An Empirical Evaluation of Effort Prediction Models Based on Functional Size Measures

Software development effort estimation is among the most interesting issues for project managers, since reliable estimates are at the base of good planning and project control. Several different techniques have been proposed for effort estimation, and practitioners need evidence, based on which they can choose accurate estimation methods. The work reported here aims at evaluating the accuracy of software development effort estimates that can be obtained via popular techniques, such as those using regression models and those based on analogy. The functional size and the development effort of twenty software development projects were measured, and the resulting dataset was used to derive effort estimation models and evaluate their accuracy. Our data analysis shows that estimation based on the closest analogues provides better results for most models, but very bad estimates in a few cases. To mitigate this behavior, the correction of regression toward the mean proved effective. According to the results of our analysis, it is advisable that regression to the mean correction is used when the estimates are based on closest analogues. Once corrected, the accuracy of analogy-based estimation is not substantially different from the accuracy of regression based models

Democratic Implementation of Anywhere, Anytime, Anyway Learning through Blended Synchronous Delivery in a Postsecondary Institution in Canada

This organizational improvement plan considers the implementation of anywhere, anytime, anyway learning in the context of competing stakeholder values in a postsecondary institution in Canada. Quinn’s (1983) competing values framework is used to juxtapose the values of students, faculty members, innovators and administrators in the context of educational technology implementation (Yang & Melitski, 2007). A case for anywhere, anytime, anyway learning through web-conferencing in a blended online format is made to each group in the context of that group’s value system. Bourdieu’s (1984) forms of capital are used: administrators valuing economic capital, faculty members valuing cultural capital, and students valuing social capital. Freire’s (1968) model of conscientization is used to argue that humanization is needed to overcome neoliberal obstacles that have stalled the implementation of new initiatives. An implementation strategy based on a community of practice is recommended for a gradual process of organizational change through professional development. The plan concludes that win-win solutions are possible between neoliberal administrators and liberatory/critical/democratic educators. In fact, these solutions may even bring neoliberals into conscientization

Assessing learners’ satisfaction in collaborative online courses through a big data approach

none4noMonitoring learners' satisfaction (LS) is a vital action for collecting precious information and design valuable online collaborative learning (CL) experiences. Today's CL platforms allow students for performing many online activities, thus generating a huge mass of data that can be processed to provide insights about the level of satisfaction on contents, services, community interactions, and effort. Big Data is a suitable paradigm for real-time processing of large data sets concerning the LS, in the final aim to provide valuable information that may improve the CL experience. Besides, the adoption of Big Data offers the opportunity to implement a non-intrusive and in-process evaluation strategy of online courses that complements the traditional and time-consuming ways to collect feedback (e.g. questionnaires or surveys). Although the application of Big Data in the CL domain is a recent explored research area with limited applications, it may have an important role in the future of online education. By adopting the design science research methodology, this article describes a novel method and approach to analyse individual students' contributions in online learning activities and assess the level of their satisfaction towards the course. A software artefact is also presented, which leverages Learning Analytics in a Big Data context, with the goal to provide in real-time valuable insights that people and systems can use to intervene properly in the program. The contribution of this paper can be of value for both researchers and practitioners: the former can be interested in the approach and method used for LS assessment; the latter can find of interest the system implemented and how it has been tested in a real online course.openElia G.; Solazzo G.; Lorenzo G.; Passiante G.Elia, G.; Solazzo, G.; Lorenzo, G.; Passiante, G

An approach to designing and developing an LMS framework appropriate for young pupils

The lifestyle of the new people generation, called in the scientific literature Generation Z, is closely related to the Internet, computer and information technology. Therefore, people and children belonging to this group can be viewed in terms of software technology as specific users who have high requirements regarding the functions and interface of the software applications, connectivity to social networks and instant communication via the Internet. This influenced not only on the teaching and learning methods but also on the software applications used in the learning process. In recent years, new theoretical teaching methods have emerged, and the number of electronic learning systems increased. However, students lack motivation for the learning process. This requires developing new conceptual models of training and learning software, tailored to the skills and preferences of the end-users. The young students up to 12 years of age: from kindergartens to preschools and primary schools are special users who have not been studied exhaustively. In order to present the problem related to the development of learning and training software thoroughly, the most commonly used standards and current trends, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of LMS platforms have been reviewed. Attention is drawn to the commonly used software design and development technologies. This is the reason to propose a strategy for developing a web-based e-learning management system according to the possibilities of young pupils as a specific user. Having in mind this strategy we described a software architecture, based on SCORM's specification, and we developed an LMS prototype. Its design was tailored to the skills of young children. The basic methodology used in the design and creation of the system we propose is user-centered design. The document is intended for developers, educators and scientists, studying child-computer interaction

Teaching and learning in virtual worlds: is it worth the effort?

Educators have been quick to spot the enormous potential afforded by virtual worlds for situated and authentic learning, practising tasks with potentially serious consequences in the real world and for bringing geographically dispersed faculty and students together in the same space (Gee, 2007; Johnson and Levine, 2008). Though this potential has largely been realised, it generally isn’t without cost in terms of lack of institutional buy-in, steep learning curves for all participants, and lack of a sound theoretical framework to support learning activities (Campbell, 2009; Cheal, 2007; Kluge & Riley, 2008). This symposium will explore the affordances and issues associated with teaching and learning in virtual worlds, all the time considering the question: is it worth the effort

Blended Synchronous Learning and Students’ Critical Thinking Ability: Lesson from Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has been a primary issue, and the educational sector has responded to this issue by providing various alternative learning activities to provide the indifference essence as in the normal situation. In more specific, this study aims to examine the implementation of blended synchronous learning-based and its impact on students’ critical thinking in economics. This study applied mixed methods, quasi-experimentally by using non-equivalent control group design research to determine the different changes during the experimental period. The findings of the study indicate that in addition to diminishing tedium in the classroom, blended synchronous learning outraces the conventional learning and can explain an increase in critical thinking abilities of students. Additionally, this study demonstrates the remarkable different between treated students and control group in the term of critical thinking from the perspective of SOLO taxonomy.Keywords—blended synchronous learning, critical thinking ability, blended learning, learning management syste

Transforming pre-service teacher curriculum: observation through a TPACK lens

This paper will discuss an international online collaborative learning experience through the lens of the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework. The teacher knowledge required to effectively provide transformative learning experiences for 21st century learners in a digital world is complex, situated and changing. The discussion looks beyond the opportunity for knowledge development of content, pedagogy and technology as components of TPACK towards the interaction between those three components. Implications for practice are also discussed. In today’s technology infused classrooms it is within the realms of teacher educators, practising teaching and pre-service teachers explore and address effective practices using technology to enhance learning

Theory to Practice, Practice to Theory: Developing a Critical and Feminist Pedagogy for an English as a Second Language Academic Writing Classroom

Although many aspects of English as a second language (ESL) academic writing instruction have been well researched, Leki, Cumming, and Silva (2008) note that, There have been surprisingly few research-based descriptions of L2 writing classroom instruction (p. 80). Although research related to the use of critical and feminist pedagogy in ESL is increasing, Kumaradivelu (2006) notices that it is still not clear how the critical awakening “…has actually changed the practice of everyday teaching and teacher preparation” (p. 76). The purpose of this study was to provide an individual response to the gaps identified by both sets of authors by investigating how critical and feminist theories could be utilized to develop an orientation to interactions in the everyday practices of an ESL academic writing classroom. In order to achieve this purpose, an autoethnographic study of an eight-week ESL academic writing course in an Intensive English Program (IEP) was conducted. The participants in this study included the teacher-researcher and seven learners. The data collected included the following: lesson plans, instructional materials, teacher field notes, teacher reflexive journal, transcripts of everyday class interactions, transcripts of multiple interviews with learners, learner written reflections, and learners’ written assignments for the course. Analysis of findings revealed that the critical and feminist theories selected for the course were realized even though there were some internal and external obstacles. Learners experienced positive shifts in their feelings about the topic of academic writing and their own abilities as academic writers. Learners’ written texts also reflected positive shifts with respect to the teacher’s goals for learners. These findings suggest that critical and feminist theories can be enacted in everyday classrooms and can be helpful with regard to improving teachers’ and learners’ experiences of everyday ESL academic writing classrooms