Use of learning theories in media design

This review discusses learning theories such as dimensions of learning, multiple intelligences, reading-learning styles, constructivism, and brain research. It looks at software design, multimedia programs and some experimental programs that are making attempts to integrate these theories into the design of technology

What is the Lived Experience of the Learners in a Coteaching Classroom?

The purpose of this study was to describe the lived experiences of the learners in a fifth-grade coteaching classroom. Because the practice of coteaching is gaining popularity in schools, there is increasing use of this teaching method in general education classrooms. If learning in a coteaching classroom is to be meaningful for students, it is important to have their perspective of this instructional delivery option. Through careful listening, observation, and interpretation of the students’ lived experience, a better understanding of the students’ perspective in a coteaching classroom was gained. Data for this qualitative study were triangulated using classroom observations, student drawn images, and interviews with selected students and the coteachers. Findings indicate that (1) students can give voice to their lived experience when given the opportunity to use images to do so; (2) the ability of coteachers to get along with each other is an important aspect of students lived experience in the coteaching classroom; (3) another aspect of the lived experience of students in the coteaching classroom is learning the ethics of the caring classroom from their coteachers. The findings support the literature, which suggests coteaching can be an effective teaching delivery option and that the voices of the learners in the classroom are an important source of information about what works in schools. These results are significant because they help to inform future decisions about the practice of coteaching. The results of this study also clarify ways the coteaching model can be strengthened or improved for greater success and benefit for both the teachers and the students

Adaptive buffer power save mechanism for mobile multimedia streaming

With the proliferation of wireless networks, the use of mobile devices to stream multimedia is growing in popularity. Although the devices are improving in that they are becoming smaller, more complex and capable of running more applications than ever before, there is one aspect of them that is lagging behind. Batteries have seen little development, even though they are one of the most important parts of the devices. Multimedia streaming puts extra pressure on batteries, causing them to discharge faster. This often means that streaming tasks can not be completed, resulting in significant user dissatisfaction. Consequently, effort is required to devise mechanisms to enable and increase in battery life while streaming multimedia. In this context, this thesis presents a novel algorithm to save power in mobile devices during the streaming of multimedia content. The proposed Adaptive-Buffer Power Save Mechanism (AB-PSM) controls how the data is sent over wireless networks, achieving significant power savings. There is little or no effect on the user and the algorithm is very simple to implement. The thesis describes tests which show the effectiveness of AB-PSM in comparison with the legacy power save mechanism present in IEEE 802.11. The thesis also presents a detailed overview of the IEEE 802.11 protocols and an in-depth literature review in the area of power saving during multimedia streaming. A novel analysis of how the battery of a mobile device is affected by multimedia streaming in its different stages is given. A total-power-save algorithm is then described as a possible extension to the Adaptive-Buffer Power Save Mechanism

Rural Field Experiences: Promising Practices

A Rural Field Experience, in which pre-service teachers are totally immersed in the rural school setting and rural life, has been successful in attracting and retaining mathematics and science teachers in rural schools. The week-long Rural Field Experience is having a lasting effect on recruiting and retaining teachers. Responses from teacher education candidates indicate that successful strategies for building partnerships support this program and approach. Funded by an NSF Robert Noyce Scholarship grant, this program includes unique courses focused on issues related to teaching in a rural community

Differences between Stayers and Leavers among Part-Time Workers

Some 23 million US workers are employed part-time, presenting significant challenges to the practicing manager. Successfully managing turnover has both operational and strategic consequences for an organization. However, very little is known about the turnover of part-time employees. In this exploratory study, a discriminant analysis is presented of biographic characteristics of stayers and leavers among 1,053 part-time hospital employees. Pay, length of employment, management status, race and gender significantly discriminate stayers from leavers. Managerial and research implications are discussed

Characteristics of the Labor Market and Human Resources Management in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan, an emerging economy moving from a communist centralized command approach to global market participation, shares issues with other republics in the Common Wealth of Independent States. Competitive advantages that bode well for its successful transition include abundant oil reserves, a developing legal system, and a government that appears to have learned from the mistakes of other CIS nations. However, the Republic has serious problems of population decline, poor infrastructure, and workforce habits incompatible with a market economy. This paper focuses on labor market and human resource issues that must be addressed of Kazakhstan to be competitive in the world areas. This paper focuses on the economic and human changes in the republic of Kazakhstan since its 1991 independence and assesses the country\u27s potential for competitiveness in the global economy. Developing human resources is essential to achieve sustainable competitive advantage (Hoskisson, et al., 2000; Soulsby & Clark, 1996) so we will pay particular attention to Kazakhstan\u27s workforce as a key to the country\u27s competitiveness. Although there is variation in the way the CIS countries have adopted to a market-driven economy, the Republic of Kazakhstan is an interesting case study of the process. The information is enhanced by the fact that much of the history described was experienced first-hand by one of the authors

The Role of Gender in a Developmental Assessment Center

Male (n = 119) and female (n = 90) professional employees in a large financial services organization participated in a one-day developmental assessment center, and were assessed in three dyadic role-playing exercises by male or female assessors. In each exercise, one assessor rated participants on specific behaviors which were subsequently averaged by a computer program to produce final exercise dimension ratings. Results showed no significant differences in ratings for male and female assessees on any dimensions in any of the exercises. Women assessors rated candidates of both sexes higher on some dimensions than did male assessors in an employee counseling exercise, but there were no assessor gender differences in the sales call and problem analysis exercises. Further, there were no significant interactions between assessee and assessor gender for any of the exercises. The present findings attest to the inherent fairness of the assessment center method for human resource selection and development

Seafood: Are You Reeling in the Benefits?

Seafood includes a large group of marine animals that live in the sea, fresh water, lakes, and rivers. Fish such as salmon, tuna, trout, and tilapia and shellfish such as shrimp, crab, and oysters are included among this group. Seafood is an important part of a balanced diet because it contains high-quality protein and good fats called omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients. However, many of us do not include enough seafood in our diets to get the full range of benefits