The evolution of pedagogic models for work-based learning within a virtual university

The process of designing a pedagogic model for work-based learning within a virtual university is not a simple matter of using ‘off the shelf’ good practice. Instead, it can be characterised as an evolutionary process that reflects the backgrounds, skills and experiences of the project partners. Within the context of a large-scale project that was building a virtual university for work-based learners, an ambitious goal was set: to base the development of learning materials on a pedagogic model that would be adopted across the project. However, the reality proved to be far more complex than simply putting together an appropriate model from existing research evidence. Instead, the project progressed through a series of redevelopments, each of which was pre-empted by the involvement of a different team from within the project consortium. The pedagogic models that evolved as part of the project will be outlined, and the reasons for rejecting each will be given. They moved from a simple model, relying on core computer-based materials (assessed by multiple choice questions with optional work-based learning), to a more sophisticated model that integrated different forms of learning. The challenges that were addressed included making learning flexible and suitable for work-based learning, the coherence of accreditation pathways, the appropriate use of the opportunities provided by online learning and the learning curves and training needs of the different project teams. Although some of these issues were project-specific (being influenced by the needs of the learners, the aims of the project and the partners involved), the evolutionary process described in this case study illustrates that there can be a steep learning curve for the different collaborating groups within the project team. Whilst this example focuses on work-based learning, the process and the lessons may equally be applicable to a range of learning scenarios

The distributed development of quality courses for a virtual university

Although virtual universities are widely touted as a way of competing globally in a post‐compulsory educational market, systems for implementing them are currently underdeveloped The central thesis in this paper is that in order to ensure the quality of the development and delivery of course materials for a virtual university, a collaborative and iterative approach to authoring is required. In this paper, the development of such a process will be discussed The paper is based on experience with a project whose aims included the provision of Masters‐level courses in supply chain management for learners in full‐time employment in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). The materials developed through the project were required to be academically rigorous, vocationally relevant, and situated in the context of the learners. The project relied on distributed development, with authors based at institutions across the UK and in Europe. This paper focuses on the creation and evolution of the development processes adopted by the project, illustrating these with examples of good and bad practice. Based on these, tensions between quality and resourcing are identified, and implications will be drawn for other teams working on the development of online courses

Compound cycle engine for helicopter application

The compound cycle engine (CCE) is a highly turbocharged, power-compounded, ultra-high-power-density, lightweight diesel engine. The turbomachinery is similar to a moderate-pressure-ratio, free-power-turbine gas turbine engine and the diesel core is high speed and a low compression ratio. This engine is considered a potential candidate for future military helicopter applications. Cycle thermodynamic specific fuel consumption (SFC) and engine weight analyses performed to establish general engine operating parameters and configurations are presented. An extensive performance and weight analysis based on a typical 2-hour helicopter (+30 minute reserve) mission determined final conceptual engine design. With this mission, CCE performance was compared to that of a contemporary gas turbine engine. The CCE had a 31 percent lower-fuel consumption and resulted in a 16 percent reduction in engine plus fuel and fuel tank weight. Design SFC of the CCE is 0.33 lb/hp-hr and installed wet weight is 0.43 lb/hp. The major technology development areas required for the CCE are identified and briefly discussed

Medellin v. Dretke: Federalism and International Law

This is an edited version of a debate held at Columbia Law School on February 21, 2005

More Than Just Writing: Handedness and Substance Use

This study explored the possible association of handedness and substance use disorders. A quantitative study was conducted by administrating a Handedness and Substance Use survey to participants assigned to dialectal behavior therapy (DBT) skills groups in a Midwestern city in the United States. From the 96 survey responses aging from 18-62 years old, 6.3% (n=6) identified as male, 90.6% (n=87) identified as female, and 3.1% (n=3) identified as transgender. 9.4% (n=9) identified as left handed, and 90.6% (n=87) identified as right handed. Significant association was found between handedness and participation in an alcohol and drug treatment program. The results show that over 27% of all respondents have attended a form of alcohol or drug treatment, 55.5% who report being left handed and 24.1% who are right handed. Significant association was also found between handedness and someone else recommending an alcohol and drug treatment program. The results show that over 36.5% of all respondents have had someone else recommend an alcohol or drug treatment, 66.7% who report being left handed and 33.3% who are right handed. The findings also found heightened responses from self-identified left-handed participants in having felt the need to cut down on their substance use and familial substance abuse concerns compared to right-handed respondents. This study concludes by addressing the possible implementations and recommendations stemming from discovering a possible new risk factor for substance use disorders

More Than Just Writing: Handedness and Substance Use

This study explored the possible association of handedness and substance use disorders. A quantitative study was conducted by administrating a Handedness and Substance Use survey to participants assigned to dialectal behavior therapy (DBT) skills groups in a Midwestern city in the United States. From the 96 survey responses aging from 18-62 years old, 6.3% (n=6) identified as male, 90.6% (n=87) identified as female, and 3.1% (n=3) identified as transgender. 9.4% (n=9) identified as left handed, and 90.6% (n=87) identified as right handed. Significant association was found between handedness and participation in an alcohol and drug treatment program. The results show that over 27% of all respondents have attended a form of alcohol or drug treatment, 55.5% who report being left handed and 24.1% who are right handed. Significant association was also found between handedness and someone else recommending an alcohol and drug treatment program. The results show that over 36.5% of all respondents have had someone else recommend an alcohol or drug treatment, 66.7% who report being left handed and 33.3% who are right handed. The findings also found heightened responses from self-identified left-handed participants in having felt the need to cut down on their substance use and familial substance abuse concerns compared to right-handed respondents. This study concludes by addressing the possible implementations and recommendations stemming from discovering a possible new risk factor for substance use disorders

Social Network Intelligence Analysis to Combat Street Gang Violence

In this paper we introduce the Organization, Relationship, and Contact Analyzer (ORCA) that is designed to aide intelligence analysis for law enforcement operations against violent street gangs. ORCA is designed to address several police analytical needs concerning street gangs using new techniques in social network analysis. Specifically, it can determine "degree of membership" for individuals who do not admit to membership in a street gang, quickly identify sets of influential individuals (under the tipping model), and identify criminal ecosystems by decomposing gangs into sub-groups. We describe this software and the design decisions considered in building an intelligence analysis tool created specifically for countering violent street gangs as well as provide results based on conducting analysis on real-world police data provided by a major American metropolitan police department who is partnering with us and currently deploying this system for real-world use