title: A neural-based code for computing image velocity from small sets of middle temporal (MT/V5) neuron inputs

authors: Perrone, John A.

subjects: 2D motion

abstract: It is still not known how the primate visual system is able to measure the velocity of moving stimuli such as edges and dots. Neurons have been found in the Medial Superior Temporal (MST) area of the primate brain that respond at a rate proportional to the speed of the stimulus but it is not clear how this property is derived from the speed-tuned Middle Temporal (MT) neurons that precede area MST along the visual motion pathway. I show that a population code based on the outputs from a number of MT neurons is susceptible to errors if the MT neurons are tuned to a broad range of spatial frequencies and have receptive fields that span a wide range of sizes. I present a solution that uses the activity of just three MT units within a velocity channel to estimate the velocity using a weighted vector average (centroid) technique. I use a range of velocity channels (1, 2, 4, and 88/s) with inhibition between them so that only a single channel passes the velocity estimate onto the next stage of processing (MST). I also include a contrast-dependent redundancy-removal stage which provides tighter spatial resolution for the velocity estimates under conditions of high contrast but which trades off spatial compactness for greater sensitivity at low contrast. The new model produces an output signal proportional to the stimulus input velocity (consistent with MST neurons) and its input stages have properties closely tied to those of neurons in areas V1 and MT.

text: A neural-based code for computing image velocity from small sets of middle temporal (MT/V5) neuron inputs It is still not known how the primate visual system is able to measure the velocity of moving stimuli such as edges and dots. Neurons have been found in the Medial Superior Temporal (MST) area of the primate brain that respond at a rate proportional to the speed of the stimulus but it is not clear how this property is derived from the speed-tuned Middle Temporal (MT) neurons that precede area MST along the visual motion pathway. I show that a population code based on the outputs from a number of MT neurons is susceptible to errors if the MT neurons are tuned to a broad range of spatial frequencies and have receptive fields that span a wide range of sizes. I present a solution that uses the activity of just three MT units within a velocity channel to estimate the velocity using a weighted vector average (centroid) technique. I use a range of velocity channels (1, 2, 4, and 88/s) with inhibition between them so that only a single channel passes the velocity estimate onto the next stage of processing (MST). I also include a contrast-dependent redundancy-removal stage which provides tighter spatial resolution for the velocity estimates under conditions of high contrast but which trades off spatial compactness for greater sensitivity at low contrast. The new model produces an output signal proportional to the stimulus input velocity (consistent with MST neurons) and its input stages have properties closely tied to those of neurons in areas V1 and MT.

year: 2012

title: Riding the knowledge wave: An examination of recent work-based learning in New Zealand

authors: Piercy, Gemma Louise

subjects: industrial relations

abstract: This paper offers insights into the policy environment within which work-based learning takes place. Since 1999, work-based learning in New Zealand has been reframed by a series of ‘third way’ policies implemented by the Labour-led coalition government. These initiatives incorporate an interesting mix of borrowed ideas, principally from the United Kingdom, and domestic imperatives. The purpose of this paper is to outline, examine, and evaluate New Zealand’s ‘third way’ approach to education and training and its present and future implications for work-based learning. 

The direction of Labour’s policies was signaled in its 1999 election manifesto document, Skills for 21st Century.  Buoyed by the support for and success of its initial policies, the government has continued to borrow and adapt overseas initiatives.  This paper builds on previous comparative research (Piercy, 2003; Murray and Piercy, 2003). It traces the implementation of key policy reforms that relate to the broad area of work-based learning.  It describes, briefly, the evolution of the current Tertiary Education Strategy (TES) and the contribution made by the ‘third way’ Tertiary Education Advisory Committee (TEAC).  The TES is a five to seven year plan that intends to give focus and certainty to the entire post-compulsory education and training sector (PCET); this effectively includes all work-based learning. The paper also examines the three Statements of Educational Priorities (STEP) that have been released to date (the latest in April 2005).  The STEPs constitute an action plan for each phase of the TES. The paper concludes that the adoption of a ‘third way’ approach since 1999 has not only altered significantly the role now played by employers, unions, and industry training organizations (ITOs) but also provided opportunities to transform important aspects of work-based learning.

text: Riding the knowledge wave: An examination of recent work-based learning in New Zealand This paper offers insights into the policy environment within which work-based learning takes place. Since 1999, work-based learning in New Zealand has been reframed by a series of ‘third way’ policies implemented by the Labour-led coalition government. These initiatives incorporate an interesting mix of borrowed ideas, principally from the United Kingdom, and domestic imperatives. The purpose of this paper is to outline, examine, and evaluate New Zealand’s ‘third way’ approach to education and training and its present and future implications for work-based learning. 

The direction of Labour’s policies was signaled in its 1999 election manifesto document, Skills for 21st Century.  Buoyed by the support for and success of its initial policies, the government has continued to borrow and adapt overseas initiatives.  This paper builds on previous comparative research (Piercy, 2003; Murray and Piercy, 2003). It traces the implementation of key policy reforms that relate to the broad area of work-based learning.  It describes, briefly, the evolution of the current Tertiary Education Strategy (TES) and the contribution made by the ‘third way’ Tertiary Education Advisory Committee (TEAC).  The TES is a five to seven year plan that intends to give focus and certainty to the entire post-compulsory education and training sector (PCET); this effectively includes all work-based learning. The paper also examines the three Statements of Educational Priorities (STEP) that have been released to date (the latest in April 2005).  The STEPs constitute an action plan for each phase of the TES. The paper concludes that the adoption of a ‘third way’ approach since 1999 has not only altered significantly the role now played by employers, unions, and industry training organizations (ITOs) but also provided opportunities to transform important aspects of work-based learning.

year: 2005

title: Culture, Courage and Change: The experiences of a Te Kotahitanga facilitation team

authors: Lamont, Robyn Elizabeth

subjects: culturally responsive pedagogy of relations

abstract: This thesis explores the experiences of the Te Kotahitanga facilitation team in one of the 12 Phase 3 Te Kotahitanga schools between 2003 and 2006. The collaborative story through which those experiences are shared includes the voices of the Lead facilitator, the two co-principals, and an RTLB/facilitator. This thesis begins by seeking to understand the historical impact of culturally located discourses of colonisation on the lives of the indigenous Māori people in New Zealand. From within a platform of Māori theorising it also considers Kaupapa Māori research methodologies and explores Māori people’s aspirations for self determination (tino rangatiratanga). It then considers the principles and practices of engaging as a bicultural partnership to improve educational outcomes for Māori students. Through a discussion of the facilitation team's experiences of learning about a culturally responsive pedagogy of relations through the development and support of culturally responsive contexts for learning, three important themes emerge: culture, courage and change. The impact of deficit theorising and pathologising practices on the culture of Maori students and their teachers is examined. The courage required of the Te Kotahitanga principals and facilitators to challenge and disrupt the assumptions that underpinned the historical status quo in this school and the importance of remaining steadfast in response to the dissonance and resistance that these change processes created is then discussed. Finally, this thesis highlights both the interdependent nature of the change required and the power of the collective in creating change; change within ourselves, within our classrooms and within our schools and communities for the benefit of Māori students, and of all students.

text: Culture, Courage and Change: The experiences of a Te Kotahitanga facilitation team This thesis explores the experiences of the Te Kotahitanga facilitation team in one of the 12 Phase 3 Te Kotahitanga schools between 2003 and 2006. The collaborative story through which those experiences are shared includes the voices of the Lead facilitator, the two co-principals, and an RTLB/facilitator. This thesis begins by seeking to understand the historical impact of culturally located discourses of colonisation on the lives of the indigenous Māori people in New Zealand. From within a platform of Māori theorising it also considers Kaupapa Māori research methodologies and explores Māori people’s aspirations for self determination (tino rangatiratanga). It then considers the principles and practices of engaging as a bicultural partnership to improve educational outcomes for Māori students. Through a discussion of the facilitation team's experiences of learning about a culturally responsive pedagogy of relations through the development and support of culturally responsive contexts for learning, three important themes emerge: culture, courage and change. The impact of deficit theorising and pathologising practices on the culture of Maori students and their teachers is examined. The courage required of the Te Kotahitanga principals and facilitators to challenge and disrupt the assumptions that underpinned the historical status quo in this school and the importance of remaining steadfast in response to the dissonance and resistance that these change processes created is then discussed. Finally, this thesis highlights both the interdependent nature of the change required and the power of the collective in creating change; change within ourselves, within our classrooms and within our schools and communities for the benefit of Māori students, and of all students.

year: 2011