The Management Of Testing In Distance Learning Environments

In 2004 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University transitioned from proctored examinations for distance learning courses to online examinations that are not proctored. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a significant difference in the midterm and final examination grades between proctored and non-proctored online examinations. Three courses, MGMT 311, MGMT 210 and ASCI 254, were selected for the study,. The study found that there was a significant increase in the mean scores between the midterm and final examinations. What this study did not examine was the impact of the overall course grades. This needs to be considered in future studies.&nbsp

Interpreting The Learning Styles Of Traditional And Distance Learning Students

The emergence of telecommunication technologies has generated innovative strategies resulting in online education competing for student enrollment.  Learning is no longer restricted by space and time, and has become more reliant on empowerment rather than confinement. This study sought to determine if the use of the Kolb Learning Style Inventory (LSI) could be used to determine which learning style(s) best reflect the traditional learner, and which are representative of the distance learning student. The study placed respondents into one of four styles, depending on how they responded to the Inventory: Diverger, Assimilator, Accommodator, and Converger.  The study then compared responses within and between the groups to test for significance. It found that while there was significance between all of the groups except the Accommodator/Converger, the only group which had significance within was the group with the Assimilator style. &nbsp

Gender And Stress: Does Ones Gender Affect Stress Levels During An Evaluation?

This study sought to determine if there is a significant difference between male and female stress levels during evaluations. The research hypothesis states that there is a significant difference between the level of stress experienced between males and females during an evaluation. The ability to interpret a persons skin temperature has become a useful technique in biofeedback studies (Roberts, Kewman & MacDonald, 1973). The instrument utilized in this study to measure the level of stress which individuals experience was the Biodot, a one-quarter inch diagonal circle of microencapsulated Cholesteric liquid crystals which changes color to reflect a broad thermal range. The study, composed of 860 individuals, found that there was no significant difference between the stress levels of males and females during an evaluation

Corporate Strategy in Crisis Management: Johnson & Johnson and Tylenol

This paper focuses on the Tylenol poisonings and the actions J & J employed to recover from this existence-threatening situation. The paper reviews the 1982 case in which Johnson & Johnson literally rewrote the book on crisis management in handling unexpected, catastrophic consumer issues. It demonstrated a high degree of integrity and moral responsibility in its handling of the poisonings. CEO Burke demonstrated decisive leadership at a time when the company needed it the most

Libelle Self-Contained Anti-G Ensemble: Overcoming Negative Transfer

G-suits have changed over the years since Dr. Wilbur Franks invented the first anti-g suit. For the past decade the United States Air Force has been using the Combat Edge ensemble and the associated L-1 straining maneuver. The Air Force is now testing the Libelle Self-contained Anti-G Ensemble (SAGE); it uses a unique Libelle Straining Maneuver (LSM). The suit and the straining maneuver were determined to be valid; however, the effects of negative transfer must be addressed or it will have a significant impact on the success of this program

Integration of the SHEL Model with the Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) Program

The SHEL Model has been used to explore relationships between liveware, environmental, hardware and software factors. This study attempts to integrate Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) program data with the SHEL model. Aircraft record data that can be used to monitor the human interface within the entire system, plus identify faults and potential failures within the system before a major accident or incident occurs. These data have existed for over four decades, and FOQA offers a way to both analyze and act upon them. The relationships between the SHEL model and FOQA data can help to ensure our nation\u27s skies are the safest and most efficient in the world

Management Of Academic Quality: A Comparison Of Online Versus Lecture Course Outcomes

This study compared the final grades of courses taught both through distance learning (online) and the traditional classroom (lecture) delivery mode. This research sought to determine if a significant difference existed between the grades of the two identified delivery modes. Four courses taught by Embry Riddle Aeronautical University were selected for the study. Grades for the 2005 and 2006 calendar years were compared to determine if significance exists between the two modes. The study found that in the case of all four classes a significant difference was found in the final grades. In each case, the mean grade for the online courses was significantly less than those of the traditional lecture classes

Voice Recognition in Fighter Aircraft

This study explored the significance of the voice type configuration used in U. S. Air Force fighter aircraft voice messaging systems. The research hypothesis stated that the voice of a person in a position of authority is more effective in commanding attention than the female voice type currently in use. Data were gathered using a questionnaire presented to U.S. Air Force aircrew members currently flying fighter aircraft. The data were analyzed using a nonparametric Chi-Square test to determine if the voice of a person in a position of authority significantly commands more attention than the female voice. The null hypothesis assumed no difference between the effectiveness of the two voice types. The study found that pilots significantly preferred the current configuration of a female voice. A comparison was also made utilizing a computer-synthesized voice. The results revealed that this computer-synthesized voice is preferred over the voice of an authority figure, but not over the current female voice

Acceptance of Distance Learning Programs at the Graduate Level A Pilot Study

The number of Americans seeking college degrees is expanding at a rapid pace. To meet the challenge of the non-traditional student, one, who because of other commitments, cannot attend courses in a traditional campus setting, colleges and universities have instituted distance learning programs. There is little disagreement on the value of these programs in providing a service to students who cannot attend traditional classes. But at locations where students do have an option of attending a traditional course, or taking one through a distance learning approach, which will a student select? The study expanded the perceptions of the traditional versus distance learning approach to higher education, and the choice students would make if given the option. The results of the study revealed that students would significantly favor courses utilizing the traditional delivery approach versus a distance learning approach. The study also found that students at a university which does not have a distance learning program favor this approach to a significantly higher degree than students at a university which has a distance learning program. The study also found that students are almost equally divided on the perception of quality of the distance learning delivery approach, versus a traditional delivery approach

Are Four-Year Universities Better Than Two-Year Colleges at Preparing Students to Pass the FAA Aircraft Mechanic Certification Written Examinations?

This study evaluates differences between two-year and four-year schools offering a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 147 aviation maintenance technician program. The actual average test scores were analyzed to determine whether students from four-year university programs were better prepared for the test than students from two-year college or technical school programs. Test scores can be viewed as a direct indication of the quality of the aviation maintenance programs at these schools. The study found that there was no statistically significant difference in the test scores between two-year college and four-year university students taking the FAA examinations. These results support previous studies that found the learning outcomes of two-year and four-year students on general subjects to be comparable