bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Progress in Digital Library Education
Authors: Ma Yongqing , Clegg Warwick , O’Brien Ann
Published: May 2011

In this entry, we review the history, development and current status of digital library (DL) courses and programmes now being offered, mainly by universities/institutions with accredited programmes or courses by CILIP (the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals) and ALA (American Library Association), and review the latest thinking and potential curriculum developments on the topic of how best to educate and train digital librarians. Trends in digital library education (DLE) are presented including: Data from four major and earlier studies relating to DLE, Main survey date: institutions offering DL programmes /courses as at the end of October 2006, Recent developments of DL curriculum (potential standard models) as at the end of June 2007.
Behavior Analysis and ICT Education
Authors: Emurian Henry H.
Published: May 2011

Acquiring skill in computer programming is acknowledged to be valuable for information science students (Forgionne, 1991). Educators in the discipline, however, recognize that students may sometimes select management information systems (MIS) and related academic majors to avoid the programming demands of a computer science curriculum (Gill & Holton, 2006). Although object-oriented software methodologies are included in undergraduate curriculum recommendations for information systems programs (e.g., IS 2002, presented in Gorgone et al., 2002) and information technology programs (e.g., IT 2005, presented in SIGITE, 2005), the complexity and instability of object-oriented languages such as Java1 pose additional burdens on both students and educators alike (Roberts, 2004). Moreover, the diversity challenges of a typical freshman class in computer programming are highlighted by Koen (2005): “Freshman are very diverse with respect to their entering computer skills—some are state computer champions, while others have never touched a computer before” (p. 599). Realizing these challenges and given a course in Java that is intended to be taken by information systems majors, what instructional approach should the teacher adopt to maximize student learning?
Cognitive Theories that Guide Online Course Design
Authors: Cicciarelli Mary Sue
Published: May 2011

Cognitivism comes from one of three schools of psychology in which theories are categorized. The other two schools are the schools of behaviorism and humanism. It is believed that one school of theory is not better than the other, and individuals are encouraged to apply the theory that is the most appropriate for the student. Theories from the school of cognitivism guide students to process information in ways that are meaningful to the student. One of the most important goals of cognitive theories is for students to become independent learners. Struggling learners are guided through the learning process with learning strategies, and the lessons are based on declarative and procedural learning tasks in authentic learning environments (Grabinger, 2004; Tomei, 2007).
Combating Computer Fraud
Authors: Brown Steve
Published: May 2011

Money is to be made with computer fraud. While this statement seems to be shocking, it is nonetheless a very real indication of the seriousness of the nature. As we are becoming more dependent on technology for our information and convenience, and the lack of process being made in stopping computer fraud, we are increasing the risk we place on ourselves. Computer fraud is often perpetuated by computer professionals who have an understanding of information technology. They have an advantage over the normal computer user, and due to the anonymous nature of the Internet, it is often difficult to catch and try suspects (Lynch, 2003).
Computer Technologies in Logic Education
Authors: Kats Yefim
Published: May 2011

The recent truly revolutionary changes in information technology triggered the rapid proliferation of educational software supporting introductory as well as advanced college-level logic courses. At the same time, many commercial software packages represent a more or less explicit implementation of logic-based programming paradigm. For example, sequential query language (SQL), designed for such popular database management products as Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, and free- source MySQL, is based on logical query language called relational calculus. From this perspective, it seems not only desirable, but also imperative to introduce carefully selected industrial software packages into the standard Logic and Critical Thinking courses, thus, explicitly linking logical theory with existing as well as emerging applications in information technology. Some of such applications would include database systems, data mining, logic programming, and Web ontologies, among others. Artificial intelligence is still another multidisciplinary area where logic plays an especially prominent role. In this paper, we intend to show how logic-based industrial software can be used in conjunction with specialized as well as broad-based logic courses.
Critical Literacy and Technology
Authors: Grace Marsha , Elwood Susan , Tierce Mary Beth
Published: May 2011

Imagine that you do not have access to your Blackberry, your cell phone, digital camera, laptop, or the World Wide Web. Imagine that this level of power and this level of language have all been denied to you. Finally, imagine that you are in a situation where information is filtered, withheld, distorted, or narrowed in the name of protecting your safety or even merely to control your thoughts and behaviors. Imagine those things; and you now have the intersection of critical literacy and technology.
Data Warehouse Software
Authors: Ouyang Huanyu , Wang John
Published: May 2011

A data warehouse (DW) is a complete intelligent data storage and information delivery or distribution solution enabling users to customize the flow of information through their organization (Inmon & Hackathorn, 2002). It provides all authorized members of users’ organization with flexible, secure, and rapid access to critical information and intelligent reporting. DW can extract information from sources anywhere in the world and then delivers intelligence anywhere in the world. It connects to any platform, database, data source, and it will also scale to businesses and applications of any size. As early as the 1970’s, data warehousing software (DWS) was recognized when the earliest systems were first developed. The database designs of operational systems were not effective enough for the information analysis and reporting (The Data Warehousing Information Center, 2006).
Desktop Publishing in Education
Authors: Wang Shuyan
Published: May 2011

As an effective visual communication tool, desktop publishing is used in every area such as general publications and graphics, multichapter documents, and publications with tabular materials such as technical and statistical publications (Chagnan, n.d.). General publications and advertising graphics like newsletters, magazines, brochures, small booklets, posters, and flyers are created and distributed every day. Classroom teachers in K-12 usually send flyers, newsletters, and/or posters to students and parents to announce classroom news, activities, field trip instructions, and the like. College and universities use brochures and flyers to recruit students and to advertise new courses. Additionally, more and more instructional materials are created with desktop publishing programs in classrooms.
Educational Geotrekking
Authors: Pelton Tim , Pelton Leslee Francis
Published: May 2011

Geocaching is a civilized treasure-hunting activity enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people all over the world. Geotrekking takes geocaching to the next level. It expands the educational potential of geocaching by combining this enjoyable physical and mental activity with the purposeful examination of multiple geocaches (traditional, virtual, or online through Google Earth ™) designed and/or collected to provide clues, resources, and scaffolding to support learners as they work on a larger problem-based learning (PBL) challenge or set of challenges. It is expected that engaging students with this type of authentic PBL activity will support improvements in student attitudes towards the related subjects along with increased engagement and learning (e.g., Baker & White, 2003).
Ergonomics
Authors: King Kathleen P.
Published: May 2011

With the many and vast advances of technology across generations and societies, the need to determine the best ways to align and use the human body in coordination with technology has increased accordingly. While occupational hazards and accidents date back to ancient times, and the Industrial Age resulted in accidents related to machinery, the human disabilities and debilities related to technology may emerge more subtly over time before they become acute.
Integration of Digital Primary Sources
Authors: Fry Michelle L. , Ensminger David C.
Published: May 2011

At the end of the twentieth century, the Library of Congress (LOC) began archival digitization of its holdings in order to share its rich collections with the public. The digitization process has made available, via the internet, over ten million items, many of which are primary source items (LOC, 2006, para. 5). These digital primary sources are defined by the LOC (2006) as “actual records that have survived from the past, like letters, photographs, articles of clothing and music. They are different from secondary sources, which are accounts of events written sometime after they happened” (para.4). As result of the digitization process, access to these primary sources is no longer limited to people physically present at the Library of Congress. Additionally, other libraries and organizations have begun to digitize and make their primary sources available to the public via the internet. We have listed the URLs of several of these organizations at the end of this article. The ease of accessibility through the internet creates an opportunity for teachers within K-12 settings to begin integrating these digital primary sources into the classroom. This article discusses the research on primary sources in the classroom, defines primary source-based instruction (PSBI), connects practices used in PSBI to higher order thinking skills, and offers examples of PSBI practices.
Multiple Intelligences
Authors: Yamamoto Junko
Published: May 2011

The multidimensional approach to education has existed for quite a long time. For instance, educators in the early and mid-19th Century, such as Edward Séguin (Montessori, 1965), already had ideas about physical and mental training. Froebel’s (1894) Mother-Play and Nursery Songs aimed toward the development of the whole child. Rich in songs with lyrics, the book contained activities designed to develop empathy in children through play with their mothers. Moreover, the book is full of beautiful illustrations and kinesthetic activities. Also, Thurstone (1938) designed intelligence testing method for measuring abstraction, verbal, spatial, numerical, numerical figure recognition, and other abilities.
Online Course Settings
Authors: Du Jianxia , Adams James
Published: May 2011

Over the past decade, distance education has changed the dynamics of the traditional learning environment. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the most commonly used technologies in distance education, besides print, are asynchronous computer-based instruction, two-way interactive video, and one-way prerecorded video. Although distance education meets the educational needs of some of its participants, frequently there are issues to be dealt with. For instance, although online courses offer a number of solutions to the inequality of the “digital divide,” a term used to describe the disparity in access to technology that exists across certain demographic groups. See Armstrong (2000) and Attewell (2001), as cited in Soker (2005) question whether online instruction contributes to the “inclusion” of nontraditional students or does it on the contrary cause “exclusion,” or create new barriers for these students. Of the growing number of nontraditional students that enroll in online courses, a severely overlooked but expanding population is comprised of African-American women. From this analysis, it is clearly shown that there are certain attitudes that African-American women have concerning online learning, that race and gender have an impact on the confidence of African-American women when compared to Caucasian students in online collaboration and discussions, and that there are certain group dynamics that African-American women prefer while participating in online discussions.
Pedagogical Agents in Online Learning
Authors: Carmody Kevin , Berge Zane
Published: May 2011

Lack of personalization and individualized attention are common issues facing distance education designers and instructors. This is a particularly important deficiency as research has shown that personalization can increase learning greatly in comparison to nonpersonalized, information to student, linear instruction (Clark & Mayer, 2003). Advocates of personalization cite cognitive learning theory as the basis for such an approach; when humans communicate with one another they are continuously processing information, either assimilating or disregarding data and forming an understanding of the information in context of the environment and of the person with whom they are interacting. This is a natural learning mechanism that cognitive learning theories state is the foundation for all deep and lasting instruction (Hein, 1991). Through an engagement of the natural learning mechanisms, or cognitive structures, an individual should be capable of learning efficiently and form a more thorough understanding of a topic. Personalization of text through the use of informal speech and the inclusion of virtual coaches known as pedagogical agents are used as personalizing devices. These are particularly relevant options in the design of nonmoderated e-learning, as personalization is meant to fill the void where the instructor once stood. There are exclusions however, as pedagogical agents have been used in “traditional” online classrooms as well. This article focuses on the use of pedagogical agents in e-learning that: -Provides information on pedagogical agents strengths and weaknesses -Provides research relevant to pedagogical agents instructional role -Provides examples of current use -Discusses possibilities of future implementation.
Plagiarism and the Classroom
Authors: Wright Vivian H.
Published: May 2011

Recent news reports ranging from national network broadcasts to traditional academic research journals have reported on the growth and ease of cheating in America’s classrooms. While teachers at all levels should become more knowledgeable on how to recognize plagiarized work, higher education can take a lead and educate future teachers, current teachers, and college faculty on plagiarism detection and prevention. In fact, some scholars challenge faculty to better understand plagiarism and how and when it occurs and further, to pass on that understanding to students through better constructed assignments which discourage plagiarism (Jeffes & Janosik, 2002; Kennedy, 2004).
Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning Environments
Authors: Frank Moti
Published: May 2011

This paper discusses the organizational and pedagogical aspects, benefits, and disadvantages of synchronous and asynchronous technologies as platforms for creating distance learning environments. By comparing the advantages and challenges of the two learning environments, teachers will be able to match the appropriate learning environment and its teaching strategy to their learning goals. These two learning environments involve distance learning. Distance education (or what is commonly termed “distance learning”) is a method of education in which the learner is physically distanced from both the teacher and the institution providing the instruction. Learning may be undertaken either individually or in groups. According to USDLA (2006), distance learning is: “The acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and instruction, encompassing all technologies and other forms of learning at a distance.”
Teaching and Learning with Personal Digital Assistants
Authors: Yuen Steve Chi-Yin , Yuen Patrivan K.
Published: May 2011

Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are small handheld devices initially designed for use as personal organizers. They can store documents, spreadsheets, calendar entries, games, databases, and lots of other resources normally associated with a laptop or desktop computer. PDAs are relatively inexpensive and highly portable and are designed to utilize small, low-bandwidth files and applications. They are able to perform limited PC tasks such as word processing and spreadsheet analysis and newer PDAs are capable of Web browsing and e-mail functions via wire or wireless connected to networks. Also, they can synchronize with desktop computers and laptops to download Web sites via channels and work off-line. Furthermore, PDAs offer infrared communication, allowing data to be transferred across short distances between devices without the need for networks. The latest developments offer wireless connection via mobile phone networks or Bluetooth, and many combine phone and PDA functions in one unit (Aclear.net, n.d.). This article will provide an overview of PDA technology including advantages and limitations and the use of PDAs in teaching and learning, as well as the future trends. This will help educators assess the use of PDAs in teaching and learning environments and determine how PDAs can be integrated into the curriculum.
Technology and the Standards-Based Mathematics Classroom
Authors: Rubeo Tara
Published: May 2011

In the current standards-driven academic environment, success is most often measured by student achievement on state and national assessments with the end goal of preparing our students to be able to communicate effectively and to be critical thinkers. Technology is not addressed in many state standards (including Pennsylvania’s), but as our society continues to develop and place more emphasis on the uses of technology, schools must learn how to incorporate technology into the classroom. Hundreds of software applications exist for use in the mathematics classroom. Many of these packages were developed with academic standards in mind, but several other applications exist that are useful in both academic and non-academic settings. Considerable research has been conducted examining not only the effectiveness of technology as an instructional tool but also regarding the various learning styles of our students. I feel that it is imperative for all educators to explore the possibilities presented through the use of technology because, if implemented properly, technology can be a powerful aid in not only meeting academic standards but also in helping to prepare students for the technical climate of the “real world”.
Webliography
Authors: Yang Harrison
Published: May 2011

Traditionally, a bibliography is regarded as a list of printed resources (books, articles, reports, etc.) on a given subject or topic for further study or reference purpose (Alred, Brusaw, & Oliu, 2006; Lamb, 2006). According to the Micropaedia (1990), the bibliography refers to “study and description of books.” It is either the listing of books according to some system (enumerative or descriptive bibliography) or the study of books as tangible objects (analytical or critical bibliography). The term webliography is commonly used when discussing online resources. Although there is no clear agreement among educators regarding the origin of this term, many tend to believe that the term webliography was coined by the libraries at Louisiana State University to describe their list of favorite Web sites. It is referred to as “Web bibliography.” Accordingly, a webliography is a list of resources that can be accessed on the World Wide Web, relating to a particular topic or can be referred to in a scholarly work. A variety of studies suggest that understanding and developing webliographies, which relate to locate, evaluate, organize, and use effectively the needed online resources, are essential for information literacy and technology integration.
Adoption and Success of E-HRM in European Firms
Authors: Galanaki Eleanna , Panayotopoulou Leda
Published: May 2011

Fairly recently numerous technological applications have emerged, claiming to cover nearly every “traditional” human resources management (HRM) activity; not only complementing it, but often even substituting it (Martin, Alexander, Reddington, & Pate, 2006). In order to meet the demands of today’s knowledge-based economy, companies must maximize the potential and productivity of their employees, a goal towards which HRM information systems in general and e-HRM in particular could help. Some of these applications even claim that they can achieve synergies that were not possible before, by integrating all the HRM functions under one software suite, and combining results and feedback from all their different applications. In this article, we study the adoption of e-HRM in Europe, looking at three mail elements: the extent of e-HRM deployment, the characteristics of the companies that adopt e-HRM, and the level of satisfaction from the system.
Business, Information Technology, and Human Resource Strategy Alignment
Authors: Staudinger Bettina , Ostermann Herwig , Staudinger Roland
Published: May 2011

Businesses are subject to a constant process of change irrespective of whether this change is intended or not. Along with incorporating basic strategic management ideas into overall business thinking in the 1980s, companies worldwide have tried to influence these change processes as well as determine their corresponding objectives and underlying decisions on a time-axis and have hence taken efforts to methodically anticipate organization evolution (Hamel & Prahalad, 1994; Porter, 1980). Depending on the size and industry of the company, this strategic approach to corporate management may be highly complex as the intended anticipation of the company’s future development demands considering periods of time instead of single dates and furthermore involves integrating variants, prospects and threats in order to increase the company’s capability of action (Chakravarthy, 1986; Kappler, 1995; Perrow, 1984; Steinmann & Schreyögg, 2000).
E-HRM in Competence Recognition and Management
Authors: Kesti Marko , Syväjärvi Antti , Stenvall Jari
Published: May 2011

The human resource management (HRM) can be structured according to different key perspectives (e.g., Stone, 2002). One viewpoint concerns the applications and information technology-based human resource information systems (HRIS) that can be seen as an additional solution to carry out the successful human resource management. The historical perspective of the current topic shows how organizations have had various management information systems and decision supportive systems. Both of these have direct links to human-computer interaction and human behavior (e.g., Zhang & Dillon, 2003). In management context, however, demand for successful HRM is challenging as human resources are led in specific situations (Hershey, Blanchard, & Johnson, 2000) and managed in changing organizational environments (Sashkin & Sashkin, 2003). Leadership studies have shown that management should be accompanied with the widerange of managerial options. Hence, as one element of e-governance, there is need for advanced electronic human resource management (e-HRM) systems that are acceptable and effective (rf. Stone, Stone-Romero, & Lukaszewski, 2006).
An E-HRM Perspective on Motivation
Authors: Chung Chen H.
Published: May 2011

Motivation deals with the understanding of what makes people work and the approaches to making people work (Donnelly, Gibson, & Ivancevich, 1992). The process of motivation can be described as a three-stage cycle. It starts with an unsatisfied need of an individual. Such an unsatisfied need would cause physical or psychological tension within the individual. In order to reduce the tension, the individual would engage in certain goal-directed behavior so as to satisfy the need. Once the goal is achieved and therefore the need is satisfied, the process of motivation is complete. However, a new (unsatisfied) need would usually arise. The process of motivation would then repeat. Certainly, there will be exceptions to the motivation process. For some employees, the unachieved goal and unsatisfied need would result in anxiety or stress, rather than motivation.
Exploring the Relation between the Use of HRIS and their Implementation in Spanish Firms
Authors: Fernández-Sánchez José Antonio , de Juana-Espinosa Susana , Valdés-Conca Jorge
Published: May 2011

An information system (IS) is “a set of people, procedures, and resources that collects, transforms, and disseminates information in an organization. A system that accepts data resources as input and processes them into information products as output” (O’Brien & Marakas, 2005). Likewise, the definition of human resource information Systems (henceforth HRIS) can be expressed as an IS that deals only with information related directly to the human resource management (HRM) area (Tannenbaum, 1990). Initially, computerized HRIS were only useful for administrative purposes. However, in the course of the last decade, that tendency has changed markedly and a strategic re-orientation of these applications is nowadays considered desirable and necessary for companies competing in today’s uncertain, complex and ever-developing environment. This phenomenon has turned HRIS into a major strategic means, capable of providing information about the actual capacity of the firm, its potential, and the potential of its competitors. This research paper aims to provide an in-depth analysis of HRIS usage as a tool for assisting in recruitment decisions. This was carried out in accordance with the empirical findings of a quantitative research on selection and recruitment processes in Spanish firms. This paper reports and evaluates the major results of this current study and discusses its theoretical and practical implications with a view to increasing the effectiveness of HRIS usage for its recruitment processes.
A Research Classification for HR Intranets
Authors: Guilloux Veronique , Kalika Michel , Laval Florence
Published: May 2011

The first book devoted to intranets was published in the United States in 1996. However, theorists and experts worked in the 80’s on the topic about the computerassisted learning. The first intranets in the companies appeared in the 90’s. Nowadays, intranets can be found in all kinds of functional departments. In this article we will analyze what is specific to the theme of HR and intranet. Then we will underline how Web-based technology permits new online HR services for employees and management. Therefore we will consider two main elements: we give a synthesis of academic publication on HR intranets and propose future work to better understand HR intranets.
Standards for Skill Training and Development
Authors: Yiu Lichia , Saner Raymond
Published: May 2011

Human capital is seen as one of the key factor conditions contributing to national competitiveness and economic performance (Porter, 2002). Productivity performance of OECD countries tends to correspond to the skill levels of the workforce in specific countries. Hence, governments increasingly view human capital formation, both quantity and quality of workforce, as one of the key levers in ensuring sustained productivity gains and standard of living. Skill development of the workforce requires major investments beyond formal schooling. It demands ongoing training investment in continued education and workplace training in order to help the workforce keep pace with technological innovations and continued adoption of new technology in the workplace. Private and public partnership in this context dictates both the government and private companies and organizations participate in the training effort. Investment in training requires effective and efficient methods, which in turn calls for sound and robust management tools and standards at the micro (firm) level to ensure continuity and sustained efforts. This article examines two training related standards, “Investors in People” (IIP) and ISO 10015, in order to identify similarities and differences of these two instruments.
Traditional Leadership in Light of E-HRMS
Authors: Wang Viktor
Published: May 2011

As organizational management in recent times has become more complex, adding the electronic effect to ameliorate human resource management is welcomed. The importance of making human resource management e-based is that time is saved, which may mean that expenses are cut, and an organization would stand to gain in terms of time and money. Does this mean traditional leadership and leadership styles become irrelevant because the everyday activities such as sign-ins, overtime calculations are automatically calculated? What we know about leadership and leadership styles has not changed in this context of e-leadership. The situations and circumstances, however, surrounding leadership and leadership styles have drastically changed in recent years. The business world has become more competitive and volatile, influenced by such factors as faster technology change, greater international competition, the deregulation of markets, overcapacity in capitalintensive industries, an unstable oil cartel, raiders with junk bonds, and the changing demographics of the work force (Kotter, 1998). Does this shift require further changes in leadership and leadership styles? Although the basic tenets of leadership and leadership styles remain the same regardless of the changes through the ages, our changing environment requires further examination of today’s leadership and leadership styles in light of e-human resource information system (HRIS).
Children with Special Needs as a Virtual Community
Authors: Adam Tas , Tatnall Arthur
Published: May 2011

The term learning disability (LD) refers to any retardation, disorder, or delayed development in one or more of the processes of speech, language, reading, writing, arithmetic, or other school subjects resulting from a psychological handicap caused by a possible cerebral dysfunction and/or emotional or behavioural disturbances (Adam & Tatnall, 2002). It is not the result of mental retardation, sensory deprivation, or cultural and instructional factors (Kirk, 1962). Specific learning disabilities is a chronic condition of presumed neurological origin that selectively interferes with the development, integration, and/or demonstration of verbal and/or nonverbal abilities. Specific learning disability exists as a distinct handicapping condition and varies in its manifestations and degree of severity (Adam & Tatnall, 2003). Throughout life, the condition can affect self-esteem, education, vocation, socialisation, and/or daily living activities (ACLD, 1986, p. 15). Two definitions of LD are well supported: a legislative definition from the United States found in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 1997) and the one proposed by the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities (NJCLD, 1994), a consortium of representatives from organizations interested in LD.
Collaborative Working in an ISP Environment
Authors: Rao Sathya , Mannie-Corbisier Eric , Siwik Leszek
Published: May 2011

The way of life has changed with the introduction of information and communication technologies (ICT) in every one’s day to day activities and the business. As ICT technologies are constantly evolving, many people attribute the success of enterprises to the ways they deploy and take advantage of new technologies, not only to make their operations more efficient but most importantly to refine and adopt new effective and adaptive business models. Since the advent of the Internet and the very first Internet service providers (ISP) in operation, the traditional ISP market has been in constant evolution due to the gradual globalisation and commoditisation of ISP services. Deregulation and ICT policies have fostered competition (e.g., unbundling of the local loop and so forth) as well. The Internet is as an important channel of interaction inside and/or outside enterprises. The essence of the Internet is conducting business and running of business processes over data communication networks based on nonproprietary standards (Porter, 2001). The World Wide Web as a portal represents a major electronic business (e-business) platform accessed through communication channels provisioned by network and service providers (such as ISDN, DSL, WLAN, UMTS, etc.). There are many challenging aspects of the e-Business that must be considered for a sustainable business of an ISP (Petrie et al., 2004).
Via Nova Academy
Authors: Thijssen J. P.T.
Published: May 2011

Currently there is much debate about the gap between business schools and the business world (Bennis & O’Toole, 2005; Gosling & Mintzberg, 2003; Huff, 2000; Pfeffer & Fong, 2002). One of the arguments is that business schools focus too much on “scientific” research and lack relevant business context and realworld experience. This problem of the detachment of the academic world from the business world forms the basis of the research efforts at the department of Information Management at the University of Amsterdam over the past 20 years.
A Virtual Laboratory of Mathematics Education
Authors: Palhares Pedro , Gomes Alexandra
Published: May 2011

Virtual laboratories are increasing for all areas of scientific domains. However, the concept of such laboratories can be extended to include educational activities. But the point is, how to do it? We have been involved in the development of a virtual laboratory on mathematics education for the past 15 months. Our institution is involved in the training of primary school teachers. On their final year, our students go to primary schools and teach there in some supervised classes. Our idea is to create an instrument that can be used with primary school children by our students, during the earlier-mentioned practice in schools. Therefore it has to be an instrument with features that include being appealing to children, easy to use, and helpful to novice primary school teachers.
Virtual Repository Development in Canada
Authors: Luppicini Rocci
Published: May 2011

The development of large-scale networked resource and virtual repository initiatives in Canada from 1995 to 2005 is interwoven with the availability of new communications technologies, the role of government sponsorship, and the commitment of various Canadian organizations to extend virtual resources development in Canada and internationally. This article provides an overview of key networked resource projects in Canada and addresses major challenges to developing large-scale networked resources in a vast and diverse country.
Virtuality Among Construction Management Services Companies
Authors: Alsakini Wafa , Kiiras Juhani , Huovinen Pekka
Published: May 2011

Changing market conditions and the fast development of information and communications technologies (ICT) have been the driving forces towards the virtualization of organizations (Franke, 2001). Today’s business environments are characterized as complex, uncertain, and interdependent. A virtual organization (VO) may be defined as “an entity that is capable of dealing with complexity and uncertainty through cooperation among members in a network that is managed like a single organization” (Saabeel et al., 2002). The goal is to create and nurture flexibility for meeting changing market conditions. In turn, this goal is attained by employing a core competence strategy (i.e., companies concentrate on what they do best), extending their value chains, and integrating many core competences of other stakeholders. The acquisitions and the development of all resources and capabilities needed for the exploitation of windows of future opportunities have become more time consuming and costly for many organizations that act on their own. Thus, VOs are being formed to exploit those opportunities where each member possesses different, but compatible knowledge, skills, and resources (Franke, 2001; Coulson & Kantamnen, 2003).
Hibernate
Authors: Hart Allan M.
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents a brief overview of the object/relational mapping service known as Hibernate. Based on work provided in the book Java Persistence with Hibernate, it is argued that the paradigm mismatch problem consists of five problems: the problem of granularity, the problem of subtypes, the problem of identity, the problem of associations, and the problem of data navigation. It is argued that Hibernate, if it is to be considered a successful object/relational mapping service, must solve the paradigm mismatch problem and, hence, each of the five problems noted above. A simplified version of an order entry system is presented together with the mapping files required to store persistent objects to a database. Examples are given for one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many mappings. The distinction between value and entity types is explained and the mapping technique required for value types is introduced into the order entry system application. The n+1 selects problem is explained and a strategy for solving that problem using Hibernate’s support for lazy, batch, and eager fetching strategies is discussed.
Evolving Roles for Electronic Resources Librarians
Authors: Engel Debra , Robbins Sarah
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines the evolution of the electronic resources librarian position within academic libraries as a result of increasing demands for electronic resources and the need for librarians devoted to planning, selecting, implementing, and evaluating electronic resources. The authors discuss the core competencies of electronic resources librarians and analyze the content of job advertisements for electronic resources librarian positions published in the College & Research Libraries News and The Chronicle of Higher Education between July 2001 and June 2006. The analysis reveals that electronic resources librarians are expected to be skillful communicators and collaborators as well as experienced with technology and versed in the issues surrounding electronic resources. Implications of these findings on the organizational structure are discussed.
Ubiquitous Connectivity & Work-Related Stress
Authors: Ramsay J. , Hair M. , Renaud K. V.
Published: May 2011

The way humans interact with one another in the 21st Century has been markedly influenced by the integration of a number of different communication technologies into everyday life, and the pace of communication has increased hugely over the past twenty-five years. This chapter introduces work by the authors that considers the ways one communication-based technology, namely e-mail, has impacted workers’ “thinking time”, and become both a “workplace stressor” and an indispensable communications tool. Our research involved both a longitudinal exploration (three months) of the daily e-mail interactions of a number of workers, and a survey of individuals’ perceptions of how e-mail influences their communication behaviour in general, and their work-related communication in particular. Initial findings, in the form of individual differences, are reported here. The findings are presented in relation to the way workplace stressors have changed over the past quarter century.
Using an Information Literacy Program to Prepare Nursing Students to Practice in a Virtual Workplace
Authors: Florea Mona , Rafeldt Lillian , Youngblood Susan
Published: May 2011

The chapter presents healthcare examples of the current virtual working environment and introduces nursing skills necessary for evidence-based practice in a virtual workplace. The authors discuss how the Nursing Information Literacy Program was designed and implemented at Three Rivers Community College to assist nursing students in developing skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving, technological literacy, information literacy, and collaborative and cooperative learning. The authors hope that this example will serve as a model for creating other information literacy programs that prepare students for working in a virtual workplace.
Preparing for the Virtual Workplace in the Educational Commons
Authors: Hepburn Gary
Published: May 2011

This chapter explores the potential of an educational commons to help schools better prepare students for the virtual workplace. Together with the formation of stronger linkages between schools and the business world, making greater use of resources such as open source software in both school and business would greatly reduce costs and enable students to be better prepared to participate in the virtual workplace. With the virtual workplace’s emphasis on online communication technologies as a primary tool for completing day-to-day tasks, schools must acquire the hardware and software as well as explore ways of incorporating these tools into the student learning. To reduce the expense of doing so and to ensure that the environments in which students learn reflect that of the workplace, both organizations should consider using more accessible software and working more closely together. Conceptualizing the ideal learning environment as an educational commons, this chapter will explore open source resources and their potential contribution to education and some of the opportunities as well as the challenges that will be encountered as open source resources are introduced to education and business.
Grammar Animations and Cognition
Authors: Roche Jörg , Scheller Julia
Published: May 2011

The present study is situated in the context of cognitive aspects of language processing as it focuses on the learning and teaching of grammar in various modes of presentation. The success of the programs developed for, and used in, the study is measured in terms of short- and long-term learner performances in the application of grammatical rules. Four groups of informants were formed to test four different combinations of the presented materials. The groups used either a cognitive/functional or traditional rule-governed approach to grammar explanation in either an animation or static presentation mode. The results document the overall superiority of the cognitive/functional approach to grammar when presented in the animation mode. The design of the study and its results could serve as a reference point for further research and could help refine parameters for the evaluation of effective language learning software.
Evaluation of a Speech Interactive CALL System
Authors: Morton Hazel , Davidson Nancie , Jack Mervyn
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes the design of a speech interactive CALL program and its evaluation with end users. The program, SPELL (Spoken Electronic Language Learning), combines speech recognition technology, embodied animated agents and virtual worlds in creating an environment in which learners can converse with virtual characters in the target language in real-time. Empirical results are presented from an experiment which evaluated user satisfaction of using the program and interacting with the characters, and speech recognition accuracy. The results detail the limitations of the speech recogniser in this context. However, data on user satisfaction clearly show that the system was perceived by language learners as being both useful and enjoyable.
Training for Learning Mandarin Tones
Authors: Wang Xinchun
Published: May 2011

This study explores the effect of two training paradigms for learning Mandarin tones in pedagogical contexts. Eighteen beginning learners of Chinese with different first language background received three weeks of training as extra curriculum CALL activities. Based on learners’ choices, one group (the A Group, n=10) received perceptual training only with auditory input involving four-way forced choice identification tasks with immediate feedback. A second group (the AV Group, n=8) received perceptual and production training with auditory and visual input. At post test, both groups improved significantly in perceptual accuracy of Mandarin tones as compared with a control group (the C Group, n=10) and perceptual learning also generalized to new stimuli by a new speaker. Both training groups’ production accuracy of Mandarin tones also improved significantly at post test. The findings show that both training paradigms are effective and laboratory based training techniques can be implemented in CALL contexts.
Automatically Identifying Predictor Variables for Stock Return Prediction
Authors: Shi Da , Tan Shaohua , Ge Shuzhi Sam
Published: May 2011

Real-world financial systems are often nonlinear, do not follow any regular probability distribution, and comprise a large amount of financial variables. Not surprisingly, it is hard to know which variables are relevant to the prediction of the stock return based on data collected from such a system. In this chapter, we address this problem by developing a technique consisting of a top-down part using an artificial Higher Order Neural Network (HONN) model and a bottom-up part based on a Bayesian Network (BN) model to automatically identify predictor variables for the stock return prediction from a large financial variable set. Our study provides an operational guidance for using HONN and BN in selecting predictor variables from a large amount of financial variables to support the prediction of the stock return, including the prediction of future stock return value and future stock return movement trends.
Higher Order Neural Network Architectures for Agent-Based Computational Economics and Finance
Authors: Seiffertt John , Wunsch II Donald C.
Published: May 2011

As the study of agent-based computational economics and finance grows, so does the need for appropriate techniques for the modeling of complex dynamic systems and the intelligence of the constructive agent. These methods are important where the classic equilibrium analytics fail to provide sufficiently satisfactory understanding. In particular, one area of computational intelligence, Approximate Dynamic Programming, holds much promise for applications in this field and demonstrate the capacity for artificial Higher Order Neural Networks to add value in the social sciences and business. This chapter provides an overview of this area, introduces the relevant agent-based computational modeling systems, and suggests practical methods for their incorporation into the current research. A novel application of HONN to ADP specifically for the purpose of studying agent-based financial systems is presented.
Ultra High Frequency Trigonometric Higher Order Neural Networks for Time Series Data Analysis
Authors: Zhang Ming
Published: May 2011

This chapter develops a new nonlinear model, Ultra high frequency Trigonometric Higher Order Neural Networks (UTHONN), for time series data analysis. Results show that UTHONN models are 3 to 12% better than Equilibrium Real Exchange Rates (ERER) model, and 4 – 9% better than other Polynomial Higher Order Neural Network (PHONN) and Trigonometric Higher Order Neural Network (THONN) models. This study also uses UTHONN models to simulate foreign exchange rates and consumer price index with error approaching 0.0000%.
Artificial Higher Order Pipeline Recurrent Neural Networks for Financial Time Series Prediction
Authors: Liatsis Panos , Hussain Abir , Milonidis Efstathios
Published: May 2011

The research described in this chapter is concerned with the development of a novel artificial higher order neural networks architecture called the second-order pipeline recurrent neural network. The proposed artificial neural network consists of a linear and a nonlinear section, extracting relevant features from the input signal. The structuring unit of the proposed neural network is the second-order recurrent neural network. The architecture consists of a series of second-order recurrent neural networks, which are concatenated with each other. Simulation results in one-step ahead predictions of the foreign currency exchange rates demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed pipeline architecture as compared to other feed-forward and recurrent structures.