Active Learning in Introductory Economics: Do MyEconLab and Aplia Make Any Difference?

This paper reports experiment results of teaching large classes of introductory economics with modern learning technology such as MyEconLab or Aplia. This new technology emerges partially in response to the enrollment pressure currently facing many institutions of higher education. Among other things, the technology provides an integrated online teaching and learning environment that allows active learning through student direct participation in the learning process as well as interaction with their instructor, peers, and the outside Internet. Our results showed that, for the classes in the experiment, modern learning technology could make a difference in helping students improve their class mark averages by a small but statistically significant amount of 2% regardless whether the technology was used as a required or optional course component. We noted that students responded more favorably when the technology component was given more weight in the marking scheme

Hydrogen Generation from Water Disassociation Using Small Currents and Harmonics

poster abstractHydrogen can be produced cheaply and efficiently from water sources using a combination of harmonics and small currents. Hydrogen is a clean and virtually inexhaustible fuel source with applications ranging from the basic combustion engine to more advanced fuel cells. The major stumbling block to hydrogen adoption is the difficulty in generation and transportation. To study these issues, a prototype hydrogen generator was created using readily available designs and materials and its hydrogen generation rates were tested by varying the gap between the cathode and anode, frequencies used in water dissociation, and voltages applied to the purified water. Since purified water and small currents are used, hydrolysis is not the driving force behind the dissociation of the water molecules. The cause of the water dissociation is the weakening effect the harmonic frequencies have on the hydrogen-oxygen bonding. The expectation is that voltage, cathode and anode surface area will have minimal effects on hydrogen production rates. Narrowing the frequency range that produces optimal water dissociation may increase hydrogen generation rates. Other experiments show that decreasing the gap between the cathode and anode may also increase hydrogen production. By increasing hydrogen production rates beyond the limits imposed by hydrolysis, the possibility exists of creating a hydrogen-on-demand system that eliminates the need to produce, store, and transport hydrogen

Viro: The Future of Online Learning Interfaces

poster abstractThe need for a virtual classroom in which the professor and students can discuss and interact in real time is a paramount consideration regarding the future of online learning. The pervasive nature of online coursework has exposed deficiencies in monitoring the integrity of the student work and maintaining a student to instructor connection similar to live classes. The purpose of this project is to address these deficiencies by developing, Viro, a more realistic virtual classroom. Viro is designed to address the most common deficiencies citied by educators and students in past studies of currently available online education platforms: identification, work sharing, timely communication, and customization. Viro will provide authenticated attendance using identification provided by a school’s current authentication and authorization systems, application and screen sharing, where the professor or student may share their computer screens in order to provide examples or receive immediate feedback, group and individual messaging that allows the professor to address questions to an individual or the entire class, and a development platform allowing customization of the Viro to meet an instructor’s requirements. With an emphasis on education, the Viro’s design incorporates images and graphics that are commonly associated with learning, such as binders, folders, and bulletin boards, creating a familiar interface that mimics classroom and study environments. These aesthetics not only contribute to Viro’s design, but also play a part in it being easily understandable by a large number of users. The arrangements of its different components work in line with its pages’ aesthetics to progress towards a future of ideal online education. After a functional prototype of Viro is created, testing by larger numbers of students and educators will commence in phases

Equity in Tax Law: Vietnam Case Study

One of the prime principles in the optimal tax system of countries is fairness. Equity in tax law originates from two points of view: fairness on the principle of benefits (from which taxpayers take away from society) and fairness on the principle of the ability to pay taxes (income). According to economist Adam Smith, "taxes are seen as the basis of economic institutions, which can cause economic instability when there is a lack of transparency and clarity". Therefore,  fairness in tax law formulation at different stages of development of each country is considered a complete principle associated with countries' economic, social and political conditions in each period. The scope of this article, based on research regarding the history of construction and development of tax law in Vietnam through the analysis of fairness in tax obligations, tax exemption, tax administration, tax fairness and tax accountability. Proposing solutions towards ensuring fairness in completing the legal tax system in Vietnam