An on-line learning initiative in materials engineering

Abstract not available

A multi-modal approach to teaching and learning: a case study of teaching materials and process engineering

How we effectively plan, coordinate, resource and promote change is of ongoing concern to those who work in Higher Education. Increased pressure from diminishing resources, intensified competition and changing obligations towards quality assurance and accountability has placed enormous strain on teaching academics. This paper seeks to examine an initiative where the delivery and assessment of a first year materials engineering subject was integrated with an online Learning Management System know as Blackboard(TM), to reduced correction time and increased student participation and satisfaction. Examples are given of how the technology available within the learning management system can be used to support laboratory work, whilst still engaging the student and staff in hands-on experimental work. Associated online learning aspects such as timely feedback, online assessment management, collaboration, group work and group communications are discussed in relation to current teaching and learning methodology

Abstract: Web-Based Educational Programs in Precision Agriculture

Establishing a set of electronic multimedia educational programs will expedite the understanding and implementation of key precision agriculture technologies. Several universities and private sector partners have joined together to accomplish this task and to make the material relevant to a diverse audience. Sections include base subject information, grower experiences, potential applications, guidance on how to determine the value of application techniques, and links to additional information. The learning modules (provided in a multimedia format) include information on global positioning systems (GPS); variable rate technologies (VRT); remote sensing (RS); sampling and scouting techniques; yield and quality monitoring; and geographic information systems (GIS). The programs of the University of Georgia (UGA) and of Washington State University (WSU) are highlighted. A discussion of the fundamentals of electronic publishing is included. The design of an Internet-era educational program is crucial not only so that the material is conveyed in an efficient and effective way but also so that ongoing maintenance is minimized. Keywords

Developing graduate employability through partnerships with industry and professional associations

Employability skills are changing, shaped by economic and market demands, at a time when supply of graduates exceeds demand and many graduates struggle to find full-time employment. Employers frequently report that graduates do not have the requisite employability skills. While professional bodies encourage teaching staff to engage with the discipline they have noted declining participation rates of academics. The development of graduate employability within the student cohort is both complex and challenging for all stakeholders. For the purpose of this study 'employability' includes the skills required to obtain a new position and those required to maintain existing employment

Alleviating soil acidity through plant organic compounds

A laboratory experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of water soluble plant extracts on soil acidity. The plant materials were: black oat, oil seed radish, white and blue lupin, gray and dwarf mucuna, Crotalaria spectabilis and C. breviflora, millet, pigeon pea, star grass, mato grosso grass, coffee leaves, sugar cane leaves, rice straw, and wheat straw. Plant extracts were added on soil surface in a PVC soil column at a rate of 1.0 ml min-1. Both soil and drainage water were analyzed for pH, Ca, Al, and K. Plant extracts applied on the soil surface increased soil pH, exchangeable Ca ex and Kex and decreased Al ex. Oil seed radish, black oat, and blue lupin were the best and millet the worst materials to alleviate soil acidity. Oil seed radish markedly increased Al in the drainage water. Chemical changes were associated with the concentrations of basic cations in the plant extract: the higher the concentration the greater the effects in alleviating soil acidity.<br>Foram conduzidos experimentos de laboratórios para avaliar os efeitos de extratos de plantas solúveis em água na acidez do solo. Os materiais de plantas foram: aveia preta, nabo, tremoço branco e azul, mucuna cinza e anã, Crotalaria spectabilis e C. breviflora, milheto, guandu, grama estrela, grama mato grosso, folhas de café, folhas de cana-de-açúcar, palhada de arroz e palhada de trigo. Foi utilizado o seguinte procedimento para o extrato da planta solúvel em água: pesar 3g de material de planta, adicionar 150 ml de água, agitar por 8h e filtrar. Os extratos de plantas foram adicionados na superfície do solo em uma coluna de PVC (1 ml min-1). Após, adicionou-se água deionizada em quantidade equivalente a três volumes de poros. Os extratos de plantas aumentaram o pH, Ca e K trocável e diminuíram Al. Nabo, aveia preta e tremoço azul foram os melhores e milheto o pior material para amenizar a acidez do solo. Nabo aumentou Al na água de drenagem. As alterações químicas foram associadas com as concentrações de cátions básicos nos extratos de plantas: quanto maior a concentração maior o efeito na amenização da acidez do solo