Using three-dimensional interactive graphics to teach equipment procedures

This report focuses on how 3-D graphical and interactive features of computer-based instruction can enhance learning and support human cognition during technical training of equipment procedures (where procedural training tasks are often highly specific to a piece of equipment). Studies of the effects of graphics, motion, and interactivity in technical training, and reports of successful instruction using state-of-the art graphics and animation were reviewed to extract a set of guidelines for using 3-D interactive graphics to teach equipment procedures.The opinions and assertions are the authors' and should not be construed to represent that of the Navy Department or the Department of Defense.     

Reviews and reports

Annals of Dyslexia -     

Book Review

Book reviewed in this article:
Bias Issues in Teacher Certification Testing R.G. Allan, Paula M. Nassif, and Scott M. Elliot (Eds.)     

Information and library science MPACT: A preliminary analysis

Dissertation advising is an important form of mentoring. To investigate the impact of dissertation advising over time, advisor and committee member names were collected for 2400 dissertations completed over a 40-year period (1964–2004) in 32 North American information and library science schools. Several mentoring impact metrics are reported for a subset of the data, including the number of dissertations advised, the number of dissertation committees served on, the ratio of advising to committee membership, and the fractional “mpact” that weights advising and committee membership. The subset consists of data for six schools that produced at least three dozen dissertations and for which complete data is available. The data and resulting “mpact” metrics offer new ways to assess faculty impact and to investigate the nature and growth of a field.     

An upper limb kinematic model for the examination of cricket bowling: a case study of Mutiah Muralitharan

We show how biomechanics can be used to accurately assess spin-bowling techniques (offspin, legspin and topspin) in cricket, under controlled conditions, when the player is suspected of throwing. A 50 Hz six-camera Vicon Motion Analysis system was used to record the movements of markers strategically placed on the upper limb during each of the above bowling actions. A kinematic model of the upper limb, created using Vicon BodyBuilder software, enabled the movements of the upper arm and forearm to be described during each delivery. Selected physical characteristics of the upper limb were also measured. The present 'no ball' law in cricket with reference to throwing states that 'the arm should not be straightened in the part of the delivery that immediately precedes ball release'. The bowler, Mutiah Muralitharan, was shown to maintain a relatively constant elbow angle in the 0.06 s before ball release. Furthermore, this angle changed little from the time that the upper arm was angled vertically downward until ball release during the three spin-bowling actions.     

Storytelling Dramas as a Community Building Activity in an Early Childhood Classroom

Healthy social-emotional development is promoted by building a safe, secure and respectful environment in an early childhood setting with positive and consistent relationships among adults, children, and their peers. This study explored storytelling dramas as an opportunity to build community within the context of one early childhood classroom. The study was a qualitative, interpretive analysis of 20 videotaped storytelling drama sessions containing approximately 100 stories told by children in one preschool classroom over a 6-month period. Videotapes of the 20 storytelling sessions were analyzed for patterns and themes that may represent community building within the context of one preschool classroom. Qualitative methods were used to identify themes that emerged from the videotaped data. Triangulation across investigators, time, and methods enhanced trustworthiness of interpretations. Results showed that the storytelling drama activity provided opportunities to promote community building through four emerging themes: (1) individual roles, (2) group membership, (3) inclusion, and (4) relationship building. Storytelling dramas provide teachers with an easy to implement teaching strategy that builds community and aligns with current early childhood education quality standards and child development theory.     

爱的裁决

电话是在明尼苏达州一个闷热的下午大概三点半的时候打来的。安养院的社工谢丽尔急匆匆地解释着情况。她已经给十五位法官打过电话了,他们不是在出庭就是抽不出时间。抱着试试看的想法,她直接拨通了我的电话。