GeoLearn – Exploiting New Educational Tools in the Spatial Information Sciences

GeoLearn is an educational research group within the Department of Spatial Information Sciences (DSIS) in the Technological University Dublin (DIT). Its aim is to promote, develop and evaluate emerging learning methods and resources, such as E-Learning and other innovative educational techniques in the Geomatics discipline. The GeoLearn group has conducted a number of pilot studies of E-Learning for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) with International groups and the evaluation of the feedback from participants is presented. The group has also participated in the education service of the European spatial data research organisation (EuroSDR) delivering and evaluating its courses to multi-national participants. At undergraduate level the group has pioneered the use of problem-based learning (PBL) as a replacement for the traditional classroom-delivered approach and written examination. The experience of the first three years of PBL is reported, including students’ own reflective experiences. In recent years there has been a paradigm shift in education in DIT whereby the focus is now more learner-centred and it is recognised that current and future learners will increasingly have diverse background experiences, motivations and learning preferences. In addition, focus has shifted from teacher performance and outputs to the quality of the learning outcomes. To support this paradigm shift DIT put a number of systems in place including: pedagogical support from the Learning and Teaching Centre (LTC); learning technology support from the Learning Technology Team (LTT) and Heads of Learning Development (HoLD) positions in each Faculty. With these structures in place the GeoLearn group has helped to successfully address a number of issues such as weaknesses in the Geomatics Degree Programme including poor integration of subject areas; lack of independent and innovative thought; unfamiliarity with the role of team player; poor presentation skills and lack of self belief as significant contributors and innovators. To date one ECTS accredited E-Learning module in Co-ordinate Reference Systems has been marketed and delivered. Two further modules in the area of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are in production and a number of modules on laser scanning are in the planning stage. The aim is to have a suite of modular online courses that can be accessed as the need arises. The GeoLearn team was also awarded a Teaching Excellence award in 2006 from DIT for its use of PBL at undergraduate level. The introduction of PBL at all stages of the Geomatics undergraduate programmes has been strongly recommended by various accreditation and validation bodies engaged by DIT. The GeoLearn group aims to disseminate its experience to the wider spatial sciences and to learn from the experiences of similar groups in related fields

Development of a new MSc in Geospatial Engineering

To meet the changing needs of the Spatial Information Sciences industry and cognisant of the declining numbers of undergraduate students in Geomatics, the Spatial Information Sciences Group at the Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland, has recently developed a new conversion Masters (MSc) programme in Geospatial Engineering. Conversion Masters programmes facilitate the horizontal movement of graduates with a cognate degree into Geomatics domains and thus cater to a wide audience. The aim of the MSc in Geospatial Engineering is to prepare innovative graduates to work with high competence, using specialised skills and deep knowledge, as producers, managers and users of geospatial information, at the forefront of developments. The conceptual and technical complexity of the MSc in Geospatial Engineering were primarily aligned with the new developments in measurement science technologies including modules in point cloud data acquisition, manipulation and modelling, whilst also encompassing some fundamental building blocks of Geomatics education. The MSc in Geospatial Engineering programme was accredited by the Dublin Institute of Technology in May of 2013 and in September 2013, the first intake of students were inducted. It is offered in both full-time and part-time modes to graduates and professionals, in addition, individuals with particular up-skilling requirements can avail of discrete modules. The provision of this new MSc programme in Geospatial Engineering should help to address an identified educational deficiency in the Spatial Information Sciences both in Ireland and internationally

Development of an E-Learning Module For Global Navigation Satellite SystemsTraining

The Global Positioning System (GPS) has been operational since the early 1990’s. The system is constantly being upgraded while the Russian GLONASS and the European GALILEO systems will complement GPS in the next few years. Generically, these satellite-based positioning systems are referred to as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Previously, a part-time evening course in GPS was run at the Technological University Dublin (DIT) by the Department of Spatial Information Sciences (DSIS). This is now being replaced by two e-learning modules in GNSS designed for distance-based, on-line delivery. The first module covers GNSS for navigation and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) applications and the second module will cover GNSS for high-accuracy applications such as surveying and geophysics. This paper describes the development of the first GNSS module. The challenge for the course designers was to develop a module that, in the context of the spatial information industry, maximized the advantages of e-learning while addressing identified issues and maintaining a sound pedagogical approach. Potential users were identified as those engaged in continuous personal/professional development (CPD), organizations providing in-company training and academic institutions providing undergraduate and postgraduate modules in GNSS. An individual taking the module could, therefore, be based at home, in an office, in a classroom or in a remote work location. The advantages were identified as convenience, flexibility, facilitation of communication, tailoring and a varied learning experience. The issues were identified as no “hands-on” experience with GNSS field equipment and observing procedures, the difficulty of presenting complex software, learner isolation and the technical problems of delivering large files. To address these issues, as far as possible, a variety of presentation, delivery, contact and assessment approaches is being used. Content is presented in various formats including text, 2D and 3D graphics, animations with animation control, use of proprietary GNSS software with sample data and video with voiceover. Interaction between the parties is facilitated by email, discussion board and desktop videoconferencing. Self-assessment is included as a series of self-tests throughout the content in the form of multiple choice questions (MCQs) while written assignments are required at the end of each section, or theme, within the module. WebCT® is used to provide a consistent e-learning platform and environment. Quality assurance is provided for by questionnaires during the module and a feedback report by each participant after completion

Evaluating the neurophysiological evidence for predictive processing as a model of perception

For many years, the dominant theoretical framework guiding research into the neural origins of perceptual experience has been provided by hierarchical feedforward models, in which sensory inputs are passed through a series of increasingly complex feature detectors. However, the long‐standing orthodoxy of these accounts has recently been challenged by a radically different set of theories that contend that perception arises from a purely inferential process supported by two distinct classes of neurons: those that transmit predictions about sensory states and those that signal sensory information that deviates from those predictions. Although these predictive processing (PP) models have become increasingly influential in cognitive neuroscience, they are also criticized for lacking the empirical support to justify their status. This limited evidence base partly reflects the considerable methodological challenges that are presented when trying to test the unique predictions of these models. However, a confluence of technological and theoretical advances has prompted a recent surge in human and nonhuman neurophysiological research seeking to fill this empirical gap. Here, we will review this new research and evaluate the degree to which its findings support the key claims of PP

Wireless aquatic navigator for detection and analysis (WANDA)

The cost of monitoring and detecting pollutants in natural waters is of major concern. Current and forthcoming bodies of legislation will continue to drive demand for spatial and selective monitoring of our environment, as the focus increasingly moves towards effective enforcement of legislation through detection of events, and unambiguous identification of perpetrators. However, these monitoring demands are not being met due to the infrastructure and maintenance costs of conventional sensing models. Advanced autonomous platforms capable of performing complex analytical measurements at remote locations still require individual power, wireless communication, processor and electronic transducer units, along with regular maintenance visits. Hence the cost base for these systems is prohibitively high, and the spatial density and frequency of measurements are insufficient to meet requirements. In this paper we present a more cost effective approach for water quality monitoring using a low cost mobile sensing/communications platform together with very low cost stand-alone ‘satellite’ indicator stations that have an integrated colorimetric sensing material. The mobile platform is equipped with a wireless video camera that is used to interrogate each station to harvest information about the water quality. In simulation experiments, the first cycle of measurements is carried out to identify a ‘normal’ condition followed by a second cycle during which the platform successfully detected and communicated the presence of a chemical contaminant that had been localised at one of the satellite stations

The Grizzly, October 8, 1997

Teachers Honored • Gutwirth Lectures on Femininity • Job Help Available • Brecht on Brecht Performance • Students Harassed by Construction Workers • Opinion: Ursinus, Sometimes it Ursuckus • Another Successful Ursinus Family Day • Professors Perform Sweet Suite • Daneen on Brecht on Brecht • Kelly Foster Key to Field Hockey\u27s Success • XC Teams Fare Well at Messiah Invitational • Helpful Homecoming Hintshttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1406/thumbnail.jp

Working on Wellness: A Capacity Building Program for Massachusetts Employers

In recent years, more worksites have shown an interest in offering wellness programs to their employees. However, uptake of worksite wellness programs remains low among certain employer groups, such as small businesses and employers in low wage industries. This poster will highlight the Working on Wellness (WoW) program; an innovative \u27capacity building\u27 program designed to help employers across the state implement evidence-based worksite initiatives and policies that foster a healthier work environment. Through a collaborative partnership with the MA Department of Public Health, a public health institute, a cadre of worksite wellness experts, and university researchers, over 150 businesses were recruited to participate in WoW this past year. This poster will describe WoW\u27s innovative framework, the tools and resources available to businesses (e.g., seed funding, community connections and collaboration, access to a comprehensive online curriculum, and technical assistance), and examine program strengths and weaknesses. The methods used in this model to teach the concepts and skills of building a worksite wellness program will be examined. The evaluation aspects of the program, undertaken by UMass Medical and UMass Lowell will be identified. Lastly, the poster will feature case studies of participating organizations, highlighting the interventions implemented in their worksites to impact employee health. This poster is one of a series of posters on this project presented by the project team: UMass Medical, UMass Lowell, Health Resources in Action and AdvancingWellness

The Grizzly, December 3, 1997

New Bookstore Anticipated Fall 1998 • Capano Charged with First Degree Murder • Opinion: Time to Procrastinate; Have Faith • Exam Schedule • Foreign Correspondence • Like Visiting an Old Friend • Soccer Seniors Reflect on Disappointing Seasonhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1411/thumbnail.jp

Randomized Trial of Four Financial-Incentive Programs for Smoking Cessation

Background Financial incentives promote many health behaviors, but effective ways to deliver health incentives remain uncertain. Methods We randomly assigned CVS Caremark employees and their relatives and friends to one of four incentive programs or to usual care for smoking cessation. Two of the incentive programs targeted individuals, and two targeted groups of six participants. One of the individual-oriented programs and one of the group-oriented programs entailed rewards of approximately $800 for smoking cessation; the others entailed refundable deposits of$150 plus $650 in reward payments for successful participants. Usual care included informational resources and free smoking-cessation aids. Results Overall, 2538 participants were enrolled. Of those assigned to reward-based programs, 90.0% accepted this assignment, as compared with 13.7% of those assigned to deposit-based programs (P Conclusions Reward-based programs were much more commonly accepted than deposit-based programs, leading to higher rates of sustained abstinence from smoking. Group-oriented incentive programs were no more effective than individual-oriented programs

Working on Wellness: Building Capacity through Community Partnerships

Establishing a wellness initiative in the workplace is a popular way for employers to attract and retain top talent, reduce health costs, and increase productivity. However, building a comprehensive wellness initiative can put a strain on an organization\u27s time and resources. Working on Wellness (WoW) is an innovative \u27capacity building\u27 program designed to help employers across Massachusetts implement evidence-based worksite initiatives and policies that foster a healthier work environment. To broaden the understanding among employers about what influences health, WoW\u27s Community Partnerships component introduces organizations to the notion that businesses can play a key role in building healthy communities. The curriculum describes how employers can join efforts to improve the places where they live, work and play. Businesses are encouraged to incorporate interventions into their worksite wellness programs and policies that show mutually beneficial outcomes between employers and community partners. This poster will introduce tools and resources created through WoW including our approach to introduce community partnerships through our online training modules and our Community Scan assessment tool, which provides a roadmap to consider traditional and nontraditional partners for organization\u27s wellness interventions. The poster will feature case studies highlighting how participants used the Community Scan to find and establish strong partnerships to reach their goals of increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, reducing stress, and increasing physical activity among employees and community residents. This poster is one of a series of posters on this project presented by the project team: UMass Medical, UMass Lowell, Health Resources in Action and AdvancingWellness