Collaborative development of EFL in Vietnam through open source software

The University of Aizu, in collaboration with the University of Waikato, has been investigating the use of open source, server-based software for the enhancement of English language instruction in Vietnam. In this paper, we describe recent educational, technical, and English language reforms in Vietnam which have facilitated a new approach to the teaching and learning not only of English, but also Computer Science concepts. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the efficacy of using open source tools and highly structured instructional approaches for English language teaching in developing nations

Changing shopping habits in south east metropolitan Melbourne, 1960-65

Thesis (MTown & Regional Planning) -- University of Melbourne, Faculty of Architecture, 196

Service centres in metropolitan areas: a study of trends, including aspects of environmental design

The thesis presented is that current trends in shopping habits within affluent urbanised societies are well enough defined to significantly guide planners in the selection of optimum locations and designs for planned service centres within metropolitan areas. Changing shopping habits and changes in the retail industry are closely inter-related. This cyclic relationship between the consumer and the retailer is further actuated by changes within the metropolitan system and by the prevailing economic situation. An appreciation of these factors may allow the optimum location and form of service centres, at any one time, to be identified. Whilst long term forecasting should be avoided, it is possible to show that through a study of metropolitan areas and their major subsidiary centres, the apparent trends in consumer behaviour and the action of the retailer, it is feasible to discuss the emerging pattern of service centres within metropolitan areas with some confidence. The research supporting the writer's thesis includes a detailed critical appraisal of trends, over the last twenty years or so, in both consumer behaviour and the retail industry. A longitudinal series of surveys undertaken by the writer supplies further evidence of the changing shopping habits of consumers in part of a large metropolitan area. These surveys, the methodology of which is fully explained, also indicate the impact of a planned regional shopping centre within a metropolitan area. In discussing trends in the design of service centres certain aspects of the physical environment at selected centres are critically examined, and some general comparisons made by the use of abstracted plans drawn at the same scale and by photographs. The attractiveness" of a shopping centre to consumers may depend in part on the environmental amenity of the centre. It is suggested that this notion should be explored further by future research

Students' perceptions of a selected aspect of a computer mediated academic writing program: An activity theory analysis

The use of activity theory is considered in the evaluation of a web based academic writing course in a New Zealand university. Activity theory is an aspect of sociocultural theory and provides a model for the understanding of goal directed social activity. Like other recent developments in applied linguistics, research and evaluation in second language writing has been influenced by sociocultural theory, because it emphasises the social, rather than the individual, context of writing. The primary purpose in carrying out this study was to illuminate the use of activity theory as a formative evaluation technique for the improvement of large academic writing courses supported through the web conferencing features of a course management system, Web Crossing. Data were in the form of international student responses to prompts made in online diaries on a weekly basis throughout the course. An activity theory orientation guided the design of the prompts and the analysis of the data. Activity analysis allowed the researchers to appreciate the tensions and difficulties for students in managing the group processes that the web mediated instruction afforded or constrained. The study also suggests that the set of guiding questions derived from Jonassen and Rohrer-Murphy (1999) may be useful for future evaluations and research

The information needs of UK historic houses: mapping the ground.

Based on PhD research: http://hdl.handle.net/2134/4323Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to concentrate on establishments that are known as the "built heritage", often described as "historic houses". Many operate in a similar vein to small businesses and often have a more diverse range of needs. In the UK historic houses form part of the tourism and leisure market. Heritage encompasses a wide variety of establishments including historic houses, historic gardens, heritage centres, town centres, countryside and museums. Design/methodology/approach: A model was developed for the study to show the information needs of historic houses and the information-seeking behaviour of those managing historic houses. Data have been collected both via questionnaires to and interviews of those managing properties. The collection of data focused on diversity of activities, information provision, use of information, developments (including technology) and collaboration. Findings: The conclusions discuss the management of information and the difficulties expressed for those managing historic houses as discovered during the research. Properties need to be able to make effective use of this to protect the heritage for future generations. Building on the empirical work recommendations are made on policy making, education, audits, co-operation and technology to improve the provision and management of information within the sector to support these establishments. Originality/value: The research represents the first study to investigate the existing situation of historic houses and their information needs in the UK, to try and provide an overview of the sector and information provision and how that might be improved