Methodological issues in using sequential representations in the teaching of writing

This study looks at a specific application of Ainsworth’s conceptual framework for learning with multiple representations in the context of using multiple sequential graphic organizers that are student‐generated for a process‐writing task. Process writing refers to writing that consists of multiple drafts. It may be a process of re‐writing without feedback or re‐writing based on feedback where the teacher or peers will provide feedback on the original draft and then the students will revise their writing based on the feedback given. The objective was to explore how knowledge of students’ cognitive processes when using multiple organizers can inform the teaching of writing. The literature review analyzes the interaction of the design, function and task components of the framework; culminating in instructional approaches for using multiple organizers for classes with students of different writing abilities. Extended implications for designers of concept mapping tools based on these approaches are provided

Blended learning: an Asian tale

Over the past few years increasing online learning is part of the normal educational experience of students. This paper examines the changes faced by two universities in different countries as they move to blend traditional face-to-face learning activities with those online. In particular, it reviews lessons that can be drawn for others moving into blended learning environments for successful implementation

Survival of the fattest: unexpected findings about hyperglycaemia and obesity in a population based study of 75-year-olds

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and mortality among 75-year-olds with and without diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG). DESIGN: Prospective population-based cohort study with a 10-year follow-up. PARTICIPANTS: A random sample of 618 of the 1100 inhabitants born in 1922 and living in the city of Västerås in 1997 were invited to participate in a cardiovascular health survey; 70% of those invited agreed to participate (432 individuals: 210 men, 222 women). OUTCOME MEASURES: All-cause and cardiovascular mortality. RESULTS: 163 of 432 (38%) participants died during the 10-year follow-up period. The prevalence of DM or IFG was 41% (35% among survivors, 48% among non-survivors). The prevalence of obesity/overweight/normal weight/underweight according to WHO definitions was 12/45/42/1% (14/43/42/1% among survivors, 9/47/42/2% among non-survivors). The hazard rate for death decreased by 10% for every kg/m(2) increase in BMI in individuals with DM/IFG (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.97; p=0.003). After adjustment for sex, current smoking, diagnosed hypertension, diagnosed angina pectoris, previous myocardial infarction and previous stroke/transient ischaemic attack, the corresponding decrease in mortality was 9% (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.99; p=0.017). These findings remained after exclusion of individuals with BMI<20 or those who died within 2-year follow-up. In individuals without DM/IFG, BMI had no effect on mortality (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.07; p=0.811). The HR for BMI differed significantly between individuals with and without DM/IFG (p interaction=0.025). The increased all-cause mortality in individuals with DM/IFG in combination with lower BMI was driven by cardiovascular death. CONCLUSION: High all-cause and cardiovascular mortality was associated with lower BMI in 75-year-olds with DM/IFG but not in those without DM/IFG. Further studies on the combined effect of obesity/overweight and DM/IFG are needed in order to assess the appropriateness of current guideline recommendations for weight reduction in older people with DM/IFG

Usability of Web-based Knowledge Portals to support Research Organizations

Usability refers to the effectiveness, efficiency and user satisfaction of a designed product or system. One of the most of productive ways of measuring usability goals is through questionnaires and surveys. In this paper, we discuss usability related issues from a users’ perspective in the design analysis of a web-based knowledge portal that was developed to support the knowledge management activities of an educational research organization. The original portal system initially experienced high levels of user participation. However in recent times, this trend had been reversed with flagging log-in access rates. Consequently, a criterion-based usability survey instrument was designed and implemented online to gather users’ responses and comments. The survey outcomes indicated that a large number of respondents used the portal sporadically with a significant number being completely unaware of many of its services. Thus based upon this feedback, the existing portal was revamped to ensure a more user-centric design model that focused on the cornerstone aspects of user control, ease of navigation, personalization services and clarity in visual presentation of information.Usability refers to the effectiveness, efficiency and user satisfaction of a designed product or system. One of the most of productive ways of measuring usability goals is through questionnaires and surveys. In this paper, we discuss usability related issues from a users’ perspective in the design analysis of a web-based knowledge portal that was developed to support the knowledge management activities of an educational research organization. The original portal system initially experienced high levels of user participation. However in recent times, this trend had been reversed with flagging log-in access rates. Consequently, a criterion-based usability survey instrument was designed and implemented online to gather users’ responses and comments. The survey outcomes indicated that a large number of respondents used the portal sporadically with a significant number being completely unaware of many of its services. Thus based upon this feedback, the existing portal was revamped to ensure a more user-centric design model that focused on the cornerstone aspects of user control, ease of navigation, personalization services and clarity in visual presentation of information

Usability of Web-based Knowledge Portals to support Research Organizations

Usability refers to the effectiveness, efficiency and user satisfaction of a designed product or system. One of the most of productive ways of measuring usability goals is through questionnaires and surveys. In this paper, we discuss usability related issues from a users’ perspective in the design analysis of a web-based knowledge portal that was developed to support the knowledge management activities of an educational research organization. The original portal system initially experienced high levels of user participation. However in recent times, this trend had been reversed with flagging log-in access rates. Consequently, a criterion-based usability survey instrument was designed and implemented online to gather users’ responses and comments. The survey outcomes indicated that a large number of respondents used the portal sporadically with a significant number being completely unaware of many of its services. Thus based upon this feedback, the existing portal was revamped to ensure a more user-centric design model that focused on the cornerstone aspects of user control, ease of navigation, personalization services and clarity in visual presentation of information.Usability refers to the effectiveness, efficiency and user satisfaction of a designed product or system. One of the most of productive ways of measuring usability goals is through questionnaires and surveys. In this paper, we discuss usability related issues from a users’ perspective in the design analysis of a web-based knowledge portal that was developed to support the knowledge management activities of an educational research organization. The original portal system initially experienced high levels of user participation. However in recent times, this trend had been reversed with flagging log-in access rates. Consequently, a criterion-based usability survey instrument was designed and implemented online to gather users’ responses and comments. The survey outcomes indicated that a large number of respondents used the portal sporadically with a significant number being completely unaware of many of its services. Thus based upon this feedback, the existing portal was revamped to ensure a more user-centric design model that focused on the cornerstone aspects of user control, ease of navigation, personalization services and clarity in visual presentation of information

Ten-Year Survival in 75-Year-Old Men and Women: Predictive Ability of Total Cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C

Objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate prognostic impact of cholesterol and its subfractions among 75-year-old people from the general population. Methods and Results. The study comprised a random sample (222 women and 210 men) from the general population (participation rate 70%). During 10-year follow-up, 19% of women and 35% of men experienced a major cardiovascular event (MCVE). The all-cause mortality was 29% for women and 47% for men. After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, a low level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly associated with MCVE (P = .006) and mortality (P = .011) in men but not in women. The prognostic sex disparity was nearly significant (P = .051 for MCVE and .067 for mortality). The associations of adjusted HDL-C to MCVE and mortality were unchanged after excluding individuals with prevalent stroke or MI. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were not significantly related to prognosis in either sex. Main Conclusions. HDL-C was associated with dismal prognosis in men but not in women. Elderly men with HDL-C <40 mg/dL deserve particular attention for cardiovascular prevention

Using a Multi-User Virtual Environment to Research Approaches to Ethical Dilemmas

Resolving ethical dilemmas is difficult because people must select a response from a range of unacceptable options. Ethical position theory states that people will select a response that is consistent with their perspectives on idealism and relativism. Ethical dilemmas are usually presented to learners and research participants in the form of written scenarios or vignettes. This approach has some limitations, including abstraction of the situation and written rather than enacted responses. Multi-user virtual environments (MUVEs) present opportunities for contextualisation and action that may be applied to the simulation of ethical dilemmas. A theoretical framework based on activity theory and ecological psychology will be used to develop and refine a MUVE simulation of a morally toned situation. This paper outlines an ongoing research study that focuses on understanding (a) the possibilities and constraints of the technology in relation to the simulation of ethical issues; and (b) the extent to which the simulation can be used to assess the alignment between participants’ ethical perspectives and their behaviour

Technologies and the representation of ideas

There is a change afoot and it might prove a pivotal point for the world of digital education. Technologies are more focussed on what the user wishes to achieve as an outcome, pedagogies are less focussed upon integration of ICTs and more on the need for the technologies to represent the information and knowledge of the discipline. We are moving into a time where the technology can assist us to represent ideas in a variety of forms, to share resources and to assist with the creation of a new forms of representation. Additionally as we employ collaborative tools and access the Internet, we can co-construct representations of our understandings about the world

Formalising the description of learning designs

This paper describes an activity being undertaken by researchers involved in the AUTC funded Project: Information and Communication Technologies and Their Role in Flexible Learning. The project is seeking to investigate and develop generic and reusable frameworks for the provision of technology-enhanced high quality learning experiences in higher education. To achieve this, the researchers have been exploring ways to formalise generic descriptions of some learning designs that foster knowledge construction and problem solving. This paper provides a summary of the work that has been undertaken and describes the generic descriptions that have been developed in this process