VMOE: A Virtual Machine Operating Environment for the Computer Systems Curriculum

A major challenge for computer science educators is to acquaint students with not only the properties of the major components of computer systems, but also with the interactions among these components. Real systems are too complex to serve as examples for these investigations and example systems which have been introduced in the past do not provide the flexibility to deal adequately with the component interactions. The Virtual Machine Operating Environment (VMOE) is an example system, comprised of a virtual hardware environment and a specially designed programming language, which provides a basis for environments in which students can investigate component interactions in a variety of courses. This environment can help focus the attention of faculty and students on the often neglected subject of component interactions.     

Developing Coincident Timing Skill in Children: A Comparison of Training Methods

Abstract

The present study attempted to determine whether the nature of training experiences influences the development of coincident timing skill in young children. The task involved visual tracking of a moving light sequence and a 43 cm arm movement to a padded target. Subjects attempted to tap the target coincident with the completion of the light sequence. Sixty first grade children were randomly assigned to one of five groups, with an equal number of males and females in each group. Subjects assigned to the training groups received 48 trials on each of two days, with stimulus speeds that were either slow (179 cm/sec or 4 mph), fast (313 cm/sec or 7 mph), varied-random (179, 224, 268, 313 cm/sec or 4, 5, 6, 7 mph), or varied-blocked (i.e., 6 consecutive trials with one speed before changing to another). Control subjects performed a neutral coloring activity during the training phase of the experiment. All subjects were then given 10 trials on a third day with each of two stimulus speeds not experienced previously; one slow (134 cm/sec or 3 mph) and one fast (358 cm/sec or 8 mph). During transfer trials all groups were more accurate with the fast than with the slow speed stimulus. Training method mattered most during slow speed transfer trials, with the most accurate performance demonstrated by the group receiving varied-blocked speeds during training. The least effective methods were fast speed training, especially for males, and varied-random speed training. It was concluded that training sessions for the development of coincident timing skill in young children should emphasize slower speed stimuli and blocking of additional speeds which are more rapid.     

Reference and PDF-manager software: complexities, support and workflow

In the past, librarians taught reference management by training library users to use established software programs such as RefWorks or EndNote. In today's environment, there is a proliferation of Web-based programs that are being used by library clientele that offer a new twist on the well-known reference management programs. Basically, these new programs are PDF-manager software (e.g., Mendeley or Papers). Librarians are faced with new questions, issues, and concerns, given the new workflows and pathways that these PDF-manager programs present. This article takes a look at some of those.     

A new look at the age of technology

Dr Margaret Mead received the Kalinga Prize for 1970 on 2 December 1971, at a ceremony presided over by René Maheu, Director-General of Unesco.The Kalinga Prize is awarded annually by Unesco to a scientist, writer, editor, speaker or radio programme editor whose work has significantly contributed to the interpretation of science as an instrument for improving the welfare of mankind, enriching the culture of nations and answering human and social problems. It was established in 1951, and is based on a grant made by B. Patnaïk, from the State of Orissa, India. Prospects reprints here the text of Dr Mead's speech: Margaret Mead is a prominent anthropologist and author of many works, including Sex and Temperament in Three Primitive Societies, Male and Female, Culture and Commitment: A Study of the Generation Gap,and A Rap on Race (with James Baldwin).