Visualisation and computer assisted learning: the role of videodiscs

Visualisation is a powerful tool in research; visual, dynamic and interactive representations help learners using simulations and microworlds to gain qualitative understanding of concepts. Recorded video can bring reality to computer assisted learning. The author argues that the two approaches, while complementary, are not entirely compatible; that is, the use of video images in simulations often implies a trade-off against qualitative modelling power. Appropriate roles for video are discussed in the light of this contention.     

乡愁

我的脑子不止一次被心理学家称为的老屋妄想症所麻痹。我和妻子买了一栋老房子,包含所有老房子存在的问题,例如白蚁,     

Learning to Play Soccer: Lessons on Meta-cognition from Video Game Design

Over the past decade, there has been ongoing debate relating to the use of suitable pedagogical approaches for designing learning environments to develop skillful games players. There has, however, been little consideration of the “digital age of learning” and the global success of the digital video game industry. Using the educational work of James Gee, this article attempts to rationalize how a “digital video games approach” differs from other learner-centered pedagogies currently employed for teaching and coaching games. Examination of the literature suggests that the learning gains from Teaching Games for Understanding and the Constraints Led Approach ignore the meta-cognitive dimension of learning how to play games—surely an important consideration for long-term development. Accordingly, by drawing on experiences from digital video game design, we examine how games practitioners might utilize such an approach for meta-cognition in coaching or teaching practice to stimulate player learning.     

Theoretical elastoplastic analysis for foundations with geosynthetic-encased columns

As a new technique in ground improvement, geosynthetic-encased columns (GECs) have promising applications in soft soil foundation. By assuming yielding occurs in the columns while the surrounding soil and the geosynthetic remain elastic, an elastoplastic analytical procedure for foundations improved by GECs is proposed. The radial stresses that the geosynthetic provides and the elastoplastic deformations of the foundation resting on a rigid base are derived. A comparison with finite element analysis shows that the proposed method is effective and can provide a reasonable prediction of a GEC??s deformation. Subsequent parametric analysis indicates that higher geosynthetic stiffness leads to better performance of the composite foundation. The optimum length of encasement is related to the load acting on the foundation and the permissible vertical and radial displacements of the column. Moreover, as the dilation angle of the column increases, the settlement decreases, especially under high loading. The influence of the encasement is more significant in soils with smaller elastic modulus.     

Production Guides

Martin Clifford's Microphones: How They Work and How to Use Them (Blue Ridge Summit, Pa.: TAB Books, 1977—$8.95/ 5.95)

James Carroll and Ronald Sherriffs, TV Lighting Handbook ($12.95, 226 pp.)

Harry Kybett, The Complete Handbook of Videocassette Recorders ($9.95/5.95, 280 pp.)

Dave Ingram, The Complete Handbook of Slow-Scan TV ($14.95/9.95, 304 pp.)

G. Paul Smeyak's Broadcast News Writing (Columbus, Ohio: Grid Publishing, 1977—$7.95, paper)     

Telecommunications

Robert Lee Chartrand and James W. Norentz, Jr., eds. Information Technology Serving, Society (Oxford and New York: Pergamon Press, 1979—E12.50/$25.00)

Rosario Joseph Tosiello, The Birth and Early Years of the Bell Telephone System: 1376-1880 (New York: Aicno Press, 1979—$32.00)

James E. Brittain, ed. Turning Points in American Electrical History (New York: Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Press [dist. by John Wiley], 1977– $20.00, paper)

Harry L. Van Trees, ed. Satellite Communications (New York: IEEE/John Wiley, 1979—$27.00, paper with a hardback edition available)

Dave Ingram's Oscar: The Ham Radio Satellites (Blue Ridge Summit, Pa: Tab Books, 1979—$8.95/4.95)

Clayton Hallmark's How to Repair Old-Time Radios (Blue Ridge Summit, Pa.: Tab Books, 1979—$12.95/7.95)

Telecommunications Law Reform (American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research, 1150 17th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036 —price not given, paper)     

Stress and anxiety surrounding forthcoming Standard Assessment Tests in English schoolchildren

The Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) taken by pupils in their final year of primary schooling in England have been widely criticised for placing children under too pressure and contributing to an increase in test-related stress and anxiety. In this exploratory study we set out to explore the experiences of forthcoming SATs in a small sample of children using an appraisal model of stress and to reflect on whether these criticisms are justified. Results from focus groups with pupils and interviews with class and head teachers suggested that there was diversity in pupils’ experiences their tests. The pressures associated with SATs did not necessarily lead to negative outcomes and some children described SATs in more positive ways, as challenging rather than threatening. Self-worth judgements played a central role in individual-level appraisal and may also provide a useful link to discourses surrounding the value of academic credentials.     

Addressing Needs of Employers,Older Workers,and Retirees: An Educational Approach

The Retirement Research Foundation of Chicago supported a collaborative to collect demographic data about working and aging, conduct a survey of older job seekers, and interview businesses in the region to assess their awareness and attitudes about mature workers. The 2005 project was titled the 60 + Success Project. A regional task force oversaw the research components and product development. Data collection occurred through 13 focus groups, individual interviews with private, public and nonprofit sector leaders, surveying of mature and aging job seekers, and online surveying of employers. Based upon this multipronged methodology, four major products were produced: Report and Key Findings; Human Resources Handbook and Curriculum; Opportunities for Mature Workers (brochure); and Mature Worker Profile. These products are the first steps toward better understanding the needs of older workers and shaping an action plan for this region. They can serve as catalysts to spur similar educational efforts in other parts of the country.