Elementary EFL teachers’ perceptions on code-switching in primary learning contexts

In this 21st century teaching and learning, there is an intense debate involving language experts whether code-switching should be integrated into EFL learning contexts or not. The supporters of the L2 believed that intense training in the target language will enable EFL learners to be more proficient target language users. While the L1 experts allowed EFL teachers to apply their mother tongue while delivering the teaching-learning materials in order to deliver their teaching-learning instructions clearly for the learners. In line with this contradictory paradigm, EFL teachers need to implement the first language more judiciously in order to preserve learners’ first language and acquire their target language competencies fully. This study attempted to discover Elementary EFL teachers’ perceptions of the use of code-switching in primary learning contexts. This study utilized narrative inquiry utilizing one research instrument, open-ended interview questions to discover Elementary EFL teachers’ perceptions regarding the utilization of code-switching in primary learning contexts. The participants involving in this study were EFL teachers working in Demangan Baru 1 Elementary School, Yogyakarta. Findings from this study revealed that code-switching did not only help EFL teachers to deliver particular learning materials clearly but also promote greater EFL learning enjoyment for the students

Exploring EFL Teachers Perspectives on Collaborative Learning Activities in Senior High School Contexts

Abstract In this global age, it is of critical importance for future workforces to possess both higher intellectual and social competencies crucially sustaining their careers. In accord with this fact, second language educators engaging in worldwide second language learning circumstances have taken a critical stance to promote collaborative learning activities earlier in senior high school contexts to maximize these future generations’ potentials in terms of problem-solving, critical thinking, social, and conflict resolution skills. This was a qualitative study conducted in a narrative way to decipher the observed recurring phenomenon accurately based on people’s stories and experiences. Open-ended interviews were also utilized in this study to obtain more natural and authentic portrayals regarding the stories told by participants. 2 EFL teachers having different expertise and experiences in running collaborative learning activities in distinctive Senior High School Contexts were also involved in this study to yield richer and reliable results out of the data gathered. The study revealed that collaborative learning activities will run more efficiently when supportive learning assistances are extensively addressed and a higher degree of reverence occurred among diverse group members.  Keywords: EFL Teachers’ Perspectives, Collaborative Learning Activities, Senior High School Context

How Social Robots can Influence Motivation as Motivators in Learning:A Scoping Review

Earlier research has investigated how educational social robots can influence learner motivation and learning outcomes as motivators instead of learning materials. This paper presents a scoping literature review of this body of work, focusing on the educational strategies used, and describing the range of approaches used to influence motivation and learning through social robots, not as learning tools but as motivators. Nineteen advanced studies are identified and described according to the components of the ARCS model (a motivation model dominant in robotics research): Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction. We summarized the measures used for motivation in the studies and relate these measures to the four ARCS model components. Finally, we analyzed the studies from the perspectives of sample groups, study type, and domain or subject. Our analyses suggested that beyond focusing on persuasive (educational) strategies that educational social robots can use to keep learners' attention, researchers should also focus on the satisfaction component of motivation. Furthermore, future studies should examine long-term interactions, apply more rigor in using validated questionnaires, and combine qualitative and quantitative methods to understand not only the effects of these different approaches but also the reasons behind them.</p

Demonstrating Results in National Service Programs: An Introduction to the Government Performance and Results Act

To provide opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to engage in service that addresses the nation\u27s educational, public safety, environmental, and other human needs to achieve direct and demonstrable results and to encourage all Americans to engage in such service. In doing so, the Corporation will foster civic responsibility, strengthen the ties that bind us together as a people, and provide educational opportunity for those who promise to service

Poor Philanthropist II: New approaches to sustainable development

The second title in the Poor Philanthropist Series, this monograph represents the culmination of a six-year journey; a journey characterised in the first three years by in-depth qualitative research which resulted in an understanding of philanthropic traditions among people who are poor in southern Africa and gave rise to new and innovative concepts which formed the focus of the research monograph The Poor Philanthropist: How and Why the Poor Help Each Other, published by the Southern Africa-United States Centre for Leadership and Public Values in 2005

Design issues in Human-centered AI for Marginalized People

Designing for migrants and asylum seekers requires the involvement of the whole society to improve the integration of citizens coming from countries with different cultures, religions, and life patterns. The design and development of AI companions for a personalized access to services is the horizon chosen to support and improve the inclusion of migrants and refugees both for the effectiveness of the services provided by public administration and local organizations, and for the quality of life of migrants and refugees. AI-based services are at the heart of the Digital Companion for migrants and asylum seekers designed to support more effective communication between public administrations and migrants. The human-centered, iterative, participative and critical design approach proved to be valuable to address the heterogeneous needs of the end-users as well as of the local service providers. Concrete issues in defining, testing, and refining the AI are discussed in view of provoking an impact on the whole society and towards a scenario of full development and upscaling

Narrative patterns in FarCry3

Thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master of Arts (Digital Arts) to the Faculty of Humanities, School of Arts, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2016.This paper aims to go down into the rabbit-hole, by analysing the narrative experience derived from games and investigate how it functions in conjunction with the gameplay. This analysis will focus in detail on a case study of Ubisoft's 2012 title Far Cry 3 (FC3). FC3 is a sequel to Far Cry (2004), the original title was developed by Crytek, and produced by Ubisoft. The sequels have been Ubisoft Montreal creations. I have selected FarCry3 as it is commercially successful, as of February 2013 it sold over 4, 5 million copies (Phillips, T. "Far Cry sales hit 4.5 million" 2013). It also received various nominations, including an award for its story, during the 9th British Video Game Awards (Reynolds “Bafta Game Awards 2013” 2012). FC3 can, therefore, be viewed as being indicative of what the populist gaming community desires in a game, an indicator of present trends in narrative development in games. For this paper, I intend to use Hendry Jenkins’ narrative model to analyse how FC3 structured. As a result, illuminating how FC3, manages to engage with a cogent narrative, while operating in conjunction with an engaging game mechanic. I intend to present the structures as they exist within the case study's fictional world. In this research report I will argue that FC3 incorporates multiple narrative structures which promote gameplay. I will play the FC3 critically to gain an overall perspective and through the use of in play videos to select key scenes for analysis within my case study. With the knowledge invested, I intend to apply Jenkins’ narrative architecture in my analysis. [No abstract provided. Information taken from introduction].MT201

Proceedings of the International Workshop “Re-Thinking Technology in Museums: towards a new understanding of people’s experience in museums"

Proceedings of the International Workshop “Re-Thinking Technology in Museums: towards a new understanding of people’s experience in museums

INTERCULTURAL ASPECTS IN TEACHING INDONESIAN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (BIPA)

Learners should be intercultural speakers in foreign language teaching that promotes the intercultural dimension. In mastering the intercultural competencies, students are expected to be able to position themselves based on the background of their origin cultures and the culture that they learn in intercultural situations.  This study aimed to find out how teaching the intercultural competencies was implemented in the course of Indonesian as a Foreign Language (BIPA), especially at the beginner level.  This study investigated the intercultural teaching through textbooks, classroom observation, cultural program, and assessment used for the beginner course at the Institution X. The results of the analysis showed that the textbooks used contain themes of intercultural learning for the survival needs of novice students. The results of the classroom observation also showed that intercultural teaching was well executed. However, the results of the field trip observations that were part of the cultural program showed that the activities were not integrated with language learning.  Besides, the results of the assessment analysis indicated that the exercise books and the tests used were not considered as the intercultural aspects. Therefore, this study is expected to provide input for intercultural teaching in BIPA courses, especially at the beginner level