Integration of Evaluation Processes into e-learning Environments: Developing the learning of Practical Science with the Bradford Robotic Telescope

This thesis presents a novel framework for the collection and evaluation of data around e-learning. It shows how e-learning can play a positive role in empowering teachers in reflective practice through accessible statistical methods, as part of an evidence-based approach. Within this new framework data generated by pupils’ actions in three levels of pedagogical activity: declarative content based, functional tools based and social functional are aligned with three levels of evaluation: satisfaction, learning and behavioural changes. The framework is evaluated using the e-learning system for the Bradford Robotic Telescope. Analysis and assessment of the data by using the tools and concepts of statistics are performed. The first group of 78 clusters, mean size of 25.6 pupils, are examined to determine the effect of contextual factors. Pupils responded consistently to the same learning design across a range of contexts. National indicators for social/economic, academic achievement and group size are examined for bias. Suitable measurements for interpretation by simple Gaussian distributions are identified: satisfaction through the frequency of use with a probability of P>0.05, learning through formative assessment (P>0.3) and behavioural changes through engagement with higher order activities (P>0.2). The second group of 168 clusters, mean cluster size 25.9, demonstrates a meaningful effect size for a change in approach within the e-learning system in the areas of satisfaction, learning and behavioural changes with a probability of P<0.01

Artificial Neural Network Model for a Low Cost Failure Sensor: Performance Assessment in Pipeline Distribution

YesThis paper describes an automated event detection and location system for water distribution pipelines which is based upon low-cost sensor technology and signature analysis by an Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The development of a low cost failure sensor which measures the opacity or cloudiness of the local water flow has been designed, developed and validated, and an ANN based system is then described which uses time series data produced by sensors to construct an empirical model for time series prediction and classification of events. These two components have been installed, tested and verified in an experimental site in a UK water distribution system. Verification of the system has been achieved from a series of simulated burst trials which have provided real data sets. It is concluded that the system has potential in water distribution network management

Measured Water Temperature Characteristics in a Pipeline Distribution System

YesThis paper describes the design, development, deployment and performance assessment of a prototype system for monitoring the 'health' of a water distribution network based on the temperature distribution and time-dependent variations in temperature across the network. It has been found that the water temperature can reveal unusual events in a water distribution network, indicated by dynamic variations in spatial temperature differential. Based on this indication it is shown how patterns of changes in the water temperature can be analysed using AQUIS pipeline distribution software and used in conjunction with hydraulic (e.g. flow and pressure) sensors to indicate the state of ¿health¿ of the network during operation

Basic astronomy as part of a general higher education in the developing world

This paper describes a new initiative in support of the aim of Commission 46 of the IAU to develop and improve astronomy education at all levels throughout the world. This paper discusses the ideal specification of a facility to support basic astronomy within education programmes which are delivered to students who have access to the Internet. The available robotic telescopes are discussed against this specification and it is argued that the Bradford Robotic Telescope, uniquely, can support many thousands of users in the area of basic astronomy education, and the resource is free. Access to the Internet is growing in the developing world and this is true in education programmes. This paper discusses the serious problems of delivering to large numbers of students a web based astronomy education programme supported by a robotic telescope as part of a general education. It examines the problems of this form of teaching for teachers who have little experience of working with IT and little knowledge of basic astronomy and proposes how such teachers can be supported. The current system (http://www.telescope.org/) delivers astronomy education in the language, culture and traditions of England. The paper discusses the need to extend this to other languages, cultures and traditions, although for trainee teachers and undergraduates, it is argued that the current system provides a unique and valuable resource

A neural network approach to burst detection

N

Sensor-fusion of hydraulic data for burst detection and location in a treated water distribution system

N

Low-cost failure sensor design and development for water pipeline distribution systems

N

Performance assessment of leak detection failure sensors used in a water distribution system

N

Mapping the Underworld – State-of-the-art review

A major UK initiative, entitled Mapping the Underworld (MTU), is seeking to address the serious social, environmental and economic consequences arising from an inability to locate accurately and completely the buried utility service infrastructure without resorting to excavations. One of the four MTU projects aims to develop and prove the efficacy of a multi-sensor device for accurate remote buried utility service detection, location and, where possible, utility identification. This paper aims to introduce the MTU programme followed by a state-of-the-art review of the three essential technologies that are to be combined in the device – ground penetrating radar (GPR), low-frequency quasi-static electromagnetic fields and acoustics – and a summary of the influence of different soil types and states on the transmission of the various signals, and therefore how the techniques might be optimised from a knowledge of the ground instead of using very broad simplifying assumptions. The latest developments in impulse GPR, frequency modulated continuous waveform (FMCW) GPR and stepped frequency continuous waveform (SFCW) GPR are described and previous attempts to combine GPR with other sensing technologies are introduced. The work on quasi-static fields explores the ‘fields-of-opportunity’ related to the 50 Hz currents flowing in existing underground power circuits and the electric field variations when low-frequency current in actively induced into the ground. Acoustic techniques have been primarily used for leak detection and the review focuses on the potential for their application to buried utility service location. The paper concludes with a discussion of the facilities required, and currently available, for comprehensive assessment and independent verification of the performance of both existing devices/technologies and of the multi-sensor device under development