The videoconferencing learning environment: Technology, interaction and learning intersect

This paper is a study on the interaction patterns of distance learners enrolled in the Mathematics and Physics programmes of Universiti Sains Malaysia in the videoconferencing learning environment (VCLE). Interaction patterns are analysed in six randomly chosen videoconferencing sessions within one academic year. The findings show there are more interactions in the graphics display mode than the video display mode. The graphics display mode, which involves the simultaneous interaction of the teacher, students and course materials, shows greater student engagement in the VCLE. The focus on a three-component interaction in distance learning differs from previous studies which looked at distinct types of two-component interactions. The types of communicative interaction, in particular the explanatory and cognitive types which are dominant in the graphics display mode, are discussed within the construct of learning. The higher number of teacher-initiated interactions may also imply that the teacher plays a crucial role in creating and maintaining a community of inquiry focused on exploring and developing content as well as giving feedback on concepts, ideas or solutions.     

Modes of learning and profitability in Colombian and Mexican SMEs

The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of different modes of learning on innovation and profitability in SMEs in two Latin American countries; Mexico and Colombia. The data were obtained using a sample of 250 companies in the industrial sector operating in both countries. Results show that an integrated mode of learning based on internal and external knowledge supported by technological infrastructure have positive and significant effects on the degree of innovation and the profitability in SMEs However this effect appears to be not significantly different from the traditional SMEs mode of learning based mainly on market orientation.     

Effect of the 3-Point Line Change on the Game Dynamics in Girls' Minibasketball

We examined the game dynamics in minibasketball when comparing two different forms of the 3-point line. During the first competition, participants used a 3-point line delimited by the free-throw lane, and 1,642 ball possessions were recorded. During the second competition, participants played with a 3-point line delimited by a rectangular area, and 1,669 ball possessions were recorded. Results from the Mann-Whitney U Test show that when playing with a 3-point line delimited by the free-throw lane, higher average values were achieved in terms of points scored, number of players taking part in the ball possessions, number of passes, and one-on-one situations.     

An investigation on the unwillingness of nodes to participate in mobile delay tolerant network routing

Message routing in mobile delay tolerant networks inherently relies on the cooperation between nodes. In most existing routing protocols, the participation of nodes in the routing process is taken as granted. However, in reality, nodes can be unwilling to participate. We first show in this paper the impact of the unwillingness of nodes to participate in existing routing protocols through a set of experiments. Results show that in the presence of even a small proportion of nodes that do not forward messages, performance is heavily degraded. We then analyze two major reasons of the unwillingness of nodes to participate, i.e., their rational behavior (also called selfishness) and their wariness of disclosing private mobility information.     

Comparative analysis of expectancies of efficacy in in-service and prospective teachers

This study examines the beliefs about effective teaching in student teachers and inservice teachers. We constructed a measurement composed of an adaptation in Spanish of the Gibson and Dembo's (1984. Teacher efficacy: A construct validation. Journal of Educational Psychology, 76, 569–582). Teacher Efficacy Scale and of the items included in Emmer and Hickman's (1991. Teacher efficacy in classroom management and discipline. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 51, 755–765) “classroom management/discipline efficacy” dimension. A total of 339 participants took part in the study. The factor analysis carried out of the results obtained showed three principal factors: classroom management/discipline efficacy, personal teaching efficacy and general teaching efficacy. Analyses which compared efficacy expectancies showed significant differences in the management and discipline dimension in favour of the group of working teachers, whereas an opposite pattern emerged in the general teaching dimension. In addition, there were differences in the management/discipline dimension in terms of the number of years’ experience in the group of inservice teachers. The interpretation of the results is expressed in terms of the Bandura's perceived self-efficacy theory. We also indicate some implications that the analysis of these expectancies may have for the training and professional development of teachers, and we suggest lines for future research.     

Anatomy practical examinations: How does student performance on computerized evaluation compare with the traditional format?

Practical examinations in anatomy are usually conducted on specimens in the anatomy laboratory (referred to here as the “traditional” method). Recently, we have started to administer similar examinations online using the quiz facility in Moodle?. In this study, we compare student scores between two assessment environments viz. online and traditional environments. We hypothesized that regardless of the examination medium (traditional or online) overall student performance would not be significantly different. For the online medium, radiological images, prosected specimens, and short video clips demonstrating muscle action were first acquired from resources used for teaching during anatomy practical classes. These were optimized for online viewing and then uploaded onto Moodle learning management software. With regards to the traditional format, actual specimens were usually laid out in a circular stream. Identification tags were then attached to specific spots on the specimens and questions asked regarding those identified spots. A cohort of students taking practical examinations in six courses was studied. The courses were divided into three pairs with each pair credit‐weight matched. Each pair consisted of a course where the practical examination was conducted online and the other in the traditional format. There was no significant difference in the mean scores within each course pair. In addition, a significant positive correlation between score in traditional and online formats was found. We conclude that mean grades in anatomy practical examination conducted either online or in the traditional format were comparable. These findings should reassure teachers intending to use either format for their practical examinations. Anat Sci Educ. © 2011 American Association of Anatomists.     

Wear behavior of copper-containing ferritic iron under a dry sliding condition

The effect of solute Cu and Cu precipitates on the wear behavior of ferritic iron under an unlubricated condition was investigated. The specific wear rate of Cu-containing steel abruptly decreased up to 50 N of load, and then gradually decreased with further increased load. The specific wear rate of the as-quenched specimen, in which Cu was in a solid solution, was the lowest among all the specimens at low loads, and all specimens had almost the same specific wear rate at high loads. Subsurface observation showed that the hardness increments of all specimens decreased with increased depth below the worn surface. The as-quenched specimen had a relatively large depth of deformed region than the other specimens even though the increments in hardness were almost the same for all specimens at low loads. With the same hardness at an unworn state, the as-quenched and over-aged specimens exhibited a substantial increase in hardness and large deformed regions below the worn surfaces. This finding indicated that the enhancement in plastic deformation and work hardening led to the decrease in the specific wear rate of the as-quenched specimen at low loads and the improvement in the wear resistance of all specimens at high loads.     

Multilingual language use and television exposure and preferences: The case of Belize 1

This paper discusses the relationship between the language use patterns of multilinguals and their media preferences and exposure. Specifically, it examines the language behavior of multilinguals in Belize where television is available in both English and Spanish. A survey of Belizean high school students conducted in both languages, asked about their sociolinguistic patterns and media preferences and exposure. The results indicate that the frequency of a particular language's use correlates with preferences for and exposure to television in that language. This relationship is more pronounced when specific cultural programming is considered.     

Creativity,Culture and Education 1

This study investigated differences in creativity between traditionally and modern educated students in the Sudan. The Alternative Uses Test was applied to a group of 207 students, 120 male and 87 female with an age range of 19‐23 years. The results indicated that the modern educated group obtained significantly higher scores. Internal cultural factors as well as external factors account for the results. Mutual adaptation and reconciliation between traditional and modem culture are necessary in order to take advantage of the positive aspects of both.