3,513 research outputs found

    The reorganization of secondary school mathematics

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    Thesis (M.A.)--Boston Universit

    Moving from theory to practice in the design of web-based learning from the perspective of Constructivism

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    This paper describes the design of a web-based learning module according to a framework drawing on constructivist theories. The aim was to operationalize concepts such as authenticity, collaborative knowledge sharing, sense-making and viewing multiple perspectives as they relate to the design of e-learning opportunities. The prototypical module was designed for practitioners such as teachers and structured around interpreting and responding to a problem. The module consists of a problem model and relies on use of a discussion forum and a shared workspace to support negotiation of interpretation and experience. Also included are 60 streamable video segments presenting multiple perspectives on the problem. Results of the design process provide insight into ways in which constructivist principles and concepts can be translated into practical solutions for the provision of e-learning content. The module illustrates a way in which learning experiences can inform and be informed by practice

    Images of Childhood in Mothers' Accounts of Contemporary Childrearing

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    This article examines how a sample of first-time mothers in the UK constitute childhood in general, and their own children in particular, in and through their talk about the mundane practices of child-care. The data analysed are drawn from a longitudinal qualitative interview study which followed a sample of mothers from late pregnancy until their babies were two years old. The analysis explores links between mothers’ representations of childhood and the actualities of their child-rearing practices. The extent to which both the representations of childhood and the practices of individual mothers are consistent or contradictory, and change or remain constant over time, is also examined

    Delivering core text material electronically: a project management perspective

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    The Core Text Project at the Library, National University of Ireland Maynooth is a SIF-funded project that aims to give 24/7 access to as much core full-text student reading material as possible. It seeks to address two specific expectations: 1) that there are enough copies of essential reading materials in the Library to provide for the individual needs of each student 2) that access to essential reading material is tailored to suit the specific requirements of distance and part-time students This article outlines the project from conception to implementation, evaluates progress to date and explores its future development into a mainstream service

    Responding to student needs in the Library

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    Electronic Access to Essential Reading Materia

    Soluble Zwitterionic Poly(sulfobetaine) Destabilizes Proteins

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    Proteins have proven to have tremendous potential in biological pharmaceuticals and drug targets due to their highly specific and complex set of functions and biocompatibility. In many cases, the key to successfully utilizing proteins for these applications is maintaining conformational stability and desired function. There is widespread interest in the use of water-soluble polymers such as neutral poly(ethylene glycol)and zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine) (pSB) to stabilize proteins in solution due to their assumed low binding to proteins. However, differences in PEG and pSB-protein interaction mechanisms have yet to be completely understood. For example: despite the existence of complementary charged and polar patches on pSB and proteins, why would pSB not interact with proteins? This research demonstrated that poly(zwitterion) chains in solution can actually interact with proteins directly, reduce the thermal stability, and increase the protein folding cooperativity relative to proteins in buffer solutions. pSB was synthesized using atom transfer radical polymerization and characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS). Displayed is an inspection light microscope image of 2.5% (w/w) pSB in a sodium phosphate aqueous buffer solution which was analyzed by DLS. DLS confirms that pSB follows the anti-polyelectrolyte effect where polymer solubility, solution viscosity, and polymer network swelling increases with salt concentration.Ope

    Including Students in the Acquisition Process: An Evidence-Based Acquisition Pilot at Maynooth University Library

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    As a ‘user-driven’ acquisition model, Evidence-Based Acquisition (EBA), aligned with Maynooth University (MU) Library’s Strategic Plan 2016-2018 Action 3.3 to “Introduce new acquisition, budget and service models for the provision of collections which will benefit our user communities”. The Library embarked on an EBA Pilot following a scoping exercise in summer 2017. A cross-functional working group was established to implement the project. Suitable suppliers were invited to submit quotations based on mandatory and desirable requirements. Cambridge University Press was the successful supplier for MU Library. The additional resources were promoted in the University’s newsletter, on the Library’s webpages, on social media and by all staff at every opportunity. This new model resulted in over 30,000 ebooks being accessible 24/7 to registered staff and students from March 2018 to February 2019. At the end of the access period, titles were purchased in perpetuity based on usage and other criteria. Furthermore, it enabled the engagement of staff and students in the selection process based on their interaction with the resources. It also gave equal opportunity to distance and part-time students to register their interest and be part of the process
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