title: Providing computer-assisted, two-way feedback in formative assessment: an innovation supporting best educational practice

authors: Gaukrodger, Howard Malcolm

subjects: computer-assisted assessment

abstract: This thesis presents the design and development of an educational ICT innovation called the Quality Assessment System (QAS), intended to: increase the speed of providing useful, legible and consistent feedback, enhance student engagement in the analysis and improvement of their own work, and provide an easily-accessible, cumulative history of completed tasks and feedback. 

The QAS has been developed to a proof-of-concept stage as a Microsoft Word add-in, which can be used on digital or handwritten work, and has functions to administer resubmissions.
The prototype system was evaluated at a tertiary institution in the field of English for Speakers of Other Languages. I used observations, interview methods, and a Wizard-of-Oz experiment to simulate full use of the software. 
The research found that: 
-	the QAS could foster the rapid provision of consistent, clear feedback;
-	the facility to provide digital feedback on handwritten work safeguarded the desire of some students to continue writing their tasks by hand;
-	the handling of resubmitted tasks and the comparison of feedback on the first and second submissions (or any other pair of user-selected tasks) was considered very useful; 
-	some students were emotional attached to handwritten feedback and believed that feedback mediated by computer showed a lack of teacher care for the students;
-	administrators believed the QAS would be useful for resolving student-teacher disputes, and as a tool to enhance the robustness of the quality self-assessment system the faculty adhered to.
While I acknowledge the need for caution in interpreting the fieldwork results of small samples, this research places systemisation tools such as the QAS firmly on the agenda for closer investigation.

text: Providing computer-assisted, two-way feedback in formative assessment: an innovation supporting best educational practice This thesis presents the design and development of an educational ICT innovation called the Quality Assessment System (QAS), intended to: increase the speed of providing useful, legible and consistent feedback, enhance student engagement in the analysis and improvement of their own work, and provide an easily-accessible, cumulative history of completed tasks and feedback. 

The QAS has been developed to a proof-of-concept stage as a Microsoft Word add-in, which can be used on digital or handwritten work, and has functions to administer resubmissions.
The prototype system was evaluated at a tertiary institution in the field of English for Speakers of Other Languages. I used observations, interview methods, and a Wizard-of-Oz experiment to simulate full use of the software. 
The research found that: 
-	the QAS could foster the rapid provision of consistent, clear feedback;
-	the facility to provide digital feedback on handwritten work safeguarded the desire of some students to continue writing their tasks by hand;
-	the handling of resubmitted tasks and the comparison of feedback on the first and second submissions (or any other pair of user-selected tasks) was considered very useful; 
-	some students were emotional attached to handwritten feedback and believed that feedback mediated by computer showed a lack of teacher care for the students;
-	administrators believed the QAS would be useful for resolving student-teacher disputes, and as a tool to enhance the robustness of the quality self-assessment system the faculty adhered to.
While I acknowledge the need for caution in interpreting the fieldwork results of small samples, this research places systemisation tools such as the QAS firmly on the agenda for closer investigation.

year: 2012

title: In vitro Effects of Selenium on DNA Damage in BRCA1 Cell Lines

authors: Mayall, Kirsty Rose

subjects: Selenium

abstract: Cancer of the breast is the most common cancer affecting women, with a 1 in 9 lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Carriers of mutations in the breast cancer susceptibility gene, BRCA1, present with an increased lifetime risk of 80-95% of developing breast cancer. BRCA1 is a tumour-suppressor gene that is involved in DNA repair of double-strand breaks and transcriptional regulation.

Studies have shown that oral supplementation with Selenium (Se) could potentially be an effective preventive agent against BRCA1-mutation carriers. Se is an essential trace mineral that plays critical roles in maintaining health in humans. Se functions by protecting lipid membranes, proteins and DNA from free radical damage and is involved in redox regulation in the cell. These functions are mediated through specific Se-dependent proteins termed selenoproteins, in which Se is incorporated.

Se supplementation may exert its benefits by enhancing the DNA damage repair response. The effects also appear to be dependent on selenoprotein genotypes and concentration of Se in the body/diet. It is possible that Se supplementation may be effective in reducing the risk of breast cancer in BRCA1 carriers, but the use of organic Se compounds is likely to be preferable, but the dose-response needs to be determined.

The objectives of this research thesis are to evaluate the dose-response of sodium selenite and methylseleninic acid (MSA) in two BRCA1-mutated cancer cell lines in vitro. The MTT assay was used to monitor cell activity, along with the comet assay to evaluate the DNA damage level using a dose-response curve of the two Se compounds on control and bleomycin-induced DNA damaged cells. In addition, DNA from each cell line was sequenced to confirm the presence of the published BRCA1 mutation.

The data presented within this thesis demonstrates that a commonly-used inorganic form of Se, sodium selenite, is more genotoxic than the organic Se compound, MSA, in malignant BRCA1-mutated cells. Sodium selenite also has more direct cytotoxicity in BRCA1-mutated cells than MSA, as demonstrated by the MTT assay. However the enhanced repair capacity from Se on DNA damage in cells demonstrated by others has not been reproduced. Preliminary data showed potential at much lower doses (2 μM) of Se. Interestingly, the volatile metabolites produced from MSA appear to reduce DNA damage, supportive of this hypothesis. In order to understand if the effects observed are linked specifically to the BRCA1 mutation or breast cancer in general, future research should include the investigation of the effects of Se on breast cancer using alternative breast cancer cell lines, as well as non-malignant cells.

text: In vitro Effects of Selenium on DNA Damage in BRCA1 Cell Lines Cancer of the breast is the most common cancer affecting women, with a 1 in 9 lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Carriers of mutations in the breast cancer susceptibility gene, BRCA1, present with an increased lifetime risk of 80-95% of developing breast cancer. BRCA1 is a tumour-suppressor gene that is involved in DNA repair of double-strand breaks and transcriptional regulation.

Studies have shown that oral supplementation with Selenium (Se) could potentially be an effective preventive agent against BRCA1-mutation carriers. Se is an essential trace mineral that plays critical roles in maintaining health in humans. Se functions by protecting lipid membranes, proteins and DNA from free radical damage and is involved in redox regulation in the cell. These functions are mediated through specific Se-dependent proteins termed selenoproteins, in which Se is incorporated.

Se supplementation may exert its benefits by enhancing the DNA damage repair response. The effects also appear to be dependent on selenoprotein genotypes and concentration of Se in the body/diet. It is possible that Se supplementation may be effective in reducing the risk of breast cancer in BRCA1 carriers, but the use of organic Se compounds is likely to be preferable, but the dose-response needs to be determined.

The objectives of this research thesis are to evaluate the dose-response of sodium selenite and methylseleninic acid (MSA) in two BRCA1-mutated cancer cell lines in vitro. The MTT assay was used to monitor cell activity, along with the comet assay to evaluate the DNA damage level using a dose-response curve of the two Se compounds on control and bleomycin-induced DNA damaged cells. In addition, DNA from each cell line was sequenced to confirm the presence of the published BRCA1 mutation.

The data presented within this thesis demonstrates that a commonly-used inorganic form of Se, sodium selenite, is more genotoxic than the organic Se compound, MSA, in malignant BRCA1-mutated cells. Sodium selenite also has more direct cytotoxicity in BRCA1-mutated cells than MSA, as demonstrated by the MTT assay. However the enhanced repair capacity from Se on DNA damage in cells demonstrated by others has not been reproduced. Preliminary data showed potential at much lower doses (2 μM) of Se. Interestingly, the volatile metabolites produced from MSA appear to reduce DNA damage, supportive of this hypothesis. In order to understand if the effects observed are linked specifically to the BRCA1 mutation or breast cancer in general, future research should include the investigation of the effects of Se on breast cancer using alternative breast cancer cell lines, as well as non-malignant cells.

year: 2015

title: Mana Takatāpui: Self-determination for queer rangatahi Māori

authors: Doyle, Benjamin Kauri

subjects: Takatāpui

abstract: Here is a Master’s thesis crafted with, by, and for Rangatahi Takatāpui. It represents a labour of love for the community to which I belong, and seeks to generate understanding about the factors that enable LGBTQI+ Māori youth to embody and enact Tino Rangatiratanga. Principles of Kaupapa Māori Theory provide a paradigm through which this research is conducted, with particular attention paid to the Indigenous Research Agenda. Importantly, this rangahau seeks to offer an alternative to the conventions of hegemonic empirical academia by centering the voices and lived experiences of those who have historically been subjected to the dehumanising objectification of western research practices.

Through the methodological approach of wānanga, and within a Tikanga Māori framework of Āta, or cultural safety, twelve Rangatahi Takatāpui participated in a two day workshop at Te Kohinga Mārama Marae. Over the course of both days, co-researchers shared personal testimonies about their experiences navigating the world as Queer Indigenous peoples, as well as the dreams and aspirations they have for collective self-determination. These accounts ultimately inform the narrative storying employed to convey the key findings of this research, which are described as Mana Tuakiri (identity), Mana Hapori (belonging), Mana Moemoeā (vision), and Mana Wero (challenges).

To make sense of the findings presented in this rangahau, a model is developed which takes inspiration from Te Takarangi, the double spiral motif common in both Toi Māori and Te Tai Ao. Utilising the cyclical and intersecting patterns of Te Takarangi, the four main themes of this research are explored through a progressive layering of personal, interpersonal, and societal relationships in order to provide insight into how best Rangatahi Takatāpui can be supported to enact Tino Rangatiratanga. Ultimately, this research present nine key factors to be addressed and implemented in order to achieve this aspiration, including a call for conscientisation (both the self and the collective), resourcing and support, the removal of barriers to access, community intersectional reflexivity, space for collective Indigenous dreaming, and an ongoing commitment to Te Tiriti justice.

text: Mana Takatāpui: Self-determination for queer rangatahi Māori Here is a Master’s thesis crafted with, by, and for Rangatahi Takatāpui. It represents a labour of love for the community to which I belong, and seeks to generate understanding about the factors that enable LGBTQI+ Māori youth to embody and enact Tino Rangatiratanga. Principles of Kaupapa Māori Theory provide a paradigm through which this research is conducted, with particular attention paid to the Indigenous Research Agenda. Importantly, this rangahau seeks to offer an alternative to the conventions of hegemonic empirical academia by centering the voices and lived experiences of those who have historically been subjected to the dehumanising objectification of western research practices.

Through the methodological approach of wānanga, and within a Tikanga Māori framework of Āta, or cultural safety, twelve Rangatahi Takatāpui participated in a two day workshop at Te Kohinga Mārama Marae. Over the course of both days, co-researchers shared personal testimonies about their experiences navigating the world as Queer Indigenous peoples, as well as the dreams and aspirations they have for collective self-determination. These accounts ultimately inform the narrative storying employed to convey the key findings of this research, which are described as Mana Tuakiri (identity), Mana Hapori (belonging), Mana Moemoeā (vision), and Mana Wero (challenges).

To make sense of the findings presented in this rangahau, a model is developed which takes inspiration from Te Takarangi, the double spiral motif common in both Toi Māori and Te Tai Ao. Utilising the cyclical and intersecting patterns of Te Takarangi, the four main themes of this research are explored through a progressive layering of personal, interpersonal, and societal relationships in order to provide insight into how best Rangatahi Takatāpui can be supported to enact Tino Rangatiratanga. Ultimately, this research present nine key factors to be addressed and implemented in order to achieve this aspiration, including a call for conscientisation (both the self and the collective), resourcing and support, the removal of barriers to access, community intersectional reflexivity, space for collective Indigenous dreaming, and an ongoing commitment to Te Tiriti justice.

year: 2023