Qualitative Research In Online Language Learning - What Can It Do?

In this article we explore the theoretical foundations of qualitative research in online language learning. We will look at the distinction between offline and online language learning and discuss whether different ways of knowledge generation are appropriate for those different learning environments. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies will be examined and their fit with various learning theories evaluated. Fundamental theoretical differences between epistemologies supporting a realist ontology and those favouring relativist ontologies will be presented and set in the context of online and technology enhanced language learning research. Finally, we argue that a sociocultural framework, which goes beyond quantitative research approaches, is necessary to adequately understand the experiences of language learners and teachers who share a common interest in the new digital environments

Multiple structural changes in the tail behavior: Evidence from stock index futures returns

[[abstract]]The study provides an approach of nonlinear analysis for detecting multiple structural changes in the tails of financial returns distributions. The proposed approach can simultaneously determine the number of structural breaks in a series of tail-indexes and estimate the mean tail-index levels in distinct regimes. The method is applied to the tail behavior of DJIA futures returns. The sample period covered various recent financial crises, and ran from October 1999 to December 2003, enabling assessment of the relationships between changes in the tail shape of returns distribution and known extreme events in financial markets. The empirical results demonstrate the existence of at least one break point in the left and common tails of the DJIA futures returns distribution during the sample period, and the mean tail-index levels in different regimes classified by estimated break points display an increase in the left and common tails that coincides the phenomenon of gradually decreasing financial turbulence in DJIA futures contracts. The empirical evidence indicates that the structural changes in the tail behavior of the distribution of DJIA futures returns are associated more with negative shocks than positive ones, creating differences in risk management between long and short investors in futures markets

The feasibility of QR-code prescription in Taiwan

What is known and Objective: An ideal Health Care Service is a service system that focuses on patients. Patients in Taiwan have the freedom to fill their prescriptions at any pharmacies contracted with National Health Insurance. Each of these pharmacies uses its own computer system. So far, there are at least ten different systems on the market in Taiwan. To transmit the prescription information from the hospital to the pharmacy accurately and efficiently presents a great issue. Methods: This study consisted of two-dimensional applications using a QR-code to capture Patient’s identification and prescription information from the hospitals as well as using a webcam to read the QR-code and transfer all data to the pharmacy computer system. Two hospitals and 85 community pharmacies participated in the study. Results and Discussion: During the trial, all participant pharmacies appraised highly of the accurate transmission of the prescription information. The contents in QR-code prescriptions from Taipei area were picked up efficiently and accurately in pharmacies at Taichung area (middle Taiwan) without software system limit and area limitation. The QRcode device received a patent (No. M376844, March 2010) from Intellectual Property Office Ministry of Economic Affair, China. What is new and Conclusion: Our trial has proven that QR-code prescription can provide community pharmacists an efficient, accurate and inexpensive device to digitalize the prescription contents. Consequently, pharmacists can offer better quality of pharmacy service to patients

Leading the way to a sustainable future: the positive impact of a generation marketing campaign

Consumption patterns have always been an important indicator of a generation's identity, but in a world where globalization tends to standardize everything and digital technology tends to accelerate the globalization process, some might predict that identities are dissolving faster than ever. This chapter aims to help understand how new Portuguese generations perceive fish products. Throughout this research, it became very evident that young consumers are very aware of the ultimate emergency of sustainability. This chapter uses the example of Docapesca's pioneer initiative to prove that it is worth investing in consumer education and that, when we adopt a generation focused approach to implement a national marketing campaign, it is possible to obtain valuable advances in consumption for a sustainable future.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

An Investigation of Social Networking Sites for Language Learning and the User Experience

This chapter investigates the user experience of the language learning platform Busuu as a tool for learning Spanish as a Foreign Language (SFL). Social constructionism has been highlighted by previous research as the theory on which Busuu is based, however, Álvarez concluded that Busuu constitutes an ecological system of nested semiotic spaces where pedagogical elements and principles from different theories of language learning interweave in complementary ways. Following a review of existing research, the chapter analyses data arising from a study involving a mixed group of university students who used the premium version of Busuu for four weeks. Data were collected via pre- and post-tests, a user experience questionnaire, and individual interviews, and were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings suggest that Busuu did not fully satisfy the requirements of a social network in terms of ease of participation, communication, and collaboration. Further research is required to explore the implications of usability testing for the design of effective SNSLL