Using a perceptual measure to evaluate students’ acceptance of digitally-created English learning content

The use of connected computers as interactive tools in the creation and presentation of media-rich content for teaching is increasing rapidly. However, while it is technically possible to create or use digital materials, a number of issues must be explored before teachers can confidently reuse them. Teachers need to know whether the digitally-created content works effectively in their teaching. Institutions need to assure that the content is of the highest standards and fit for educational purpose. This paper outlines the process and procedures used in the development of an instrument to investigate students’ perceptions of digital materials presented in an English language course at a college in Japan. It also describes how a perceptual measure can be used to evaluate whether the content presented meets the learners’ needs

Universal linear Bogoliubov transformations through one-way quantum computation

We show explicitly how to realize an arbitrary linear unitary Bogoliubov transformation (LUBO) on a multi-mode quantum state through homodyne-based one-way quantum computation. Any LUBO can be approximated by means of a fixed, finite-sized, sufficiently squeezed Gaussian cluster state that allows for the implementation of beam splitters (in form of three-mode connection gates) and general one-mode LUBOs. In particular, we demonstrate that a linear four-mode cluster state is a sufficient resource for an arbitrary one-mode LUBO. Arbitrary input quantum states including non-Gaussian states could be efficiently attached to the cluster through quantum teleportation.Comment: 10 pages, 6 figure

Database management using optical array logic

This paper was published in Optics Express and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of OSA. The paper can be found at the following URL on the OSA website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/AO.32.001987 Systematic or multiple reproduction or distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law

Extended coding for optical array logic

This paper was published in Optics Express and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of OSA. The paper can be found at the following URL on the OSA website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/AO.33.003663 Systematic or multiple reproduction or distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law

Inference engine for expert system using optical array logic

This paper was published in Optics Express and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of OSA. The paper can be found at the following URL on the OSA website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/AO.31.005604 Systematic or multiple reproduction or distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law

Exploring the use of micro-credentialing and digital badges in learning environments to encourage motivation to learn and achieve

For the last 20 years the benefits of networked communities, interactive media, online tutorials, and e-learning applications have been investigated for the provision of education in New Zealand In monitoring individual performance, a range of measures can be used, such as allocated grades, credits earned, and activities completed. These specific measures are institutionally controlled, have limited reach beyond the institution and, in isolation, do not truly represent a learner’s progress, proficiency or acknowledge a learner’s achievements. This paper argues that digital micro-credentials, often called badges, can be used as valid indicators of accomplishment, skill, knowledge or interest. In formal educational environments endorsed credentials, with defined learning outcomes, can be used for certification purposes. This paper will contend that micro-credentialing ecosystems create a broader picture of a learner’s educational achievement by providing the infrastructure for individual learners to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and achievements through the display of endorsed digital micro-credential collections

Designing e-learning environments to encourage learner autonomy: Creating a framework for development

Foreign language learning has been increasingly influenced by constructivist approaches to learning and teaching. These approaches, placing the learner at the centre of the teaching and learning experience, requires educationalists to critically review existing teaching strategies, techniques, methods and beliefs. For Japanese medical professionals English has become increasingly important. There is growing need for these professionals to understand and use English at conferences and/or workshops, to keep up to date with medical processes and procedures published in Western medical journals and there are ever increasing opportunities to communicate with other medical staff and patients in English. However, the curricula at medical schools in Japan are so extensive that the time allocated for English classes is usually very limited, which means those classes often do not have the depth or scope to improve the English communication skills of medical students to the level necessary for their future career. This paper explores the development of a design framework that provides learners with the motivation and skills to access learning materials independent of time-tabled study. It outlines how the authors integrated a self-reflective framework and micro-credential / badge ecosystem in the learner centric courses created. It illustrates how this design framework was implemented in a medical terminology course