Ethics and Values: Their Place in Computer Labs and Classrooms

Articles concerning computer law abound. Institutions of higher learning have produced lengthy documents addressing computer ethics on campus, and several organizations have printed materials to educate the public. Are these efforts working? Are the ethics and values in the business world and in the education world the same? Several scenarios are examined in investigating these questions.     

Usages Éducatifs des Technologies de L'information et de la Communication: Quelles Compétences pour les Enseignants?

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present, some results of recent research into the competence of teachers in the field of educational use of information and communication technology in France.     

The criteria of effective teaching in a changing higher education context

The criteria of effective teaching in higher education are understood to comprise particular skills and practices applied within particular contexts. Drawing on the literature and using Australia’s understanding of effective teaching, this paper examines the notion of effective teaching. The paper specifically compares dimensions derived from robust research and psychometric processes with the Australian Learning and Teaching Council’s criteria for effective teaching and observes the criteria of effective teaching in higher education to have evolved. While the paper suggests some areas in which future considerations of the notion of effective teaching might usefully focus, it also argues that context is critical and that it is subject to continuous and multiple changes imposed by forces from within and outside universities. The paper maintains that our collective understanding of competent, professional and effective teaching must continually evolve in order that it accurately reflects and continually responds to the contexts in which learning and teaching is undertaken. The paper also calls for an ongoing agenda that continuously investigates and articulates the meaning of effective teaching in a changed, and changing, context.     

The Secret of Eternal Youth: Identity,risk and learning difficulties

Post-war theories of 'youth' as a transitional phase of life are reviewed in terms of their common assumption about the formation of a stable adult identity. The post-modern challenge to the assumption of a stable self is outlined together with attempts by theorists of late modernity to hold structure and agency in creative tension. People with learning difficulties, it is argued, represent an abnormal transition in a Learning Society, thus enabling us to understand the nature of transition and identity in such a society more clearly. Ethnographic case studies of a man of 23, a man of 33 and a woman of 43, all being Down's Syndrome, are presented. The limits of their transition to full adulthood are specified in terms of four key markers of adulthood. The paper concludes by reflecting on the purchase of different theories of youth and identity, and on the politics of learning difficulties.     

‘Low income doesn't mean stupid and destined for failure': challenging the deficit discourse around students from low SES backgrounds in higher education

The discourse around students from low socio-economic backgrounds often adopts a deficit conception in which these students are seen as a ‘problem’ in higher education. In light of recent figures pointing to an increase in the number and proportion of these students participating in higher education [Pitman, T. 2014. “More Students in Higher ed, But it's no more Representative.” The Conversation 28: 1–4] and an absence of evidence to support deficit thinking, this deficit discourse requires re-examination. Qualitative data from 115 interviews carried out across 6 Australian universities as part of a national study reveal that, contrary to the conception of these students as a ‘problem’, students from low SES backgrounds demonstrate high levels of determination and academic skills and that they actively seek high standards in their studies. This paper critically examines deficit conceptions of these students, drawing on findings from qualitative interviews with 89 successful students from low SES backgrounds and 26 staff members recognised as exemplary in their provision of teaching and support of students from low SES backgrounds. Drawing on these findings, this paper challenges the deficit discourse and argues for a more affirmative and nuanced conception of students from low SES backgrounds.     

Effective university teaching: views of Australian university students from low socio-economic status backgrounds

As the Australian higher education population further diversifies as a result of federal government policy changes, the collective understanding of effective university teaching in the Australian context will need to evolve to incorporate such shifts. The Australian Government has set clear targets for increased university participation of people from low socio-economic status (LSES) backgrounds. While their performance is comparable to students from higher SES backgrounds, many LSES students face particular challenges in undertaking university study. Using a ‘success-focused’ (Devlin 2009) methodological approach, this research documents the factors that a sample of 53 later-year, LSES students at one Australian university report have assisted them to manage and overcome the challenges of remaining at, progressing through and succeeding in their studies. The most helpful factors included teacher availability to help, their enthusiasm and dedication; and their effective communication with students particularly but not exclusively around assessment requirements.     

DIRECT OBSERVATIONS OF CHILDREN AT RISK FOR ACADEMIC FAILURE: BENEFITS OF AN INTERGENERATIONAL VISITING PROGRAM

Ten elementary school students in need of a positive self-image and/or a sense of appropriate social conduct took part in a monthly intergenerational visiting program at an assisted living facility. In comparison to systematic observations obtained in their classrooms, the children were observed to be significantly less anxious, more interested, and participating more during the intergenerational program. Outcomes of a focus group with five seniors revealed that they had enjoyed the program and wanted it to continue. School administrators may want to consider intergenerational visiting programs for students whose behaviors place them at risk for academic failure.     

Knowledge Integration in Introductory Programming: CodeProbe and Interactive Case Studies

Abstract

To help introductory programming students gain an integrated, generative understanding of LISP, we designed, implemented, and evaluated the LISP Knowledge Integration Environment (LISP‐KIE). The LISP‐KIE reflected a conceptual framework which featured (a) scaffolding of students as they control their own learning rather than telling students what they should know and (b) activities engaging students in expert problem‐solving practices rather than exercises emphasizing syntax and small problems. We conducted two in‐depth studies and one comparison study to show that the LISP‐KIE fostered knowledge integration. By knowledge integration, we mean linked, organized, and connected information about such aspects of programming as design, testing, specific problem solutions, and self‐monitoring.     

Psychological issues in relocation: Response to change

Conclusion Although nearly all individuals will find relocation at least minimally stressful and will experience some stress related symptoms such as emotional reactivity, irritability, and exhaustion, those who find ways to establish security and meaning in their new situation within a reasonable time (2 to 6 months) will suffer less turmoil. The coping strategies that individuals employ will vary; people are generally fairly creative problem solvers. When the stress of a relocation continues beyond a reasonable time individuals experiencing excessive psychological discomfort should seek professional help. Help can best be provided by assisting the individual to overcome the obstacles which are a part of the naturally occurring process of adjusting to a new situation. Framing the experience as a normal reaction to a traumatic or crisis event can help individuals find ways to maintain both a sense of security and meaning, and to regain a sense of perspective.Marcia Hausman is a Counseling Psychologist who received a Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University in 1983. She has been on the staff of the Counseling Center for Human Development at the University of South Florida since 1984. She has moved 12 times, reluctantly.James Reed is a Counseling Psychologist with a Ph.D. from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Born in West Africa, he has moved 16 times since then.     

Genetically modified food in perspective: an inquiry‐based curriculum to help middle school students make sense of tradeoffs

To understand how students learn about science controversy, this study examines students' reasoning about tradeoffs in the context of a technology‐enhanced curriculum about genetically modified food. The curriculum was designed and refined based on the Scaffolded Knowledge Integration Framework to help students sort and integrate their initial ideas and those presented in the curriculum. Pre‐test and post‐test scores from 190 students show that students made significant (p?<?0.0001) gains in their understanding of the genetically modified food controversy. Analyses of students' final papers, in which they took and defended a position on what type of agricultural practice should be used in their geographical region, showed that students were able to provide evidence both for and against their positions, but were less explicit about how they weighed these tradeoffs. These results provide important insights into students' thinking and have implications for curricular design.