Focal Spot, Spring 2003

https://digitalcommons.wustl.edu/focal_spot_archives/1093/thumbnail.jp

An inside story: tracking experiences, challenges and successes in a joint specialist performing arts college

In England the government’s specialist schools initiative is transforming the nature of secondary education. A three-year longitudinal case study tracked the effects of specialist performing arts college status on two schools. The sites were a mainstream school drawing pupils from an area of high social deprivation and disadvantage, and a special school catering for pupils with profound and \ud multiple learning difficulties, which were awarded joint performing arts college status. The government’s \ud preferred criterion for judging the success of specialist schools is improvement in whole-school examination results. The authors argue that this is a crude and inappropriate measure for these case study schools and probably others. Using questionnaires, interviews and documentation they tell an ‘inside story’ of experiences, challenges and achievements, from the perspectives of the schools’ mangers, staff and pupils. Alternative ‘value-added’ features emerged that were positive indicators of enrichment and success in both schools

Government By and For Millenial America: A Blueprint for 21st Century Government

Using this generation's unique ethos and commitment to pragmatic problem-solving, Millennials across the country have collaborated to design their vision for a 21st century democracy and reject the idea that our system is too broken, too stagnant, and too outdated. They have identified the parts of the system that need to be fixed while articulating what a true democracy should look like. Government By and For Millennial America, the third installment of our blueprint series, tackles some of the most fundamental, divisive, and difficult questions on the purpose of government in furthering our country's progress: how can we hear from more voices? How can we be more transparent? How can government be more egalitarian? How can we both support individual communities and the common good of every American? Most importantly, this pursuit is grounded in one fundamental idea that defines America's distinctive pursuit of self-governance: in the words of our namesake, Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country. - President Franklin D. Roosevelt We set out to craft a blueprint, and discovered, in conversations with over a thousand young people across the country, that the Millennial generation is not yet ready to give up on America's ever evolving experiment in a government by and for the people

The New Hampshire, Vol. 108, No. 16 (Feb. 7, 2019)

An independent student produced newspaper from the University of New Hampshire

Towards case-based medical learning in radiological decision making using content-based image retrieval

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Radiologists' training is based on intensive practice and can be improved with the use of diagnostic training systems. However, existing systems typically require laboriously prepared training cases and lack integration into the clinical environment with a proper learning scenario. Consequently, diagnostic training systems advancing decision-making skills are not well established in radiological education.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We investigated didactic concepts and appraised methods appropriate to the radiology domain, as follows: (i) Adult learning theories stress the importance of work-related practice gained in a team of problem-solvers; (ii) Case-based reasoning (CBR) parallels the human problem-solving process; (iii) Content-based image retrieval (CBIR) can be useful for computer-aided diagnosis (CAD). To overcome the known drawbacks of existing learning systems, we developed the concept of image-based case retrieval for radiological education (IBCR-RE). The IBCR-RE diagnostic training is embedded into a didactic framework based on the Seven Jump approach, which is well established in problem-based learning (PBL). In order to provide a learning environment that is as similar as possible to radiological practice, we have analysed the radiological workflow and environment.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We mapped the IBCR-RE diagnostic training approach into the Image Retrieval in Medical Applications (IRMA) framework, resulting in the proposed concept of the IRMAdiag training application. IRMAdiag makes use of the modular structure of IRMA and comprises (i) the IRMA core, i.e., the IRMA CBIR engine; and (ii) the IRMAcon viewer. We propose embedding IRMAdiag into hospital information technology (IT) infrastructure using the standard protocols Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) and Health Level Seven (HL7). Furthermore, we present a case description and a scheme of planned evaluations to comprehensively assess the system.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The IBCR-RE paradigm incorporates a novel combination of essential aspects of diagnostic learning in radiology: (i) Provision of work-relevant experiences in a training environment integrated into the radiologist's working context; (ii) Up-to-date training cases that do not require cumbersome preparation because they are provided by routinely generated electronic medical records; (iii) Support of the way adults learn while remaining suitable for the patient- and problem-oriented nature of medicine. Future work will address unanswered questions to complete the implementation of the IRMAdiag trainer.</p

Factors affecting the acceptance and meaningful use of picture archive and communication systems by referring clinicians in private practice

A Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS) is a health information technology that facilitates the electronic storage, transmission, presentation and processing of digital medical-imaging datasets. The benefits of PACS have been well-documented. It provides a means to replace traditional film-based workflows and their inherent limitations. Referring clinicians’ acceptance is a critical factor in the overall success of a PACS implementation; and given the financial implications of project failure, research into physician acceptance and meaningful use is crucial. Very few PACS acceptance studies have focused on the referring clinicians, and even less in the context of the private sector. Therefore, the problem that this research aims to address is: There is a lack of understanding on which factors influence PACS acceptance and the meaningful use thereof by referring clinicians in private practice. This explorative study follows an embedded mixed methodology approach in order to meet the research objectives, favouring a qualitative method of inquiry with the support of a quantitative strand. Electronic questionnaires were distributed to private practice referring clinicians to probe the aspects related to PACS acceptance and its meaningful use. The conceptual framework, as devised by Paré and Trudel (2007), was used as a theoretical lens to categorize and discuss the research results in terms of Project, Technological, Organizational and Behavioural factors that affect PACS acceptance and its meaningful use. The findings showed good acceptance rates, which is in line with other research conducted in this field, including research done in the public sector. Technical and Organizational factors were the most prevalent. An extension of the above-mentioned theoretical framework was proposed to assist in maintaining positive results after the project Implementation phase has been completed. This research expands the Information Technology PACS body of knowledge – by identifying both the technical and the non-technical factors that are crucial in private practice referring doctor acceptance and meaningful use. By addressing these factors, institutions can improve the likelihood of PACS project success in private practice settings. Maximising referring doctor acceptance and meaningful use could also give private practices a competitive advantage over their competitors

Implementing Digital Media as a Pedagogical Tool in University Physical Activity Courses

Technological advancements have influenced the way we teach, learn, and communicate in education. Higher educational institutions must continually adapt to emerging technologies by implementing a variety of technologies such as photographs, audio, video, and an endless array of online platforms. Specifically, university physical activity programs, which have existed in higher educational institutions for over a century, are encouraged to incorporate digital media as a means to effectively and efficiently communicate a variety of content areas (Cardinal, 2017; Casey, Goodyear, & Armour, 2017; Tiernan, 2015). The purpose of this case study was to explore the implementation of digital media as a pedagogical tool within physical activity courses (PACs). Eight participants shared their lived experiences as instructors of record for PACs throughout the fall 2019 semester. Results showed the need for digital resources both for the instructor as well as students, the value of digital media as a social connection tool, and the need to use Canvas, video, and audio as pedagogical tools. Professional development opportunities are necessary for PAC instructors to effectively and efficiently implement digital media as a pedagogical tool

The evaluation of academic electronic bulletin boards for communication and training : HCI factors in the UK and Saudi Arabia

Electronic networks services have become essential tools for the academic community. One of the services provided has been academic electronic bulletin boards (EBBs), and the use of EBBs has increased dramatically during the last decade. One question concerns the possible application of EBBs as a means both for communication and for remote training. A series of experiments were conducted during 1991, 1992, and 1993 with the aim of examining the use of EBBs for these purposes. The first experiment was carried out to investigate whether users experience problems in using EBBs. The next extended this to see how students evaluated EBBs for communication and training purposes. The main focus of the work was BUBL. After this second experiment, modifications were made to the BUBL data and a further experiment was carried out. A different group of students looked at the modified material, and also compared it with US data using different software. The fourth experiment compared the usability of a menu-based interface (dBase III +) and a hypertext interface (HyperCard) from a student's viewpoint. It was followed by an investigation of icons to find out how well different icons could be recognised and the possibility of using them for language-independent instructions. Finally, the characteristics and problems of GULFNET users were examined. The evaluation has demonstrated the general acceptability of EBBs and their likely value for training purposes. This leads to a discussion of how an EBB might best be developed for use in communication and training on GULFNET

Curriculum Congruence of an HR Baccalaureate Degree Program to Industry Requirements

Undergraduate students of business commonly view their time in school as a career-readying training ground preparatory to advancing into professional practice within industry settings. In preparing learners for success beyond the classroom, it is critical for post-secondary institutions (PSIs) to demonstrate alignment between program curriculum and workplace knowledge and skill requirements. This Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) outlines a potential solution to improve the relevance of business degree programming (at a large, Canadian-based, polytechnic institution), according to marketplace requirements. More narrowly, this OIP presents a process of program review which not only ensures alignment of program curricula and workplace-required competencies, but also strengthens collaboration between PSIs and industry stakeholders. This OIP emphasizes the importance of partnering with industry stakeholders to ensure alignment between program curricula and marketplace requirements (Andrews & Higson, 2007; Azevedo, Apfelthaler, & Hurst, 2012; Porter & McKibbin, 1988; Praslova, 2010). In addition, it points to the lack of congruence that presently exists between current curricula/assessment and industry-required knowledge and skills (Bennis & O’Toole, 2005; Pfeffer & Fong, 2002; Praslova, 2010). Keywords: human resources, degree program, industry, knowledge, skills, curriculum, PACs, workplace, marketplace, relevant, responsive, business school, School of Business, polytechni

Mobilizing Communities to Support the Literacy Development of Urban Youth: A Conceptual Framework and Strategic Planning Model

Offers a strategic planning model for community mobilization around adolescent literacy development. Explores spheres of influence; strategies for schools, community groups, and families; outcomes; and lessons learned from other community change efforts