Introducing computer-based concept mapping to older adults

The dramatic eruption of information and communication technology has had a remarkable effect on modern life, including the capacity to help older adults improve their quality of life and remain independent longer. However, while technology use is generally widespread, there is an observable underutilization by older people. There is sound evidence that older adults can learn and acquire computer skills just like younger people do, although they might need more time to reach a similar level of mastery. Concept maps (CMs) are considered to be an efficient creativity tool, as they allow the user’s view to be drawn over any domain or issue. An experiment was conducted with older adults using CM-ED (a concept map editor). The experiment had a twofold objective. The first objective was to measure how certain characteristics of the participants (gender, age, background) affect both their performance with such a tool and the quality of the CMs they developed. The second objective was to determine whether CM-ED is suitable for older people.     

Building Universities of Quality: An Analysis of the Views of University Students concerning their Academic Training

The primary objective of this paper has been to define a quality university from the user's perspective, based on what students expressed regarding different aspects of the institution. Two methodologically different formats of collecting information have assisted in testing the coherence of their opinions. A qualitative and quantitative approach helped to evaluate the results.     

Georg von Békésy,Nobel Laureate in Physiology,Experimental Physicist and Art Collector was Born 100 Years Ago

Georg von Békésy was born one hundred years ago, on July 3, 1899 in Budapest, Hungary. He graduated from the University of Bern as a chemist in 1921. He received a Ph.D. in physics in Budapest under the supervision of Charles Tangl in 1923. From 1926 to 1947 he worked in Hungary's best-equipped research laboratory, in the Postal Experimental Institution as a postal engineer. Here he lead basic physical research on ear preparations and on realistic models of the ear, made by himself, to investigate the structure and the working of the ear and, first of all, theinner ear (cochlea). For the results of his research in Hungary, Békésy received the Nobel Prize in Physiology in 1961. The paper also introduces Georg von Békésy as a passionate art collector and expert.