Implementation of computer assisted assessment: lessons from the literature

This paper draws attention to literature surrounding the subject of computer-assisted assessment (CAA). A brief overview of traditional methods of assessment is presented, highlighting areas of concern in existing techniques. CAA is then defined, and instances of its introduction in various educational spheres are identified, with the main focus of the paper concerning the implementation of CAA. Through referenced articles, evidence is offered to inform practitioners, and direct further research into CAA from a technological and pedagogical perspective. This includes issues relating to interoperability of questions, security, test construction and testing higher cognitive skills. The paper concludes by suggesting that an institutional strategy for CAA coupled with staff development in test construction for a CAA environment can increase the chances of successful implementation

Digital Pastoral

Digital Pastoral is a collection of original poems and a creative nonfiction essay, accompanied by a critical introduction

Executive Order 13563 Creates Access to Affordable Child Support Orders for Incarcerated Parents

Former President Barack Obama issued Executive Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review in his last month of presidency, prohibit- ing States from treating incarceration as voluntary when considering a par- ent’s request for a modification of his or her child support order. Although fully expected to, President Donald Trump has yet to act on the executive order, which right-wing politicians fought vehemently against for two years. This Comment argues that the President should leave the order in action be- cause it will promote payment of child support and relationships between non- custodial parents and their children, as well as help to combat the cycle of incarceration that plagues low-income, noncustodial parents. This Comment also argues that courts should opt to suspend child-support payments for non- custodial parents when they face sentences that will produce significant arrear- ages by the time the parent is released from incarceration. Finally, the Comment will address how incarceration affects modification of support orders and the cycle of incarceration, who is affected by this cycle, and public views as to President Obama’s executive order that attempted to resolve such issues

Analyzing the Effectiveness of the McLean County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Using Design Sociology

The standards of criminal justice structure and organization are discussed and debated from many positions. The limitations and inefficiencies of a hierarchical and bureaucratic system greatly hinder the possibilities of effective communication and collaboration within it. To address these unique issues Design Sociology (DS) can be applied. Design Sociology (DS) inspires positive social change by approaching research through an action or applied research method. These methods center the end user’s perspective and have the potential to reimagine processes that produce unfavorable results for the majority of users. Concepts of DS can be applied to any institution or organization, especially to address issues with communication and collaboration that arise between arms of the same institutional body, such as the criminal justice system. The criminal justice system in Illinois is comprised of numerous independent agencies that work alongside one another. Depending on the function of the agency, the departments can operate in silos inhibiting effective communication and collaboration. The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) created Guidelines for Developing a Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee (2002) to assist criminal justice system members who wish to improve communication, cooperation, and coordination in their areas. One method of addressing these issues is through the creation of a Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC). Although CJCCs have existed since the 1930’s, they are unique to each county or jurisdiction that employs them. The NIC published three common characteristics of effective CJCCs in their online publication, The National Jail Exchange (NJE) 2013. These include an engaged membership lead by an effective leader, appropriate planning staff and a structured, data-driven and collaborative policy approach. Using the three NJE characteristics, a quantitative survey of CJCC members, and qualitative interview of active CJCC members, this paper will analyze the effectiveness of the CJCC in McLean County. The paper will conclude with recommendations based in design sociology

Graphic Design and the Cinema: An Application of Graphic Design to the Art of Filmmaking

When the public considers different art forms such as painting, drawing and sculpture, it is easy to understand the common elements that unite them. Each is a non-moving art form that begins at the drawing board. Using line, color and shape to evoke a particular response from audiences is what ties these fine arts together. Graphic design, however, tends to separate itself from the fine arts. Because of its later development in the art world, as well as, its operation within modern technological developments, graphic design is driven by the idea of communicating to large audiences. In this way, although design finds its base in fine art practices, it is more easily related to filmmaking in many aspects. Both graphic design and filmmaking are particularly unique in respect to their reliance on technological innovation, communication and public consumption. Even though the mediums operate in different manners, it is important to note that they share basic design principles such as color, composition and image systems. These elements of design help build a solid foundation for a successful piece of design or film. The research discussed in this paper critically analyzes how design principles are incorporated into the 2015 Best Picture Oscar Nominees. By examining the aforementioned design elements, color, composition and image systems, I was able to break down the visual meaning of each film according to the use of these elements. All of the nominees were successful in their own aspect, however the more experimental the design of the film, the more effective the communication of their respective narratives

Animal Legal Defense Fund V. Otter: Industrial Food Production Simply is Not a Private Matter

About half of the states have either passed or attempted to pass laws aimed at stifling criticism and exposure of factory farms throughout the country. This unwanted exposure is often the result of undercover reporters gaining access to the interior of meat-producing entities by seeking and obtaining employment. Their reports often expose filthy and dangerous conditions, substantial animal abuse, and the incorporation of unfit animal products into the public\u27s food supply

Through the Lens: World War I Photography as Historical Record

Soldiers of the First World War viewed their experience not only through the lens that surrounds a colored iris but also through the lens of a camera. World War I marked the first time that the camera traveled with amateurs to war. Unencumbered by the assortment of nineteenth-century equipment necessary to develop a single photograph, soldiers of the new century used the camera to capture their personal view of war (Carmichael, 1989). Their pictures tell a story of comradeship, the daily drudgeries of duty, and sacrifice. Words convey thoughts and emotions. A photograph captures them for display

Mathematics, technology, and gender: Closing gender differences with a high school web site

This project focuses on using technology to help motivate young females to make use of a high school web site to lesson anxieties and increase interest in mathematics and the use of technology. Additionally, it acts as a model to create an educational web site that brings about better communication within a community