The effect of using same language subtitling (SLS) in content comprehension and vocabulary acquisition in Arabic as a foreign language (AFL)

This study investigates the effects of SLS (Same-Language subtitling) on content comprehension and vocabulary acquisition of MSA (Modern Standard Arabic) as L2 at the intermediate level and addresses three research questions: (1) Does SLS enhance or hinder L2 content comprehension when the writing script of L2 is different than that of L1? (2) Does SLS enhance or hinder L2 vocabulary acquisition when the writing script of L2 is different than that of L1? (3) What is students\u27 attitude towards the use of SLS? Twenty seven students of AUC\u27s ALI program with English as L1 were chosen for the study and divided between a control group (without SLS) and a treatment group (with SLS). Instructions concerning the procedure were given in L1 to rule out any false results due to task misinterpretation. Both groups watched an authentic 3:11 minute documentary twice after completing an individual background questionnaire and taking a multiple choice vocabulary pre-viewing test. Post-viewing, participants took the same vocabulary test, then wrote a summary in L1 based on their notes taken during/and in-between the viewings and completed a questionnaire/questions related to their experience with and -/out captions. L1 summaries were analyzed in terms of 23 semantic units related to content comprehension. The degree of vocabulary acquisition was calculated by comparing the responses between the pre- and post-viewing vocabulary multiply choice tests. Results using t-test and one way ANOVA indicate that SLS neither facilitates nor hinders comprehension and vocabulary acquisition. The majority of students enjoyed captions and wanted to continue using them in class. Pedagogical suggestions and future research recommended training with captions and focus on other text- aids, e.g. reverse subtitling at other proficiency levels. Contains 84 references, 17 figures, 5 pictures and 5 tables

Constructivist and cognitive multimedia learning theories as tools for training teachers on how to integrate technology using the TPACK framework for teaching Arabic online

The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of trainees towards a professional development program. The target is to train teachers on how to use a learning management system called “Blackboard” for designing courses that could be taught online in the future. I used technological pedagogical and content knowledge as a theoretical framework (TPACK) for designing the training. The design of the professional development program took into consideration two learning theories—constructivist learning theory and cognitive multimedia learning theory as part of the pedagogy component of the TPACK framework. Design-based research with one contextual phase without subsequent interventions was used for conducting this study. Semi-structured interviews, a survey with closed ended questions, and a performance exam were used for data collection. The results are presented aligned with the study’s research questions and purpose. The findings showed positive attitude towards the professional development program as a whole and the manual and problem-based activities in particular, with some recommendations for further enhancement. The results of this study attempt to assist professional development designers in the design of other training programs. Finally, theoretical and practical implications are highlighted based on the discussion and conclusions drawn. Keywords: Technological pedagogical and content knowledge, TPACK, TPCK, constructivist, problem-based learning, cognitive multimedia learning, CMLT, design-based research, mixed method

The Development of Citizen Oriented Informatics

We define the concept of citizen-oriented computer application. Quality characteristics are set for computer applications developed in the conditions of citizen-oriented computing and outline the development cycle for these applications. It defines the conditions of existence for citizen-oriented applications. Average and long-term strategies are elaborated.Distributed Applications, Metrics, Citizen-Orientation, Strategies

SciTech News Volume 71, No. 2 (2017)

Columns and Reports From the Editor 3 Division News Science-Technology Division 5 Chemistry Division 8 Engineering Division 9 Aerospace Section of the Engineering Division 12 Architecture, Building Engineering, Construction and Design Section of the Engineering Division 14 Reviews Sci-Tech Book News Reviews 16 Advertisements IEEE

Search for identity in post-war Lebanon: Arab vs Phoenician

Master's Project (M.A.) University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2019This study uses textual analysis and network mapping in order to understand the rhetoric surrounding Phoenicianism in modern day Lebanon, using 1,336 data points from a political discussion forum. The ability of rhetoric grounded in science to persuade others of genetically essentialist views is examined, as well as the ability of social constructionism to naturally resist such rhetoric. We identify common themes found in our data set, the use of science based ethos in Phoenicianist rhetoric, and the growth (or lack thereof) of the Phoenicianist network in order to answer this question. Our research indicates that science based rhetoric and science based proofs do not lead to the growth of a network through the persuasion of others. This also presents us with some interesting opportunities for future research, such as the reasons why Phoenicianism failed to create long lasting identity change in Lebanon. A study on the various environmental factors that resulted in this instance of failed rhetoric could shine a light on the importance of demographics when it comes to successfully creating social movements

Al-Quran Recitation (Tajweed Simulation) “e-Tajweed System”

Al-Quran is the most important book in Muslim‟s life as it gives knowledge in many areas for the use of their daily life. Therefore, it is needed to be read properly so the meaning of the reading is correct. The main purpose of this project is to classify the Tajweed based on letters and signs by defining their shape and location. Images are used as samples to be processed for the use of classification. In an addition, this project was developed parallel to the technology advancement which the interactivity in learning is very important and it influences the understanding of the readers. In order to have a system which has an ability to learn interactively, this project was focused on the implementation of the web-based system. This research has led to the development of e-Tajweed that could monitor individual recitation through internet as well as to the development of practicality of it. As we can see, people nowadays are facing behavioral changes where they want to have a better life especially in the hereafter. They realize it‟s all started from the young education. With the target person are children from primary school, the scope covered for this project is by blending the best approach to be incorporated in order to create rich learning environments that are able to attract children to learn Tajweed and also be able to remember what have been learnt. The methodology used for designing and developing this websites is Rapid Application Development (RAD) which consists of four core phases; planning, analysis, design and development and also implementation. Apart from that, the author also included the results and findings from the survey carried out. Furthermore, the demand for this application in the future will be covered based on the objectives of this project where it enables children to learn Tajweed at home. This will promote independent learning environment where the children could learn Tajweed by themselves or together with their parents or siblings. The active interaction between children and this application will make the learning process more appealing and fun

Web accessibility compliance for e-Government websites in the Gulf region

The World Wide Web is a digital platform that helps people access and retrieve information in an accessible and equitable manner. However, people with disabilities can face a number of challenges when it comes to using the Web and accessing content on websites. According to Henry, web accessibility means “that people with disabilities can use the Web. More specifically, Web accessibility means that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the Web, and that they can contribute to the Web” (2005, para.1). While different countries across the globe tackle issues of equitable access to the web via policy and legal instruments, not all countries and regions have shown progress in terms of meeting the requirements of the internationally recognised Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0). This research aimed to evaluate web accessibility and practice in e-government websites in three Arabian Gulf countries. The study sought to identify accessibility issues and discover levels of conformance to the WCAG 2.0 web accessibility standards, while also eliciting awareness and knowledge of web accessibility in practice. Exploratory research methods were applied in this study, including case studies of nations. Automated website assessments, manual assessments and document analysis were amongst the instruments used within this research. In terms of web evaluation, the findings from the evaluation conducted on e-government websites in relation to ten different sites from each of the three selected countries indicated that there was no clear evidence of an even minimal levels of accessibility features for people with disabilities. Furthermore, the webpages that were tested showed accessibility problems across nearly all aspects of the WCAG 2.0 guidelines. In terms of accessibility awareness for the organisations e-government websites examined in this study, document analysis showed that none of the government websites of Kuwait, the UAE and Qatar made specific reference to web accessibility standards, or where they did, they were not implemented. The results showed that laws and policies did exist for people with disabilities, but did not seem applicable in terms of government run e-services or content. In fact, this interpretation revealed a lack of awareness within the websites examined, despite the existence of laws and policies designed to protect and support people with disabilities. The aim of this study was to understand the role that web accessibility plays in gulf nation egovernment services, and whether citizens of these nations are being supported in relation to access to online digital resources and services. Whilst other nations have seemed to recognise the need to make government services available to all citizens, including those with disabilities, this research finds that whilst Kuwait, the UAE and Qatar enshrine the rights of people with disabilities into law, these rights do not yet seem to have found their way to the digital domain

Preparing Pre-Service Teachers to Use Digital Visual Media for Twenty-First Century Teaching and Learning: Practices and Visions of Teacher Preparation Programs in Saudi Arabia

With the increasing use of modern technological media in various areas of life, it has become necessary to develop teaching methods to deal with this change. One key to modernizing teaching methods is the integration of digital visual media into the educational process. The use of these visual media in programs for future teachers has become essential due to the widespread impact of such content in this digital age. Therefore, this study examines the current experiences and perceptions of five teacher educators on the use of digital visual media in pre-service teachers’ preparation programs in Saudi Arabia. The research questions addressed participants’ perspectives about the use of and practice for integrating digital visual media in university-level teacher education programs. The researcher used a questionnaire and individual interviews to collect information about the participants’ perceptions regarding the use of digital visual media in their educational practices. Data analysis led to the identification of four main themes: (a) societal demand for technology and visual knowledge, (b) increased knowledge of technology, (c) technology and digital visual media practices, and (d) developing a vision requires training and support. Results of the study indicated that overall, participants value and understand the importance of using digital visual media for educational purposes. However, the findings showed the participants’ knowledge of digital visual media was limited. Although the participants emphasized the importance of using digital visual media, they lacked experience in actual practice with how to use visual media to prepare future teachers. This lack of knowledge is interpreted as being due to a lack of required coursework focused on providing background in computer skills and a lack of support and training in the use of all the diverse visual technologies preservice teachers need to work with and understand. This study has several practical implications to guide school administrators at both university and public education levels in designing professional development for teachers

CRT-based dialogs: Theory and design

CRT (cathode ray tube) based, direct selection dialogs for computing machines and systems were apparently a cure for issues like ease of learning and ease of use. But unforeseen ~ and probably unforeseeable problems arose as increasingly sophisticated systems and dialogs were developed. This paper describes some of the emerging problems in CRT-based dialog design, develops theories about why they occur, and discusses potential solutions for them as a basis for future research. This investigation also provides a survey of the research into what makes programming and programming languages difficult, and what makes them simple