Psychological developments in high technology teaching and learning environments

The authors discuss some of the psychological effects associated with the increasing capabilities of new technology with a particular emphasis on issues involved with multi-media teaching systems and the development of the self on emotional, intellectual and social levels. It includes a review of technology attitudes and individual differences in relation to the voluntary use of technology and contrasts that with the psychological measures associated with the rejection of technology. Consideration is given to which psychological measures are typically cited by the literature as being associated with emotional, intellectual and social "success" and compares them with those measures that appear to predict successful technology adoption. These different measures and outcomes are compared to see if they are compatible. The authors then summarise the likely effects of the latest trends in technology on the mental world in which a developing self operates. The paper concludes with a discussion of other issues and factors that determine effective design solutions within the paradigm of increasing design spaces and diverse user populations.     

Preparing academic staff to use ICTs in support of student learning

There is pressure on academic staff to respond to changes produced by the increasing globalization of education markets, and the capacities of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to transform the ways education is delivered. This presents a serious challenge for many academics whose own formative educational experiences and professional orientations were shaped under different circumstances. This paper will focus on an innovative scheme designed to support university staff in their understanding and application of ICTs in student learning. The course was delivered to a small pilot group of experienced teaching staff who wished to explore the uses of ICTs. It aimed to provide an understanding of the available technologies, and how these might be utilized in the support of teaching, learning and assessment. Throughout the course's duration, one of the authors conducted an independent evaluative programme of research involving confidential questionnaires and observation sessions. The paper's two remaining authors have made further contributions as participant and course leader. Combining these sources of data, the paper reviews the course evaluation and discusses how staff approached the development and use of ICTs with varying levels of confidence, and with different practical issues and agendas concerning the incorporation of ICTs in teaching and learning. Placing the study's major themes within the changing contexts facing university staff, it concludes with a discussion of its wider implications for all practitioners involved in staff development that is both general and ICT-specific.     

A meta‐analytic review of the cover‐copy‐compare and variations of this self‐management procedure

Studies that examined copy‐cover‐compare (CCC) and variations of this procedure were reviewed and analyzed. This review revealed a substantial number of studies that validated the use of CCC across spelling and math skills and across students with and without disabilities. A meta‐analysis of findings indicated that CCC and variations of this procedure were effective for helping students acquire and become fluent in academic skills. The strongest effects were evident when CCC and variations of this procedure were combined with other evidence‐based instructional components. Limitations, future directions for research, and recommendations for practice are offered. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Finite element simulation of pole vaulting

Pole vaulting is one of the most spectacular disciplines in athletics. The evolution of world record heights is strongly influenced by the development of advanced poles and subsequent materials. Employing advanced, load-adjusted composites has resulted in a steady increase of the world record height. This study provides a framework for finite element simulations of pole vaulting with focus on the initial and boundary conditions as well as finite element choices. The influence of the pole bending stiffness on the achievable height is systematically simulated. Higher effective bending stiffness leads to higher pole vaulting heights. However, if a certain stiffness is exceeded, the vaulter will not be able to bend the pole enough which leads to failed attempts.     

Pickeringite: A deleterious salt on buildings

Pickeringite, MgAl₂(SO₄)₄·22H₂O, was observed as efflorescence at the church of Saints Peter and Paul in Largario (Switzerland). The spongy salt crusts formed directly on rusty, deeply weathered gneiss rich in mica. The building stones originate from rocks in the vicinity of the village. On outcrops, similar occurrences were discovered. Ferrous and pyritic gneiss exhibited efflorescences of gypsum, epsomite, potassium alum, and pickeringite in sheltered places. Based on these observations and the known conditions of formation, we conclude that pickeringite resulted as a secondary mineral from weathering of pyritic gneiss. Most likely, weathering happened in an environment where, among other ions, aluminium and magnesium were present, but calcium and carbonate were absent. Such conditions rarely occur. If our hypothesis was confirmed, the fact that an extremely acid, calcium- and carbonate-free weathering system evolves next to lime mortars and plasters would be very surprising. It would imply that restricted zones devoid of a buffering effect develop on a microscopic scale.     

THE 21ST CENTURY CAMPUS: GERONTOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES

Through the centuries, universities have reflected the spirit of contemporary societies. Demographic and technological projections for the 21st century will require restructuring for the institutions to survive. Specifically, forecasters predict that continued declining birth rates and widespread adoption of distance learning will translate into fewer young campus residents. At the same time, we can expect more adult learners to head back to campus in order to update skills. In addition, university residential facilities appear to be well suited for the needs of aging baby boomers. An increasing number of institutions now offer retirement facilities on campus to retired graduates. Other institutions will find that that they can survive declining youth enrollments by converting their facilities for use by the aging. This article summarizes emerging trends and describes how institutions can best adapt their campus to an aging society.     

Relational Learning in Social Work Education: Transformative Education for Teaching a Course on Loss,Grief and Death

This article explores the relational learning model for teaching clinical social work practice. Evaluations of a course on loss, grief, and death illustrate that relational learning methods enhanced students' relational and communicative knowledge and skills, and contributed to a transformative learning process. Relational learning is a method of teaching that is consistent with the postmodern classroom and with the mission of contemporary social work practice.