title: Students’ experiences of learning in a virtual classroom

authors: Gedera, Dilani S.P.

subjects: E-learning

abstract: Online learning environments can offer learners opportunities for flexibility, interaction and collaboration distinctly different from face-to-face learning environments. However, the integration of educational technologies also presents challenges and concerns in relation to students’ learning. This article attempts to develop a better understanding of students’ experiences of learning with the specific online learning technology of Adobe Connect virtual classroom. The study was conducted in a university in New Zealand using a case study method. With Activity Theory as its research framework, the research methods of this study include individual interviews, online observation and analysis of other relevant documents. This article includes some of the findings of the research and a discussion on how the synchronous technology— Adobe Connect virtual classroom, used in an online learning environment affected students’ active participation in e-learning activities. The article also offers some suggestions that can be of use to instructors who teach online courses.

text: Students’ experiences of learning in a virtual classroom Online learning environments can offer learners opportunities for flexibility, interaction and collaboration distinctly different from face-to-face learning environments. However, the integration of educational technologies also presents challenges and concerns in relation to students’ learning. This article attempts to develop a better understanding of students’ experiences of learning with the specific online learning technology of Adobe Connect virtual classroom. The study was conducted in a university in New Zealand using a case study method. With Activity Theory as its research framework, the research methods of this study include individual interviews, online observation and analysis of other relevant documents. This article includes some of the findings of the research and a discussion on how the synchronous technology— Adobe Connect virtual classroom, used in an online learning environment affected students’ active participation in e-learning activities. The article also offers some suggestions that can be of use to instructors who teach online courses.

year: 2014

title: Designing sustainable materials: The role of material perception in consumer acceptance

authors: Thundathil, Manu

subjects: biocomposites

abstract: Material perception is vital in designing new materials and products that consumers widely accept, especially in the case of sustainable materials like biobased composites, which are unfamiliar to the average consumer. Understanding the effect of visual and tactile characteristics of the biobased composites on the formation of material perception could help material engineers and designers create sustainable and high-value materials. In this study of biobased composites, the semantic differential method is used to assess material attributes (in digital and physical settings), along with the qualitative assessment of material characteristics. These attribute ratings and qualitative descriptors help evaluate sensory qualities and generalise their influences on material perception. It is observed that respondents refer to past material experiences to define materials, especially the ones with uncertain attributes. While visual/tactile inconsistencies are a hallmark of natural products, such irregularities in materials with evidence of human interaction (e.g., weaving, geometric patterns) lead to poor perception of beauty and value. Fibreness is a strong signifier of naturality and warm and earthy tones reinforce this perception. Visual and tactile attributes influence perceptions of beauty and values, pointing to their bimodal nature; this also emphasises the role of sensory characteristics in creating desirable biobased composites.

text: Designing sustainable materials: The role of material perception in consumer acceptance Material perception is vital in designing new materials and products that consumers widely accept, especially in the case of sustainable materials like biobased composites, which are unfamiliar to the average consumer. Understanding the effect of visual and tactile characteristics of the biobased composites on the formation of material perception could help material engineers and designers create sustainable and high-value materials. In this study of biobased composites, the semantic differential method is used to assess material attributes (in digital and physical settings), along with the qualitative assessment of material characteristics. These attribute ratings and qualitative descriptors help evaluate sensory qualities and generalise their influences on material perception. It is observed that respondents refer to past material experiences to define materials, especially the ones with uncertain attributes. While visual/tactile inconsistencies are a hallmark of natural products, such irregularities in materials with evidence of human interaction (e.g., weaving, geometric patterns) lead to poor perception of beauty and value. Fibreness is a strong signifier of naturality and warm and earthy tones reinforce this perception. Visual and tactile attributes influence perceptions of beauty and values, pointing to their bimodal nature; this also emphasises the role of sensory characteristics in creating desirable biobased composites.

year: 2025-04-03

title: Polynesian settlement of New Zealand and the impacts of volcanism on early Maori society: An update

authors: Lowe, David J.

subjects: Polynesian settlement

abstract: Presents an overview of the timing of Polynesian settlement in New Zealand, discussing the application of tephrochronology and rat and avian bone dating to the problem. The impacts of volcanism on early Maori society are examined, including the catastrophic impacts of the Tarawera eruption of 1886.

text: Polynesian settlement of New Zealand and the impacts of volcanism on early Maori society: An update Presents an overview of the timing of Polynesian settlement in New Zealand, discussing the application of tephrochronology and rat and avian bone dating to the problem. The impacts of volcanism on early Maori society are examined, including the catastrophic impacts of the Tarawera eruption of 1886.

year: 2008