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Issue 1, Volume 5,
January 2008
Title of the Paper: Improving Teamwork
with University Engineering Students. The Effect of an Assessment Method to
Prevent Shirking
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Authors: Juan A. Marin-Garcia, Jaime
Lloret
Abstract: Various sources have shown the advantages of considering a
teamwork-based methodology with university students. University teachers,
however, observe certain shortcomings and disinformation, especially with
regard to the assessment of group processes. For this reason we set out to
answer the following research questions: Is it possible to measure the group
process in classes with large numbers of students? Can shirking be prevented?
What problems arise? To this end we have designed and tested a teacher
observation grid and we will process a broad set of data.
Keywords: active methodologies,
process assessment, student participation, university teaching
Title of the Paper: E-learning
Platforms in the Italian Universities: The Technological Solutions at the
University of Bari
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Authors: S. Campanella, G. Dimauro, A.
Ferrante, D. Impedovo, S. Impedovo , M. G. Lucchese, R. Modugno, G. Pirlo, L.
Sarcinella, E. Stasolla, C. A. Trullo
Abstract: In the era of globalization of goods and services difficulties in
knowledge diffusion still remain. The effective exchange of experiences and
skills is not guaranteed by the enormous potentials of internetworking
systems and devices. E-learning technologies represent a good opportunity to
reduce the digital divide and to ensure faster and higher development trends.
Several universities and companies are currently involved in using e-learning
systems to provide a valid solution; this notwithstanding several problems
related to e-learning activities still remain open. This paper presents an
analysis of the e-learning technologies used in the Italian Universities. The
most widespread open source and commercial Learning Management Systems (LMSs)
are investigated and presented. Successively, a simple model is proposed and
used to perform a comparative evaluation of the adopted systems. Finally, the
activity experienced at the “Rete Puglia”
Centre of the University
of Bari is described
and the most relevant results are illustrated.
Keywords: Academic Education,
Distance Learning, E-learning, Knowledge
Building, Knowledge
Exchange.
Title of the Paper: An Online System
for Testing and Evaluation
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Authors: Cristea Boboila, George V.
Iordache, Marcela S. Boboila
Abstract: This paper describes an online application for test design and
evaluation of trainees. We address two main topics: activity flow modeling
and adaptive test design. With activity flow modeling, we achieve high
usability and structural coherence, while the adaptive test design method
that we propose facilitates dynamic generation of tests based on topic
relevance. Our method ensures the creation of adaptive tests, targeted to
specific topics of interest for users, and employs specific policies to
adjust the difficulty level of tests. We also describe a taxonomy-based test
design method, that enhances the testing environment with new usability and
efficiency attributes.
Keywords: Online testing,
E-learning, Computer adaptive tests, Activity flow modeling, Web-based
training, Taxonomy
Title of the Paper: Ontologies
and Metadata for E-Learning Environments in Ecological and Environmental
Science
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Authors: Pirjo Kuitunen,
Anne Honkaranta, Kalevi Salonen
Abstract: Ecological and environmental science has remained a discipline in
which e-Learning has not been widely utilized, possibly due to the complexity
and heterogeneity of the e-Learning content available. Traditionally the
Learning Objects for ecological and environmental science consist of Web
pages, unstructured documents, numerical data files and numerical data in
databases. Using metadata attached to Learning Objects and different kinds of
data enhances the use of heterogeneous materials. Metadata may be
characterized as information about the data required to understand not only
the data itself but also its context, quality and structure, as well as to
make the data accessible and retrievable. This paper reviews research on
metadata, ontologies and markup languages for e-Learning and describes the
e-Learning content for ecological and environmental science. The paper
describes two common metadata specifications, i.e. the Learning Object
Metadata and the Dublin Core as well as two potential markup languages for
ecological and environmental e-Learning, i.e. the Ecological Metadata
Language and the Geography Markup Language. Metadata provides means to
organize the major topics of e-Learning courses and for visualize the
semantic connections between concepts. It is possible to extend and reuse
metadata specifications by utilizing ontologies and ontology languages (e.g.
Web Ontology Language). A semantic e-Learning environment for ecological and
environmental science gives a student a possibility to build mental
structures and learn in a constructive, self directed and activity oriented
way.
Keywords: e-Learning,
markup languages, environmental data, Learning Object, metadata, ontology
Title of the Paper: Detailed and Global
Analysis of a Remedial Course’s Impact on Incoming Students’ Marks
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Authors: M. G. Sanchez-Torrubia,
R. Martinez-Lopez, E. E. Castineira-Holgado
Abstract: Engineering incoming students are facing great difficulties to
overcome first course subjects. To tackle that situation and increase the
students’ success a Remedial course in Mathematics was offered to Informatics
Engineering freshmen. This study presents a statistical analysis of their
results comparing the marks obtained by those joining the course (studio
group) versus those who did not participate (control group). ANOVA tests are
performed over the students’ marks averages as well as over each subject
students marks. These tests show statistically significant differences
between both groups, with the studio group consistently outperforming the
control group at 99% confidence level in most cases and at more than 92%
confidence level in every case.
Keywords: Remedial
courses, Educational research, Engineering education, Mathematics learning,
Informatics curricula
Title of the Paper: A Trend-based Prediction
System for Web User Behavior
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Authors: Nien-Yi Jan, Shun-Chieh Lin,
Nancy P. Lin, Chung-I Chang
Abstract: Since web applications make great progress, the latency of Internet
owing to the network bandwidth becomes an urge problem in the cyber world. It
is very important to deliberate on how to construct a prediction model to
predict web users traveling path for adapting the website structure and
improving the website performance. A trend based prediction model without
extra information is proposed in this paper to generate prediction models
with a sequence of pages for a proxy server prefetcting the suitable pages.
The trend similarity is the core of our proposed model which considers not
only the page similarity but also position similarity. Two measures include
page correctness rate and order correctness rate are proposed to evaluate
accuracy of our prediction system.
Keywords: Trend similarity,
Prediction system, Web mining, User behavior, Sequence mining
Issue 2, Volume 5, February 2008
Title of the Paper: Parallel Internet
Traffic Simulator with Self-Similar Scale-Free Network Models
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Authors: Radu Dobrescu, Sebastian
Taralunga, Stefan Mocanu
Abstract: The paper presents a platform, named Parallel Internet Traffic
Simulator (PITS), which allows simulating Internet traffic and accurately
replicating appropriate stochastic processes using scale-free models with
self-similar topology. The experiments compare simulation of large-size
scale-free networks when using different number of CPU's running in parallel
in the platform cluster and note the differences in simulation time as well
as some characteristics related to the efficiency of the simulation
distribution is possible and if there are limitations in single-CPU
simulation. We consider that PITS shows interesting properties when compared
to other traffic generators and therefore it represents a real simulation
tool for controlled traffic generation over real networks which allows to
accurately analyze and evaluate the performance of network, transport, and
application-level protocols.
Keywords: scale-free
networks, simulation, parallel and distributed processing, self-similar
traffic.
Title of the Paper: Cooperative Work
for Teacher Training
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Authors: Victor M. Grassa, Jaime
Lloret, Cristina Rodriguez, Lucia Romero, Esther Sanabria, Vicente Sanchis
Abstract: Many training strategies for teacher training have been developed
to train university lecturers. Our objective in this paper is to analyze the
cooperative work as a strategy for training university teachers in the
context of a Training Program for new lecturers at the Polytechnic University
of Valencia. We will describe the training Program and its key for training
university teachers: Base-Group strategy. Further on we will explain its
norms and how they work. Finally we will analyze the advantages and drawbacks
found when they have been used. As far as we know, there is no further
published research about cooperative work for teacher training.
Keywords: Teacher
training, training strategies, cooperative work.
Title of the Paper: A Framework for
Developing a Microchip PIC Microcontroller Based Applications
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Authors: Miha Smolnikar, Mihael
Mohorcic
Abstract: This paper presents a framework for developing applications based on
a Microchip PIC microcontroller (μC). Consisting of hardware and
software tools it supports the development and transfer of program code from
a personal computer to the microcontroller, and evaluation of its execution
on rapid prototyping hardware. The first part of the paper focuses on
hardware design, which is based on a modular approach, i.e. recomposed for
the design of each application, in order to ensure maximum adaptability. The
MPIC development system (MPICds) thus consists of a programmer, a main board
including adapters for a variety of chip packages, and plug-in modules. All
these hardware components are designed so that they can be fabricated by any
potential user. Selected microcontroller is programmed in the standard ICSP
mode using one of the freely available PC programs. These are presented in
the second part of the paper describing the software part of the framework,
which besides programming tools also discusses the code development tools.
The stress is given to the use of high-level tools, where the algorithms are
described in the form of different graphical notations, i.e. block diagrams,
instead in C or assembly code. Throughout the paper, a special attention is
given to the use of framework in the electrical engineering education process.
Besides giving some suggestions for the use at different educational levels,
the emphasis is on the implication of contemporary design methods, and the
hardware’s robust design, which is deliberately planned in such a way that
even an incorrect use cannot harm any of its components.
Keywords: PIC
microcontrollers, Development system, High-level design tools, Electrical
engineering education
Title of the Paper: A
Mathematical Solution of an Industrial Problem for Engineering Students
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Authors: Ravelo
Hernandez, I. I. Siller-Alcala, J. Jaimes-Ponce, R. Alcantara-Ramirez
Abstract: This paper presents an illustrative industrial example: the liquid volume
contained in a horizontal tank is calculated by using integrals and least
square method. The equation is used by automated system that can
automatically measure the volume of material in horizontal tanks in real
time. This system is composed by an industrial PC, where an operator can
monitor the variable level through a graphical environment interface
developed in Delta V, the interface contains alarms, historical, tendencies
about substances weight contained in the tanks. The objective is to provide
to mathematics lecturer a practical example in order to motivate engineering
students to make mathematics interesting to them and show them why the
knowledge of mathematics is essential for their future real word.
Keywords: Education,
Engineering Mathematics, Automatic Control, Volume Measurement, Industrial
Application and Data Acquisition.
Title of the Paper: Interactive Tools
for Discrete Mathematics e-Learning
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Authors: Carmen Escribano Iglesias,
Antonio Giraldo Carbajo, Maria Asuncion Sastre Rosa
Abstract: Education is a dynamical and complex area. Research in education
increases year by year. This increase is an important factor in the
development of new educational techniques. Nowadays, the information society
in which we live needs wider educational spaces, and internet provides a
powerful tool to introduce new educational technologies and to use online
applications. Indeed, TICs (technologies for informatics and communication)
provide a very positive aid to the learning tasks. Interactive tutorials
allow access to a big amount of information in a multi-sequential way, by
using specifically designed Java applets suitable for the learning of a specific
knowledge. Due to these facts, the use of these tools has many advantages for
learning mathematics. In this sense, we present here a hypertext with many
interactive java applets, developed to show the main applications of Integer
and Modular Arithmetic in a brief theoretical environment.
Keywords: Modular
Arithmetic, Interactive Tutorials, Hypertext, Java Applets, World Wide Web,
RSA Cryptosystem.
Issue 3, Volume 5, March 2008
Title of the Paper: Integrating Team
Projects into the SE Curriculum
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Authors: Kristina Lapin, Saulius
Ragaisis
Abstract: This paper reports the experience of developing and modifying a
Software Engineering study program in
Vilnius
University, Lithuania.
The aim of a new curriculum is improving the collaboration with industry and
emphasizing the team projects. Industry partners participated in defining
both, the outcomes of the curriculum and aspects that should be emphasized. The
evolution of team projects’ implementation has resulted in three stages
approach: introductory internal university team project for the second year
students, in-home simulation of the real world projects for the third year
students and the projects provided by industry for the last year
undergraduates. The initially stand-alone HCI course was integrated with team
projects in which students are expected to apply acquired HCI skills. The
intent of our SE curriculum is developing extended software engineering
skills and in-depth understanding of the user-centred design techniques.
Keywords: SE education,
industry-university collaboration, team projects, integration of courses.
Title of the Paper: Teaching
Implications of Information Processing Theory and Evaluation Approach of
learning Strategies using LVQ Neural Network
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Authors: Andreas G. Kandarakis, Marios S. Poulos
Abstract: In terms of information processing model, learning represents the
process of gathering information, and organizing it into mental schemata.
Information-processing theory has definite educational implications for
students with learning and behavior problems. Teachers with a greater
understanding of the theory and how it is formed to, select learning
strategies in order to improve the retention and retrieval of learning. But
it must also be taken into consideration that the learning environment has
specific effects on academic achievement. Socialization alters the levels of
stress, confidence, and even the content knowledge. Social support provides
encouragement, stress reduction, feedback, and communication factors which
enable learning. Furthermore, an evaluation of 4 learning strategies
attempted via a well-formed LVQ Neural Network.
Keywords: information
processing, memory, matacognition, learning strategies, general education
classroom, learning, behavioral problems and neural networks.
Title of the Paper: Three-Dimensional
Design against Fatigue Failure and the Implementation of a Genetic Algorithm
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Authors: K. Krishnapillai, R. Jones
Abstract: The research presented here utilises a genetic algorithm in a
numerical three-dimensional fatigue based optimisation study of a 7050-T7451
aluminium structure. Genetic algorithms have rapidly become popular due to
the robustness and the balance between efficiency and effectiveness in many
different environments. Genetic algorithm has been utilised in many stress
based optimisation applications, however to date, it has not been used in a
three dimensional structural fatigue based optimisation study involving short
crack lengths in the threshold region. The generalised Frost-Dugdale law was
developed to allow for the accurate prediction of fatigue crack growth from
short crack lengths. Consequently, design against fatigue failure can include
the analysis of near-threshold crack propagation. The structural optimisation
procedure proposed integrates geometrical modelling, structural analysis and
optimization into one complete and automated computer-aided design process.
This paper indicates that the proposed combined procedure provides a more
accurate and robust optimised solution. It was discovered that the results
resembled the solutions from other optimisation algorithms. As a result, this
procedure illustrates a procedure for the design of light weight structures
using a fatigue based optimisation in conjunction with a genetic algorithm.
Furthermore, the possibility of the application of the generalised
Frost-Dugdale model in design optimisation has been demonstrated. This
procedure has the potential to be applied to structures with complex
structural configurations taking into account crack propagation in the
near-threshold.
Keywords: Structural
optimisation; Genetic algorithm; Finite element method; Short crack growth
Title of the Paper: Evaluation Cycle
Management - Model for Selection of the most Applicable Learning Management
System
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Authors: Matija Pipan, Tanja Arh, Borka
Jerman Blazic
Abstract: The paper deals with a complex decision-making problem, the
evaluation and selection of most applicable Learning Management Systems (LMS)
in which several objectives - referring to the definite group of users - like
social, technical, environmental, and economic impacts, must be
simultaneously taken into account. The general aim of our case study was
focusing on the usability and applicability aspects of LMSs in relation to
definite target group and users: employees in the Slovenian SMEs with a basic
knowledge of ICT. We introduce Evaluation Cycle Management (ECM), a support
methodology aimed at the evaluation of options that occur in the
decision-making processes. ECM is based on Multi-attribute decision making
(Criteria Evaluation) and Usability Testing (Usability Evaluation). The
Multi-attribute decision making in the first phase of ECM presents an
approach to the development of a qualitative hierarchical decision model that
is based on DEX, an expert system shell for multi-attribute decision support.
The second phase of ECM is aimed at Usability Testing on end users.
Keywords: Innovative
E-learning Software, Education, Learning Management Systems (LMS), Evaluation
Cycle Management (ECM), Criteria Evaluation, Usability Testing, Multi
Attribute Decision Making
Title of the Paper: Using Circuit
Simulators to Sensitivity-Factor Analysis in Analog Circuits
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Authors: Elena Niculescu, Dorina-Mioara
Purcaru, Marius-Cristian Niculescu
Abstract: In this paper, a procedure to calculate the sensitivity factors of
the quiescent drain current of a field-effect transistor operating in the
active region is presented. This one can be applied in conjunction with a
general-purpose circuit simulator for bias circuits with bipolar junction
transistors or field-effect transistors. We showed that the sensitivity
factors of the quiescent drain current can be calculated by repeated
simulations of the bias circuit modified according to the change of a
parameter value. How to apply the proposed procedure is illustrated on the
two common bias circuits for which comparatively studies are performed. Such
a procedure based on a circuit simulator allows the students to verify and,
if necessary, modify the bias circuit design on desired direction and rapidly
test it.
Keywords: Sensitivity
factor analysis, Bias circuits, FET.
Title of the Paper: A Study of
Inspector’s Behavior for Stopping Strategies as Multiple-Target Search
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Authors: Sittichai Kaewkuekool
Abstract: The main purposes of this research were to study inspector’s
behaviours for stopping strategies and performance to detect defects as
multiple-target search. Visual task was computer simulated search tasks and
defect was indicated in English character X with the background characters of
A, K, M, N, V, W, Y and Z filled up to 50% of searching area in each screen.
Ten subjects were students randomly chosen from King Mongkut’s University of
Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) with 20/20 vision test. They were asked to
perform inspection task to pass for pilot study before running the
experiment. The experiment was consisted of visual search task and look for
defects, which composed of one, two, three and four defects existed randomly.
Preliminary information was provided to subjects before running the
experiment. They were asked to perform the experiment by searching and
detecting the defects using mouse to choose for them without time limits.
Subjects could decide to stop searching at anytime by themselves and data of
mean search time, mean stooping time, and number of defects detected would be
recorded. The results were shown that the inspector’s behaviours were
affected by the patterns of time spent in searching and stopping. Moreover,
subject could detect defect for 100 percent on single defect. This could be
concluded that inspector’s behaviour was affected by the number of defects,
which showed significantly different at the level of 0.05, and mean stopping
time and percent defect detected at the level of 0.01.
Keywords: Visual
Inspection / Inspector Behavior / Mean Search Time / Mean Stopping Time
Issue 4, Volume 5, April 2008
Title of the Paper: Uncertainties in
Knowledge Assessment
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Authors: Sylvia Encheva, Sharil Tumin
Abstract: Various techniques for reasoning in the presence of inconsistent or
incomplete information have been exploited lately. In this paper we focus on
applying many-valued logic in practical deductive processes evaluating
propositions being neither true nor false when they are uttered. Such
situations occur while dealing with inconsistent and/or incomplete
information. Application of many-valued logics allows the system to handle
situations with such input. Many-valued logic is a generalization of Boolean
logic and as such offers solution to a number of Boolean problems.
Keywords: Web-based
assessment, learning, intelligent tutoring systems
Title of the Paper: Optimization of
Grouping and Team Formation of Students for Class Exercise Based on Analysis
of Human Factors by Covariance Structure Analysis
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Authors: Kiyomi Shirakawa, Hiroaki
Hashiura, Hitomi Saito, Seiichi Komiya
Abstract: Group exercises for software development adopting more practical
approaches are conducted in Department of Information Science and
Engineering, Shibaura Institute of Technology in order to allow students to
acquire knowledge and skills for software development. (Such student groups
can be recognized as "teams" in a precise sense because each
student member belonging to the group takes certain partial charge of
software development.) But the class time for students acquiring software engineering
is limited. That is why the support system, which is called EtUDE
(Environment for Ultimate software Development Exercise), has been developed
and introduced to help students to take practice together at any time and any
place. However, differences in students' abilities for software development
have sometimes led to problems like that some teams can not achieve a given
task by due date. To solve the problems, Hashiura, et al. [1] developed the
system, EtUDE/GO which automatically decides an optimal scheme for grouping
and team formation for class work. In spite of this, human factors
influencing on the team formation remained unknown. Therefore, the authors
introduced a covariance structure analysis and so on to find a relational
expression between true factors influencing directly on team formation and
alternative characteristics having effect indirectly on it. Applying the
obtained relational expressions to EtUDE/GO, they produced an optimal team
formation scheme automatically. Then, how the optimization of team formation
exerted influences on the class exercises by measuring each student's
contribution evaluated with log information of their work. The result of the
analysis showed that the students who were expected to make contributions for
achievement of tasks and who were disposed in each team assisted their team
well so as to complete the tasks in actual class exercise as they were
expected. As a result, all the team was confirmed to have achieved the
assignment without delay. In fact, this paper shows it was confirmed that the
optimization of team formation enabled all the teams to complete the exercise
assignment by due date.
Keywords: Optimizing
Project Team Formation, Exercises in Units of Groups, Exercise for Software
Development, Genetic Algorithm, Covariance Structure Analysis, Factor
Analysis, Path Diagram ,Maximum Likelihood Estimation,Chi-Square test
Title of the Paper: A System for
Supporting Project-Based Exercise in Software Development with Facilities to
Detect Students Automatically who are Required Individual Tutoring
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Authors: Hiroaki Hashiura, Kotaro
Yamashita, Tatsuya Ishikawa, Yuka Isozaki, Ryota Chiba, Yuichi Inoue,
Seiichi Komiya
Abstract: In recent years, large-scale-sizing and complication of software
development are being followed wholeheartedly. On top of that fast delivery
and low cost developments are being required as compared to up to now, and
the environments, which surround software development are becoming more
severe. For this reason, the industry is demanding high talented people with
potentials of practical senses from the universities. For this reason,
Shibaura Institute of Technology Information Engineering Department, in order
to master the knowledge and technology for software development, is carrying
out the group exercise class of the software development, which adopts a
style more close to actual exercise. The group exercise can lower the burden
of the teaching person regarding the instructions to students than the
instructions for individual exercise, but it is difficult for giving
instructions matching with every student's capacity. In addition, since the
school hours assigned to software engineering are insufficient, it becomes
important to prepare the environments where a student can exercise also out
of school hours. Moreover, the goal of a exercise class is to acquire the
knowledge and skill for software development on the individual level of a
student. Therefore the authors having multi functions that were necessary for
support to the group exercise and a high possibility to be included in the
group exercise, developed group exercise supporting circumstances EtUDE[1]
(Environment for Ultimate software Development Exercise) of the software
development with function to automatically detect the student requiring
individual instructions.
Keywords: Software
Development Exercises, Software Development Environment, Project-Based
Exercise
Title of the Paper: Force-based and
Displacement-based Back Analysis of Shear Strengths: Case of Tsaoling
Landslide
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Authors: Jian-hong Wu, Chun-Hwa Chen
Abstract: Tsaoling landslide is a notorious gigantic landslide triggered by
the Chi-Chi Earthquake at Taiwan
in 1999. The landslide provided a valuable case study to review the available
methodologies in analyzing seismic induced landslides. In this study, the
force-based back analysis method is applied to investigate the shear
strengths of the Tsaoling landslide. Additionally, the calculation results
are compared with the ones analyzed by displacement-based analysis. The
analysis results confirm that the conventional force-based analysis method,
which introduces the maximum horizontal seismic acceleration to the seismic
analysis, overestimates the shear strengths. An appropriate factor to
“discount” the acceleration or the defining slope safety factor is required
in the force-based analysis to obtain accurate shear strengths. On the other
hand, the displacement-based analysis, such as Newmark sliding model,
provides an alternative way to pursue accurate shear strengths if a
seismic-slope failure regression formula is also available. Additionally, the
GPS data of ground displacement in a large earthquake are crucial for
baseline correction to guarantee the correctness of the seismic data.
Keywords: Tsaoling
Landslide, Chi-Chi earthquake, force-based, displacement-based, back analysis,
shear strength.
Title of the Paper: Simulation for
Reliability Prediction at Nuclear Complex System
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Authors: Vasile Anghel
Abstract: The reliability level for a nuclear installation is given in
generally by the technological process quality of operation and maintenance
and in particular by a lot of technical, technological, economic and human
factors. The maintenance role is fundamental for a nuclear installation. In
the maintenance activity as in any dynamic area, appear continuously new
elements which, sometimes, require new methods of approach, thus for
considered installation that is a Nuclear Detritiation Plant (NDP) existent
as part of National Research and Development Institute for Cryogenics and
Isotopic Technologies – ICSI, Rm.Valcea, for assurance the reliability level
in operation is proposed for predictive maintenance the theory fuzzy, entropy
theory and software LabVIEW. The final aim is to achieve the best practices
for maintenance of Plant that process tritium.
Keywords: simulation,
nuclear, reliability, maintenance, labVIEW
Title of the Paper: The Effects of
Level-of-Interactivity and Gender on Learners’ Achievement and Attitude in an
E-learning Course on Computer Graphics
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Authors: Ming-Puu Chen
Abstract: The interactivity of e-learning may affect how learners responding
to the learning content. This study examined the effects of
level-of-interactivity and gender on learners’ achievement and attitudes
under the condition of learning computer graphics on-line. One hundred and
twenty one e-learners participated in this study and the effective sample
size for the present study was ninety two. The effects of
level-of-interactivity of e-learning courseware and gender on e-learners’
performance and attitudes were analyzed with learners’ prior-knowledge as a
covariate to eliminate the effect caused by learners’ various degrees of
background knowledge in computers and the Internet. The analysis on
e-learning performance revealed a significant interactivity-gender
interaction and indicated that (a) when receiving the high-interactivity
e-learning, male and female learners performed equally, but when receiving
the low-interactivity e-learning, the male learners outperformed the female
learners; (b) from the gender aspect, the male learners performed equally
under the high-interactivity e-learning and the low-interactivity e-learning,
the female learners, however, performed better when receiving the
high-interactivity e-learning. The analysis on participants’ attitudes
revealed that (a) e-learners were satisfied with the design of e-learning and
showed positive attitudes toward the learning guidance, prior-knowledge
connection and practice, and (b) the high prior-knowledge learners approach
e-learning more positive than the low prior-knowledge learners. It was
concluded that the employment of interactivity should suit to the learning
needs and individual difference of the learners in order to be effective.
Keywords: E-learning,
Interactivity, Instructional design, Gender difference
Title of the Paper: Electro-Mechanical
Control Systems Simulator (ECSS) With Multi-Language Support
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Authors: Hasan Erdal, Vepa Halliyev
Abstract: This paper describes a simulator for the electro-mechanical control
systems. Electro-mechanical control systems mainly consist of contactors,
time relays, electrical motors, switches, buttons and etc. Single or three
phase power system that has high voltage and current is generally used in
this kind of systems. Engineering students or technicians who are studying
electro-mechanical control systems are always faced with a high voltage and
current. For this reason a simulator is developed to establish a safety study
environment. In this environment, students easily implement their designs or
assignments to get familiar with the real industrial applications in the
laboratory.
Keywords:
Electro-mechanical systems, Electrical motor control, Electrical control
techniques simulator, Educational tool, Educational simulators.
Title of the Paper: Quality
Enhancement in e-Learning Activities: Improvements by Mean of a Newly
Engineered E-Learning Survey
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Authors: S. Campanella, G. Dimauro, A.
Ferrante, D. Impedovo, S. Impedovo, M. G. Lucchese, R. Modugno, G. Pirlo, L.
Sarcinella, E. Stasolla, C. A.
Trullo
Abstract: This paper deals with quality enhancement of e-learning activities
through the satisfaction analysis expressed by university learners while
using specific learning modules. The paper considers a newly engineered
survey that evaluates not only quality in use but also quality in learning
and learner involvement. The quality of the interface, the friendliness of
the contents, the accessibility of concepts and the capability to provide new
knowledge and skills are all considered. Through the paper, the various
aspects concerning the different discriminating factors that characterize
e-learning processes are investigated. The results, obtained during
university teaching activities, show the usefulness of the survey in
individualizing the more improvable factors by understanding effective
learners’ needing.
Keywords: e-learning,
learnability, quality evaluation, survey, usability.
Title of the Paper: Survey on
Professors and Student’s Attitude about Virtual Learning in Iran Universities
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Authors: Ali Akbar Shaikhi Fini
Abstract: Although virtual learning is seen as a desirable phenomenon and has
been increasing rapidly among colleges in Iran but there are still few
researches in this area. The goal of this study is to survey the attitude of
professors and students in the Iranian colleges. For this purpose 95 and 161
questioners were provided and sent to professors and students, respectively.
Results show that professors have positive attitude to virtual learning as an
effective instructional tool. For students results indicate that factors such
as independency, guidance of professors and multimedia instruction are the
most effective variables in using virtual learning. For both professors and
students it has been noticed that Self-sufficiency and Self-acceptance are
the most important factors of using virtual learning.
Keywords: Virtual
Learning, Attitude, Multimedia instruction
Issue 5, Volume 5, May 2008
Title of the Paper: Determining
a Set of Measures for Quality Estimation of e-Resources Conformant to the
Model/models Defined in Traditional Education
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Authors: Ewa Stemposz, Alina
Stasiecka
Abstract: In the paper, the problem of e-resource quality estimation is
considered, from a didactic point of view. The first analysis was done on the
basis of one of the teaching models known in traditional learning, the model
of effective learning. As a result, the two subsets of measures sufficient
for introductory e-resource quality estimation were determined:
non-differentiating and differentiating ones. To generalize the results on
any traditional teaching model, the successive steps were taken. A metamodel
that is putting demands on e-resource structure to be conformant with
traditional models was proposed and two new sufficient subsets of measures
were defined and examined.
Keywords: e-learning,
e-resource, quality of e-resources, learning model
Title of the Paper: Analytically Tuned
Parameters of Simulated Annealing for the Timetabling Problem
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Authors: Juan Frausto-Solis,
Federico Alonso-Pecina
Abstract: University Timetabling problem (UTT) has a computational complexity
that grows exponentially as the size of the problem augments; therefore
random algorithms become the best alternative to solve it, and among them,
Simulated Annealing (SA) is one of the most efficient. However, SA obtains
very good solutions, only if its parameters are well tuned. SA requires an
initial solution for solving UTT. Besides, analytical tuning strategies for
SA in UTT have not been explored. In this paper a SA Markov tuning strategy
and a heuristic to generate feasible solutions are proposed. This strategy
improves SA performance for UTT as is shown with experimental instances taken
from PATAT benchmark.
Keywords: Timetabling,
Simulated Annealing, Optimization
Title of the Paper: Identifying the
Break-Even Point in Distance Courses
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Authors: Martina Kadavova
Abstract: Distance education has become a very up-to-date item. The article
describes the categorization of distance education costs and their
integration into cost and revenue functions. The aim of the article is to
define the break-even point – i.e. the economic effectiveness of a course,
and thus specify the number of students for the minimal effectiveness of the
course using various functions for calculating expenses in relation to their
distance rate and stair-step functions.
Keywords: Virtual
university – costs - efficiency – students – profit – benefit – break-even
point
Title of the Paper: Calculus b-learning
with Java Tools
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Authors: Carmen Escribano Iglesias, Antonio
Giraldo Carbajo, Maria Asuncion Sastre Rosa
Abstract: Nowadays, information society we live in needs wider educational
spaces, and internet provides a powerful tool to introduce new educational
technologies and to use online applications. Indeed, TICs (technologies for
informatics and communication) provide a very positive aid to the learning
tasks. Interactive tutorials allow access to a big amount of information in a
multi-sequential way, by using specifically designed Java applets suitable for
the learning of a specific knowledge. Due to these facts, the use of these
tools has many advantages for learning mathematics. In this sense, we present
here an interactive tool for differential calculus within a theoretical
environment. Moreover, we show how to make a good use of this type of tools,
integrating them with traditional teaching methodologies, as well as
non-traditional ones, arising in the convergence towards the European Higher
Education Area.
Keywords: Interactive
Tutorials, Java Applets, World Wide Web, Calculus, Derivative
Title of the Paper: Development of an
Interactive Learning Environment for Introductory Physics in Engineering
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Authors: L. Seidel, R. M. Benito, M. E.
Camara, J. C. Losada, F. J. Arranz
Abstract: We present the development of the project “Fisica Interactiva”
(Interactive Physics) that addresses the special needs of students that enter
at a Polytechnic
University with a
deficient background in Physics. The project tries to make an interactive
tool available to the students through a web site. We choose Moodle as the
Course Management System due to its cooperative philosophy and its
open-source and free development model. The emphasis is put on fundamental
concepts of first year Physics: vector character of magnitudes, point
mechanics, electric and magnetic fields. Interactive materials (developed as
Flash animations) are conceived to reinforce concepts through critical thinking
and active enrolment. We discuss our experience developing these materials,
with the pros and cons of the tools chosen, and preliminary results of the
use of the site with students at our University.
Keywords: e-learning,
b-learning, Teaching Physics, Moodle CMS, Flash animations
Title of the Paper: Online Interactive
Lessons on the Principle of the Direct Torque Control of the Induction
Machine
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Authors: Sergiu Ivanov, Damien Grenier,
Francis Labrique, Maria-Jose Resende, Benoit Robyns
Abstract: The modern multimedia techniques are an important lever for
teaching the Electrical Engineering. The development of such tools places a
large demand on human and financial resources. In consequence, an
advantageous approach in order to obtain impressive results is to join the
effort of several teachers or institutions. The theme of this paper is to
present an experience in collaborative design of interactive tools through
the example of a lesson designed and realised for teaching the Principle of
Direct Torque Control (DTC) of the Induction Machine. The purpose of this
lesson is to highlight the link between both main branches of the Electrical
Engineering: Power Electronics and Electrical Machines.
Keywords: on-line
lessons, interactive, electric machines, direct torque control
Title of the Paper: “MIB-16” FPGA Based Design and
Implementation of a 16-Bit Microprocessor for Educational Use
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Authors: Esma Alaer, Ali Tangel, Mehmet Yakut
Abstract: This paper presents a design and FPGA implementation of a 16-bit
microprocessor core, so called “MIB-16” using VHDL. The microprocessor can
directly access to the memory which consists of 16-bit words, addressed by a
16-bit word-address. Instructions are all multiples of 16-bit words, and are
stored in this memory. There are 16 general purpose registers (R0–R15), a
program counter (PC) and a condition code register (CC). The microprocessor
can execute 16 instructions such as add, subtract, multiply, divide, load and
store. The complete design is realized and verified on Xilinx Spartan-3
Evaluation Board. “MIB-16”
is suitable especially for educational purposes and for FPGA based industrial
digital system-on-chip ASIC solutions as being an easy to use basic
microprocessor core. Whereas, professional VHDL or Verilog based
microprocessor core libraries offered by the FPGA vendors are expensive, more
complex to be modified, and consume too many resources in an FPGA chip.
Keywords:
Microprocessors, FPGA, VHDL, Digital System Design
Title of the Paper: A Preliminary Study
on Prediction Models for English Web-based Remedial Education: Application of
Data Mining Theory
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Authors: Rong Zhang, Yue Zhou, Fukuya Ishino
Abstract: Remedial course is a product of a well-developed higher education
system. As universities/colleges become more available to high school
graduates, competitiveness in the entrance exam is lessened and demand for
students’ basic scholastic abilities diminishes in admission. This social
phenomenon causes two problems for the implementation of higher education:
(1) Students can’t comprehend lectures due to their lack of basic academic
knowledge; (2) The unbalanced distribution of students’ scholastic
achievements is believed to be the most significant factor weakening teaching
effectiveness. Many universities/colleges, especially those in developed
countries and areas, have to integrate remedial courses into their first-year
education in order to help the students compensate for what they should have mastered
in the previous learning. This study reports an English remedial course
carried out for all freshmen in Nishinippon Institute of Technology, Japan,
and focuses on the regression analysis for determinants of students’ score
changes. Two prediction models are postulated, so that the issue is being
examined from different perspectives. In the first model, students’ total
engagement in learning, intercultural communication competences and computer
operation skills are proved to be responsible for their score changes. In the
second model, students’ positive attitudes towards remedial course and
web-based learning turn out to be a crucial factor to promote their
performances.
Keywords: Remedial
courses, Multiple regression analysis, Prediction model, English education,
Web-based learning
Title of the Paper: Clustering
and Achievement of Engineering Students based on their Attitudes,
Orientations, Motivations and Intentions
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Authors: Huikkola Miika, Silius Kirsi,
Pohjolainen Seppo
Abstract: Insufficient skills in basic mathematics cause problems for those
majoring in engineering at university level. Learning entails the learner’s
own initiative in the achievement of learning objectives. Factors with
bearing on what students do include attitudes: orientations, intentions and
motivations. The present study ascertains how new undergraduates of Tampere
University of Technology (TUT) differ in their attitudes to the study of
mathematics. On the basis of their attitudes students are classified into
different learner groups. The learner groups that were found were Surface
Oriented Learners, Peer Learners, Students Needing Support, Independent
Learners and Skilful Students. In this paper we present a Basic Skills Test,
a web-application which measures high school basic skills in mathematics and
Remedial Instruction arrangement which is also a web-application intended to
fill in gaps in students’ basic skills in mathematics. The relation between
the basic skills and further study achievement at university is investigated.
The effect of learner groups on study achievement is also scrutinized.
Results tell that basic skills predict quite well study achievement and that
learner groups have influence on students’ achievement. In this paper we also
present some concrete teaching development based on the research carried out
at Tampere University of Technology.
Keywords: attitudes,
orientations, motivation, intention, clustering, engineering, mathematics,
remedial study, achievement, higher education
Issue 6, Volume 5, June 2008
Title of the Paper: Mobile Learning
Integrating Elementary Education─ Taiwan Elementary as an Example
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Authors: Rong-Jyue Fang, Chien-Chin E., Jia-Rong Wen, Hung-Jen Yang, Chi-Jen Lee, Hua-Lin Tsai
Abstract: Over the last few years, Dealing with digital learning and
information explosion, Students enhance their global vision via collaborative
online d-learning Experience. Therefore, through digital multimedia students’
interacting with other nations on the web is a very important skill in this
digital era. The study of this project intends to understand course material
while interacting through online web learning. It stimulates students’
cultural experience and expands learning fields. Many outstanding examples of
d-learning were produced, Student Support: d-learning is not the same as
distance learning, collaborative online d-learning courses are not usually
whole programs, but teaching units available on the Internet. They replace
conventional university lectures, many of which are held in severely
overcrowded auditoriums. At this stage, it should be emphasized that
collaborative online d-Learning is not aiming to transfer entire courses of
study to the Internet.
Title of the Paper: The Application of
M-Learning & Knowledge Management in the Grade 1-9 Curriculum
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Authors: Wen-Jiuh Chiang, Rong-Jyue
Fang, Zhen-Gang Chen, Hua-Lin Tsai, Chiao-Pin Lin, Chien-Chin E.
Abstract: The Study of this research is to realize the the study of applying
m-learning and knowledge management in the Grade 1-9 curriculum, and
viewpoints of the related questions of the Grade 1-9 curriculum, and to offer
the practical suggestions. There are “questionnaire” and “interview” involved
in this study. The public elementary school teachers in
Kaohsiung city are the main objects in this
research. After arranging these data, we obtain some suggestions from the
findings of this study. Actually, the main conclusions of the study are as
follows: 1. Most of the elementary school teachers tend to stand for the
state enforcement of the Grade1-9 curriculum. 2. There is a significantly
different level among these items (sexuality, age and position in school) in
the understanding of the theory of the Grade1-9 curriculum of the elementary
school teachers. 3. There is a significantly different level at the item
(total classes in school) in the understanding of the concept of the Grade1-9
curriculum of the elementary school teachers. 4. There is a significantly
different level among these items (sexuality, highest diploma and total
classes in school) in the understanding of the curriculum innovation of the
Grade1-9 curriculum of the elementary school teachers. 5. There is a
significantly different level at the item (different background) in the
thoughts of the elementary school teachers on forming a complete set and the
attitude towards reform. 6. There is a different level at the item (different
background) in the current executive situation of the Grade1-9 curriculum of
the elementary school teachers. Finally, according to the conclusions of the
study, we hope to offer some suggestions for teacher-training institutions,
educational authority, and administrators of elementary school, elementary
school teachers and the future research.
Keywords: elementary
school teacher, Grade1-9 curriculum, curriculum innovation.
Title of the Paper: The Contribution of
Science & Technology Integration in Science and Technology Curriculums
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Authors: Rong-Jyue Fang, Hung-Jen
Yang, Hua- Lin Tsai, Chi-Jen Lee, Pofen Wang, Shu-Hui Hsiun
Abstract: It is very important that understand the mobile technology content
for bring up the new century students’ technology equipment, and it is the
headstone of technology development. The mobile technology include handle
mobile device, digital transmission modes, mobile information software and so
on. The mobile technology realized the perpetual contact, the network tools
of teenagers’ social intercourse. In the science and technology curriculum,
the students had to learn something, such as: what is mobile technology? How
did the things execute? What kinds of value and belief effect influenced the
mobile technology? What idea foster the mobile technology? How did we put
idea into practice? What influence between mobile technology and sociality?
The more important is to promote the students’ adaptation to the new
environment via technology instruction. The mobile technology content
integrated into instruction could apply instructional strategies of
dissemination, facilitation, inside collaboration, outside collaboration,
apprenticeship, generative development an so on. Therefore, there are
perplexities and countermeasures in the paper by theory exploration and
experience of teaching. The result will provide administrations and teachinf
to refer.
Keywords: Digital
Learning Technology, the Science and Technology curriculum, Technology
integrate into instruction
Title of the Paper: How the Online
Learning Affects for Principals’ Management
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Authors: Rong-Jyue Fang, Chung-Ping
Lee, Chien-Chung Lin, Yao-Ming Chu, Hua-Lin Tsai
Abstract: In the past decade, the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW) have been
considered important in the schools as part of the learning environment. The
value of online learning has become widely recognized with development of
information technology so as to accept gradually by instruction in the
schools. Through the network, everyone can learn anytime and anywhere. This
kind of learning convenience completely changes the traditional teaching
model. But it is seldom understood about the principals' behavioral
intentions to use WWW. The purpose of this study was to develop a Technology
Acceptance Model (TAM) for the principals in elementary schools and junior
high schools. The Technology Acceptance Model proposes that ease of use and
usefulness predict applications usage and behavior. This study was framed by
six subscales: perceived ease of use, perceived useful planning, perceived
useful learning, perceived useful contents, attitudes toward using online
learning, and behavioral intentions to manage via online learning. This study
would also explore the relationship between online learning and the
principals' leadership. At the same time, the study introduced perceived
useful planning, perceived useful learning, and perceived useful contents as
new factors that reflected the principals' intrinsic belief in online
learning acceptance.
Keywords: Technology
Acceptance Model, TAM, Pincipals’ management in the schools.
Title of the Paper: The Model of KM
Learning Activities Integrating into Business Management Curriculum
Instruction
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Authors: Rong-Jyue Fang, Chien-Chung
Lin, Yu-Fei Chang, Hua-Lin Tsai, Yung-Sheng Chang
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to discuss the importance of knowledge
management for enterprises and individuals and to gain abilities of knowledge
management through a finance investing management activity in college
business course learning. The learning activity includes designing a personal
fund management chart and discussing how to develop a student’s ability of
knowledge management. After participating the activity, students can learn
how to express and share their opinions in fund investment. The anticipated
benefit of this study for students is to learn the abilities of knowledge
obtaining, transformation, application, innovation, protection and so on.
Keywords: Knowledge
Management(KM), Business Knowledge Management, Personal Knowledge
Management(PKM), Fund Management
Title of the Paper: Web-based Self-directed
Learning Environment and Online Learning Apply on Education
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Authors: Rong-Jyue Fang, Yung-Sheng
Chang, Chien-Chung Lin, Hua-Lin Tsai, Chi-Jen Lee, Pofen Wang, Dai-Hua Li
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to develop the theoretical framework
on the perception of web-based self-directed learning environment. The
research objectives are to identify the structure categories, dimensions, and
aspects for the perception of the environment. An extensive literature review
was conducted as the research method. The results include 3 system
categories, 5 dimensions, and 13 aspects in the framework. The 3 system
categories are system environment, interactive relationship, and personal
development. The 5 dimensions are internet resources, web-based functions,
peer interaction, learning content type, and self-directed learning. The
study also presents the 13 aspects of the structure in the system model. The
findings and recommendations can be provided for further related studies and
teaching references.
Keywords: Environmental
perception、self-directed learning、web-based learning
Title of the Paper: Project-Based Learning
Model & Self-learning Ability by Network
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Authors: Rong-Jyue Fang, Wen-Jiuh
Chiang, Tsai Lih-Jiuan, Lan-Hua Wang, Hua- Lin Tsai, Zhen-Gang Chen
Abstract: The team teachers give the learners a challenge of inquiring
project-based learning. In the problem-solving process, learners have to know
clearly what the problem they face and which misson they have to conquire.
Besides approaching these steps, learners also browse many websites to gather
information from variety of sources and synthesis, and analysis, and derive
knowledge from it.Teachers have the responsibility to offer another unheard
education in traditional classrooms. Learners who take a part in
project-based leaning have more positive attitude, comfort and enjoyment when
working numerous hours with peers.
Keywords: project-based
learning, learning attitude, problem-solving
Title of the Paper: A Project Based
Methodology to Teach a Course on Advanced Digital Systems Design
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Authors: Antonio J. Araujo, Jose C.
Alves
Abstract: This paper presents a project based teaching experience in a course
on advanced digital systems design, with emphasis on design methodologies and
laboratory assignments. The use of FPGA devices as the most suitable
implementation technology for teaching digital design is described. The
course structure, oriented to the development of real working digital
systems, challenges the students and increases their motivation. This
improves the learning process and the productivity of classes. The laboratory
works are deployed on a FPGA based platform that implements a real-time video
processing chain, from a low cost digital camera to a standard desktop
monitor. Examples of proposed laboratory projects in a recent course edition
are presented and their evaluation results are analysed.
Keywords: Digital systems
design, FPGA, design methodologies, teaching digital systems
Title of the Paper: The Study of Using
e-Learning Platform to Analyst Learning Process Curriculum in Higher
Education
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Authors: Tingsheng Weng
Abstract: The e-Learning has the main characteristics of learning anywhere
and anytime. It can construct an independent and individualized learning
environment and break through the restrictions of the conventional learning.
Geographic information e-Learning Website has been built for higher education
with open source Course Management System. Based on the standard of SCORM,
courses have been designed with collaborative learning, Critical Thinking
Instruction and Activity theories and multimedia applications through
built-in modules of Course Management System. By using the SCORM-compliant
environment in Course Management System, the SCORM-compliant materials can
operate smoothly. Learning packages manufactured for restrictive
specifications can also input to implement and use with other SCORM compliant
environment. It is a costeffective and quickly teaching pattern for sharing
and reusing educational resource and proceeding e-Learning with integrating
SCORM standard and open source software. The purpose of study is constructing
Geographic information e-Learning Website to assist geographic information
education and promote students’ learning achievement with interactive
environment and attractive multimedia learning materials. In this research,
our target sample is college students are National
Chiayi University
in Taiwan.
Keywords: e-Learning,
SCORM, Moodle, Course Management System, Geographic information Education,
blended, Study course
Issue 7, Volume 5, July 2008
Title of the Paper: coPAS and monoPAS:
APIs to Communicate C++ and C# with Octave for the implementation of Signal
Processing Applications
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Authors: Amaia Mendez, Begona Garcia,
Ibon Ruiz, Iker Alonso
Abstract: This is an approach to provide signal processing learners two
gateways between the programming languages C++ or C# and Octave mathematical
software. They have been named coPAS and monoPAS, and have been developed in
free software by the PAS research group at the University
of Deusto (Spain). These gateways are
developed with the shape of API, and have been made available to students
doing degrees in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering, so as to
assist them in their lab training in signal processing, as well as for the
drafting of their final projects. . They are very useful to research
developments as well, not to rewrite existing code. The aim is to enable
students to rapidly develop applications of signal treatment by using
experience and simplicity in the design of graphic interfaces in the
above-mentioned programming languages, which are widely used in engineering.
Finally, it is important to stress the free-software nature of the developed
gateways: as no license is necessary, student access to this program of
scientific calculus is easier. The interest of this APIs increases according
to the student’s satisfaction. The PAS group has made several polls obtaining
an average of 8.3, this has promoted the idea of new bridges. Exactly, the
next step is the combination of Octave with other languages such as Python or
with other platforms such Linux. The compatibility in a higher level is the
next research. Hence, this research Group is actually working into other
approaches, focused on biomedical applications.
Keywords: Engineering
Education, API, C++, C#, Gateway, Octave.
Title of the Paper: Research
Methodology for the National Knowledge Network
INPRO- ROMANIA
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Authors: Paul Dan Brindasu, Livia Dana
Beju, Sorin Borza
Abstract: The paper presents the systemic structure of the Romanian knowledge
network in the area of integrated engineering of products and processes –
INPRO. The systemic structure of the network is presented using IDEF0
functional modelling language. Such a structure underlines the possibilities
of continuous improvement of the network. Teamcenter software and a complex
database are the main elements of network functioning. A specific research
methodology for projects carried out in the network system is presented. A
research example (done in network frame) from cutting tool area shows the possibilities
and advantages of the methodology. The research activity in the network frame
can be done by students, PhD students and/or specialists.
Keywords: knowledge,
network, research, design, project, integrated engineering
Title of the Paper: Sustainability
Concepts in Environmental and Engineering Education
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Authors: Cornelia Aida Bulucea, Doru
Adrian Nicola, Gheorghe Manolea, Constantin Brandusa, Daniel Cristian Cismaru, Andreea Brandusa
Abstract: The real world processes involving energy and matter need to be
linked not only to the engineering design and operation but also to the
environment isuues. Energy systems involving coversion chain processes are
highly irreversible and, consequently, they could have low exergy
efficiencies. The paper emphasizes a number of sustainability-based concepts,
such achieved energy, exergy and embodied energy, related as tools in order
to describe, analyse and optimize energy conversion in electric
transportation systems. This study aimed at examining an underground railway
train as a system where different energy forms occur, so that the successive
energy conversion chain is emphasized and the energy and exergy efficiencies,
respectively, are compared. There are presented numerical simulations of
traction induction motors regimes and experimental data related to electric
trains operation. In this application, the exergy analysis can improve and
optimize the electric transportation system design and operation, but also
emphasizes the strong link between environmental and engineering education.
Keywords: Engineering
education, Electric transportation, Energy, Environment, Exergy, Induction
motor
Title of the Paper: E-Portfolio
for Professional Learning Community
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Authors: Andreja Istenic Starcic
Abstract: The e-portfolio in education and professional development assists
the work that a learner has designed, documented and presented individually
or in collaboration. Reflection process in the portfolio-assisted learning
fosters the development of generic and transferable knowledge and skills that
a learner needs in knowledge economy. This article focuses on professional
learning, using the e-portfolio in a web-based learning community. The open
source e-portfolio system is presented, and e-portfolio functionalities in
continuous professional development: functions, influencing factors and modes
of use are outlined. Sociocultural constructivism provides the theoretical
framework when analysing e-portfolio support system for professional
development within the web-based professional learning community. Web-based
communities foster the interplay of intentional and non-intentional learning,
embedded in day-to-day workplace practices. The study of adopting e-portfolio
as a tool in professional learning with special emphasis on its efficiency in
collaborative learning and sustaining participation in a professional
learning community is presented.
Keywords: E-portfolio,
Learning management system, Open source, Constructivism, Professional
development, Community of practice, Learning community
Title of the Paper: Introducing
Game-Based Virtual Learning Environment: Managing Educational Change in Higher
Education
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Authors: Andreja Istenic Starcic
Abstract: Game-based virtual learning environments are fostering new teaching
and learning approaches, ensuring the worldwide collaboration of students and
teachers. The paper presents a model of simulation-game-based virtual
learning environment in four countries, in Finland,
Slovenia, Germany and Estonia. Paper presents the
classroom management model, outlining teaching and learning methods and
assessment for virtual learning environments, where students may collaborate
internationally, benefiting from guidance of international teacher teams.
Simulation-game-based learning environment aims at assisting students in
acquiring competences which will enable them to autonomously involve in their
professional fields. Intended competences to be achieved are competences of
working in the national, European and global tourism business environments.
Quality assurance instruments were developed upon formative and summative
evaluation. Investigated are new organisational solutions, which meet
educational changes and are necessary so as to ensure international
collaboration of students and teachers.
Keywords: Simulation game-based virtual learning environment,
Instructional design, Computer supported collaborative learning, Higher
education, Partnership, Business simulation
Issue 8, Volume 5, August 2008
Title of the Paper: Experimental
Training on Advanced Technologies
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Authors: B. Ando’, A. Ascia, S. Baglio,
N. Pitrone
Abstract: In the last
years the authors have devoted great attention to the different aspects of
the educational activity, with particular emphasis to theoretical and
experimental training of the undergraduate students on measurement methods,
real instruments (features and working principle), virtual instruments and
related environment, useful tools (advanced software and hardware), distance
learning. Therefore a number of tools have been realized in order to
gradually propose to the students meaningful aspects of advanced
technologies. In the paper an overview of selected tools is presented, in
particular the tool presented in the last section takes into account the
peculiarities of the unknown signal and also the effect of the noise signal
superimposed to the signal to be measured.
Keywords: Undergraduates,
experimental training, digital frequency meter, voltage-time converters,
digit error, noise effect, virtual instruments, learning LabVIEW, advanced
technologies, e-learning.
Title of the Paper: E-learning at the
Technological Educational Institute of Crete:
An Evaluation Based on the Student Experience
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Authors:
Charalambos C. Katsidis,
Panagiotes S. Anastasiades, Vasilios G. Zacharopoulos
Abstract: The student
experience and the criteria used by the students in evaluating the platform
of asynchronous tele-education at the Technological Educational Institute of
Crete are in the focus of this study. A measuring tool combining both
quantitative and qualitative techniques is presented. An important dimension
in the evaluation of a virtual learning environment is the assessment of
e-learner satisfaction. Critical elements in the assessment procedure are the
learner interface, the course content, the access and interaction with the
learning community, the personalization of learning and the degree the teachers
establish and promote new learning styles via the platform. Based on these
elements, questionnaires were developed assessing quantitatively e-learner
satisfaction allowing in addition student comments necessary to extract
qualitative data regarding the e-learning experience. Qualitative data were
also collected by a limited number of unstructured interviews in order to
give a deeper insight in the causes of learner satisfaction and
dissatisfaction. The data manipulation is not restricted to descriptive statistics
of quantitative data, the results are checked for their validity and
reliability by comparison with qualitative data and by the use of statistical
reliability estimators.
Keywords: Evaluation,
Electronic Learning, e-Learner Satisfaction, Asynchronous Teaching
Title of the Paper: A Framework for
Higher Education
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Authors: Keith Maycock,
John Keating
Abstract: It is well
documented that the traditional protocol for higher education doesn’t suit
each learner, the rhetorical method of lecturing while presupposing certain
domain knowledge and experience is a very inefficient method of imparting
knowledge. An ideal solution is to have a one-to-one system, where an
instructor generates mathemagenic content for each learner. Obviously this is
not an ideal situation
considering the high increase of learners into higher education. One solution
is for higher education to partially traverse into an online learning
environment with an element of suitable adaptive content. Adaptive learning
systems attempt to adapt learning content to suit the needs of the learners
using the system. Most adaptive techniques however are constrained by the
pedagogical preference of the author of the system and are always constrained
to the system they were developed for and the domain content. This paper
describes a personal profile that can be used to automatically generate
instructional content to suit the pedagogical preference and cognitive
ability of a learner in a tractable amount of time. The paper discusses the
manifestation of measurable cognitive traits in an online learning
environment and identifies cognitive resources that can be used to stimulate
these manifestations. Additionally this paper describes a Content Analyser
that is used to automatically generate Metadata to encapsulate cognitive
resources within instructional content. The content is repackaged as
independent Sharable Content Objects (SCOs) as described by the Sharable
Content Object Reference Model. Finally the paper concludes with an example
learning component that utilizes the CA for building course content to an
expected predetermined minimum learning experience suited to each learner’s cognitive
ability and pedagogical preference delivered through Moodle.
Keywords: SCORM, Content
Adaptation, Selection Model, Content Analyser, Moodle, Digital Repositories.
Title of the Paper: Engineering
Education Development Modelling in STELLA
Environment
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Authors: Egils Ginters
Abstract: The
lack of specialists of engineering and precise sciences already for quite a
long time causes problems to the development of economy in some countries.
The lack of engineers hinders the introduction of science capacious
technologies and the production with high added value. The EngiMod model
described in the article serves the analysis of education system using system
dynamics and simulation in STELLA environment. Special attention is devoted
to influencing factors that affect the choice to study engineering sciences.
STELLA allows easily manipulating with the weight of the significant factors
and interactively
acquiring the necessary predictions. According to the primary conditions and
statistical data, it is possible to model and predict the development of the
situation in any time period. EngiMod multilevel model can be adapted to the
needs of other sectors.
Keywords: Engineering
Education, Simulation, System Dynamics, STELLA
Title of the Paper: Learning Objects
Management: Theory and Practice
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Authors: Erla Morales, Francisco Garcia, Angela Barron
Abstract: Although LO
management is an interesting subject to study due to the current
interoperability potential, it is not promoted very much because a number of
issues remain to be resolved. LOs need to be designed to achieve educational
goals, and the metadata schema must have the kind of information to make them
reusable in other contexts. This paper presents a pilot project in the
design, implementation and evaluation of learning objects in the field of university
education, with a specific focus on the development of a metadata Typology
and quality evaluate tool, concluding with a summary and analysis of the end
results.
Keywords: Learning
Objects, Management, Quality, E-learning, Metadata, Evaluation
Title of the Paper: Active
Learning in the Education of Human Computer Interaction
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Authors: Kristina Moroz-Lapin
Abstract: Software
engineering students are trained to perform structured analysis and
development. These activities have rigid structure therefore usually teaching
methods expect them to master development life cycles and apply them in
assignments. In engineering studies active methods are often employed in team
projects where students acquire important professional development skills and
learn to act in a project group. The multidisciplinary engineering, science
and social underpinnings of human computer interaction challenge the
educators because social aspects are new for mostly technical-oriented
software engineering students. In our opinion, these aspects are better
assimilated by
technically-oriented engineering students when teaching social aspects the
methods established in social science education are employed. In this paper
we explore these methods that we employ in traditional lecture-based teaching
format and big student classes. The aim is to incorporate the active learning
that enhance creativity and heighten student appreciation of non technical
aspects of human computer interaction.
Keywords: HCI education,
teaching methods, active learning, creativity.
Title of the Paper: Learning Management
Systems in Vocational Schools
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Authors: Rosa
Reis, Teresa Gomes, Bruno Reis
Abstract: As
instruction and learning gain new dimensions in today’s world due to the
proliferation of
information and communication technologies (ICTs) - multimedia, the Internet
or the Web, as a medium to enhance instruction or as a replacement for other
media-, education becomes independent of time and space. Consequentially,
learners and instructors can utilize new modes of learning and communication
due to the proliferation of information and communication technologies
(ICTs). One of these new modes of learning and communication to support a
full range of teaching and learning activities conducted by educational
institutions is Moodle which facilitates online content creation and
collaboration and entails various social and communication tools that support
teacher-student, student-student, and teacher-teacher interactions. In the
present paper, our main purpose is to demonstrate the way of using the Moodle
in the education process at the Gaia Vocational School (GVS). The platform
was characterized and promoted among the School members of GVS. The impact of
this new platform (e-Courses) on the learning institution activities was
evaluated through an online questionnaire, which showed high satisfaction
levels with e-Courses.
Keywords: CSCL, LMS,
LCMS, VLE, Open Source, Moodle, Vocational School
Title of the Paper: Application of
Rasch-based ESPEGS Model in Measuring Generic Skills of Engineering Students:
A New Paradigm
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Authors: Rozeha A Rashid, Razimah
Abdullah, Hamzah Ahmad Ghulman, Mohd Saidfudin Masodi
Abstract: The Faculty
of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (FKE) teaching and
learning processes was certified to ISO 9001:2000 and now seeks the
Engineering Accreditation Council of Malaysia (EAC) approval. One of FKE’s
top management commitment is to ensure the programme accreditation
requirements are met. EAC adopts American Accreditation Board of Engineering
and Technology 2000 (ABET) principles which promote outcome based education
(OBE) learning process. OBE calls for the evaluation of the course learning
outcomes (CLO) as specified in each Course Outline. Performance measurement
has been largely dependent on students’ performance in carrying out tasks
such as tests, quizzes or submission of assignments. Evaluation on the
performance outputs; categorised as technical knowledge and generic skills,
gives an indication on the achievement of the subject’s expected CLO. This
paper describes a computational model which can be used to measure a subject
CLO in an undergraduate electrical engineering program. An overview of the
measurement model and its key concepts are presented. ESPEGS Model is the
acronym for Engineering Student Performance Evaluation on Generic Skills.
This model of measurement is developed based on students’ marks entries and
together with Rasch Measurement Model, it can be used to improve the
students’ assessment method on the CLO of each subject. Results obtained were
assessed against the CLO maps for consistency and used as a guide for future
improvement of the teaching method. The study shows that this model of
measurement, which adopts Rasch Model based on Logistic Regression Model, can
classify students learning ability more accurately with only very few
randomly selected students and dimensions as compared to the traditional CGPA
method.
Keywords: Learning
Outcomes, performance measurement, Quality, engineering education, Rasch
Model
Title of the Paper: Situated Learning
Teaching Courses in the University Environment: a Practical Experience
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Authors: S. Campanella, G. Dimauro, A.
Ferrante, D. Impedovo, S. Impedovo, R. Modugno, G. Pirlo, L. Sarcinella, E.
Stasolla, C. A. Trullo
Abstract: The
capability of learning objects of transferring knowledge and skills depends
on the way in which they are thought, organized, engineered and realized. The
instructional design is the principal factor that influences the quality of
learning objects. The success in use of learning modules depends on the capability
in involving learners in e-learning; the utility of electronic didactic
materials depends on the capability to provide effective learning
environments; learning utility depends on the possibility of applying
theories and explanations to the real problems of everyday life. This paper,
by considering constructivism a useful model to provide learning by doing,
presents the results of a practical experience to develop new learning
solutions to make available better e-learning teaching courses to university
students. The realized prototype considers in a whole a coaching phase, an
exemplification studying phase, a problem solving phase, and a feedback based
phase. The analysis of the learners’ satisfaction and of the time spent in
using the learning object, show that situated learning teaching modules
represent an enhancement with respect to previous implementations and a
further step toward the ICT knowledge based society.
Keywords: Situated
Learning, E-learning, Academic Education, Knowledge Based Society, ICT.
Issue 9, Volume 5, September 2008
Title of the Paper: Introducing
Embedded System Concept through a Multi Thematic Funny Hexapod Robot Design
Project
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Authors:
Ph. Dondon, N. Daddato, G. Leroyer
Abstract: In this
paper, we first describe the pedagogical reform process in our school. Then,
we point out the major human difficulties in reforming. The complexity of the
relation between the new student generation and the teachers is briefly
described. And some major changes in student’s behavior are given as example.
The consequences on the teaching strategy are then indicated. At least, we
show that theses evolutions require adaptation, efforts and changes in the
way of teaching. And we finally present here, in our field of competence, a
concrete and pedagogical robot design project (with technical details) we
did, as an answer to the reform necessity.
Key words: Educational
reform, “teaching efficiency ”, Embedded system, Multi thematic robot
project, Student’s motivation.
Title of the Paper: Harmonization of Engineering Education in Europe as a Prerequisite for Student Mobility: a Case
Study Based on Curricula Modularity
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Authors:
Alla Anohina, Janis Grundspenkis
Abstract: - The paper presents the
case study of the curriculum “Computer Systems” which is taught at the master
level in the Institute of Applied Computer Systems of Riga Technical
University. The study is carried out with the goal to evaluate opportunities
for the short-time mobility of students. The main problems related to the
provision of student mobility are discussed in brief. Positive impact of
curricula modularity on mobility is pointed out. The curriculum “Computer
Systems” is analyzed using a concept of two-dimensional modularity. Results of
the comparison of the curriculum “Computer Systems” with similar curricula of
other countries of the European Union at levels of courses, their groups and
modules are presented.
Key-Words: - higher engineering
education, curricula modularity, short-term mobility of students.
Title of the Paper: Synthesis of Learning by Developing and
Virtual Learning Case: Laurea’s Network Design Specialization Studies
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Authors:
Rauno Pirinen, Jyri Rajamaki
Abstract: - Specialization studies
are an efficient and flexible way of completing and updating professional
knowledge, since the multi way of learning also suits the timetables of those
who work and study simultaneously. In this design-science research, a new
innovation in adult education, ‘Network Design Specialization Studies’ is
executed and evaluated. The theoretical background consists of Learning by
Developing (LbD), expansive virtual learning and virtual empowerment, and adult
learning. Laurea University of Applied Sciences’ strategy is to integrate its
three statutory tasks of education, research and development, and regional
development by utilizing its LbD model. Laurea's Network Design
Specialization Studies splice virtual learning and LbD. Virtual learning
includes virtual lessons, exercises and examinations, but its main innovative
part is a virtual laboratory with a virtual laboratory engineer. Laurea's new
virtual learning environment plays a remarkable role of developing the
competences of each individual learner, while the LbD concept steers the
entire specialization studies. This study shows that LbD and virtual learning
support each other. Utilizing Web 2.0 technologies in the future, Laurea’s
innovative learning environment could be a part of global expert communities.
This may lead to the materialization of the virtual empowerment, influencing
the development of the future society during the next decade.
Key-Words: e-Learning, Higher
Education, Learning by Developing, Virtual Empowerment, Virtual
Laboratory, Virtual Learning.
Title of the Paper: Collaborative
Learning Environment to Improve Novice Programmer with Convincing Opinions
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Authors: Dinh
Thi Dong Phuong, Hiromitsu Shimakawa
Abstract: At the present, many
universities do not have enough teaching staffs for programming training. The
teacher cannot give suggestions in a timely fashion to all of the students
who need guidance for their programming problems. The training condition
reduces motivation to learn programming of the students. We propose a model
to promote collaborative learning among the students. In the model, the
students are combined into small groups to practice programming. Although
every group member has to do programming independently, they are encouraged
to share programming problems with other group members to find out solution.
The voting mechanism is applied to each group. If a group member gives an
opinion which is evaluated convincing one, the member is rewarded by others
with COOP points. For effective collaboration of students in each group, we
combine students based on two features of each student. One is programming
ability, which are scores of the source codes. The other is contribution to
group, which are COOP points accumulated during the collaborative learning.
Using the model, we developed a collaborative learning environment, Col-E.
The Col-E has been applied to actual classes in Ritsumeikan university, Japan.
The experiment results show that Col-E has good possibilities to improve any
kinds of students.
Key–Words: Collaborative learning,
convincing opinion, student combination, chat-based system, client-server
architecture, Col-E
Title of the Paper: Similarity-Based
Experts Weighting of CBR-Based Multi-experts System in Partner Selection
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Authors: Hui
Li, Jie Sun
Abstract: With the development
of supply chain collaboration in agile manufacturing (AM), outsourcing has
become a focus, in which partner selection is an important problem.
Outsourcing decision is often related with expertise. The decision of partner
selection needs to take opinions of multi-experts from various departments of
enterprise into consideration. Expert system (ES) is one of the main branches
that focus on expertise, and casebased reasoning (CBR) is a methodology for
problem solving in complex environments. In this research, a new approach of
similarity-based experts weighting in CBR-based multi-experts system (MES) was
proposed to integrate expertise in outsourcing of AM. Foundational issues of
expert weighting in CBR-based MES, including the R6 model, assumption of
delaminating structure of case and similarity-based experts weighting, were
firstly discussed. Based on the R6 model and assumptions, experts weighting
mechanism in CBR-based MES was then built up, including weighting founded on
consensus-based similarity and that founded on casebased similarity. Finally,
the application of multi-experts weighting approach in supplier selection
carried out.
Key-Words: - Outsourcing; Experts
weighting; Case-based reasoning; Multi-experts System; Partner selection
Issue 10, Volume 5, October 2008
Title of the Paper: Collaborative Research and Elearning
Platform for a Distributed Microelectronics Project
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Authors: Eleonora
Bilotta, Pietro Pantano, Jose Sepulveda, Rocco Servidio
Abstract: The
CoMSON project is a distributed European research project that combines
research efforts from both academia and industry. This project is distributed
among eight institutions across Europe. The aim of this project is to
implement an experimental simulation platform (in software code) for devices
in micro and nano-electronics with an integrated eLearning system. This
project has two main goals. First, to train graduate students and post-docs in
mathematical modeling, through the creation of this simulation platform, and
second the delivery of this simulation platform to be used as a training tool
for new recruits. In this paper we describe the information system
architecture created to provide the partners with a strong collaborative and
development research environment. This architecture provides a framework with
three main goals: information sharing, collaboration in research and,
training. This scheme easily allows users to access, update and interact with
information and with other researchers within all the stages of the project.
Key words:
Microelectronics, Nano-electronics, eLearning system, Constructivism,
Information system architecture, Higher education
Title of the Paper: A Neural Network Solution to Design Dual
Stator Winding Insulation Level Detector for Three Phase Induction Motors
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Authors: H.
Selcuk Nogay
Abstract: This
paper implements an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model able to predict the
insulation level in a dual-stator winding squirrel-cage three-phase induction
motor fed by an inverter. A sinusoidal pulse-width modulation (SPWM) inverter
feeding three-phase induction motors were tested up to over load. The results
show that the artificial neural network model produces reliable estimates of
Insulation level for dual stator winding.
Key words: Artificial
neural network (ANN); Three-phase induction motor; Insulation level, Dual
Stator winding
Title of the Paper: Construction and Use Examples of Private
Electronic Notary Service in Educational Institutions
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Authors: Masanori
Nakakuni, Eisuke Ito, Yoshiaki Kasahara, Sozo Inoue, Hiroshi Dozono
Abstract: People
have many documents. For example, a variety of documents are prepared and used
in public institutions. As the internet becomes widely available in recent
years, paper documents are being replaced with electronic data, which are
often distributed in the form of electronic data without being printed out.
Similarly, in educational institutions, increasing number of documents are
distributed in the form of electronic data. Such data are distributed through
various routes and means, and prone to the risk of alteration in the process.
Data may be protected against alteration, but it is difficult to completely
prevent data alteration in the distribution process. Data can be generated
with electronic signature that allows for the identification of data creator
and possible alterations by third parties. This method is, however, not valid
if the data becomes separated from the electronic signature, making the
validation of data creator or data alterations difficult or impossible. In
this paper, we describe the invention of a system that, even in cases where
data is separated form the electronic signature, enables easy identification
of possible data alterations by the electronic signature management. And we
describe here an exploratory construction of private electronic notary service
in university. We also add a review on the utilization method of private
electronic notary service in universities.
Key words: Notary Service,
Electronic Signature, e-Learning, Digital Data Management, PKI
Title of the Paper: Reading Preference and Performance of K1
Students for Chinese Text Presented on PDA Interface
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Authors:
Chien-Yu Lin, Yi-Kuan Lee
Abstract: This
study investigates the reading preference and performance of young learners
for Chinese text presented in either a horizontal format or a vertical format
on PDA screens. In assessing the reading performance, the reading speed is
taken as the performance evaluation criterion. The thirty participants in the
current investigation are K1 students studying in the first grade of an
elementary school. The ANOVA results indicate that both the screen orientation
and the document format exert a significant influence on the reading
preference and reading performance of the young students. Specifically, it is
found that a horizontal screen with a vertical text format is the preferred
choice of the K1 students. This particular treatment of the screen and
document factors results in the shortest reading time. The results of this
study can be applied to develop PDA-based educational software which not only
satisfies the reading preferences of young learners, but also enhances their
reading performance.
Key words: PDAs, Chinese,
Children, Text, Reading, Interface
Issue 11, Volume 5, November 2008
Title of the Paper: Comparing Novel and Stable Lecturers' Point
of View when They Use University Students Working Groups in their Classrooms
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Authors:
Jaime Lloret Mauri, Juan A. Marin-Garcia
Abstract: One of
the purposes of the Bologna process is to establish quality assurance
standards in the European higher education area throughout Europe. It is
important to train university lecturers in order to achieve this goal. Many
educational methodologies could be applied in the university classrooms. One
of the teaching methods that is being increased in the university is the
workgroup methodology. Our research tries to identify which differences exist
between novel and stable lecturers when they use working groups in their
educational methodologies. In this work we are going to show if the grade of
use of the workgroup technique is different according the status of the
lecturer (novel lecturers vs. stable lecturers) and we will discuss all
results obtained in our research for all basic techniques of working groups.
We will also compare their problems and goals when they are using these
techniques. In our final discussion, we will show that the use of working
group techniques doesn’t seem to be affected by the stability of the lecturers
or their age in the university, in opposition to what many people think, so it
is not needed different training for novel than for stable university
lecturers.
Key words: Novel vs.
Stable Lecturers, Working Groups, Active Methodologies
Title of the Paper: Remotely Controlled Electronics Systems
through the World Wide Web
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Authors:
A. Etxebarria, R. Barcena
Abstract: In
recent years, there has been a surge of interest in the development of
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), especially in the realm of
education. A large portion of current ICT work focuses on remote control
devices that use HTTP browsers. This paper presents the phases to develop a
system that allows multiple users the access to a multiple real electronic
circuits using any HTTP browser. With this aim, specific hardware and software
have been designed and incorporated to a server-computer which includes a data
acquisition card. The novel feature of this work is that the user has in a
unique environment with the descriptions of the circuits to study, the
possibility to work with real measurements and the necessary laboratory
instruments to analyze the circuit signals. The prototype employed analyzes
basic analog electronic circuits in order to check out the practical viability
of this type of remote control system. Once functionality is demonstrated, the
prototype can be used as an applicable model for remote controls in any type
of real system. The communication protocols, control programs and user
interfaces that allow the data transmission and the hardware access have been
programmed using Virtual Instruments (VI) designed with LabView? – Laboratory
Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench. LabView? is a graphical programming
language widely adopted throughout industry, academia, and research
laboratories as the standard for data acquisition and instrument control
software. The front panel of the VIs that guides the user through the system
is embebed in his or her web browser like an ActiveX Control. In addition, the
user has the possibility to pass information from the HTML browser to the
application in the Server in order to study the behaviour of the composed
circuits.
Key words: WWW, remote
control, Internet, interface, Virtual Instrument, HTTP
Title of the Paper: New Innovative eWay of Vocational Training
in the Field of Mechatronics
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Authors:
Matija Pipan, Borka Jerman Blazic
Abstract: This
paper is focused on introduction of best practices in the field of vocational
training of mechatronics further supported with the state-of-the-art
information-communication technology, as well as with established
methodological and didactical approaches, with the view of improving the
quality and efficiency of vocational training. The presented methodology
introduces a completely new way of vocational training of this profile because
both, theoretical and practical training will be entirely conducted on-line.
Practical work will be done through an innovative remote laboratory for
practical work, based on web technology which allows the performance of the
real mechanical-electrical and programming related experiments in the physical
laboratory, what is in the training of mechatronics crucial. This should
result in a greater recognition and attractiveness of the profession and will
positive influence on the reduction of existing disparities between supply and
demand of qualified mechatronic staff on the market.
Key words: Enhanced
E-learning, Learning Management System, Mechatronics, Real On-line
Experiments, Remote Laboratory
Issue 12, Volume 5, December 2008
Title of the Paper: Digital Opportunities for Students and
Teachers: Some Technological Solutions at the University Politehnica of
Bucharest
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Authors:
Brandusa Prepelita-Raileanu
Abstract: The
paper discusses the idea that high quality software can raise the standards of
education at all levels and make best practices available throughout society.
Using examples from the experience of the University Politehnica of Bucharest,
the paper shows that software products give students control over their
learning environment, that they can hold their interest and provide new and
interesting learning experiences not available in a traditional classroom. The
paper emphasizes positive experience in the use of Information and
Communication Technology in education and training programmes. It is shown
that ICT has helped improve the scope, quality and effectiveness of these
programmes. The initiatives of the University Politehnica of Bucharest in this
domain have enabled users of ICT to focus realistic training on the precise
learning needs and abilities of the students. Furthermore, ICT has improved
efficiency in the monitoring and overall management of the training process.
The paper evolves the idea according to which the benefits already gained in
industry can also be achieved in the public education sector, provided that
the necessary investment in technical facilities and related training is made.
Key words: Information,
technology, communication, subjects, digital, education, qualification,
proficiency, competency, standards
Title of the Paper: Education as the Global Competitive
Advantage - An E-learning Project in the University Politehnica of Bucharest
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Authors:
Brandusa Prepelita-Raileanu
Abstract: The
paper discusses media education and the (re)production of culture, critically
analysing the social production of knowledge through mass media and
proclaiming the need for a pedagogy that criticizes its limitations,
distortions, and biases. Presenting an important project of the University
Politehnica of Bucharest the importance is stressed of building bridges across
disciplines, using theory to connect media education with the empowerment of
students and the promotion of democracy. The paper calls for contextualizing
education within the framework of its functions in society. The author
addresses the issue of promoting multiculturalism and media literacy on a
University level. It is emphasized the fact that we live in a world of media
and new technologies, and our social world is increasingly multicultural,
providing new opportunities to enjoy richness and diversity, but also
producing new social conflicts and problems.
Key words: Globalization,
communication, education, information, qualification, values, proficiency,
competency, standards, curriculum
Title of the Paper: The Best Practice - E-learning Course
“Sociology”
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Authors:
Karmela Aleksic-Maslac, Masa Magzan, Ilena Maslac
Abstract: The fast
development of information and communication technologies (ICT) improves
greatly education quality. The role of ordinary teacher changes – he/she
becomes a tutor or a student’s mentor. At the same time the role of a student
changes – he/she overcomes the passive learning process and becomes an active
explorer. E-learning is an important education component at Zagreb School of
Economics and Management (ZSEM) and, in addition, it is obligatory for all our
teachers and students. In this paper, the development process of course
"Sociology" shall be described. During the course development 11 standards
were used, that is to say, statical, dynamical and administrative ones. We
shall pay special attention to dynamical standards, that is to say, to online
quizzes and closed student-student and teacher-student discussions. We shall
get interesting results by paying attention to student’s participation in
online discussions at two completely different courses, namely, Sociology and
Information and Communication Technologies. The obtained quality of the
e-learning course and evaluations on the satisfaction of students with
lectures shall be also taken into account.
Key words: E-learning,
course development, quality, sociology, discussion, information and
communication technologies, evaluation
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