What Makes for Great Data Journalism?

This study examines the quality of winners and finalists in major national and international data journalism awards. We completed a content analysis of data projects submitted by Canadian media to three journalism associations—the Online News Association, the Global Editors Network and the Canadian Association of Journalists—as far back as the first award in this category in 2012. Our research addresses how journalists executed what could be considered excellent data journalism. Our findings point to a lack of accepted standards regarding what is considered as excellence. The quality of the projects was limited by two key factors: the use of free online options such as Google Maps that were not easily customizable; and the number of practitioners who worked on the data projects largely within traditional journalism frameworks. The most used visual elements were dynamic maps, graphs and video. With respect to interactivity, all but one of the projects contained an interactive element. The most popular interaction techniques were inspection and filtering, considered entry-level techniques in the field of information visualization. These techniques suggest a need for collaborative interdisciplinary approaches to data journalism, and further study on the implications of tools such as Google Maps on practice.     

The importance of “seed” research funds in science and technology an Australian case study

The 1980s have witnessed a growing concern by governments in many western countries that the research finding agencies which they support are accountable/or what is funded and can demonstrate efficiency and effectiveness of their operations. However, despite the reports regarding the operations of for example, the National Science Foundation in the United States and the Research Councils in the United Kingdom there is very little readily available information on the operations of those agencies or Programs responsible for the allocation of “seed funds”. This article reports the results of a survey which investigated how one such Program in Australia has been meeting both its own aims as well as the needs of its grant recipients in relation to collaborative international science and technology projects. The findings show an overwhelming support for the Program and identify many tangible examples of how a little money can go a long way. Furthermore, one of the main points made by grant recipients is that the Program is complementary to, rather than a supplement for the other Australian research funding schemes.     

Announcement

Journal of Science Education and Technology -     

Mapping the evolution of an after-school STEM club for African American girls using activity theory

Cultural Studies of Science Education - Research has shown that African American girls are interested in science but not as likely to pursue science-related careers as their white or male peers....     

Engaging New Faculty in the Scholarship of Teaching

This article describes how scholarly teaching projects were conceived, implemented, and evaluated by junior faculty from a variety of disciplines at a medium-sized midwestern university. The authors explore: considerations in designing scholarly teaching projects, methods used to evaluate teaching effectiveness, and outcomes of the teaching projects. Finally, two of the teaching projects illustrate how junior faculty with diverse courses, class sizes, and teaching concerns approached the task of improving their teaching.     

Assessing impact of institutional studies

A three-dimensional model which relates time, action, and audience components has been developed to assess impact of institutional studies. Elements of the models are: short, intermediate, and long-range time components; acceptance, nonresponse, and rejection actions; and primary, secondary, and tertiary audiences.A variety of criterion measures and instruments have been identified to assist in the model implementation. A research impact gram (RIG) is offered as a comprehensive graphic analysis mechanism for the model. Data analysis limitations are noted for each of the model components.Suggestions for further research are offered.     

The <Emphasis Type="Italic">Synergies</Emphasis> research–practice partnership project: a <Emphasis Type="Italic">2020 Vision</Emphasis> case study

This paper, describes Synergies, an on-going longitudinal study and design effort, being conducted in a diverse, under-resourced community in Portland, Oregon, with the goal of measurably improving STEM learning, interest and participation by early adolescents, both in school and out of school. Authors examine how the work of this particular research–practice partnership is attempting to accommodate the six principles outlined in this issue: (1) to more accurately reflect learning as a lifelong process occurring across settings, situations and time frames; (2) to consider what STEM content is worth learning; (3) to examine learning as a cultural process, involving varied repertoires of practice across learners’ everyday lives; (4) to directly involve practitioners (and learners) in the research process; (5) to document how existing and emerging technologies and new media are, and will continue, to shape and redefine the content and practice of STEM learning research; and, (6) to take into account the broader socio-cultural–political contexts of the needs and concerns of the larger global society.