bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation Of Rod Control System Reliability Of Pwr Reactors
Authors: Bakhri Syaiful
Published: September 2016

The Rod Control System is employed to adjust the position of the control rods in the reactor core which corresponds with the thermal power generated in the core as well as the electric power generated in the turbine. In a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) type nuclear power plants, the control-rod drive employs magnetic stepping-type mechanism. This type of mechanism consists of a pair of circular coils and latch-style jack with the armature. When the electric current is supplied to the coils sequentially, the control-rods, which are held on the drive shaft, can be driven upward or downward in increments. This sequential current control drive system is called the Control-Rod Drive Mechanism Control System (CRDMCS) or known also as the Rod Control System (RCS). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the RCS reliability of APWR using the Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) method since the analysis of reliability which considers the FTA for common CRDM can not be found in any public references. The FTA method is used to model the system reliability by developing the fault tree diagram of the system. The results show that the failure of the system is very dependent on the failure of most of the individual systems. However, the failure of the system does not affect the safety of the reactor, since the reactor trips immediately if the system fails. The evaluation results also indicate that the Distribution Panel is the most critical component in the system.
Radionuclide Disperse To Environtment From Pwr Reactor On Severe Accident Condition Using Maccs Program
Authors: Kuntjoro Sri
Published: September 2016

The atmosphere is an important pathway in the transfer of radionuclides from nuclear power plants into the environment and population. Acceptance of radiation dose to the environment and population affected by the radionuclides release and site conditions surrounding of the nuclear power plant. The radionuclides release in the atmosphere is determined by the dispersion coefficient parameter. The aim of this paper is to obtain dispersion coefficient and radionuclide released in Sebagin (West Bangka district) caused by severe accident condition from the PWR Nuclear Power Plant. Dispersion analysis of radionuclides into the environment from nuclear power PWR on severe accident conditions have been done using MACCS program. Reference for the calculation of source term fraction is selected from calculation results of the MELCOR computer code and it is implemented to PWR reactors Westinghouse 3411 MWth subject. The calculation of radionuclides release performed using MACCS program for aspiring nuclear power plant site in West Bangka. Simulation calculations for the area radius from 0.80 kmup to 20 km from the nuclear power plant site are performed. Meteorological datas used in calculation are the meteorology data from Sebagin meteorological stations for the years of 2012 period. The result is the dispersion coefficient decreases as a function of time and distance. The concentration of radionuclides through soil pathway decreases as a function of the distance, and the dominant contributor of radionuclide radiation Xe-133 and   I-131. Radionuclide concentrations obtained through the air pathway decreases as a function of distance, and dominant contributors of radionuclide radiation is contributed also from I-131 and Xe-133. The presence of I-131 radionuclides are giving dangerous to humans, it is necessary to further treatment for prevent its impacts. 
Flexblue® Underwater Reactor: Introduction To The Concept And To The Passive Safety Strategy For A Steam Generator Tube Rupture Accident
Authors: GOURMEL Vincent
Published: September 2016

Nuclear power plants (NPPs), which are operating and under construction are large-scale reactors with an electrical output around 1,000 MWe. These plants do not address the needs of developing countries or archipelagos, where the grids are smaller and the investment capacities are limited. For this reason, many nuclear designers develop Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which can generate electrical output below 300 MWe. DCNS offers a FLEXBLUE® as a solution to the problem. FLEXBLUE® is a subsea-based Small Modular Reactor and fully transportable nuclear module. A FLEXBLUE® module is designed for the single purpose of delivering electricity to the grid. Its power output is 160 MWe and is sent to the grid by submarine cables. The goal of this study is to work out an innovative strategy to handle a steam generator tube rupture with passive systems only, without releasing any radioactive elements to the environment, and without flooding the containment.

 
Zakres odpowiedzialności pracodawców wobec rodzin pracowników w Drugiej Rzeczypospolitej
Authors: Grata Paweł
Published: September 2016

The aim of this article is the presentation of the range of responsibility of employers
towards workers’ families in Poland in the interwar period. The article also shows
how these duties were realised. This problem appeared in Europe with the development
of a social insurance programme and labour law. The Second Republic of Poland
built its own law system for employees’ families. It included health insurance and
benefits, families’ pensions and funeral allowances. Certain obligations were also imposed
on employers in the context of labour law. The most important was the obligation
to open nursery schools for children of women who worked in factories.
Kompetencje a zachowania edukacyjne dorosłych Polaków
Authors: Grześkowiak Alicja
Published: September 2016

Increasing activity in the field of lifelong learning is an important educational goal
of the European Union. The rapidly changing environment creating new demands
makes it necessary to take action in the field of continuous education. Labour market
requirements in the process of evolving towards a knowledge-based society are
changing, which is particularly important in the era of population ageing and raising
the retirement age. All forms of education: formal, non-formal and informal should
gain importance in response to the growing requirements. The situation in Poland
is vary unfavourable when comparing the participation in activities related to lifelong
learning with other European Union countries. Research indicates various demographic,
social and economic determinants of adult engagement in lifelong learning.
This study attempts to assess the relationships between the level of competences
in various areas and the educational behaviours of adult Poles. The analyses are
based on individual data from a national survey on human capital. The crucial purpose,
which is to identify interdependences among the considered factors, attitudes
and behaviours, is accomplished by selected statistical and econometric methods
supported by suitable data visualization techniques.
Commitment to Health Theory
Authors: Kelly Cynthia W.
Published: September 2016

This article introduces commitment to health as a middle-range. Commitment to health (CTH) is derived from Prochaska and DiClemente’s (1983) Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change. CTH theory is designed to predict the likelihood of behavior change between the action and maintenance stages of change. Commitment is defined as a freely chosen internal resolve to perform health behaviors, even when encumbered or inconvenienced by difficulties. Health is defined as the optimal level of well-being. Commitment is an independent continuous variable, but it can be categorized into three time-oriented categories: (1) low-level, (2) middle-level, and (3) high-level commitment. The higher the level of commitment, the more likely the individual will adopt long-term behavior change. This article presents the definitions, assumptions, and relational statements of CTH.
Is it worth being socially responsible?
Authors: Csapóné Riskó Tünde , Péntek Ádám , Wiwczaroski Troy
Published: September 2016

Several definitions for corporate social responsibility (CSR) exist and these vary greatly as to the activities it should cover and their motivators. Among the benefits of CSR are positive marketing/brand building, brand insurance and employee loyalty. Numerous arguments against CSR prevail, e.g. social responsibility is not a problem that belongs in the sphere of activities a corporation should be addressing or even that CSR distracts businesses from addressing the primary need to concentrate on sales. Thus, the strong economic question: is CSR worth it? In 2014, we carried out a representative survey in Hungary, in which the effects of responsible business practices on consumer purchase behaviour were studied. With our research results, we could show that there is a considerable gap between the apparent interest of consumers in CSR and the limited role of CSR in purchase behaviour.

JEL classification:M104
Challenges to sustainable rural development in Russia: social issues and regional divergences
Authors: Lisova Olga , Erokhin Vasily , Ivolga Anna
Published: September 2016

Paper aims at investigation of contemporary approaches to sustainable rural development in Russia. It includes the overview of current experiences in rural development, analysis of major economic and social indicators of rural areas in comparison with urban ones. Analysis included the set of indicators such as number of rural people, number of rural settlements, rates of births and mortalities, natural and migration increases and declines of population, rates of employment and unemployment, average monthly nominal per capita wages, and level of the subsistence minimum. Indicators have been measured separately for rural and urban areas; regions have been grouped in relation to the particular indicator. The research is concluded by discovery of growth points for rural development and a set of recommendations on perspective measures of state and local policies in rural areas, directed on increase of living standards of rural population and retention of labour resources in their traditional rural areas of inhabitation.

JEL: Q18, P25
Diskresi Seponering dalam Perspektif Hukum Islam: Studi Kasus Pidana Korupsi Bibit Samad Rianto dan Chandra Martha Hamzah
Authors: Hasan Damiri
Published: September 2016

Tulisan ini mengkaji mengenai diskresi seponering. Seponering adalah hak istimewa Jaksa Agung untuk mengesampingkan perkara atau  memetieskan suatu perkara  karena alasan kepentingan umum setelah mendapat saran atau masukan dari institusi terkait dibidang hukum. Mensikapi tentang seponering kasus Bibit Samad Rianto dan Chandra Martha Hamzah dalam pandangan hukum pidana Islam itu adalah adil. Mengingat kedua orang tersebut sebagai pimpinan Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi yang mempunyai tugas berat dan besar. Namun sebagai muslim memberi catatan khusus bahwa pertama, Bibit Samad Rianto dan Chandra Martha Hamzah harus mengembalikan semua uang hasil korupsi kepada negara, kedua Bibit Samad Rianto dan Chandra Martha harus minta maaf kepada publik melalui media dan berjanji tidak akan mengulangi perbuatan itu. This article examines the Seponering discretion. Seponering is the privilege of the Attorney General to override or freeze a court case for reasons of public interest after getting feedback from the relevant institutions in the field of law. In response about Seponering case of Bibit and Chandra Martha Hamzah in the view of Islamic criminal law is fair. Considering that the two men are the leaders of the Corruption Eradication Commission which have heavy and bulky duty. but Muslims, they are given a special note that first, Bibit and Chandra Martha Hamzah should return all the corruption money to the state, both Bibit and Chandra Martha have to apologize to the public through the media and vowed not to reiterate the act.
Refleksi Etika Kebahagiaan dalam Novel Khotbah di Atas Bukit Karya Kuntowijoyo
Authors: Santiana Lina
Published: September 2016

Novel Khotbah Di Atas Bukit Karya Kuntowijoyo mengandung nilai-nilai etika kebahagiaan yang sama dengan Epikuros. Dimana Epikuros menghendaki untuk mencapai kebahagiaan seseorang harus mencari nikmat yang sebanyak-banyaknya dengan menghindari pertanyaan-pertanyaan, dan pikiran-pikiran yang membuat kesakitan badan dan jiwa. dengan itu Epikuros menghendaki keutamaan-keutamaan seperti kesederhanaan, tahu diri, penguasaan diri dan kebijaksanaan. Bergitu pula dalam Novel Khotbah Di Atas Bukit Karya Kuntowijoyo, dimana kuntowijoyo dalam novel khotbah di atas bukit menghendaki agar untuk bahagia seseorang harus mencari nikmat dan menghindari segala hal yang membuat kesakitan badan, sehingga jiwa menjadi resah. Dengan memperhatikan keutamaan seperti, kesederhanaan, penguasaan diri, dan kebijaksanaan. Kuntowijoyo’s novel “Khotbah Di Atas Bukit” containing ethical values of happiness in common with the Epicurean. Where Epicurean desires to achieve happiness, one must find favor as much as possible to avoid the questions and thoughts that make body and soul in the pain. With it, the Epicurean requires virtues such as modesty, knowing oneself, self-control and wisdom. Similarly, in the Kuntowijoyo’s Novel “Khotbah Di Atas Bukit”, Kuntowijoyo requires that to be happy one must seek favor and avoid pain of all the things that make the body and the soul becomes restless. Having regard to such virtues, modesty, self-control and wisdom.
Broadband: A Solution for Rural e-Learning?
Authors: Mason Robin , Rennie Frank
Published: September 2016

Rural and remote learners are disadvantaged even with online provision due to poor connections. Broadband offers a potential solution. This paper looks at the initial results of a project to install broadband services in the Western Isles of Scotland. It focuses on the educational potential of broadband and the design implications for online courses. It also considers more informal kinds of learning that broadband facilitates in rural areas. Keywords: broadband, rural development, e-learning, online communication, e-learning course design 
A Comparative Study of Dropout Rates and Causes for Two Different Distance Education Courses
Authors: Pierrakeas Christos , Xeno Michalis , Panagiotakopoulos Christos , Vergidis Dimitris
Published: September 2016

This paper reports the results of a survey conducted to examine the root causes leading to student dropout at a Greek distance education university. Data was gathered from two different courses – an undergraduate course leading to a Bachelors degree in Informatics (characterized by high dropout rates), and a postgraduate course leading to a Masters degree in education (characterized by low dropout rates). A comparative analysis of these two different courses revealed important similarities in dropout percentages and the reasons cited by students for dropping out. Our analysis also revealed important differences as well. This paper presents the results of a survey designed to investigate the relationship between dropout with intrinsic (student-related) factors such as sickness, work/ school conflict etc., and extrinsic (institutional-related) factors such as study methods and materials, educational approach, and tutor influence.
WashingtonOnline Virtual Campus: Infusing Culture in Dispersed Web-Based Higher Education
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: September 2016

Started in 1997, WashingtonOnline Virtual Campus (WAOL) consists of a consortium of 34 community colleges around Washington State to provide asynchronous online learning. WAOL bears many of the features of a loosely coupled organization with its geographically dispersed frontline instructors, fragmented external environment, modularity of courses and supervision, and its use of enhanced leadership and technology to communicate a culture. Recent surveys of its administration, instructors, and staff found disparities in various constituencies’ perspectives on the organization’s culture, decision-making, values, brand or reputation, communications, and WAOL’s authorizing environment. Research suggests that WAOL benefits from some aspects of loose coupling: greater adaptive abilities and responsiveness to the State’s college system; “fast” course development and launching; and isolated breakdowns. There is, however, a persistent difficulty in conveying a cohesive culture. There is a perception of WAOL’s invisibility among its varied constituencies. This organization is at a crossroads, with the threat of colleges disconnecting from this consortium. WAOL should redefine its direction and purpose, such as coupling with local universities to provide not only associates degrees but full Baccalaureate and/ or Masters degrees. It may strengthen its position by improving learner supports, publicizing its decisions, creating a stronger sense of virtual community among the instructors (as in its recent creation of an online community for instructors), increased participative decision-making and use of line faculty and staff insights, and greater course varieties. Keywords: leadership, culture, organizations, organizational culture, consortiums, partnership, disintermediation, virtual organization, loosely coupled organization, distance learning, virtual leadership, virtual teams, virtual culture, technology mediation, community college, higher education, email communications, online student services
Blended Learning and Sense of Community: A Comparative Analysis with Traditional and Fully Online Graduate Courses
Authors: Rovai Alfred P. , Jordan Hope
Published: September 2016

Blended learning is a hybrid of classroom and online learning that includes some of the conveniences of online courses without the complete loss of face-to-face contact. The present study used a causal-comparative design to examine the relationship of sense of community between traditional classroom, blended, and fully online higher education learning environments. Evidence is provided to suggest that blended courses produce a stronger sense of community among students than either traditional or fully online courses. Keywords: Blended learning, sense of community, higher education, online learning, computer-mediated communication, faculty training
Selecting Research Areas and Research Design Approaches in Distance Education: Process Issues
Authors: Passi B.K. , Mishra Sudarshan
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this paper is to study the process used for selecting research areas and methodological approaches in distance education in India. Experts from the field of distance education in India were interviewed at length, with the aim of collecting qualitative data on opinions on process-issues for selecting areas for research, research design, and appropriate methodological approaches in distance education. Data collected from these interviews were subjected to content analysis; triangulation and peer consultation techniques were used for cross-checking and data verification. While the findings and recommendations of this study have limited application in that they can only be used in the specific context outlined in this paper, respondents in this study nonetheless revealed the pressing need for more process-oriented research in examining media and technology, learners and learning, and distance learning evaluation processes. Our research, which yielded interesting empirical findings, also determined that a mixed approach – one that involves both quantitative and qualitative methods – is more appropriate for conducting research in distance education in India. Qualitative evidence from our research also indicates that respondents interviewed felt that emphasis should be placed on interdisciplinary and systemic research, over that of traditional disciplinary research. Research methods such as student self-reporting, extensive and highly targeted interviews, conversation and discourse analysis, were determined to as useful for data collection for this study.
Identifying Sources of Difference in Reliability in Content Analysis
Authors: Murphy Elizabeth , Ciszewska-Carr Justyna
Published: September 2016

This paper reports on a case study which identifies and illustrates sources of difference in agreement in relation to reliability in a context of quantitative content analysis of a transcript of an online asynchronous discussion (OAD). Transcripts of 10 students in a month-long online asynchronous discussion were coded by two coders using an instrument with two categories, five processes, and 19 indicators of Problem Formulation and Resolution (PFR). Sources of difference were identified in relation to: coders; tasks; and students. Reliability values were calculated at the levels of categories, processes, and indicators. At the most detailed level of coding on the basis of the indicator, findings revealed that the overall level of reliability between coders was .591 when measured with Cohen’s kappa. The difference between tasks at the same level ranged from .349 to .664, and the difference between participants ranged from .390 to .907. Implications for training and research are discussed. Keywords: content analysis; online discussions; reliability; Cohen's kappa; sources of difference; coding
Remote Access to Instrumental Analysis for Distance Education in Science
Authors: Kennepohl Dietmar , Baran Jit , Connors Martin , Quigley Kieron , Currie Ron
Published: September 2016

Remote access to experiments offers distance educators another tool to integrate a strong laboratory component within a science course. Since virtually all modern chemical instrumental analysis in industry now use devices operated by a computer interface, remote control of instrumentation is not only relatively facile, it enhances students’ opportunity to learn the subject matter and be exposed to “real world” contents. Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and Athabasca University are developing teaching laboratories based on the control of analytical instruments in real-time via an Internet connection. Students perform real-time analysis using equipment, methods, and skills that are common to modern analytical laboratories (or sophisticated teaching laboratories). Students obtain real results using real substances to arrive at real conclusions, just as they would if they were in a physical laboratory with the equipment; this approach allows students to access to conduct instrumental science experiments, thus providing them with an advantageous route to upgrade their laboratory skills while learning at a distance.
Problem-based Learning in an Online Course: A case study
Authors: Cheaney James D. , Ingebritsen Thomas
Published: September 2016

Problem-based learning (PBL) is the use of a “real world” problem or situation as a context for learning. The present study explores the use of PBL in an online biotechnology course. In the PBL unit, student groups dealt with the ethical, legal, social, and human issues surrounding pre-symptomatic DNA testing for a genetic disease. Issues concerning implementation of PBL in the online environment are discussed, as are differences between online PBL and face-to-face PBL. This study provides evidence to suggest that PBL stimulates higher-order learning in students. However, student performance on a lower-level exam testing acquisition of factual knowledge was slightly lower for PBL students than for students who learned the same material through a traditional lecture-based approach. Possible reasons for this lower level of performance are explored. Student reactions and feedback to the PBL format yield more insight into issues surrounding the implementation of PBL in the online environment. Keywords: problem-based learning, case-based learning, distance education, cooperative learning, genetic diseases, genetic testing, instructional design
Best Practices for Online Business Education
Authors: Grandzol Christian J. , Grandzol PhD John. R.
Published: September 2016

This integrative review of literature on online educational best practices is intended to provide a quick reference for those interested in designing online business courses and programs. Primarily American in its perspective, this review may be helpful for business schools seeking optimal online course designs that foster quality learning experiences comparable in outcomes to traditional methods. Paramount in this review are the emphases on consistency, cohesiveness, and assessment.
Student Success in Face-To-Face and Distance Teleclass Environments: A matter of contact?
Authors: Deka Teddi S. , McMurry Patrick
Published: September 2016

Learning from a distance continues to gain popularity. An influx of traditional, and even on-campus students attest to its flexibility, but are they equipped to succeed in a low-contact distance environment versus a face-to-face, on-campus environment? This research explored whether several variables including background, preparedness and self-perceptions assessed within the first week of class contributed differently to the success of students completing one-way distance teleclasses (n = 35) versus students completing the same classes in face-to-face, on-campus environments (n = 64). The distance students were less successful than face-to-face students when exam grades were examined (A, B, C versus D, F, drop). For distance learners, higher reading comprehension and scholastic competence were indicative of exam grade success. Student-initiated contact with the instructor was marginally related to distance student success. For face-to-face learners, reading comprehension, reading rate and lower athletic competence was indicative of exam grade success. Suggestions to help students decide whether distance learning is right for them and ways to support distance learners in low-contact environments are discussed.
Online Graduate Study Health Care Learners' Perceptions of Instructional Immediacy
Authors: Melrose Sherri , Bergeron Kim
Published: September 2016

Instructional immediacy is an established communication strategy that teachers can implement to create engaging learning environments. And yet, little is known about experiences distance education learners in graduate study programs have had with immediacy. This article presents findings from a qualitative research project designed to explore health care students' ideas about and activities related to instructional immediacy behaviors within a masters program offered exclusively through a WebCT online environment. A constructivist theoretical perspective and an action research approach framed the study. Data sources included two focus groups and ten individual audio-tape recorded transcribed interviews. Content was analyzed by both the primary researcher and an assistant for themes and confirmed through ongoing member checking with participants. The following three overarching themes were identified and are used to explain and describe significant features of instructional immediacy behaviors that health care learners who graduated from either a Master of Nursing or Master of Health Studies distance education program found valuable. 1) Model engaging and personal ways of connecting; 2) Maintain collegial relationships; and 3) Honor individual learning accomplishments.
Adaptation for a Changing Environment: Developing learning and teaching with information and communication technologies
Authors: Kirkwood Adrian , Price Linda
Published: September 2016

This article examines the relationship between the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and learning and teaching, particularly in distance education contexts. We argue that environmental changes (societal, educational and technological) make it necessary for Higher Education in general, and distance education in particular, to adapt those systems and practices that are not appropriate for the changing environment. However, the need to adapt is often perceived by academic and support staff to be primarily technology-led and with a requirement for them to develop their technical skills in using ICT. We provide a critique of continuing professional development (CPD) in respect of using ICT for teaching and learning that does not address these wider environmental changes. In particular, we oppose CPD that concentrates on the individual teacher and their use of ICT. Instead, we contend that professional development should focus upon the scholarship of teaching and learning and a concern for understanding the characteristics and needs of learners. Further, CPD should reflect the organisational context within which ICT is managed and produced and so it must involve institutional managers as well as individual academics and associated staff members.
Study of the Factors Responsible for the Dropouts from the BSc Programme of Indira Gandhi National Open University
Authors: Fozdar Bharat Inder , Kumar Lalita S. , Kannan S.
Published: September 2016

A sample of dropout learners enrolled in the B.Sc. programme of School of Sciences, Indira Gandhi National Open University, India was surveyed to study the factors which influenced them to withdraw from the programme. The research indicates that the major reasons for dropout are the distance of study centre from the residence of learner, insufficient support from study centre and more time consuming courses of the programme. The results of this study are significant from the points of view of improving the present instructional and delivery strategies of B.Sc. Programme. This will also help in reducing the students' dropout rate for this programme by implementing timely interventions at the different stages of study. Keywords: Dropouts, Withdrawal, Open Distance learning, interventions, retention, support system
Online Distance Teaching of Undergraduate Finance: A case for Musashi University and Konan University, Japan
Authors: Kubota Keiichi , Fujikawa Kiyoshi
Published: September 2016

We implemented a synchronous distance course entitled: Introductory Finance designed for undergraduate students. This course was held between two Japanese universities. Stable Internet connections allowing minimum delay and minimum interruptions of the audio-video streaming signals were used. Students were equipped with their own PCs with pre-loaded learning materials and Microsoft Excel exercises. These accompanying course and exercise materials helped students comprehend the mathematical equations and statistical numerical exercises that are indispensable to learning Introductory Finance effectively. The general tendency for students, not to raise questions during the class hours in Japan, however, was found to be a big obstacle. As such, motivational devices are needed and should ideally be combined to promote interaction between the e-classrooms.
Impact of ICTs on Open and Distance Learning in a Developing Country Setting: The Philippine experience
Authors: Bandalaria Melinda Dela Pena
Published: September 2016

The influence of the information and communication technologies (ICTs) in open and distance learning (ODL) in a developing country, the Philippines, is critically evaluated in this paper. Specifically, this paper examines how ICTs have influenced or shaped the development of ODL in this country. Also examined are the different stages or generations of distance education (DE) in the Philippines, which are characterized mainly by the dominant technology used for the delivery of instructional content and student support services. The different ICTs being used in ODL and their specific applications to the various facets of this mode of delivery are also described. Also included is an examination on how quality of education is ensured in a technology-driven system of teaching and learning, which includes, among others, the employment of the ‘quality circle approach’ in the development of courses and learning packages, and the provision of appropriate technologies to perform academic processes and achieve institutional goals. Experiences of the various universities in the Philippines are also cited in this paper. Lessons have been drawn from the ODL experience to guide educators from other developing countries.
Integration of the High-tech and Low-tech in Distance Teacher Training in China: An insight from the case of Jiangsu Radio and Television University
Authors: Zhang Xiangyang , Hung Shu-chiu
Published: September 2016

This paper reports the result and subsequent exploration of the pilot multi-media in-service teacher training programme with BA degree (non-honour) ( English Language Education) undertaken in the past three years (2001-2004) in China’s distance education. Through the integration of low-tech and high-tech in instructing and delivering courses, many interesting findings have been unexpectedly obtained. Both the trainers (the university lectures) and trainees (in-service school teachers) have experienced a great transformation in their language teaching and learning: a). the trainees (in-service school teachers) have become more independent learners since they raised their educational level; b). the trainers (university lecturers) have learned to adjust their roles in classroom teaching: to be more learner-centred and less teacher-centred; c). acommunicative task-based approach has been satisfactorily adopted and implanted into the process of learning and teaching; d). the trainees have not only upgraded their qualifications but also their teaching methodology. Based on the findings from the case, the authors offer suggestions for the future development of distance teacher training.
Integrating Mobile Learning into Nomadic Education Programme in Nigeria: Issues and perspectives
Authors: Aderinoye Rashid A. , Ojokheta K. O. , Olojede A. A.
Published: September 2016

The establishment of the National Commission for Nomadic Education (NCNE) in Nigeria in 1989 created a wider opportunity for the estimated population of 9.3 million nomads in Nigeria to acquire literacy skills. The coming of the Commission arose due to the massive illiteracy figure of the pastoral nomads and migrant fishermen put at 0.02% and 2.0% (Federal Ministry of Education, 2003; UNESCO, 1998) respectively. To improve the literacy rate of the nomads, the NCNE employed various approaches such as on-site schools, the shift system, schools with alternative intake and Islamiyya schools to provide literacy education to the nomads. However, a critical appraisal of these approaches by the Commission shows that very few of the schools were viable. This portrays the fact that these approaches have not actually helped to improve the literacy rate among nomads in Nigeria. There is, therefore, the need for alternative approach to be adopted. With the revolutionary trend of ICT in Nigeria, there is the need to bring in mobile learning through the use of mobile technologies ( such as handset, simple text message etc. which is predominantly in many parts of Nigeria) to enhance the literacy learning process in the Nomadic Education Programme of Nigeria. This paper, therefore, explores the need and advantages of integrating mobile learning into Nomadic Education programme in Nigeria so as to ensure a successful implementation and achievement of the goals of the programme.
Mobile Distance Learning with PDAs: Development and testing of pedagogical and system solutions supporting mobile distance learners
Authors: Rekkedal Torstein , Dye Aleksander
Published: September 2016

The article discusses basic teaching-learning philosophies and experiences from the development and testing of mobile learning integrated with the online distance education system at NKI (Norwegian Knowledge Institute) Distance Education. The article builds on experiences from three European Union (EU) supported Leonardo da Vinci projects on mobile learning: From e-learning to m-learning (2000-2003), Mobile learning – the next generation of learning (2003-2005), and the ongoing project, Incorporating mobile learning into mainstream education (2005-2007).
Mobile Usability in Educational Contexts: What have we learnt?
Authors: Kukulska-Hulme Agnes
Published: September 2016

The successful development of mobile learning is dependent on human factors in the use of new mobile and wireless technologies. The majority of mobile learning activity continues to take place on devices that were not designed with educational applications in mind, and usability issues are often reported. The paper reflects on progress in approaches to usability and on recent developments, with particular reference to usability findings reported in studies of mobile learning. The requirements of education are considered as well as the needs of students participating in distance education; discipline-specific perspectives and accessibility issues are also addressed. Usability findings from empirical studies of mobile learning published in the literature are drawn together in the paper, along with an account of issues that emerged in two mobile learning projects based at The Open University, UK, in 2001 and 2005. The main conclusions are: that usability issues are often reported in cases where PDAs have been used; that the future is in scenario-based design which should also take into account the evolution of uses over time and the unpredictability of how devices might be used; and that usability issues should be tracked over a longer period, from initial use through to a state of relative experience with the technology.
OOPS, Turning MIT Opencourseware into Chinese: An analysis of a community of practice of global translators
Authors: Lee Mimi Miyoung , Lin Meng-Fen Grace , Bonk Curtis J.
Published: September 2016

An all-volunteer organization called the Opensource Opencourseware Prototype System (OOPS), headquartered in Taiwan, was initially designed to translate open source materials from MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) site into Chinese. Given the recent plethora of open educational resources (OER), such as the OCW, the growing use of such resources by the world community, and the emergence of online global education communities to localize resources such as the OOPS, a key goal of this research was to understand how the OOPS members negotiate meanings and form a collective identity in this cross-continent online community. To help with our explorations and analyses within the OOPS translation community, several core principles from Etienne Wenger’s concept of Communities of Practice (COP) guided our analyses, including mutual engagement, joint enterprise, shared repertoire, reification, and overall identity of the community. In this paper, we detail how each of these key components was uniquely manifested within the OOPS. Three issues appeared central to the emergence, success, and challenges of the community such as OOPS: 1) strong, stable, and fairly democratic leadership; 2) participation incentives; and 3) online storytelling or opportunities to share one’s translation successes, struggles, and advice within an asynchronous discussion forum. While an extremely high level of enthusiasm among the OOPS members underpinned the success of the OOPS, discussion continues on issues related to quality control, purpose and scope, and forms of legitimate participation. This study, therefore, provides an initial window into the emergence and functioning of an online global education COP in the OER movement. Future research directions related to online global educational communities are discussed.
Incorporating Screencasts In Online Teaching
Authors: Peterson Elaine
Published: September 2016

Despite success in teaching the class ‘Organization of Information in a School Library Media Center’ (EDCI 545) online, one component continued to be a problem for students, the Dewey Decimal Classification System. To supplement the instruction, a set of simple screencasts was developed to assist distance education students. Benchmarks were established and a beta test conducted. It is expected that the next online class of students will have increased success because of the addition of screencasts. It is suggested that screencasts be considered as an additional tool for online learners across other disciplines, particularly when using databases that have layered sets of information, requiring multiple mouse clicks.
OpenCourseWare, Global Access and the Right to Education: Real access or marketing ploy?
Authors: Huijser Henk Johannes , Bedford Tas , Bull David
Published: September 2016

This paper explores the potential opportunities that OpenCourseWare (OCW) offers in providing wider access to tertiary education, based on the ideal of ‘the right to education’. It first discusses the wider implications of OCW, and its underlying philosophy, before using a case study of a tertiary preparation program (TPP) at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) to draw out the issues involved in offering a program that is created in a particular national and social context on a global scale. This paper draws specific attention to the digital divide, its effects in national and global contexts, and the particular obstacles this presents with regards to OCW. This paper argues that OCW provides many opportunities, both in terms of access to education and in terms of student recruitment and marketing for universities. To take full advantage of those opportunities, however, requires a concerted effort on the part of tertiary education institutions, and it requires a vision that is fundamentally informed by, and committed to, the principle of ‘the right to education’.
Open Content and Open Educational Resources: Enabling universal education
Authors: Caswell Tom , Henson Shelley , Jensen Marion , Wiley David
Published: September 2016

The role of distance education is shifting. Traditionally distance education was limited in the number of people served because of production, reproduction, and distribution costs. Today, while it still costs the university time and money to produce a course, technology has made it such that reproduction costs are almost non-existent. This shift has significant implications, and allows distance educators to play an important role in the fulfillment of the promise of the right to universal education. At little or no cost, universities can make their content available to millions. This content has the potential to substantially improve the quality of life of learners around the world. New distance education technologies, such as OpenCourseWares, act as enablers to achieving the universal right to education. These technologies, and the associated changes in the cost of providing access to education, change distance education's role from one of classroom alternative to one of social transformer.
New Ways of Mediating Learning: Investigating the implications of adopting open educational resources for tertiary education at an institution in the United Kingdom as compared to one in South Africa
Authors: Wilson Tina
Published: September 2016

Access to education is not freely available to all. Open Educational Resources (OERs) have the potential to change the playing field in terms of an individual’s right to education. The Open University in the United Kingdom was founded almost forty years ago on the principle of ‘open’ access with no entry requirements necessary. The University develops innovative high quality multiple media distance-learning courses. In a new venture called OpenLearn, The Open University is making its course materials freely available worldwide on the Web as OERs ( see http://www.open.ac.uk/openlearn). How might other institutions make use of these distance-learning materials? The paper starts by discussing the different contexts wherein two institutions operate and the inequalities that exist between them. One institution is a university based in South Africa and the other is a college located in the United Kingdom. Both institutions, however, deliver distance-learning courses. The second part of the paper discusses preliminary findings when OERs are considered for tertiary education at these two institutions. The findings emphasise some of the opportunities and challenges that exist if these two institutions adopt OERs.
Emotional Intelligence as a Predictor of Success in Online Learning
Authors: Berenson Robin , Boyles Gary , Weaver Ann
Published: September 2016

As students increasingly opt for online classes, it becomes more important for administrators to predict levels of potential academic success. This study examined several factors to characterize successful online college students, including emotional intelligence (EI), persistence, personality, age, gender and previous online experience among students attending community college. Factor analysis revealed two profiles labeled ‘EI’ and ‘Persuasive’. EI was positively correlated with GPA and resilience. Males had significantly higher EI than females. EI was unrelated to age, personality, number of semesters completed, program of study and previous online experience. Conclusions were that there may be a profile of the successful online student that could be used in marketing, advisement, quality assessment and retention efforts.
Persistence of Women in Online Degree-Completion Programs
Authors: Müller Terry
Published: September 2016

Although online courses at postsecondary institutions promise adults access, flexibility, and convenience, many barriers to online learning remain. This article presents findings from a qualitative case study, which explored the phenomenon of undergraduate and graduate women learners’ persistence in online degree-completion programs at a college in the Northeast of the United States. Research questions asked why women learners persisted or failed to persist, and how factors supporting or hindering persistence influenced learners. Interviews with a purposeful sample of 20 participants revealed the complexity of variables affecting learners’ persistence to graduation. Findings suggested that multiple responsibilities, insufficient interaction with faculty, technology, and coursework ranked highest as barriers to women’s persistence. Strong motivation to complete degrees, engagement in the learning community, and appreciation for the convenience of an online degree-completion option facilitated persistence.
Post-Secondary Students' Purposes For Blogging
Authors: Leslie Paul Henry , Murphy Elizabeth
Published: September 2016

The goal of the study was to explore post-secondary students’ purposes for blogging with particular attention to the social and instructional purposes. The sample of blogs came from an all-women’s college in the United Arab Emirates. Content analysis was conducted on eight blogs using previously tested instruments to identify social presence and knowledge construction. Authors of the blogs participated in a focus group discussion about the purposes for blogging. Findings revealed that the primary use of blogging was for social purposes. Self-disclosure was the most notable purpose for blogging, in addition to sharing emotional responses to learning. The lack of teaching presence may have influenced students’ use of blogging for social rather than instructional purposes.
Influence de la suppression des entre-coeurs de souches de vigne sur le microclimat lumineux et la récolte
Authors: Schneider Christophe
Published: September 2016

Cet essai concerne les effets de la suppression continue, après la nouaison, des entre-coeurs de souches de vigne sur le microclimat lumineux et la récolte.

II apparaît que l'amputation de la part importante de surface foliaire représentée par les entre-coeurs (1/4 à 1/2) est compensée par une meilleure exposition du feuillage conservé.

La production et la richesse en sucres des raisins ne sont pas influencées par le traitement alors que l'acidité totale semble plutôt diminuée.

En définitive, le facteur déterminant du potentiel de production de la vigne, notamment du taux de sucres des raisins est moins la surface totale du feuillage que la « surface foliaire exposée ».

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The purpose of this trial was to measure the effects of a continuous lateral shoots removing, after berry set, on grapevine microlimate and crop.

It was found that suppression of the lateral shoots which represent an important part of the leaf area (1/4 to 1/2) is balanced by a better exposure of the remaining foliage.

Yield and sugar content of the grapes were not affected by the handling whereas the total acidity seemed to be decreased.

Finally, it is less the total leaf area than the « exposed leaf area » which fixes the potentialities of grapevines especially the sugar content of the grapes.