reference to the framework.
To MOOC or Not to MOOC, That Is the Problem
Authors: Gamage Dilrukshi , Fernando Shantha , Perera Indika
Published: June 2016

MOOCs are found to be next disruption for online education. It provides many avenues to students to who could not be access to world class education. xMOOCs have been experiencing by students since 2012 and courses keep adding every day in many MOOC platforms. However, it was found that not all the courses in MOOC platforms provide student satisfactions and quality. In other words, effectiveness of the courses in MOOCs varies significantly. Many MOOCs fail to meet the user goals. This concerns the MOOC consumers that there is no quality standard followed by the MOOC producers. In this chapter, authors evaluate 20 courses in MOOC platforms by actively participating and experiencing the behaviors. Evaluation is processed using 8 dimensional eLearning framework to explore the quality and readiness on the technology for future. Results expressed that MOOCs need thorough attention in designing so that it meets user goals and be effective to continue keeping the users interest.
Semantic Modelling for E-Learning Coordination
Authors: Elçi Atilla , Ertuğrul Duygu Çelik , Elçi Alev
Published: June 2016

This chapter reports a metadata model for e-learning coordination based on content semantics grounded on Semantic Web concepts. To start with, e-learning models are surveyed identifying process content, such as phases, activities, data schema, rules and relations, so on, as relevant for a coordination model. The study looks into the mechanism of e-learning environment and how e-learning processes can be classified for purposes of activity coordination. A metadata model for coordination of e-learning is being sought as expressed in Semantic Web concepts and transcribed using the related languages like OWL, RDF, SPARQL and others. A learner centric proposal is advanced which augments the IEEE Learning Technology Standards Committee's industry leader Learning Technology System Architecture. Examples are worked out and future research directions are identified. This is a continuing research project on application of Semantic Web initiative in e-learning; i.e., design and development of markup and annotation tools, relevant ontologies and intelligent agents in meeting learner needs.
Exploiting 3D Medical Equipment Simulations to Support Biomedical Engineering Academic Courses
Authors: Damianakis Adam , Kallonis Pavlos , Loudos George , Tsatsos Dimitris , Tsoukalis Antonios
Published: June 2016

Biomedical Imaging is a rapidly evolving area, where new versions of advanced medical equipment/new methodologies based on complex physical phenomena are developed. The cost for the effective training of both academic students/company employees in real training environments is high and in many cases impossible. Most of the times, it is not possible to effectively transfer knowledge due to the limitations of these environments, which has a strong effect both on the theoretical understanding and the practical skills of students. On the other hand, the exploitation of 3D simulations enables for better knowledge acquisition by learners, although not efficiently explored yet. Several studies support that this can be achieved by maximizing the interaction with simulations. To this end, interactive 3D Medical Equipment Simulations have been developed, by exploiting open source software and delivering them through the Web and eLearning Environments. The proposed chapter aims to present the need for such Environments, the development tools, challenges, solutions and possible applications.
Creativity
Authors: Wagner Carol , Schlough Danielle E.
Published: June 2016

The chapter examines the relationship between creativity and human development from birth to eighteen years of age. The chapter begins by describing several fundamental developmental theories, including Sigmund Freud's psychosexual stages of development, Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, Urie Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems theory, and Jean Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development. Lev Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development Theory is also explored. The use of creativity in these theories and the relationship between these theories and creativity is also explored. After these theories are discussed, the importance of creativity will be highlighted by examining how creativity is developed, impacts cognitive, and social-emotional development in childhood. Creativity development is linked to pretend play, and it is important for parents to help nurture their child in an appropriate manner. Finally, this chapter explores how stimulating a child's divergent thinking in early life will have a host of benefits in later life.
Train Yourself to Let Go
Authors: Kleinmintz Oded M.
Published: June 2016

The current chapter explores the benefits of artistic practice, placing an emphasis on its creative benefits. A revised cognitive twofold model of creativity—based on idea generation and idea evaluation—as well as a proposed underpinning neural system are used to shed light on the cognitive and neural processes that occur during artistic training. The process of becoming a professional artist requires an individual to reach a high level of expertise while maintaining an expected degree of creativity. Achieving a high level of expertise requires practice. Practice can lead to automatization—a behavior which, upon superficial analysis, appears to conflict with creativity. However, it is proposed that through deliberate practice of improvisation specifically, one trains oneself to “let-go”, reducing the stringent evaluation of ideas. Deliberate practice in improvisation (reducing inhibition) is shown to have domain-general effects such as increased creativity scores, and changing neural functioning, also in non-artistic domains.
Creativity in the Schools
Authors: Fasko Daniel
Published: June 2016

J.P. Guilford in 1950 inquired as to why American schools were not producing more creative people. However, this is not just an American issue. There is increasing interest and work in this area internationally. In fact, Craft (2005) pointed out that policy makers, educators and researchers globally see the teaching of creativity is important in education. This chapter presents a review of past and current research and practice here and abroad on developing creative thinkers in our schools from the primary through secondary grades. Relationships will be described between creativity and learning, motivation, personality, insight, metacognition, and academic achievement. Techniques for developing creative thinking will be emphasized and elucidated. Study of the development of creative thinking in our schools is important because it will help educators determine how to improve P-12 students' skills and dispositions to become the innovators and entrepreneurs of the future. The chapter will end with a discussion of implications for future research and practice.
A Living Case Study
Authors: Pierce Janine M. , Velliaris Donna M. , Edwards Jane
Published: June 2016

Living Case Studies (LCSs) in the discipline of business provide a bridge from knowledge acquisition to knowledge practice in a real world context. They offer the facilitator a knowledge to application methodology and the student a learning by doing experience, which are oftentimes lacking in business courses. The Eynesbury Institute of Business and Technology (EIBT) offers a Diploma of Business leading to either the University of Adelaide or University of South Australia's degree programs in business-related fields. From 2010-2013, EIBT introduced a simulated LCS in its Diploma of Business program to extend collaborative methods and understanding of how different business courses can work together to achieve heightened student engagement. This chapter provides an overview of the journey from planning to implementation, approaches adapted in different courses, reflections on what was learned, and future recommendations if the LCS were to be re-implemented at EIBT.
Creativity and the Arts
Authors: Tietze Richard L.
Published: June 2016

The chapter explores creativity from a psychological viewpoint, as spontaneous and reflective activities in several self-defining human efforts, such as telling stories and forming an identity. New discoveries from neuroscience and creative arts therapies combine to understand creativity as a range of normative human functioning, which blends with professional creative discovery in the arts at the higher extremes of this range. The chapter focuses on visual art and music, followed by a normative application of creativity as utilized in creative arts therapies. Finally, the chapter concludes by introducing normative creative tools to incorporate into everyday life.
ICT in the Indian Classroom
Authors: Nair Geeta , Hindle Robert
Published: June 2016

The present research paper discusses the pivotal role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education which is gaining currency in the new era of globalism as the telecom revolution has hastened the pace of globalization and vice-versa; along with the catalyst role ICT-enabled education plays in promoting inclusive growth and human development for all. These smart tools of the emerging smart economy would help to promote mass literacy and also narrow inter, as well as intra-generational gaps. Most importantly, it will provide ‘second opportunities' to the generation that missed them in the first place, thus helping adult learners, particularly the employed and women; thus attempting to reduce gender inequities; particularly in South Asia and the Indian sub-continent. The case study of the famous open University, namely Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in India is being studies as a case of sustainable development and inclusive growth as it ‘reaches the unreached' and untouched and marginalized segments of society.
ICT as an Engine for Community Participation
Authors: Semujju Brian
Published: June 2016

This chapter discusses two issues prevalent in community media: Information communication technology (ICT) and Community participation. While several studies have explored community media and ICT in Uganda (Nassanga, 2003, 2009a, 2009b), the view that ICT has changed the way media operate to an extent of reversing the agenda-setting role to the listeners (McQuail, 2006, pp. 38-39; Straubhaar & Larose 2002, p. 386) needed investigation. Using Kagadi-Kibale Community radio (KKCR), the chapter shows how ICT is spreading in one Ugandan region and the relationship that technology has with participation in community media activities. Findings show that there is need to redefine the relationship between ICT and geographically defined community media as usage of ICT is dependent on forces that still require decades to harmonize. The chapter therefore suggests that an alternative to community media, herein called Basic Media, is best suited to match the communication patterns of a developing world.
Managing Seven Dimensions of ICT4D Projects to Address Project Challenges
Authors: Potnis Devendra
Published: June 2016

A large number of ICT for development (ICT4D) projects experience a variety of challenges, especially when conducting field research with disadvantaged communities in developing nations. Using cluster analysis, this chapter identifies the six most common factors associated with a majority of ICT4D project challenges, and depicts the inter-relationship between these factors and over 100 distinct challenges reported by existing literature. In addition, based on the secondary analysis of 380 research artifacts in the ICT4D literature, this chapter proposes ways to manage the scope, time, costs, quality, human resources, communication, and risks for addressing ICT4D project challenges. Findings inform researchers of best practices for conducting ICT4D research with disadvantaged communities in developing nations.
The Absence of One-Size-Fits-All in the Day Labour Organisations ICT4D Designs
Authors: Chepken Christopher
Published: June 2016

This chapter covers design experiences gained by working with two Non-Governmental organizations and one day-labour organization for the informal job seekers and employers—day-labour market (DLM). The three design architectures implemented for the DLM organizations are presented. On critically discussing the designs, it is found that even when users are portrayed as similar in the way they work and the things they do, their Information Management Systems (IMS) functional software requirements remain contextual up to the details. The synthesis of the designs shows that there is need to focus on the different functional information needs, including the ones that may seem insignificant even where non-functional requirements may be the same for seemingly similar users. From this argument, it is important that information systems designers, especially for Day labour market organizations, should go deeper into their users and beyond the “about us” information to understand the unique features and requirements of each user group. In conclusion, designers should not assume that seemingly similar organizations/users can be approached from the “one size fits all” IMS perspective.
Management of Risks in Export Networks
Authors: Hietajärvi Anna-Maija , Karvonen Iris
Published: June 2016

The globalized economy is increasingly affecting small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). As markets and growth are moving outside Europe, SMEs need to find new global customers and build their market entries through export networks to remote locations which often have different cultures, regulations and practices. This paper discusses the risks and challenges related to this transformation, based on observations from Finnish SMEs. Previous research on risk management in the context of export networks and collaborative networked organizations is utilized in the work. Using information collected from Finnish SMEs, the paper analyses the risk factors and risk management methods in export networks. The role of collaboration is discussed, both as a source of risk and as a measure to decrease the risks. Based on the analysis, companies appear to value the risk management methods including collaborative actions with partners, but the use of these methods in practice is low.
Authenticity in Online Religion
Authors: Tan Meng Yoe
Published: June 2016

In this article, the subject of online religion and how it can be researched is discussed. The dynamics of religious experience, authority, communication and more is subject of much discussion both in academia and religious discourses primarily because of the seemingly immaterial realm that is cyberspace. This article examines unique aspects of the nature of online religion and pays particular attention to the fluidity of online/offline relations and the subject of “authenticity” in the realm of online religion. Following from that is the discussion of how actor-network theory (ANT), first developed by Bruno Latour, can be deployed as a useful methodological approach to researching online religion, and to navigate potentially deterministic and oppositional discourses of online/offline relations.
The Effects of Self-Awareness and Self-Reflective Writing on Online Task Performance
Authors: Yilmaz Gamze , LeFebvre Leah
Published: June 2016

This study examined self-awareness and self-reflective writing effects on performance in an online task environment. Participants (N = 98) were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: self-awareness (private vs. public) and self-reflection (reflection vs. no-reflection). They were instructed to complete two successive online survival tasks that required analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Findings demonstrated that participants in the private self-awareness condition performed better after writing a self-reflection than the no self-reflection condition. However, participants in the public self-awareness condition performed worse in the second task upon completion of their self-reflection compared with those that did not write a self-reflection. Additionally, a post-hoc linguistic analysis of the self-reflections illustrated that high-performers discussed their task completion using more cognitively complex language compared to low-performers.
Harnessing the Chaotic
Authors: Corbett Jon M. , Brennan Samantha , Whitely Aidan
Published: June 2016

Communities in the Okanagan Valley, Canada are increasingly under threat from forest fires due to climate change and expanding urban development into fire interface zones. The effects of forest fires are not always quantifiable ‘hard' impacts. The fluid and chaotic ‘soft' impacts can have a profound effect on the collective consciousness of the people living close to the fires. To make sense of these impacts and understand where and when these forest fires have taken place, the authors have developed and implemented a Geoweb tool to support citizen-to-citizen dialogue and tell the stories of these impacts. This article will explore the interlinked ‘chaos' that exists between forest fires, GIS and volunteered geographic information, using a Geoweb focused case study from the Okanagan Valley, and argue that the Geoweb offers an unprecedented opportunity for citizen-citizen interaction and combines many types of dissimilar and unstructured data into a unified whole.
Civic Crafting in Urban Planning Public Consultation
Authors: Mather Lisa Ward , Robinson Pamela
Published: June 2016

Minecraft is a popular video game that allows players to interact with a 3D environment. Users report that it is easy to learn and understand, is engaging and immersive, and is adaptable. Outside North America it has been piloted for urban planning public consultation processes. However, this game has not yet been studied to determine how and whether it could be used for this purpose. Using key informant interviews, this study asked practicing urban planners to assess Minecraft's potential. Key findings address Minecraft's usefulness as a visualization tool, its role in building public trust in local planning processes, the place of play in planning, and the challenges associated with its use in public consultation. The paper concludes with reflections as to how this game could effectively be used for public consultation, and offers key lessons for urban planners whose practice intersects with our digitally-enabled world.