The validity and reliability of a novel indoor player tracking system for use within wheelchair court sports

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to investigate the validity and reliability of a radio frequency-based system for accurately tracking athlete movement within wheelchair court sports. Four wheelchair-specific tests were devised to assess the system during (i) static measurements; (ii) incremental fixed speeds; (iii) peak speeds; and (iv) multidirectional movements. During each test, three sampling frequencies (4, 8 and 16 Hz) were compared to a criterion method for distance, mean and peak speeds. Absolute static error remained between 0.19 and 0.32 m across the session. Distance values (test (ii)) showed greatest relative error in 4 Hz tags (1.3%), with significantly lower errors seen in higher frequency tags (<1.0%). Relative peak speed errors of <2.0% (test (iii)) were revealed across all sampling frequencies in relation to the criterion (4.00 ± 0.09 m · sˉ¹). Results showed 8 and 16 Hz sampling frequencies displayed the closest-to-criterion values, whilst intra-tag reliability never exceeded 2.0% coefficient of variation (% CV) during peak speed detection. Minimal relative distance errors (<0.2%) were also seen across sampling frequencies (test (iv)). To conclude, the indoor tracking system is deemed an acceptable tool for tracking wheelchair court match play using a tag frequency of 8 or 16 Hz.     

The assessment of teaching in higher education: A critical retrospect and a proposal

Evaluation of college and university teaching is considered in the context of growing demands for accountability of educational institutions and particular roles of faculty in achieving goals for which these institutions are believed to be accountable. In the first of two papers,^* three contemporary aprroaches to evaluation of teaching in higher education are critically reviewed. All three of these approaches-assessment of learning outcomes, assessment of teacher characteristics and analysis of pedagogical behaviors-are found to be defective on logical, theoretical and empirical grounds. A common thread of deficiency is the absence of a coherent theoretical framework for analysis of teaching and phenomena associated with teaching. Specific defecs are analyzed in each of the three approaches as well as in the ubiquitous methodology of rating of teaching performance. In analysis of evaluation by assessment of learning outcomes, teaching is shown to be neither necessary nor sufficient to subsequent learning outcomes. Assessment of teacher characteristics fails to identify those characteristics peculiarly indigenous to teaching as a generic activity. Analysis of pedagogical behaviors fails to distinguish critical teaching acts from more general teacher characteristics interpretable in terms of teacher personality. Furthermore, no adequate basis is provided for normative interpretation of data pertaining to pedagogical behaviors. The use of rating scales to provide data about teacher characteristics or pedagogical behavior rests on assumed rather than demonstrated validity of results. Evidence of validity or meaningfulness is replaced by evidence of consistency which is often spurious. The first paper concludes with an outline of requirements for a more constructive approach to the task of teacher evaluation. In a second paper, an outline of a theory of teaching is sketched which conforms to these requirements. Realization of this theoretical structure in teaching assessment report forms is described. Tentative conclusions from trial use of forms-in-development and recommendations for additional data sources are discussed in terms of their potential contribution to improvement in teaching.     

Three Contemporary Dilemmas for Rural Superintendents

The school district is the fundamental administrative unit of schooling in the United States and the superintendent the lead official. The nature and the challenges of this position, however, vary across the landscape. Because most superintendents lead rural districts, the challenges facing those districts are the ones that typically bedevil the superintendency overall (perhaps a surprising thought to many readers). From this vantage, we theorize such challenges overall, and illustrate the theory with three episodes: (1) the continuing threats of school and district consolidation; (2) the arrival of ethnic diversity in previously all-White rural places; and (3) the leasing of school lands for mining, with a focus on hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”).     

Our Experience with User Experience: Exploring Staffing Configurations to Conduct UX in an Academic Library

ABSTRACT

A research project was undertaken by a university library system to develop a sustainable user experience strategy. A task force was convened to conduct a pilot project with members from both libraries in the system to assess staffing responsibilities, guidelines, processes, and data-gathering procedures. The team tested an electronic resources list common to both libraries. In describing the methods employed by the task force in their research, this article outlines the benefits and drawbacks of staffing configurations to initiate user experience practices in an academic library setting.     

Woking with a Difficult Class

In the current climate of moral uncertainty, encouraging companies to have codes of business ethics is of considerable value. Young people considering seeking a job with a company can gain a better idea of the attitudes and approaches they would be expected to work with. Once employed, they will know what is expected of them and what they are entitled to expect from those they work for. The Institute of Business Ethics, described here, seeks to encourage companies to develop their own codes, in a variety of ways. The institute is also promoting a PSE programme which it believes supports its objectives.     

Focusing attention on the individual in identification of gifted black students

Despite efforts to desegregate and promote equal opportunity, Black students have a minimal role in gifted programs. Efforts to improve this situation must begin with a focus on the individual student. Classroom teachers need assistance from gifted and talented coordinators with nomination procedures. Information regarding standardized tests, perceptions of low achievement, and the characteristics of Black achievers is essential for improving nomination. The second step to increasing minority participation in gifted programs is to implement a multi‐criteria assessment profile. Compiled by the gifted and talented coordinator with the continued assistance of the classroom teacher, this profile should include a case study documenting gifted characteristics, family background information, and peer evaluations. Standardized test scores may play a minor role. Successful identification of gifted Black students depends on a thorough examination of the individual.