Beyond Access: Psychosocial Barriers to Computer Literacy

Research consistently indicates that Latinos and African-Americans are less likely to own and use computers than either Caucasians or Asians. While conventional wisdom holds that high computer costs and lack of access are the primary reasons for this discrepancy, my ethnographic research with 100 low-income adults reveals three non-cost-related psychosocial obstacles that significantly undermine motivation for acquiring computer skills: “relevance,” “fear,” and “self-concept.” My research thus suggests that a more complex relationship exists between ethnicity, identity, and attitudes associated with computers than previously examined; this relationship may better explain why some people are choosing not to use computers at this time. My research also indicates that while community technology centers (CTCs) play an important role in helping adults overcome their resistances and achieve computer literacy, they are presently an underutilized resource—less than 5% of San Diegans use them to meet their computing needs. Hence, my research also questions why more residents do not avail themselves of these community resources. I conclude that efforts to increase computer literacy in underserved communities must go beyond physical access and connectivity and consider the role of cultural factors.     

Neutralization theory and online software piracy: An empirical analysis

Accompanying the explosive growth of information technology is the increasing frequency of antisocial and criminal behavior on the Internet. Online software piracy is one such behavior, and this study approaches the phenomenon through the theoretical framework of neutralization theory. The suitability and applicability of nine techniques of neutralization in determining the act is tested via logistic regression analyses on cross-sectional data collected from a sample of university students in the United States. Generally speaking, neutralization was found to be weakly related to experience with online software piracy; other elements which appear more salient are suggested and discussed in conclusion.     

Metacognitive activity in the physics student laboratory: is increased metacognition necessarily better?

In this study natural-in-action metacognitive activity during the student laboratory in university physics is explored, with an aim towards quantifying the amount of metacognition used by the students. The study investigates whether quantifying natural-in-action metacognition is possible and valuable for examining teaching and learning in these contexts. Video recordings of student groups working during three types of introductory physics laboratories were transcribed and then coded using a coding scheme developed from related research on mathematical problem solving. This scheme identifies a group’s general behaviour and metacognitive activity. The study recognizes that reliably identifying metacognition is challenging, and steps are taken to improve reliability. Results suggest that a greater amount of metacognition does not appear to improve students’ success in the laboratory—what appears to matter is whether the metacognition causes students to change behaviour. This study indicates that it is important to consider the outcome of metacognition, not just the amount.

"单片机技术"实践教学改革的思考

在深入分析了就业市场和有关的职业岗位技能的需求以及单片机技术教学特点的基础上,结合本课程的特点,特别是实践教学的经验及不足,对职业院校单片机实践教学进行了探讨,提出了单片机实践教学改革的主要思路和具体措施,并对课程的发展前景进行了分析.     

实验教学中心网络化管理系统的开发探索

高校实验室的建设和管理水平直接反映了教育教学水平,高校日益重视实验室管理的科学化和现代化。目前许多高校开始改革传统的实验室管理方法,提出网络化管理。以华东理工大学材料实验教学中心为例,介绍了一种实验室网络化管理系统,并对实验室网络化管理的未来发展进行了思考。     

新加坡大学实验室管理及实验队伍建设情况调研

了解国外大学已有的成功经验对于提高我国大学实验室建设、规划及管理水平具有重要参考价值.结合实际访问及资料调研,介绍了新加坡国立大学和新加坡南洋理工大学科研实验平台和本科教学实验室及实验室安全管理方面的有益经验,对于提高我国高校实验室管理和实验队伍建设水平具有借鉴意义.     

经管类学院多层一体化综合实验室构建研究

分析了经济管理类学院实验室建设存在的问题.结合学科特点,提出构建以网络技术为支撑、不拘泥于学科界限和物理空间,集学科融合、人才培养、科学研究于一体的多层一体化综合实验室,细述了构建思路和实现方案.     

外语类高校实验室建设与管理模式的探索

外语类高校实验室的建设与管理模式应突出外语类学科特色.从制定实验室发展规划、构建实验室管理模式、改革实验教学体系和调动实验技术管理人员的积极性等方面,提出外语类高校实验室的建设思路,提出具体实施方法.     

高校实验室安全准入制度的探索与实践

实验室安全是当前高校实验室管理中迫切需要研究的课题.介绍了浙江大学国家级生物实验教学示范中心在创新人才培养实践中,树立"以人为本、安全发展"理念,强化实验室安全基础建设,采取"实验室安全准人考试系统和校园身份识别防范系统"等措施,加强高校实验室安全管理.     

基于应用型人才培养的独立学院实验室建设实践与体会

实验室建设是独立学院突显自身特色、提高人才培养质量、增强综合实力和竞争力的重要环节。该文介绍了电子科技大学成都学院以课程体系改革为基础,"重视理论基础,强化实习实训"的人才培养新思路和构建实验教学三级结构模式、突出实践环节和学生实践能力培养的新举措,探讨如何建设独立学院实验室、构建实践教学体系,走出一条适应独立学院实际、促进学生实践能力和创新精神培养的新路子。