How Students Comprehend Using E-readers and Traditional Text: Suggestions from the Classroom

Since Durkin's groundbreaking research on comprehension in 1978, the quality of comprehension instruction has been a core research topic in reading comprehension research circles. However, the majority of this research over the past 30-plus years has focused primarily on comprehension of print text. We know from research that skilled readers read with purpose, preview the text, activate their background knowledge, make connections between old and new information, ask questions, use strategies to fix meaning when it fails, and self-monitor their understandin

Development of a video-simulation instrument for assessing cognition in older adults

Abstract Background Commonly used methods to assess cognition, such as direct observation, self-report, or neuropsychological testing, have significant limitations. Therefore, a novel tablet computer-based video simulation was created with the goal of being valid, reliable, and easy to administer. The design and implementation of the SIMBAC (Simulation-Based Assessment of Cognition) instrument is described in detail, as well as informatics “lessons learned” during development. Results The software emulates 5 common instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and scores participants’ performance. The modules were chosen by a panel of geriatricians based on relevance to daily functioning and ability to be modeled electronically, and included facial recognition, pairing faces with the correct names, filling a pillbox, using an automated teller machine (ATM), and automatic renewal of a prescription using a telephone. Software development included three phases 1) a period of initial design and testing (alpha version), 2) pilot study with 10 cognitively normal and 10 cognitively impaired adults over the age of 60 (beta version), and 3) larger validation study with 162 older adults of mixed cognitive status (release version). Results of the pilot study are discussed in the context of refining the instrument; full results of the validation study are reported in a separate article. In both studies, SIMBAC reliably differentiated controls from persons with cognitive impairment, and performance was highly correlated with Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score. Several informatics challenges emerged during software development, which are broadly relevant to the design and use of electronic assessment tools. Solutions to these issues, such as protection of subject privacy and safeguarding against data loss, are discussed in depth. Collection of fine-grained data (highly detailed information such as time spent reading directions and the number of taps on screen) is also considered. Conclusions SIMBAC provides clinicians direct insight into whether subjects can successfully perform selected cognitively intensive activities essential for independent living and advances the field of cognitive assessment. Insight gained from the development process could inform other researchers who seek to develop software tools in health care

Current State of Self-Administered Brief Computerized Cognitive Assessments for Detection of Cognitive Disorders in Older Adults: A Systematic Review.

Early diagnosis of cognitive disorders in older adults is a major healthcare priority with benefits to patients, families, and health systems. Rapid advances in digital technology offer potential for developing innovative diagnostic pathways to support early diagnosis. Brief self-administered computerized cognitive tools in particular hold promise for clinical implementation by minimizing demands on staff time. In this study, we conducted a systematic review of self-administered computerized cognitive assessment measures designed for the detection of cognitive impairment in older adults. Studies were identified via a systematic search of published peer-reviewed literature across major scientific databases. All studies reporting on psychometric validation of brief (≤30 minutes) self-administered computerized measures for detection of MCI and all-cause dementia in older adults were included. Seventeen studies reporting on 10 cognitive tools met inclusion criteria and were subjected to systematic review. There was substantial variability in characteristics of validation samples and reliability and validity estimates. Only 2 measures evaluated feasibility and usability in the intended clinical settings. Similar to past reviews, we found variability across measures with regard to psychometric rigor and potential for widescale applicability in clinical settings. Despite the promise that self-administered cognitive tests hold for clinical implementation, important gaps in scientific rigor in development, validation, and feasibility studies of these measures remain. Developments in technology and biomarker studies provide potential avenues for future directions on the use of digital technology in clinical care

Reinforced concrete frame analysis with mode of failure prediction capability

This paper is concerned with the development of a numerical method that is intended not only for the analysis and design of new frame-type reinforced-concrete (RC) structures, but also for the assessment of existing frame-type RC structures. The characteristic feature of the proposed method, which was developed within an object-oriented environment using the Python programming language, is its ability to identify all types of failure that may be suffered by the elements of the structure. This is achieved by noting that the portions of the structure extending between points of maximum bending moment and points of contra-flexure or consecutive points of contra-flexure are equivalent to cantilevers or simply supported beams, respectively, for which there is ample experimental information linking their design details with modes of failure. The validity of the method is verified through a comparative study of the numerical predictions with the experimentally established behaviour of frames obtained from the literature. </jats:p

Interactive books for preschool children: from traditional interactive paper books to augmented reality books: listening to children’s voices through mosaic approach

The preference of preschool children for interactive traditional paper books has long been proved. More novel than traditional interactive books are the Augmented Reality (AR) books, which took a place in the book market for more than a decade now. For this study, we have used the Mosaic approach as a form of participatory research. The main methods used included children's presentations, interviews, observations, photo-taking, and taking part in a voting procedure. Our findings showed that the requirements for using AR books are not yet met by mobile devices that the youngest users have, so their audience is still limited. Even though the AR book seemed to be more promising for engaging children's attention longer, this was not possible because of the constraints imposed by the very delicate screen handling and children expressed their preference for the traditional interactive book. © 2022 ASPE

Treatment with adipose stem cells in a patient with moderate Alzheimer&#39;s disease: case report

Magda Tsolaki,1,2 Stelios Zygouris,1,3 Vassilis Tsoutsikas,2 Doxakis Anestakis,2,4,5 George Koliakos6,7 1Third Department of Neurology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; 2Greek Association of Alzheimer&#39;s Disease and Related Disorders, Thessaloniki, Greece; 3CND+, 4Laboratory of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; 5Laboratory of General Biology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; 6Biohellenika Stem Cells Bank, Thessaloniki, Greece; 7Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece Objective: This article presents the case of a female patient with Alzheimer&#39;s disease (AD). The patient was treated with cholinesterase inhibitors and also with intravenous administration of autologous adipose stem cells.Methods: The patient was assessed with a neuropsychological battery including measures of general cognition, functional problems, neuropsychiatric issues, memory (verbal, visual and episodic), verbal learning and visuospatial abilities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were conducted before and after the treatment with stem cells.Results: A transient and mild improvement of scores in measures of general cognition and neuropsychiatric issues was evident. A rapid deterioration followed the initial improvement. The first MRI scan showed ischemic areas in periventricular white matter of both hemispheres, as well as in both temporal and parietal lobes. The second MRI scan revealed the same picture with no significant changes.Conclusion: This case report indicates that the administration of stem cells is feasible in a clinical setting however its effectiveness in the treatment of AD is uncertain. The improvement of the patient&#39;s condition highlights the potential therapeutic action of stem cells, however the rapid deterioration poses questions concerning limited effectiveness or possible side effects of stem cell administration. Further research is needed in order to clarify the method&#39;s effectiveness.Keywords: Alzheimer&#39;s disease, stem cells, case report, dementi

Enhanced Student Engagement Through Active Learning And Emerging Technologies

Active learning and emerging technologies are enhancing student learning though an explicit intentional educational design such as Flipping the Classroom and Project Based Learning to empower students. In this chapter, the authors describe an active learning classroom and emerging technologies that support learning for the 21st century. Using vignettes, the authors model how the metacognitive teacher supports the use of emerging technologies for active learning using the Metacognitive Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge Framework (M-TPACK) (Wilson, Zygouris-Coe, Cardullo, & Fong, 2013). Finally, the authors describe Blooms Taxonomy (Bloom et al., 1956) for active learning and make connections to emerging technologies and the level of integration using the SAMR Model: Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition (Puentedura, 2006)

Reading Nonfiction Text On An Ipad In A Secondary Classroom

The intent of this research was to investigate the experiences of eighth grade readers as they read nonfiction text on an iPad for academic purposes. We investigated reading strategies that students use to support their reading as well as what role iPad features played in the reading process. New literacies, metacognition and transactional theories informed the framework. Multiple data sources were used to triangulate findings and included (a) retrospective think alouds, (b) student iPad survey, (c) pre and post study student interviews, (d) Metacognitive Awareness of Reading Strategies Inventory and (e) student observations. Data for the collective case study participants focused on the identification of proficient readers who displayed confidence, competency, and control over text. Themes identified in the collective case studies included (a) reading comprehension strategies, (b) nonfiction features and (c) iPad features to support their reading of nonfiction on the iPad