title: Crossing the game threshold: A system for teaching basic programming constructs

authors: Bromwich, Kohl

subjects: Beginner

abstract: Teaching elementary programming is a difficult and often frustrating process. Many students fail to grasp the basic concepts and drop out of their programmes of study. Although visual languages with some form of game element have been explored as a solution to this problem, evidence on the success of these is at best mixed, without much empirical evaluation to support various claims that are made by their developers. In this paper we argue for and present a more limited programming game system for teaching basic programming constructs to beginner programmers at junior high school level. We also present an evaluation of this game which shows that students participating in this study enjoyed playing the game and succeeded in advancing through progressively more challenging stages of the game, which rely on understanding the underlying programming constructs.

text: Crossing the game threshold: A system for teaching basic programming constructs Teaching elementary programming is a difficult and often frustrating process. Many students fail to grasp the basic concepts and drop out of their programmes of study. Although visual languages with some form of game element have been explored as a solution to this problem, evidence on the success of these is at best mixed, without much empirical evaluation to support various claims that are made by their developers. In this paper we argue for and present a more limited programming game system for teaching basic programming constructs to beginner programmers at junior high school level. We also present an evaluation of this game which shows that students participating in this study enjoyed playing the game and succeeded in advancing through progressively more challenging stages of the game, which rely on understanding the underlying programming constructs.

year: 2012

title: Modes of reception: A consolidated analytical framework

authors: Michelle, Carolyn

subjects: modes of reception

abstract: Drawing on a synthesis of existing models of reception and findings from audience research, this article outlines a conceptual framework for the (meta)analysis of existing and new reception data which delineates four primary modes of viewer interpretation and response: transparent, referential, mediated, and discursive. I argue that the adoption of this consolidated analytical framework may facilitate a more systematic investigation into how viewers' interpretations are shaped by social group memberships, cultural competencies, and discursive affiliations.

text: Modes of reception: A consolidated analytical framework Drawing on a synthesis of existing models of reception and findings from audience research, this article outlines a conceptual framework for the (meta)analysis of existing and new reception data which delineates four primary modes of viewer interpretation and response: transparent, referential, mediated, and discursive. I argue that the adoption of this consolidated analytical framework may facilitate a more systematic investigation into how viewers' interpretations are shaped by social group memberships, cultural competencies, and discursive affiliations.

year: 2007-07-01

title: Planning for the protection and enhancement of marine environments' wellbeing

authors: Barnsdall, Aaron

subjects: marine

abstract: The wellbeing of marine environments has a direct relationship with the types of whenua (land, placenta) use and management practices that go from the mountains to the sea. In Aotearoa, activities that are carried out in this land-marine interface, including those related to Nature-based Solutions (NbSs), are regulated by national, regional, and district policies (e.g., New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement, regional plans, and district plans). However, due to its novel character, not all current policies account for the realisation of NbSs nor are NbSs’ potential for addressing the wellbeing of our marine environments well understood.

This dissertation focuses on Tauranga Moana (the seas of Tauranga) as the chosen locality for the case study area, to:

i) investigate how the Ngapeke 7 Trust’s community participants in the Ngāti Pūkenga area of Tauranga Moana understand and value NbSs for addressing the wellbeing of their marine systems; and,
ii) review current planning policies and mechanisms to identify barriers, enablers, and gaps that support or hinder the implementation of NbSs in Tauranga Moana, observing through a Kaupapa Māori lens.

Findings emphasize that integrating mātauranga Māori and Māori Ecological Knowledge (MEK) with scientific knowledge offers a holistic approach to environmental management, enhancing decision-making, education, and policy. Key Māori values, including whakapapa, mauri, and kaitiakitanga, are central to this approach.

The research identifies gaps in policies regarding NbS realization and a need for greater understanding of NbS potential and Māori perspectives. Implications include the necessity of integrating MEK into environmental practices and policies, and the value of NbSs for effective and equitable environmental outcomes. Limitations include sample size and scope, which focused on the Ngapeke 7 block. This research contributes valuable insights for environmental planning and management by centring mātauranga Māori and values in NbS implementation for marine health.

text: Planning for the protection and enhancement of marine environments' wellbeing The wellbeing of marine environments has a direct relationship with the types of whenua (land, placenta) use and management practices that go from the mountains to the sea. In Aotearoa, activities that are carried out in this land-marine interface, including those related to Nature-based Solutions (NbSs), are regulated by national, regional, and district policies (e.g., New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement, regional plans, and district plans). However, due to its novel character, not all current policies account for the realisation of NbSs nor are NbSs’ potential for addressing the wellbeing of our marine environments well understood.

This dissertation focuses on Tauranga Moana (the seas of Tauranga) as the chosen locality for the case study area, to:

i) investigate how the Ngapeke 7 Trust’s community participants in the Ngāti Pūkenga area of Tauranga Moana understand and value NbSs for addressing the wellbeing of their marine systems; and,
ii) review current planning policies and mechanisms to identify barriers, enablers, and gaps that support or hinder the implementation of NbSs in Tauranga Moana, observing through a Kaupapa Māori lens.

Findings emphasize that integrating mātauranga Māori and Māori Ecological Knowledge (MEK) with scientific knowledge offers a holistic approach to environmental management, enhancing decision-making, education, and policy. Key Māori values, including whakapapa, mauri, and kaitiakitanga, are central to this approach.

The research identifies gaps in policies regarding NbS realization and a need for greater understanding of NbS potential and Māori perspectives. Implications include the necessity of integrating MEK into environmental practices and policies, and the value of NbSs for effective and equitable environmental outcomes. Limitations include sample size and scope, which focused on the Ngapeke 7 block. This research contributes valuable insights for environmental planning and management by centring mātauranga Māori and values in NbS implementation for marine health.

year: 2025-04-16