Understanding new ways of learning in the 21st century: A preliminary study into mobile technologies

In this paper, we describe a theoretical framework and design of a study of mobile technologies in a first year university course, where students use mobile phones, or smartphones as cognitive tools. The paper describes a broader study into the use of mobile technologies with authentic learning environments, and then outlines a plan for an investigation into the nature of use of the devices in the completion of an authentic task

Problem solving in technology-supported learning environments

The increasing availability of technology-supported learning environments designed to enhance the development of skills for life-long learning in the classroom and the wider community provides opportunities for student-centred and cooperative learning. Researchers experimenting with these learning environments are attempting to use cognitive tools to scaffold learners in the process of a cognitive task, usually presented in the form of a problem. Constructivist approaches to learning shifts the focus for organising knowledge construction from the teacher to the learner. Learners therefore need to develop a range of information processing skills to cope with this approach to learning. When faced with the responsibility for knowledge construction, they are thrown on their own management resources. While some may have the metacognitive skills to cope, many fend poorly in the increased complexity of such a learning environment. Many see the task as daunting and complex and feel ill-prepared for such creative freedom and choice of direction. Such learners need tools to help them represent the knowledge they are acquiring. This study explores ways in which a range of support frameworks may be used to assist learners when solving problems of an ill-structured nature. The main objective was to gain a better understanding of how learners identify, organize and present information when problem solving in technology supported learning environments. The research has focussed on the three main areas: problem clarification (identifying the nature of the task and what information was required or provided); solution formulation including data collection and the solution process (sorting out the resources and generating new information as required); and presentation of argument for the solution (identifying propositions and the appropriate evidence for support or refuting the argument). The primary data gathering strategies adopted for the study focussed on individual participants\u27 notes, audio transcripts of think-aloud protocols, participant observation and participant interviews. The results from the analysis of the collected data indicate that many learners have underdeveloped skills and find it difficult to adopt a systematic approach to both information gathering and in the analysis of supporting information. In constructing a response to the problems under investigation many participants preferentially consider one or two pieces of information rather than discriminating between issues. As a result of poor search strategies a number of participants missed access to essential information. Consequently this resulted in the formation of poorly constructed responses when developing an argument to support the answer to the problem under investigation. Of the four frameworks introduced into the study, the Six Hats framework and the Critical Thinking framework appear to offer clearer strategies to assist learners with problem clarification and solution formulation. There was little difference in the quality of argument produced by participants using the different frameworks. The findings arising from the research suggest that many learners would benefit from cognitive support tools when engaged in solving ill-structured problems within technology supported learning environments

Filling the Criminal Liability Gap for Private Military Contractors Abroad: U.S. v. Slough and the Civilian Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act of 2010

To ensure that all contractors who commit crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan can be prosecuted effectively in the United States, Congress must pass legislation to update Federal criminal law and fill the gaps that may leave certain types of contractors free from any criminal liability. The Civilian Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act of 2010 (CEJA) attempts to do just that, and while it may deter some PMCs from participating in the U.S. military and security contracting market, the benefits of having a fully accountable U.S. legal system outweigh the drawbacks for individual contracting companies

The Utilization of Evidence-Based Treatments in Trauma Treatment of Active Military Personnel and Their Families

This study reviewed the literature regarding the effectiveness of evidence-based treatments in addressing traumatic stress injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder in active military personnel and their families. Top tier treatments recommended by the Department of Defense and Department of Veteran Affairs Clinical Practice Guidelines for the treatment of traumatic stress disorders are discussed, and the literature is critically examined with a focus on exploring the reported evidence of effectiveness. In addition, this study contributed unpublished archival clinical outcome data from evidence-based treatment of active military personnel and their families in real-world clinical settings. The effectiveness of an evidence-based treatment is examined utilizing the most consistently utilized outcome measures in the reviewed literature. The electronic version of this dissertation is at OhioLink ETD Center, www.ohiolink.edu/et

Filling the Criminal Liability Gap for Private Military Contractors Abroad: U.S. v. Slough and the Civilian Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act of 2010

To ensure that all contractors who commit crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan can be prosecuted effectively in the United States, Congress must pass legislation to update Federal criminal law and fill the gaps that may leave certain types of contractors free from any criminal liability. The Civilian Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act of 2010 (CEJA) attempts to do just that, and while it may deter some PMCs from participating in the U.S. military and security contracting market, the benefits of having a fully accountable U.S. legal system outweigh the drawbacks for individual contracting companies

The Utilization of Evidence-Based Treatments in Trauma Treatment of Active Military Personnel and Their Families

This study reviewed the literature regarding the effectiveness of evidence-based treatments in addressing traumatic stress injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder in active military personnel and their families. Top tier treatments recommended by the Department of Defense and Department of Veteran Affairs Clinical Practice Guidelines for the treatment of traumatic stress disorders are discussed, and the literature is critically examined with a focus on exploring the reported evidence of effectiveness. In addition, this study contributed unpublished archival clinical outcome data from evidence-based treatment of active military personnel and their families in real-world clinical settings. The effectiveness of an evidence-based treatment is examined utilizing the most consistently utilized outcome measures in the reviewed literature. The electronic version of this dissertation is at OhioLink ETD Center, www.ohiolink.edu/et

Home interiors, national identity and curatorial practice in the art photography of Simryn Gill

In cultural geography, connections between home, identity, and multi-scalar notions of belonging are well established. Intersections between interior design and national identity are linked likewise to a broader material and symbolic politics of dwelling. Through an interview with the artist, alongside analysis of two exhibits focused on the domestic landscapes of Malaysia (‘Dalam’, 2001) and Australia (‘Inland’, 2009) – the paper explores ideas about nationalism invested in the art photography of Simryn Gill. By exploring the intimate politics inherent within the creation, curatorship, and review of her work, the home emerges as an ambiguous and incomplete referent of both nationalism and self. </jats:p