Developing Teaching Material for E-learning Environment

In the new economy, knowledge is a source for a competitive advantage. Economic and social developments are strongly related to the development of human capital, which is associated with education (ESCWA2005). The other hand, Information and communication Technologies (ICT) have changed the way people live and work, the ICT evolution increasingly supports innovative methods of learning. In this context, Rosenberg (2001) has observed that e-learning strategies are leading to changes in the way people learn. This paper focuses on the elements of effective design and development of quality materials for on-line learning. The elements of design are discussed in detail. Keywords: E-learning; Scenario, Feedback, Delivery, Context, Content Design and Writing, Materials Development

Phytochemical and antibacterial analysis of two morpho-types of Solanum melongena var. insanum (L.) Prain. an ayrvedic herb

The Solanaceae, one of the largest family in angiosperms have high commercial value. The genus Solanum in Solanaceae is a complex one. Many species in Solanum does not contain a well-defined species boundaries. Many of them with taxonomical controversies. The present study was about such a Solanum species – Solanum melongena var. insanum. There were two morpho-types which are botanically known as S. melongena var. insanum. In Ayurveda both of them were treated as separate plants – as „Cheruvazhuthina‟ and „Punyahachunda‟. „Cheruvazhuthina‟ was extensively used in Ayurveda but „Punyahachunda‟ was not. Roots of „Punyahachunda‟ was used instead in the unavailability of roots of „Cheruvazhuthina‟. So this study was aimed to analyse the pharmacognostic properties of both morpho-types. The therapeutic value was assayed by antibacterial activity of roots of both plants. For convenience the two plants viz., „Cheruvazhuthina‟ and „Punyahachunda‟ were denoted as morpho-type 1 and morpho-type 2 respectively. Phytochemical profiling revealed significant differences in certain components. Hence the samples were subjected for FT-IR analyses and the spectra showed high pattern of similarity as well as differences in both the morpho-types investigated. Phytochemical profile was prepared for both the morpho-types which were further fractionated by chromatography. The fractionated components were subjected for bioassay against the growth inhibition of E. coli. The bioassay results revealed that the therapeutic potency of morpho-type 1 was more significant and hence I recommend the use of morphote type 1. However a detailed phytochemical as well as molecular profiling is warranted to confirm the recently obtained results

Status of Women Employees in NGOs: A Qualitative Analysis

The scope for best practices in social work profession is largely evident from understanding the functioning of Non-Governmental organizations (NGOs). The economic aspect of any profession is crucial in determining the dignity of life of the employee.  It is especially noted that, in most of the NGOs, women form the major workforce especially at the field work and project implementation levels (Vasan, 2004). Loads of admiration for achievements of NGOs are often boasted out; however a little is heard about NGOs as employers. The wages paid to the NGO workers are found to be very less. The study briefly analyses the economic exploitation which happens in the NGOs with the help of three case studies.The study also looks into the gender aspects of economic division. A brief enquiry is made through the opinion of the selected subjects about any gender based disparity existing in NGO sector in terms of economic allocations. The paper points out to the need of self reflection from the part of social work professionals. The study increasingly identifies the fact that actual practice is far away from what is being preached. Gender and economy are the two crucial aspects while considering NGOs as workplace (Mitra, 2013). The paper highlights the need for fixing standardized salary and working conditions for the workers, especially women and also the need for adopting a special labour policy for the employees in NGOs. This study also hopes to provide suggestions for making NGOs gender sensitive workplaces. Keywords: NGO employees, Economic exploitation, Gender disparit

Attitude of Teachers' of Higher Education towards e-Learning

E-learning is an extremely adaptable technology that can be used to cover different delivery modes-self-paced, interactive or live learning can match the varied training needs. E-learning makes new knowledge and skills available immediately and reduces the learning time required to master even the most complicated topics. E-learning is the changing trend of education. The modern technologies particularly the Internet, made education no longer limited to the four walls of the classroom. Measuring attitude and efforts to improve attitude towards technology is very much essential to effect any change through technology. This study focuses on the attitude of teachers of higher education towards e learning. The findings of this study reveal that the teachers have a favourable attitude towards e learning as well teachers who are familiar about computer and information and communication technology differ in their attitude towards elearning when compared to the teachers who are not familiar with technology. Attitude plays a vital role in using technology as a strong tool for a positive change. There must be programmes at higher educational institutions which could focus on developing a positive attitude among teachers towards e-learning and information and communication technolog

X-ray photoemission study of NiS_{2-x}Se_x (x = 0.0 - 1.2)

Electronic structure of NiS_{2-x}Se_x system has been investigated for various compositions (x) using x-ray photoemission spectroscopy. An analysis of the core level as well as the valence band spectra of NiS_2 in conjunction with many-body cluster calculations provides a quantitative description of the electronic structure of this compound. With increasing Se content, the on-site Coulomb correlation strength (U) does not change, while the band width W of the system increases, driving the system from a covalent insulating state to a pd-metallic state.Comment: 19 pages, 6 figures, To appear in Phys. Rev. B, 200