RELATION OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY TO MEMORY FUNCTIONING IN OLDER ADULTS: THE MEMORY WORKOUT PROGRAM

This paper describes a Phase I pilot study for the future development and field testing of a prototype CD-ROM program called the MEMORY WORKOUT. The MEMORY WORKOUT helps older adults increase and monitor changes in their daily physical and cognitive activity levels and these effects on physical functioning and memory. A holistic, multimodal model of memory provides the theoretical base for the design of the program. The primary purpose of this program is to enhance users' appreciation for the immediate and longer term benefits of exercise and physical activity on daily mental and physical function. Phase I results with 24 older adults (mean age = 71.2 years) indicate significant cross-sectional relationships among exercise time, exercise efficacy, and word list memory, and moderate to strong interest in improving memory and physical activity. Using Phase I prototype information, the goal of a Phase II project is to produce a complete, interactive, multimedia CD-ROM program that includes fitness training, assessment, and simulation components that are appropriate for adults over age 60.     

A case study of the development of WebPA: An online peer-moderated marking tool

Peer moderation of group work in higher education is rapidly advancing through the use of technological developments and is increasingly being informed by pedagogical research. The highly successful WebPA online assessment system has gone through a number of development phases over its 15-year history and has now evolved into a relatively mature and flexible tool for facilitating group work. This paper presents a case study of the approaches that have been used in the system's development from the technical perspective, and describes how the scope of the project has massively expanded and that the development has been continually backed by a sound and wide-ranging pedagogy. The benefits of using the online system are shown to be underpinned throughout by examples of good practice in the supervision of academic group work. A critical evaluation of the tool and surrounding pedagogical practices highlight future areas for technical expansion.     

The SEN Code of Practice: Is it User-Friendly?

The 1997 Green Paper (DfEE, 1997) refers to a new 'Code of Practice' to 'be in place by the year 2002'. The present Code contains both principles and procedures, which LEAs and schools are expected to apply, and against which agencies will measure their performance. Yet how user-friendly are they? In this article, a shortened version of a paper prepared as part of a National Research Project, Tony Bowers and David Wilkinson (from the School of Education, The University of Cambridge) consider evidence from past writings and research.     

The information and communication technology competencies of students enrolled in school library media certification programs

As information and communication technologies (ICTs) become increasingly prevalent in modern society, improving students' competency with these technologies has become a key focus of 21st century education. Given the interdisciplinary and information rich nature of ICTs, many advocate for school librarians to actively promote their integrative use across the K-12 curriculum. This article asks, “Are school library media professionals adequately prepared for the task of integrating technology and skills into instruction?” It explores the perceived ICT competencies of students enrolled in school library certification programs and the use of ICTs in their school library education programs. Factors identified for discussion include the age of students enrolled in school library certification programs, the evolutionary process of ICT curricular integration, and perceived preparedness to integrate ICTs into instruction despite self-reported low competency levels with many of emerging technologies. Concluding comments encourage design of authentic and meaningful learning experiences that incorporate and promote the integrative use of ICTs in school library certification programs.     

The role of the information specialist in supporting knowledge transfer: a public health information case study

Objectives: To create research bulletins for public health professionals that support knowledge transfer and evidence‐based practice. Methods: The methodology for the bulletins comprises five stages: scoping the topic, searching for relevant literature, selecting and obtaining relevant articles, assessing the quality of articles including evidence grading, producing a comment on quality and implications for practice and writing the research bulletin. An ABC—applicability, brevity and clarity—is considered at each stage to ensure that bulletins meet the needs of their intended audience. Results: Nine research bulletins have been produced on a range of health promotion topics. Bulletins are distributed to Welsh health professionals and are available online. The bulletins have developed since their inception to incorporate evaluation and feedback. Most significant among these developments has been introduction of an Implications for Practice section to promote uptake of research. Conclusions: Research bulletins support busy health professionals in evidence‐based practice by assigning a level of evidence, highlighting implications for practice and providing a comment on quality. The bulletins further develop the extended role for information professionals in knowledge transfer and dissemination.     

Textured insoles reduce vertical loading rate and increase subjective plantar sensation in overground running

The effect of textured insoles on kinetics and kinematics of overground running was assessed. 16 male injury-free-recreational runners attended a single visit (age 23?±?5 yrs; stature 1.78?±?0.06 m; mass 72.6?±?9.2?kg). Overground 15-m runs were completed in flat, canvas plimsolls both with and without textured insoles at self-selected velocity on an indoor track in an order that was balanced among participants. Average vertical loading rate and peak vertical force (F_peak) were captured by force platforms. Video footage was digitised for sagittal plane hip, knee and ankle angles at foot strike and mid stance. Velocity, stride rate and length and contact and flight time were determined. Subjectively rated plantar sensation was recorded by visual scale. 95% confidence intervals estimated mean differences. Smallest worthwhile change in loading rate was defined as standardised reduction of 0.54 from a previous comparison of injured versus non-injured runners. Loading rate decreased (?25 to ?9.3?BW?s^?1; 60% likely beneficial reduction) and plantar sensation was increased (46–58?mm) with the insole. F_peak (?0.1 to 0.14?BW) and velocity (?0.02 to 0.06?m?s^?1) were similar. Stride length, flight and contact time were lower (?0.13 to ?0.01 m; ?0.02 to?0.01?s; ?0.016 to ?0.006?s) and stride rate was higher (0.01–0.07 steps?s^?1) with insoles. Textured insoles elicited an acute, meaningful decrease in vertical loading rate in short distance, overground running and were associated with subjectively increased plantar sensation. Reduced vertical loading rate could be explained by altered stride characteristics.