Do we have any theories of group communication?

The essay presents criteria for a “good theory” and then reviews advances in small group communication research during the 1980s. The fact that comparatively few scholars are dedicated to such research is then related to the criteria for good theory in discussions of, first, metaphors and imagination; second, puzzles and problems; and third, real‐world significance and outcomes. A call is made for the kind of research that will result in better small group theory.     

Promoting Online Collaborative Learning Experiences for Teenagers

This paper describes a project that engages teenagers in using Internet-based tools to collaborate in problem-based learning. Motorola Expeditions is designed to help young people develop skills in using new network technologies to work together in teams to solve real world problems. In Expeditions 2000, 27 teenagers worked in teams with six on-site and four online mentors to develop a marketing plan for one or more personal communication sector technologies, such as cell phones, specifically targeting teenage consumers. Participants were surveyed before and after the project about their attitudes towards collaborative learning, their confidence in collaborating online and their competence in using certain online tools. Data were also gathered through observation of online communication, weekly feedback surveys and interviews with mentors. Results show a significant increase in the participants' self-confidence in collaborating online and in their competence in using online communication tools to collaboratively solve problems. La promotion d’expériences éducatives en ligne en en collaboration pour des adolescents. Cet article décrit un projet que engage des adolescents à utiliser des outils basés sur internet pour collaborer dans l'enseignement fondé sur la résolution de problèmes. Les expéditions Motorola sont concues pour aider les jeunes à développer des compétences pour utiliser les nouvelles technologies du réseau et travailler en équipes pour résoudre les problèmes réels du monde. Dans les Expéditions 2000, 27 adolescents ont travaillé en équipes avec 6 tuteurs sur le site et quatre en ligne pour élaborer un plan de marketing pour une en plusieurs technologies de communication personnelles telles que les téléphones portables visant spécialement des consommateurs adolescents. On a sondé les participants avant et après le projet sur leurs attitudes à l'égard de l'enseignement en collaboration de leur confiance dans la collaboration en ligne et de leur compétence dans l'utilisation de certains outils en ligne. On a aussi recueilli des données grâce à l'observation de la communication en ligne, grâce à des contrats de feedback hebdomadaires et de entretiens avec les tuteurs. Les résultats montrent une augmentation significative de la confiance in soi des participants à la collaboration en ligne et de leur compétence dans l'utilisation des outils de communication en ligne pour résoudre les problèmes en collaboration. Förderung von online collaborativen Lernerfahrungen für Jugendliche. Die Abhandlung beschreibt ein Projekt, in dem Jugendliche mit Hilfe von Internet Werkzeugen Lernprobleme gemeinsam lösen. Motorola Expeditions wurde konzipiert, um jungen Menschen zu helfen, Fertigkeiten in der Anwendung neuer Netzwerktechnologien zu entwickeln und als Team zusammen zu arbeiten um reale Probleme zu lösen. In Expeditons 2000 arbeiteten 27 Jugendliche in Teams mit 6 “onsite"- und 4 online-Lehrkräften, um einen Marketingplan für einen oder mehr Sektoren betreffende individuelle Kommunikationstechnologien zu entwickeln, wie z.B. mobile Telefone, die sich insbesondere an jugendliche Verbraucher wenden. Die Teilnehmer wurden vorher und nach dem Projekt zu ihrer Einstellung zum collaborativen Lernen befragt, ihrem Zutrauen in das gemeinsame online-Arbeiten und zu ihrer Kompetenz hinsichtlich der Anwendung gewisser online Werkzeuge. Die Daten wurden auch durch Observation von online-Kommunikation, wöchentlichen Auswertungen und Interviews mit den Lehrkräften gesammelt. Die Resultate zeigen eine deutliche Steigerung des Selbstvertrauens der Teilnehmer online zusammenzuarbeiten, sowie ihrer Fähigkeit, online- Kommunikationswerkzeuge zu nutzen, um gemeinsam Probleme zu lösen.     

A comparison of traditional and modified Summated-Heart-Rate-Zones models to measure internal training load in basketball players

The Summated-Heart-Rate-Zones training load (SHRZ TL) model is used to measure internal loading; however, a major limitation of this approach is the use of broad heart rate (HR) zones to quantify exercise intensity. Therefore, this study aimed to compare SHRZ TL outcomes derived using the traditional model and modified approaches using smaller HR zones. HR responses were monitored in 15 semi-professional basketball players during preparatory training to calculate SHRZ TL using the traditional approach with 10%HR_max zones (SHRZ₁₀) and modified approaches with 5%HR_max zones (SHRZ₅) and 2.5%HR_max zones (SHRZ_2.5). Significant (P < 0.001) differences were evident in SHRZ TL between SHRZ₁₀ (254.2 ± 41.7 AU) and SHRZ₅ (275.9 ± 43.3 AU, unclear, small) as well as SHRZ_2.5 (286.7 ± 44.3 AU, very likely, moderate). Use of SHRZ_2.5 provides novel insight regarding internal loading in basketball players and may carry greater sensitivity for detection of maladaptive and adaptive responses to training.     

Small significant networks as birds of a feather

Current research indicates that instructors find support for their teaching via membership in small social networks. The present study was conducted to further our understanding of these networks by looking specifically at the perceptions network members hold of each other in terms of similarity of beliefs and the value of their interactions. Results indicate that participants were more likely to perceive high rather than low similarity of beliefs with others in their network, and value was positively associated with perceived similarity. Implications for teaching practice and the work of educational developers are discussed.     

An English vocabulary test for secondary schools

In most subjects of the secondary curriculum there is a specialist vocabulary which is carefully taught as an integral part of learning the subject. However, there is another important set of words which is used during this instruction and which is assumed to be known as a result of general experience in previous years of schooling. This vocabulary test is designed to be sensitive to differences in level of skill of students with the words assumed known in a variety of subject areas.     

In search of “the vibe”: Creating effective international education partnerships

In common with universities in the United Kingdom, Canada and NewZealand, increasing numbers of Australian universities have established offshore education partnerships, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. More than one-third of international students currently enrolled in Australian university courses study at a campus in their home country or somewhere other than in Australia (IDP 2002). Suchpartnerships, also assumed under the rubric of ‘transnational education’ and ‘franchising’, add additional challenges, complexities and risks to the roles of international education managers and administrators. Using convergent interviews and case studies, this paper identifies and examines the critical success factors for the successful establishment and development of relationships between Australian universities and their international partners. Critical among these are the development of effective communication structures and frameworks, the building of mutual trust, and the encouragement and demonstration of commitment between relationship partners.     

Introducing micro-computers to micro-learners through play

Computers, once available exclusively to wealthy industries, are now rapidly becoming as familiar in preschool and kindergarten classrooms as block and crayons. Articles making claims such as Learning by Computers at Age 4 and Computers Preparing Preschoolers for Kindergarten now permeate the news media. Increasing numbers of child care centers, attempting to maximize public interest in computers, now readily advertise Computer Tutor in their literature. Computer Tutor is often even listed above other important qualifications such as certified teachers and professional affiliations of centers.Theresa Rubens has had extensive experience working with children in both family day homes and child care centers. Jennifer Poole is the Nursery Director at the First United Methodist Church in Carrollton, TX. James L. Hoot is Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education at North Texas State University in Denton, Texas.