The evolution of oscillatory behavior during learning on a ski simulator

Recent experiments on the ski simulator produced ambiguous results and raised unanswered questions concerning the true nature of "novice" behavior and the occurrence of behavioral changes during learning. The aim of the present experiment was to analyze the evolving behavior of three beginners during six practice sessions on a ski simulator The position of the apparatus platform was recorded as time series and used for constructing dynamical models, including stiffness and damping functions. The results showed that novices tended to exploit a Rayleigh damping behavior during the first trials and then transition toward a van der Pol damping. These results replicate previous observations by Nourrit, Delignieres, Caillou, Deschamps, and Lauriot (2003) and suggest the transition to the expert behavior could arise early in practice, when the task is of moderate difficulty. The discussion focuses on the properties of the observed learning dynamics and proposes a global conceptualization for acquiring complex motor skills.     

'The Rush of Images': a Research Report into Digital Editing and the Moving Image

This article is an interim report on a small action research project being carried out by a group of teachers into digital editing. The authors focus on a critical evaluation of a ‘conceptual framework’ for editing digitised moving images, devised as part of the research project. The body of the article is concerned with observations of students carrying out editing, with the framework being used to structure the observations.     

The way we were: health library life seen through the pages of the Medical Library Bulletin of the Thames Regions, 1974-94

The Medical Library Bulletin of the Thames Regions reflected the development of health-service libraries over the 20 years it existed. Originally begun as a practical aid to improving services by encouraging co-operation, improving communication and giving instructive advice, it charted the work of health-service librarians and the growth of their services. The articles contained in it covered professional developments and wider political issues as they occurred, and illustrated the extension of the librarians' knowledge and skills. Leslie Morton, Library Adviser to the British Postgraduate Medical Federation, edited almost every issue, starting at a time when there was little guidance or professional literature available for health-service librarians.     

SCISTER act: delivering training in information skills for social-care professionals

PURPOSE: To develop and evaluate a programme of information skills training for social-care practitioners and health-care librarians. SETTING: Two one-day training courses run separately for 13 social-care practitioners and 10 health-care librarians in the Trent geographic region within Northern England. METHODOLOGY: Qualitative and quantitative feedback collected through questionnaires supplemented by participant observation. RESULTS: While generally feedback was favourable, the courses were overly ambitious. More training sessions of shorter duration would offer participants opportunities to practise and use the skills they have acquired. Social-care practitioners responded more positively to skills associated with appraising qualitative research than with randomised controlled trials. Librarians appreciated the opportunity to learn about unfamiliar social-care resources. Both practitioners and health-care librarians reported that they acquired skills to support evidence-based social care as a result of the training intervention. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Involvement of a multi-disciplinary team and support from a social-care information provider maximized the impact of this experimental training intervention.     

The demographic profile of nursing students in Queensland: A comparison between higher education and hospital recruits

This study compares the demographic characteristics of 142 nursing students in hospital programs and 365 nursing students in higher education programs in Queensland. Data were collected on a questionnaire distributed to students during lecture times by a contact person in each institution. No significant difference was found in the gender and age of entry variable. Males from Catholic schools and enrolled nurses were more likely to enter higher education programs than hospital programs. There was no significant difference in the geographic location of the school attended by students between the two institutional sub-groups which suggests that the national transfer of nurse education to higher education institutions will not be a disadvantage to country students.     

A study of present use and usefulness of computer-based learning at a technical university

This article is based on a survey carried out at Imperial College, to understand better needs, problems, advantages/disadvantages and solutions in the use of new technologies in a specific context, such as engineering education. In comparison with other research on this matter, perceptions, benefits and barriers to using computer-assisted learning and information and communication technologies in higher education, the present study reveals something more about the use of educational technologies in scientific subjects: many lecturers believe that technical subjects do appear to benefit greatly from the ability to teach using real-life computer simulations which help with student motivation and understanding. Moreover, the use of computers allows practical experiences and help in data analysis, and often work would be impossible without computers. Nevertheless, the survey results indicate that, although there are many advantages in the use of computers in teaching and learning, there are many difficulties for lecturers in using the new technologies because of logistical problems, such as lack of time, technical support, appropriate software and hardware, etc. There is a need to consider what support can be offered and how, on a national level.