The Fusion Model of Instructional Design: a proposed model for faculty development programs in technology integration

University faculty are increasingly challenged to integrate technology into their teaching to meet the needs of technology-savvy students today. The purpose of this dissertation is to introduce and examine an instructional design model, the Fusion Model of Instructional Design, for designing and implementing more effective faculty development programs in technology integration. The model builds on positive aspects of participatory design (Vincini, 2001), rapid prototyping (Tripp & Bichelmeyer, 1990), and Keller’s (1983) ARCS model of motivation. Key characteristics of the Fusion Model are participation of early adopters in the design and implementation of training, recursive training of early adopters first and then the remaining faculty within one department or a small number of related departments, and on-going formative evaluation through brainstorming and discussion. Two studies were conducted to examine the perceived value, usability, and effectiveness of the Fusion Model in a small southern university. For both studies, the participants were trained on various components of a popular course management system. Study 1 was conducted with two departments for the purpose of piloting of the model. Survey data were collected in Study 1. Study 2 was conducted with two additional departments for further evaluation of the model. Data from Study 2 were collected using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Qualitative data were collected through interviews of faculty participants and the university technology facilitator and the researcher’s observation journal. Results of these studies indicate that the use of Fusion Model of Instructional Design was perceived favorably and produced positive outcomes. Both the technology facilitator and the faculty participants reported positive attitudes toward the training designed, developed, and implemented using the model. The technology facilitator was pleased with the value, usability, and effectiveness of the model because the model allowed for greater faculty participation, customization of the training, and modifications of the sessions when needed. The faculty were pleased because using the model allowed them input in their training which resulted in more participation, more targeted training and support with colleagues in the same department. In a follow-up survey, faculty reported a significantly higher level of technology integration in their teaching and student learning

Evaluating the successful implementation of evidence into practice using the PARiHS framework : theoretical and practical challenges

Background The PARiHS framework (Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services) has proved to be a useful practical and conceptual heuristic for many researchers and practitioners in framing their research or knowledge translation endeavours. However, as a conceptual framework it still remains untested and therefore its contribution to the overall development and testing of theory in the field of implementation science is largely unquantified. Discussion This being the case, the paper provides an integrated summary of our conceptual and theoretical thinking so far and introduces a typology (derived from social policy analysis) used to distinguish between the terms conceptual framework, theory and model – important definitional and conceptual issues in trying to refine theoretical and methodological approaches to knowledge translation. Secondly, the paper describes the next phase of our work, in particular concentrating on the conceptual thinking and mapping that has led to the generation of the hypothesis that the PARiHS framework is best utilised as a two-stage process: as a preliminary (diagnostic and evaluative) measure of the elements and sub-elements of evidence (E) and context (C), and then using the aggregated data from these measures to determine the most appropriate facilitation method. The exact nature of the intervention is thus determined by the specific actors in the specific context at a specific time and place. In the process of refining this next phase of our work, we have had to consider the wider issues around the use of theories to inform and shape our research activity; the ongoing challenges of developing robust and sensitive measures; facilitation as an intervention for getting research into practice; and finally to note how the current debates around evidence into practice are adopting wider notions that fit innovations more generally. Summary The paper concludes by suggesting that the future direction of the work on the PARiHS framework is to develop a two-stage diagnostic and evaluative approach, where the intervention is shaped and moulded by the information gathered about the specific situation and from participating stakeholders. In order to expedite the generation of new evidence and testing of emerging theories, we suggest the formation of an international research implementation science collaborative that can systematically collect and analyse experiences of using and testing the PARiHS framework and similar conceptual and theoretical approaches. We also recommend further refinement of the definitions around conceptual framework, theory, and model, suggesting a wider discussion that embraces multiple epistemological and ontological perspectives

KSNet-Approach to Knowledge Fusion from Distributed Sources

The rapidity of the decision making process is an important factor in different branches of the human life (business, healthcare, industry, military applications etc.). Since responsible persons make decisions using available knowledge, it is important for knowledge management systems to deliver necessary and timely information. Knowledge logistics is a new direction in the knowledge management addressing this. Technology of knowledge fusion, based on the synergistic use of knowledge from multiple distributed sources, is a basis for these activities. The paper presents an overview of a Knowledge Source Network configuration approach (KSNet-approach) to knowledge fusion, multi-agent architecture and research prototype of the KSNet knowledge fusion system based on this approach

Porosity at play: investigating the role of facilitator in the training and performance of masked theatre

The study utilizes the practitioner/researcher’s own artistic process as a laboratory, if you will, to conduct a broader inquiry into how theatre masks work and a facilitator’s role within the process of "bringing them to life.

Knowledge Acquisition Analytical Games: games for cognitive systems design

Knowledge discovery from data and knowledge acquisition from experts are steps of paramount importance when designing cognitive systems. The literature discusses extensively on the issues related to current knowledge acquisition techniques. In this doctoral work we explore the use of gaming approaches as a knowledge acquisition tools, capitalising on aspects such as engagement, ease of use and ability to access tacit knowledge. More specifically, we explore the use of analytical games for this purpose. Analytical game for decision making is not a new class of games, but rather a set of platform independent simulation games, designed not for entertainment, whose main purpose is research on decision-making, either in its complete dynamic cycle or a portion of it (i.e. Situational Awareness). Moreover, the work focuses on the use of analytical games as knowledge acquisition tools. To this end, the Knowledge Acquisition Analytical Game (K2AG) method is introduced. K2AG is an innovative game framework for supporting the knowledge acquisition task. The framework introduced in this doctoral work was born as a generalisation of the Reliability Game, which on turn was inspired by the Risk Game. More specifically, K2AGs aim at collecting information and knowledge to be used in the design of cognitive systems and their algorithms. The two main aspects that characterise those games are the use of knowledge cards to render information and meta-information to the players and the use of an innovative data gathering method that takes advantage of geometrical features of simple shapes (e.g. a triangle) to easily collect players\u2019 beliefs. These beliefs can be mapped to subjective probabilities or masses (in evidence theory framework) and used for algorithm design purposes. However, K2AGs might use also different means of conveying information to the players and to collect data. Part of the work has been devoted to a detailed articulation of the design cycle of K2AGs. More specifically, van der Zee\u2019s simulation gaming design framework has been extended in order to account for the fact that the design cycle steps should be modified to include the different kinds of models that characterise the design of simulation games and simulations in general, namely a conceptual model (platform independent), a design model (platform independent) and one or more implementation models (platform dependent). In addition, the processes that lead from one model to the other have been mapped to design phases of analytical wargaming. Aspects of game validation and player experience evaluation have been addressed in this work. Therefore, based on the literature a set of validation criteria for K2AG has been proposed and a player experience questionnaire for K2AGs has been developed. This questionnaire extends work proposed in the literature, but a validation has not been possible at the time of writing. Finally, two instantiations of the K2AG framework, namely the Reliability Game and the MARISA Game, have been designed and analysed in details to validate the approach and show its potentialities

Query's Reply Generating from Sensors Regarding the Consumer's Constraints Application Using MAS

6 pagesInternational audienceWe describe how to generate a reply to a consumer's query by taking in mind not only the needed information request but also the query constraints. The use of Directory Facilitator helps the consumer's interpreter locating an interface able to answer its demand and so, the supplier services that meet its needs. This interface by using a proxy cache is able, regarding the consumer constraints, to generate information replies to requests from earlier data acquisitions. Applying Multi-Agents System helps creating an effective consumer-supplier's interface with information treatments and data fusion processes. In this paper, we suppose software architecture and we show by an implementation how agents can handle and treat consumer requirements

Developing an 'experience framework' for an evidence-based information literacy educational intervention

Purpose This paper describes how an ‘Experience Framework’ for an evidence-based Information Literacy educational intervention can be formulated. Design/methodology/approach The Experience Framework is developed by applying the qualitative methodology Phenomenography to the analysis of the variation in the experience of a phenomenon by a target group, making specific use of one of its data analysis methods, that pioneered by Gerlese Akerlind. A phenomenographic study’s descriptions of the limited but related experiences of the phenomenon, and the detail of context and complexity in experience achieved through the Akerlind’s data analysis technique, are essential to a Framework’s structure and educationally valuable richness of detail. Findings The ‘Experience Framework’, an example of which is set out in this paper, is formed from a detailed range of contexts, forms and levels of complexity of experience of a phenomenon, such as Information Literacy, in a group or profession. Groupings of aspects of that experience are used to formulate, through the application of Variation Theory, an education theory developed from previous phenomenographic research, learning contexts and aims which can form the focus of educational activities. Originality/value The framework can be used to form the basis of an evidence-based educational intervention to enrich the experience of any concept within LIS that Information professionals work to develop in their users

THE QUADRO HELIX COMMUNICATION MODELS APPROACH IN DEVELOPING CREATIVE CITY OF MALANG

The development of the creative economy as the basis for the city's growth has given rise to a creative city concept. Cities are a vehicle for residents to move, innovate, and be creative. To foster creative behavior in the city economy requires continuous communication and support from all stakeholders, including Government, economic actors, and society. The first parameter of a creative city is that it can develop the potential for a creative economy. Second, there is a role and synergy between the government, academics, business actors, and the community (community). This research aims to produce multi-stakeholder communication models based on the Quadro Helix approach by Malang creative city. This methodology research will be conducted using qualitative methods through in-depth interviews, observation, and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on government, academics, business actors, society (community). The result found that Communication synergy between the government, business, community, and academics is essential in developing Malang as a Creative City. The quadrohelix stakeholders are united in the creative Economy Committee, which helps formulate a roadmap for Malang as a creative city