Mauna Kea Observatory infrared observations

Galactic and solar system infrared observations are reported using a broad variety of radiometric and spectroscopic instrumentation. Infrared programs and papers published during this period are listed

Interactive and collaborative blended learning for undergraduates

This is an ESCalate research project from 2008 led by the University of Exeter. The aim of this project was to investigate ways of using new technologies for collaborative online learning in a blended learning context. A variety of interactive online learning tasks and e-learning tools such as wikis, discussion forums and concept maps were used for both independent learning and assessment purposes. The research was intended to show whether a more flexible approach to the use of these new technologies could promote engagement and raise the perceived quality of the learning experience of students leading to an improved e-learning confidence for the undergraduate group with better participation in online critical discussion and collaborative work. An additional outcome was the development of online tutoring skills for tutors and the opportunity to trial a range of blended learning materials and methodologies. The project involved 92 first year undergraduates from Education Studies and Childhood and Youth Studies degree programmes following a newly constructed blended learning modul

Environmental performance outcomes and indicators for indigenous peoples: Review of literature

The literature review in this report was the starting point for developing a Māori research strand (2003-2009) within the Planning Under Co-operative Mandates (PUCM) research programme (1995-2009). An early task of the PUCM Māori team was to review the international literature on environmental outcomes and indicators for indigenous peoples. This was in order to gain an understanding of what had been written on the subject and to become familiar with approaches taken by others that might provide lessons for the development of our proposed kaupapa Māori outcomes and indicators framework and methodology, which was aimed at local government performance in Aotearoa/New Zealand. This current report is not intended to provide an exhaustive catalogue of writings on environmental performance outcomes and indicators for indigenous peoples, including Māori. Rather, some of the more obvious and important writings are noted as a ready reference for others interested in this topic. Before detailing the approach we took in carrying out the review, the key terms, outcomes and indicators, are defined

Kaupapa Māori framework and literature review of key prinicples

The literature review in this report was the starting point for the development of a Māori research strand within the Planning Under Co-operative Mandates (PUCM) research programme. The original purpose of this report Kaupapa Māori Framework and Literature Review of Key Principles was to establish definitions of environmentally significant concepts of kaupapa and tikanga Māori. In addition, the review sought to identify and briefly describe significant variations between understandings of the key concepts without attempting to reconcile these. As the purpose of the review in 2005 was to inform the development of a kaupapa Māori methodology for the identification and development of Māori environmental outcomes and indicators, we paid particular regard to Māori perceptions of the environment and the relevance of each concept in environmental terms

What visual literacy is not!

This paper intends to help design educators reach a more informed understanding of visual literacy by stating what we already know it is not, in order to promote discussion on how it can be fostered. This paper is based on Jefferies’ PhD research from an empirical visual experiment carried out on a wide range of design practitioners, design students and the general public. Specific terms of influence such as ‘fixed’, ‘cross-disciplines’ and ‘accessibility’ were highlighted for discussion when considering what visual literacy is not, and were consequently used to frame the problem. When considering each of these influences in terms of seeing; (a) Viewing visual language as a ‘fixed’ vocabulary does not allow for each working context to have its own visual value system. (b) Literacy of ‘cross-disciplines’ may not enable a way of seeing to be transferred between each design discipline. (c) ‘Accessibility’ in terms of a student’s ability to read or write an image can not be determined from a designer’s final product, as each individual and context is different. It is proposed that debating the three identified areas will heighten design educators’ awareness and provide a valuable basis for future pedagogy practices

A literature review exploring a meaning for the term 'curriculum leadership'.

Research on leadership in education often focuses on school management, educational change or curriculum development. There is little research however, in the area of curriculum leadership. With the introduction of seven new curriculum documents in the last eight years in New Zealand, I believe it has become increasingly important to consider who our curriculum leaders are, what it is they are leading, and the characteristics these people have that influence the practices and activities of others. In this article I have explored the roles of those people who might be considered to be curriculum leaders (Ministry of Education, School Support Services, Principals, Teachers, Consultants and Parents), in an attempt to define some of their leadership characteristics. I conclude the article with a summary of these characteristics

Astronomical studies of the major planets, natural satellites and asteroids using the 2.24 m telescope

Directional features in the Jovian sodium torus, high quality CCD images of the major planets, methane bands in the spectrum of Triton, the central wavelength of the SO2 absorption band on Io, a component on the icy surfaces of the satellites of Uranus, fluctuation of Io's volcanic radiation, standard stars, and thermal radiation from the four brightest satellites of Uranus are discussed