Unreal Friends

It has become quite common for people to develop `personal' relationships nowadays, exclusively via extensive correspondence across the Net. Friendships, even romantic love relationships, are apparently, flourishing. But what kind of relations really are possible in this way? In this paper, we focus on the case of close friendship. There are various important markers that identify a relationship as one of close friendship. One will have, for instance, strong affection for the other, a disposition to act for their well-being and a desire for shared experiences. Now obviously, while all these features of friendship can gain some expression through extensive correspondence on the Net, such expression is necessarily limited –you cannot, e.g., physically embrace the other, or go on a picnic together. The issue we want to address here however, is whether there might be distinctive and important influences on the structure of interaction undertaken on the Net, that affect the kind of identity ``Net-friends'' can develop in relation to one another. In the normal case, one develops a close friendship, and in doing so, one's identity, in part, is shaped by the friendship. To some extent, through extensive shared experience, one comes to see aspects of the world (and of oneself) through the eyes of one's friend and so, in part, one's identity develops in an importantly relational way, i.e., as the product of one's relation with the close friend. In our view, however, on account of the limits of, and/or the kind of, shared contact and experience one can have with another via correspondence on the Net, there are significant structural barriers to developing the sort of relational identity that is a feature of close friendship. In arguing our case here, and by using the case of Net ``friendship'' as our foil, we aim to shed light on the nature and importance of certain sorts of self-expression and relational interaction found in close friendship.     

Simulations in distance education: Progress towards an evaluation instrument

This article reports on a study in which an interactive computer‐based learning resource consisting of a tutorial with a decision support system and simulations, is evaluated in the context of a distance education business degree course. The primary purpose of the study was to develop and test an instrument for evaluation of the learning resource, with particular reference to simulations. The instrument adds further dimensions to factors such as learner support and engagement, to incorporate elements of motivation and transfer. Consequently, the scales that comprise the instrument include three key areas: features of the computer package, the effect on students” motivation, and the impact on their ability to transfer knowledge to the workplace. As a result of the analysis, a reliable and valid evaluation instrument that includes components of these three areas is provided. It is expected that other researchers will be able to develop and refine this instrument to evaluate various forms of computer‐based educational resources.     

Gastrointestinal distress is common during a 161-km ultramarathon

This study examined the incidence, severity, and timing of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in finishers and non-finishers of the 161-km Western States Endurance Run. A total of 272 runners (71.0% of starters) completed a post-race questionnaire that assessed the incidence and severity (none = 0, mild = 1, moderate = 2, severe = 3, very severe = 4) of 12 upper (reflux/heartburn, belching, stomach bloating, stomach cramps/pain, nausea, vomiting) and lower (intestinal cramps/pain, flatulence, side ache/stitch, urge to defecate, loose stool/diarrhoea, intestinal bleeding/bloody faeces) GI symptoms experienced during each of four race segments. GI symptoms were experienced by most runners (96.0%). Flatulence (65.9% frequency, mean value 1.0, s = 0.6 severity), belching (61.3% frequency, mean value 1.0, s = 0.6 severity), and nausea (60.3% frequency, mean value 1.0, s = 0.7 severity) were the most common symptoms. Among race finishers, 43.9% reported that GI symptoms affected their race performance, with nausea being the most common symptom (86.0%). Among race non-finishers, 35.6% reported that GI symptoms were a reason for dropping out of the race, with nausea being the most common symptom (90.5%). For both finishers and non-finishers, nausea was greatest during the most challenging and hottest part of the race. GI symptoms are very common during ultramarathon running, and in particular, nausea is the most common complaint for finishers and non-finishers.     

网络化媒体的三个神话

西方世界喜欢用媒体环境的丰富多样来证明民主制度的胜利。尤其是互联网,据说它能够让每个人发布信息,让每个人参与讨论。而我认为,这种民主实际上是一种助长资本主义的工具。我想用"传播资本主义"这一概念,来描述这种民主和资本主义的结合。想要理解传播资本主义的掌控力,就要去思考它那些充满生机的神话,思考把互联网与民主连在一起的幻想,比如"丰富性"、"参与性"和"整体性"。     

Effective Learning Environments and the Use of Teaching Fellows in Alternative Urban Middle Schools

The use of recent college graduates as uncertified classroom teachers has increased in recent years, with the growth of Teach for America, alternative certification routes for teachers, and alternative schools for urban children placed at risk. Few studies to date have investigated the effects of using these inexperienced teachers on the quality of classroom instruction and student engagement in learning. This study examines the effectiveness of using uncertified teaching fellows in alternative urban middle schools that employ the NativityMiguel educational model. Results support the value of using such teachers, provided they are well prepared, mentored, and given appropriate teaching responsibilities as they become more proficient in the classroom. Implications for practice in urban schools are discussed.     

Patterns of interpersonal criticism in Japan and United StatesModes de critique interpersonelle au Japon et aux Etats-UnisNormas de critica interpersonal en el Japon y en los Estados Unidos

To investigate patterns of interpersonal criticism in Japan and United States, preliminary interviews were conducted. Three major variables: sources of dissatisfaction; the status of communicative partners: and modes of giving criticism were identified. These variables were incorporated into an Interpersonal Criticism Questionnaire and then administered to 149 Japanese and 168 American college students of both sexes, after establishing cross-cultural equivalence. The results demonstrated a significant difference between the two cultures, but no significant difference between the sexes. Both cultures favored expressing dissatisfaction in a direct way, but Japanese more frequently employed passive forms of criticism and Americans active forms. While Japanese consistently adapted critical messages to the status of their communicative partners, Americans consistently adapted their critical messages to the character of the provocation.     

Pictorial organization in prose learning

Ninety undergraduates of high and low prior knowledge of geology read a difficult prose passage concerning the formation of a meander. Two groups of learners were forced to process a map-like organizer either before or after they read the passage, while a control group was provided no pictorial support. The results showed that subjects with little prior knowledge who were provided with the organizer prior to reading recalled at a level similar to that of subjects with a good deal of background knowledge. The findings were interpreted as support for the use of map-like organizers in the primary position to aid comprehension.     

立足现有条件;先易后难 逐步实现我馆图书流通管理自动化

<正> 随着科学技术的发展,图书资料的数量剧烈增涨,人们对图书资料的需求也日益增加,传统的手工作业方式已经无法使图书馆很好地适应社会的需要了.目前,在新技术革命浪潮的冲击下,图书馆正面临着一场变革,变革的核心就是使用电子计算机,把先进的电子计算机技术与传统的图书馆业务工作结合起来,实现图书管理自动化.这是图书馆事业发展的必然趋势.全面实现图书馆自动化,其工程量之大,难度之高,令人望而生畏,犹豫不决,观望等待.要实现图书馆自动化,必须靠图书馆自身坚持不懈的努力,依靠和利用各方面已经成熟的条件,从最简单的工作做起,并在这个过程中取得经验,改进工作,提高水平,创造新的条件,从易到难,不断前进.近两年来,我们在实现图书流通管理自动化方面做了一点尝试,也取得了一定的成绩,积累了一些经验,为全面实现我馆的自动化打下了初步的基础.