Technology-Mediated Language Training: Developing and Assessing a Module for a Blended Curriculum for Newcomers

Newcomers to Canada with low proficiency in English or French often face challenges in the workforce (Kustec, 2012). While language classes provide workplace language training, not all newcomers are able to attend face-to-face classes (Shaffir & Satzewich 2010), suggesting a need for outside the classroom, occupation-specific language training. The use of technology has been shown to be advantageous for second language (L2) learning (Stockwell, 2007), especially when used outside the classroom (i.e., mobile-assisted language learning), as mobile technology affords learners greater control and flexibility over their own learning (Yang, 2013). This paper reports on a study investigating the development of a blended curriculum for L2 learners employed in customer service. A technology-mediated module was designed and developed within a task-based language teaching framework to provide workplace-linguistic support on mobile devices, enabling learners to access the language instruction they needed, when they needed it. The module contents and usability were assessed by high-beginner English proficiency newcomers employed in customer service (n=4) and their volunteer teachers (n=4). Results confirm the overall benefits of using language learning technology in providing instruction that meets participant language needs, ensuring opportunities for individualized training. Implications for designing, implementing, and researching technology-mediated modules are discussed.Les nouveaux arrivants au Canada ayant une faible maîtrise de l'anglais ou du français sont souvent confrontés à des difficultés sur le marché du travail (Kustec, 2012). Bien que les cours de langue offrent une formation linguistique en milieu de travail, les nouveaux arrivants ne sont pas tous en mesure d'assister à des cours en personne (Shaffir et Satzewich, 2010), ce qui suggère un besoin de formation linguistique en dehors de la salle de classe et spécifique à la profession. L'utilisation de la technologie s'est avérée avantageuse pour l'apprentissage d'une langue seconde (L2) (Stockwell, 2007), en particulier lorsqu'elle est utilisée en dehors de la salle de classe (c'est-à-dire l'apprentissage des langues assisté par le mobile), car la technologie mobile offre aux apprenants un plus grand contrôle et une plus grande flexibilité sur leur propre apprentissage (Yang, 2013). Cet article rend compte d'une étude portant sur le développement d'un programme d'études mixte pour les apprenants de L2 employés dans le service à la clientèle. Un module à médiation technologique a été conçu et développé dans un cadre d'enseignement des langues basé sur les tâches afin de fournir un soutien linguistique sur le lieu de travail sur des appareils mobiles, permettant aux apprenants d'accéder à l'enseignement linguistique dont ils ont besoin, quand ils en ont besoin. Le contenu et la convivialité du module ont été évalués par des nouveaux arrivants ayant des compétences en anglais de niveau débutant élevé et employés dans un service clientèle (n=4) et par leurs enseignants bénévoles (n=4). Les résultats confirment les avantages généraux de l'utilisation de la technologie d'apprentissage des langues pour fournir un enseignement qui répond aux besoins linguistiques des participants, en assurant des possibilités de formation individualisée. Les implications pour la conception, la mise en œuvre et la recherche de modules médiatisés par la technologie sont discutées

Segmented sedentary time and physical activity patterns throughout the week from wrist-worn ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers among children 7–12 years old

The authors thank the children, schools, teachers, and parents who agreed to participate in this study. Our study was funded by University of the West of Scotland's VP Research Fund. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Exploring the feasibility of a cluster pilot randomised control trial to improve children’s 24-hour movement behaviours and dietary intake:happy homework

We aimed to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of Happy Homework (HH); an 8-week home-focussed intervention, with the purpose of encouraging children’s positive dietary behaviours and engagement in positive physical activity (PA) and sleep behaviours. We randomised four Scottish schools (n = 71 participants; 5 classrooms) to either the HH intervention (n = 2) or usual curriculum control group (n = 2). HH consisted of movement and dietary-focused parent and child tasks. Primary outcome measures were intervention feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy. Secondary outcomes were objectively measured PA via ActiGraph GT3X+, sedentary behaviours (SBs) and sleep duration via activPAL4™ accelerometers and dietary behaviours, fruit and vegetable consumption and screen-time via questionnaires. After controlling for pre-test levels, post intervention stepping time and sleep duration were significantly greater for the HH group in comparison to the control group. The HH group reported eating more fruit and vegetables at post-test than the control group. Participants also reported the intervention to be enjoyable and motivating. These findings provide promising evidence that given a greater sample size, better retention and the prioritisation of health and wellbeing homework, HH could enhance children’s health and wellbeing

Segmented sedentary time and physical activity patterns throughout the week from wrist-worn ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers among children 7–12 years old

https://egrove.olemiss.edu/mercorr_pro/1795/thumbnail.jp

Retinal detachment post-phacoemulsification in Bichons Frises: A retrospective study of 54 dogs

Objective—To compare rates of retinal detachment (RD) post phacoemulsification in American Bichons Frises with and without prophylactic retinopexy. Procedures—Medical records of 54 Bichons Frises undergoing phacoemulsification with or without prophylactic retinopexy between 2003–2013 in one or both eyes were reviewed from five Midwestern university veterinary teaching hospitals. Inclusion criteria were pre-operative ERG, at least 6 months of follow up post phacoemulsification, and absence of pre-existing RD as determined by ophthalmic examination and/or ultrasound. Statistical analyses used chi-squared and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and Wilson confidence intervals with the p value Results—Phacoemulsification was performed without retinopexy in 79 eyes (42 dogs, non-PR group) and with prophylactic retinopexy in 23 eyes (12 dogs, PR group). Incidence of diabetes mellitus was 10/42 and 3/12 in the non-PR and the PR groups respectively (p=0.93). Intraocular lens implantation was performed in 40/42 non-PR dogs and 11/12 PR dogs, (p=0.63, 73/79 versus 21/23 eyes). At final re-examination, RD occurred in 4/79 eyes without retinopexy, compared to 0/23 RD in the retinopexy group. There was no statistically significant difference in RD rates between the two groups (p=0.27) Conclusions—These data provide no statistical evidence to support prophylactic retinopexy in Bichon Frises. Due to the low rate of retinal detachment following phacoemulsification without prophylactic retinopexy, the procedure appears to offer limited benefit to offset cost, procedural risk and risk of extended or repeated anesthesia in Bichons Frises

Retinal intrinsic optical signals in a cat model of primary congenital glaucoma

PURPOSE. To examine the impact of reduced inner retinal function and breed on intrinsic optical signals in cats. METHODS. Retinal intrinsic optical signals were recorded from anesthetized cats with a modified fundus camera. Near infrared light (NIR, 700-900 nm) was used to illuminate the retina while a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera captured the NIR reflectance of the retina. Visible stimuli (540 nm) evoked patterned changes in NIR retinal reflectance. NIR intrinsic signals were compared across three subject groups: two Siamese cats with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG), a control Siamese cat without glaucoma, and a control group of seven normally pigmented cats. Intraocular pressure (IOP), pattern electroretinogram, and optical coherence tomography measurements were evaluated to confirm the inner retinal deficit in PCG cats. RESULTS. Stimulus-evoked, NIR retinal reflectance signals were observed in PCG cats despite severe degeneration of the nerve fiber layer and inner retinal function. The time course, spectral dependence, and spatial profile of signals imaged in PCG cats were similar to signals measured from normal and Siamese control cats

Exploring the feasibility of a cluster pilot randomised control trial to improve children’s 24-hour movement behaviours and dietary intake: Happy homework

Rosie Arthur - ORCID: 0000-0003-0651-4056 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0651-4056We aimed to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of Happy Homework (HH); an 8-week home-focussed intervention, with the purpose of encouraging children’s positive dietary behaviours and engagement in positive physical activity (PA) and sleep behaviours. We randomised four Scottish schools (n = 71 participants; 5 classrooms) to either the HH intervention (n = 2) or usual curriculum control group (n = 2). HH consisted of movement and dietary-focused parent and child tasks. Primary outcome measures were intervention feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy. Secondary outcomes were objectively measured PA via ActiGraph GT3X+, sedentary behaviours (SBs) and sleep duration via activPAL4™ accelerometers and dietary behaviours, fruit and vegetable consumption and screen-time via questionnaires. After controlling for pre-test levels, post intervention stepping time and sleep duration were significantly greater for the HH group in comparison to the control group. The HH group reported eating more fruit and vegetables at post-test than the control group. Participants also reported the intervention to be enjoyable and motivating. These findings provide promising evidence that given a greater sample size, better retention and the prioritisation of health and wellbeing homework, HH could enhance children’s health and wellbeing.https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2023.2300562aheadofprintaheadofprin

Outer retinal thickness and visibility of the choriocapillaris in four distinct retinal regions imaged with spectral domain optical coherence tomography in dogs and cats

Purpose: To evaluate the outer retinal band thickness and choriocapillaris (CC) visibility in four distinct retinal regions in dogs and cats imaged with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). To attempt delineation of a fovea-like region in canine and feline SD-OCT scans, aided by the identification of outer retinal thickness differences between retinal regions. Methods: Spectralis® HRA + OCT SD-OCT scans from healthy, anesthetized dogs (n = 10) and cats (n = 12) were analyzed. Scanlines on which the CC was identifiable were counted and CC visibility was scored. Outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and the distances from external limiting membrane (ELM) to retinal pigment epithelium/Bruch's membrane complex (RPE/BM) and ELM to CC were measured in the area centralis (AC), a visually identified fovea-like region, and in regions superior and inferior to the optic nerve head (ONH). Measurements were analyzed using a multilevel regression. Results: The CC was visible in over 90% of scanlines from dogs and cats. The ONL was consistently thinnest in the fovea-like region. The outer retina (ELM-RPE and ELM-CC) was thickest within the AC compared with superior and inferior to the ONH in dogs and cats (p < .001 for all comparisons). Conclusions: The CC appears a valid, albeit less than ideal outer retinal boundary marker in tapetal species. The AC can be objectively differentiated from the surrounding retina on SD-OCT images of dogs and cats; a fovea-like region was identified in dogs and its presence was suggested in cats. These findings allow targeted imaging and image evaluation of these regions of retinal specialization