title: The architecture of an optimistic CPU: the WarpEngine

authors: Cleary, John G.

subjects: computer science

abstract: The architecture for an optimistic, highly parallel, scalable, shared memory CPU - the WarpEngine - is described. The WarpEngine CPU allows for parallelism down to the level of single instructions and is tolerant of memory latency. Its design is based around time stamping executable instructions and all memory accesses. The TimeWarp algorithm [Jefferson 1985, 1989] is used for managing the time stamps and synchronisation. This algorithm is optimistic and requires that all computations can be rolled back. The basic functions required for implementing the control and memory system used by TimeWarp are described. The WarpEngine memory model presented to the programmer, is a single linear address space which is modified by a single thread of execution. Thus, at the software level there is no need for locks or other explicit synchronising actions when accessing the memory. The actual physical implementation, however, is multiple CPUs with their own caches and local memory with each CPU simultaneously executing multiple threads of control. Reads from memory are optimistic, that is, if there is a local copy of a memory location it is taken as the current value. However, sometimes there will be a write with an earlier time stamp in transit in the system. When it arrives it causes the original read and any dependent calculations to be re-executed.

text: The architecture of an optimistic CPU: the WarpEngine The architecture for an optimistic, highly parallel, scalable, shared memory CPU - the WarpEngine - is described. The WarpEngine CPU allows for parallelism down to the level of single instructions and is tolerant of memory latency. Its design is based around time stamping executable instructions and all memory accesses. The TimeWarp algorithm [Jefferson 1985, 1989] is used for managing the time stamps and synchronisation. This algorithm is optimistic and requires that all computations can be rolled back. The basic functions required for implementing the control and memory system used by TimeWarp are described. The WarpEngine memory model presented to the programmer, is a single linear address space which is modified by a single thread of execution. Thus, at the software level there is no need for locks or other explicit synchronising actions when accessing the memory. The actual physical implementation, however, is multiple CPUs with their own caches and local memory with each CPU simultaneously executing multiple threads of control. Reads from memory are optimistic, that is, if there is a local copy of a memory location it is taken as the current value. However, sometimes there will be a write with an earlier time stamp in transit in the system. When it arrives it causes the original read and any dependent calculations to be re-executed.

year: 1994-07

title: A Case Study of a Learning Management System in a New Zealand Secondary School

authors: Stevens, Nicole

subjects: Learning management system

abstract: This project was a case study of the use of a learning management system (LMS) within a New Zealand secondary school. The interpretive study aimed to find out why the LMS was purchased, to examine the extent and patterns of its use within the school, and to identify factors that may be impeding or enabling its use. Data on user perceptions of the use of the LMS were gathered from students, teachers and administration staff through questionnaire, individual interviews and focus group interviews. User login data from LMS records were also used. The study findings indicate that KnowledgeNet is currently being used predominantly as a content management system rather than a genuine LMS. Usage of the system within the school is moderate to high, especially with student users, but students perceive they are not using the system adequately. The findings reveal a number of impediments to the effective use of the system within the school and make several recommendations as to how these issues might be addressed. The study also makes recommendations to address the shortage of research on LMS implementations in NZ to help guide schools in the choice and implementation of LMS.

text: A Case Study of a Learning Management System in a New Zealand Secondary School This project was a case study of the use of a learning management system (LMS) within a New Zealand secondary school. The interpretive study aimed to find out why the LMS was purchased, to examine the extent and patterns of its use within the school, and to identify factors that may be impeding or enabling its use. Data on user perceptions of the use of the LMS were gathered from students, teachers and administration staff through questionnaire, individual interviews and focus group interviews. User login data from LMS records were also used. The study findings indicate that KnowledgeNet is currently being used predominantly as a content management system rather than a genuine LMS. Usage of the system within the school is moderate to high, especially with student users, but students perceive they are not using the system adequately. The findings reveal a number of impediments to the effective use of the system within the school and make several recommendations as to how these issues might be addressed. The study also makes recommendations to address the shortage of research on LMS implementations in NZ to help guide schools in the choice and implementation of LMS.

year: 2011

title: An analysis of typical errors of young learners of te reo Maori

authors: Houia, Waldo

subjects: te reo Maori

abstract: In 1999, the New Zealand Ministry of Education commissioned the development of a draft proficiency test for learners of Māori in bilingual and immersion settings in Year 5 of schooling (aged 8 - 10). That test was, along with a range of survey materials, produced and piloted in a very short time - 13 weeks. Although it provided a starting point for further development of a proficiency battery, it did not prove sufficiently robust in itself to retain. What it did do, however, was provide a range of useful samples of the speaking and writing of Year 5 students (70 samples were collected from five different schools). These samples revealed a number of common errors, errors which were analysed and are discussed here.

text: An analysis of typical errors of young learners of te reo Maori In 1999, the New Zealand Ministry of Education commissioned the development of a draft proficiency test for learners of Māori in bilingual and immersion settings in Year 5 of schooling (aged 8 - 10). That test was, along with a range of survey materials, produced and piloted in a very short time - 13 weeks. Although it provided a starting point for further development of a proficiency battery, it did not prove sufficiently robust in itself to retain. What it did do, however, was provide a range of useful samples of the speaking and writing of Year 5 students (70 samples were collected from five different schools). These samples revealed a number of common errors, errors which were analysed and are discussed here.

year: 2002-02