Exploring Video Feedback in Philosophy

This paper explores the benefits of video feedback for teaching philosophy. Our analysis, based on results from a self-report student survey along with our own experience, indicates that video feedback possesses a number of advantages over traditional written comments. In particular we argue that video feedback is conducive to providing high-quality formative feedback, increases detail and clarity, and promotes student engagement. In addition, we argue that the advantages of video feedback make the method an especially apt tool for addressing challenges germane to teaching philosophy. Video feedback allows markers to more easily explain and illustrate philosophical goals and methods. It allows markers to model the doing of philosophy and thereby helps students to see philosophy’s value. Video feedback is a promising tool for addressing both cognitive and affective barriers to learning philosophy. Such advantages are especially valuable in the context of a student-centered, intentional learning framework. In light of these advantages, we find that video feedback is underappreciated and underutilized

VLSI Architecture and Design

Integrated circuit technology is rapidly approaching a state where feature sizes of one micron or less are tractable. Chip sizes are increasing slowly. These two developments result in considerably increased complexity in chip design. The physical characteristics of integrated circuit technology are also changing. The cost of communication will be dominating making new architectures and algorithms both feasible and desirable. A large number of processors on a single chip will be possible. The cost of communication will make designs enforcing locality superior to other types of designs. Scaling down feature sizes results in increase of the delay that wires introduce. The delay even of metal wires will become significant. Time tends to be a local property which will make the design of globally synchronous systems more difficult. Self-timed systems will eventually become a necessity. With the chip complexity measured in terms of logic devices increasing by more than an order of magnitude over the next few years the importance of efficient design methodologies and tools become crucial. Hierarchical and structured design are ways of dealing with the complexity of chip design. Structered design focuses on the information flow and enforces a high degree of regularity. Both hierarchical and structured design encourage the use of cell libraries. The geometry of the cells in such libraries should be parameterized so that for instance cells can adjust there size to neighboring cells and make the proper interconnection. Cells with this quality can be used as a basis for "Silicon Compilers"

BECTA research project: International Baccalaureate E-Learning Laboratory (iBEL): evaluation report

The International Baccalaureate E-Learning Laboratory (iBEL) investigated the role that design-for-learning (D4L) plays in fostering independent learning on the International Baccalaureate programme using integrated open source platforms, namely Moodle and LAMS. Results from the project indicate these technologies increased independent learning, especially when teachers provided a clear framework by linking to pre-selected, reliable resources, and structured these through appropriate activities. Visual design was highly valued and learners enjoyed using resources containing rich media. In subject disciplines such as Modern Foreign Languages and English they were motivated by the integration of social learning tools, notably forum, glossary tools and chat. Students expected the use of technologies to form a part of their learning. Some teachers found that the use of the technologies assisted with long-term planning and enhanced their relationships with students. Adoption of a D4L system is more likely to succeed if introduced as a repository for existing content to which activities are later added and where it supports flexibility, fits the way that practitioners normally plan for learning, integrates easily with F2F teaching, contains a variety of easy to use tools, and accommodates the integration and updating of existing resources created by staff, such as Word, pdf and PowerPoint

Wiki use that increases communication and collarboration motivation

Communication and collaboration can be readily enabled by the use of many ICT tools. Wikis are one such platform that provides the opportunity for students to work on group projects without the barriers that arise from traditional group work. Whilst wiki use is becoming more common, its use in education is patchy and pedagogical reasoning and evaluation of such use is under explored. This paper addresses the gap in pedagogy and evaluation in the context of accounting studies. A traditional assessment task of writing an essay that involved a research and knowledge component was redesigned to enable groups to communicate and collaborate at a distance using a wiki. Through participant observation and student reflections of the group project, a wiki was found to be an effective platform to communicate and collaborate on a group project and enabled different barriers to be broken down. Wikis provide ubiquitous access to group work, organisation and version control, levels the playing field for dominant and shy students, and provides transparency for non-performers and high achievers.Robyn Davidso

Specification Techniques for Multi-Modal Dialogues in the U-Wish Project

In this paper we describe the development of a specification\ud technique for specifying interactive web-based services. We\ud wanted to design a language that can be a means of\ud communication between designers and developers of interactive services, that makes it easier to develop web-based services fitted to the users and that shortens the pathway from design to implementation. The language, still under development, is based on process algebra and can be\ud connected to the results of task analysis. We have been\ud working on the automatic generation of executable prototypes\ud out of the specifications. In this way the specification\ud language can establish a connection between users, design\ud and implementation. A first version of this language is\ud available as well as prototype tools for executing the specifications. Ideas will be given as to how to make the connection between specifications and task analysis

Online reflective diaries - using technology to strengthen the learning experience

Internet based technologies have benefits for students and staff in terms of time and information sharing. Students at the University of Glasgow were required to engage in reflective writing, with tutor support, as part of their course assessment. We examine the benefits of this approach in fostering a deep, holistic approach to learning, student contribution to course development through this reflection, and the issues in support of these activities