Virtual learning community: Utilizing learning communities in hybrid and online graduate programs

Learning communities are well-established on-campus practices with evidence supporting their effectiveness in increasing student learning outcomes, student retention efforts, and student satisfaction. Students who enroll in online and hybrid programs have limited access to their classmates and institutional resources, which can cause feelings of isolation and frustration (Shelton & Saltsman, 2005); therefore, institutions are looking for ways to reduce this isolation and frustration by attempting to create community within online courses and programs. It has been demonstrated that establishing a robust online community allows students to interact with each other, builds a support network of fellow students, improves persistence and retention; increases perceived satisfaction with the program; increases students sense of belonging, and increases their level of access to institutional resources (e.g. Lee, 2010; Rovai, Ponton & Baker, 2008; Scott, Sorotki, & Merrell, 2016; Shelton & Saltsman, 2005). Learning communities provide opportunities for sharing of resources by providing students an environment to share and interact with each other (Shapiro & Levine, 1999). Finding ways to support learners in hybrid and online programs with limited access to the institution will continue to be important as these programs grow. Having research based on student experiences within hybrid and online programs can help institutions design online courses and programs which can increase the perceived experience and value of the education received by the learner. The purpose of this study was to research virtual learning communities and whether or not their availability and use improves students’ perceived experiences in an online/hybrid program

Establishing Community in Online Courses: A Literature Review

The purpose of this literature review is to examine the evolution of online learning over the last several decades in relation to student engagement. Much has been made of both the successes and failures of online learning and, consequently, much has been written to enumerate the reasons for those successes and failures. After lengthy review, a great deal of the writing indicates that the relative success or failure of a student is caused by a confluence of three factors: the student, the environment, and the faculty. Online learning is unique in that a much greater share of the burden of success or failure falls on the faculty and their strategies for teaching

THE COTTON-WADDING DRESSING AND ITS APPLICATION TO SURGICAL THERAPEUTICS ["Du Pansement Ouaté et de son application a la therapeutique chirurgicale"]. By ALPH GUÉRIN, President of the Academy of Medicine, Honorary Surgeon to the Hôtel Dieu. With figures intercalated in the text. Paris: J. B. Baillière et Fils. 1885. 12mo. Pp. 392

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Colour Screening, Quark Propagation in Nuclear Matter and the Broadening of the Momentum Distribution of Drell-Yan Pairs

We calculate the broadening of the transverse momentum distribution of a quark propagating through nuclear matter. Colour screening plays a fundamental role in that it cuts off quark-nucleon interactions with soft gluons. The mean transverse momentum of the quark acquired along its trajectory, observed via Drell-Yan pairs, is related to it the ratio of the total inelastic meson-nucleon cross section it to the meson mean squared radius. Parameter-free calculations agree with the data.Comment: LaTex file, 7 pages + 2 figs (not included, available by fax) Heidelberg , HD-TVP-93-

Parent's perceptions of antenatal groups in supporting them through the transition to parenthood

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore parents’ experiences and perceptions of their antenatal groups in supporting their needs through the transition to parenthood. Local research ethics approval was obtained before the study commenced. Design: Phenomenology was considered the most appropriate paradigm to interpret participants’ involvement as it considers the essence of individuals’ experiences and fits the holistic model of midwifery. Semi-structured interviews were used to ascertain mothers’ and fathers’ experiences and their perceptions of support needs. Participants: Prospective mothers and fathers were recruited from the community setting by midwives whilst the women were in their last trimester of pregnancy. Interviews were undertaken with both parents together in the early postnatal period, between two and three weeks after the baby’s birth. Findings: Six mothers and five fathers participated in the interviews and several themes emerged from analysis of the transcripts. Parents felt developing a relationship with fewer midwives was important and attending antenatal groups was a way to achieve this. Antenatal groups which were facilitative and flexible seemed to have helped parents prepare and adjust to parenthood. Conclusions and implications for practice: Participants felt antenatal groups have an important role to play in preparation for parenthood and should be universally available. Provision of universal groups may be one way to meet government targets to reduce inequalities, provide choice and improve access for women and families. Although midwives are highly skilled practitioners, additional skills may be required for the role of group facilitator. A focus on these skills within pre- and post-registration education is suggested. A multiagency approach to implement such services, in line with government strategy, may be cost effective and practical as well as promoting ongoing support and interagency collaboration

Parent's perceptions of antenatal groups in supporting them through the transition to parenthood

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore parents’ experiences and perceptions of their antenatal groups in supporting their needs through the transition to parenthood. Local research ethics approval was obtained before the study commenced. Design: Phenomenology was considered the most appropriate paradigm to interpret participants’ involvement as it considers the essence of individuals’ experiences and fits the holistic model of midwifery. Semi-structured interviews were used to ascertain mothers’ and fathers’ experiences and their perceptions of support needs. Participants: Prospective mothers and fathers were recruited from the community setting by midwives whilst the women were in their last trimester of pregnancy. Interviews were undertaken with both parents together in the early postnatal period, between two and three weeks after the baby’s birth. Findings: Six mothers and five fathers participated in the interviews and several themes emerged from analysis of the transcripts. Parents felt developing a relationship with fewer midwives was important and attending antenatal groups was a way to achieve this. Antenatal groups which were facilitative and flexible seemed to have helped parents prepare and adjust to parenthood. Conclusions and implications for practice: Participants felt antenatal groups have an important role to play in preparation for parenthood and should be universally available. Provision of universal groups may be one way to meet government targets to reduce inequalities, provide choice and improve access for women and families. Although midwives are highly skilled practitioners, additional skills may be required for the role of group facilitator. A focus on these skills within pre- and post-registration education is suggested. A multiagency approach to implement such services, in line with government strategy, may be cost effective and practical as well as promoting ongoing support and interagency collaboration

Sleep and Organizational Behavior: Implications for Workplace Productivity and Safety

The interaction between sleep and work-related behaviors influence many aspects of employee performance, safety, and health as well as organizational-level success. Although it is well established that quantity and quality of sleep can affect different types of task performance and personal health, the interactions between sleep habits and organizational behaviors have received much less attention. It is important to examine how sleep habits and workplace behaviors relate and the role of the underlying circadian rhythm on the potential impact of sleep and sleepiness in the workplace. Developing a deeper understanding of how sleep habits and sleepiness impact workers and the organization can help provide the necessary background for human resource management to develop more progressive support networks for employees that benefit both the worker and the organization. Human resources and employees should emphasize the impact of good sleep and sleep habits on organizational and individual productivity and safety

Idle central venous catheter-days pose infection risk for patients after discharge from intensive care

This prospective observational study measured idle central venous catheter (CVC)-days (no medical indication), and ward clinicians\u27 adherence to evidence-based practices for preventing short-term central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). In 340 patients discharged from ICU over a 1-year period, 208 of 794 CVC-days (26.2%) were idle. Interventions to prevent CLABSIs were poorly implemented. Ward clinicians need education regarding risk management strategies to prevent CLABSIs, and clear accountability processes for prompt catheter removal are recommended

Implications of Social Support as a Self-Control Resource

Self-control is an intricate component of decision making and effectively managing day-to-day life. Failing to maintain adequate self-control can have negative effects on many desired goals and social experiences. As such, understanding how different facets of the human experience may affect self-control is an important undertaking. One area that is yet unclear is the possible relationships between social support and self-control. Research suggests that social support can be an effective resource in reducing stress and promoting health and well-being. Research has also indicated that stress can be a limiting factor on self-control. In contrast, few studies have focused on social support as a potential resource for self-control. The goal of this mini-review article is to explore the intersections between self-control and social support and encourage integration of these two relatively independent areas of research. This review will help provide a broader understanding of self-control resources and how we can better understand the relationships between social well-being and our ability to monitor and utilize our capacity to maintain self-control

Non-hypothermic cold stress methodology for psychological research

Cold environments are a natural stressor and impact human performance through homeostatic response. Common methods of studying cold stress use expensive climate chambers and are out of reach of traditional labs. To safely study the effects of cold in a traditional lab setting, affordable methods of producing non-hypothermic cold stress should be explored. The current study developed and tested an affordable cold stress method using ice packs by measuring human psychological and physiological response. Forty-four participants were in a thermal neutral or cooled condition. Cold condition participants wore a cooling vest and sat on a cooling pack with a mild breeze for forty-five minutes. Results showed the stressor significantly lowered subjective feelings of comfort and raised perceptions of cold (p\u3c.001). Mean skin temperature taken continuously from three locations was also significant lower in the cold condition (p\u3c.001). Importantly, core temperature taken from the mouth and ear was not significantly impacted (p\u3e.05). These findings support the effectiveness of the method in producing a psychological cold stress response without resulting in hypothermia