Digital Commons Network^™

Competencies For Future Newsrooms In Australia: A Mid-Career Learning Strategy For Journalists, Padmanabhan Iyer

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

This study addresses a practical need in Australian print newsrooms, which are being transformed from single platform to multi-platform news delivery centres. Convergence, or the co-existence of many technological platforms – such as print, online, mobile and tablet news publishing – in the same newsroom or publication environment, necessitates the development of newsroom capabilities at the individual and team levels. The concept of competency – which encompasses attributes, knowledge areas and skills – is useful in assessing the requirements for performance under changing circumstances.

This study notes the use of a competency-based framework for monitoring and developing performance in other …

New Learning Opportunities In A Networked World: Developing A Research Agenda On Innovative Uses Of Icts For Learning And Teaching., P A. Krischner, M J J P M Boon, P Janssen, Fleur Prinsen, Susan Mckenney, L Kester, S Stoyanov

Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) - Papers

No abstract provided.

The Purpose And Value For Students Of Pbl Groups For Learning, Vicki Skinner, Annette J. Braunack-Mayer, Tracey J. Winning

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Groups are central to problem-based learning (PBL) and educational and professional outcomes relevant to clinical education. However, PBL groups in practice may differ from theoretical conceptions of groups. Therefore, this study explored students’ understandings of the purpose and value of PBL groups for their learning. We conducted a naturalistic study with novice (first-year) students at two dental schools (Australia, Ireland), using observation and interviews analyzed thematically. Students constructed PBL learning as individual knowledge gain, and group purpose as information gathering and exchange; few students acknowledged the learning potential of group processes. Group value depended on assessment and curriculum context. Findings …

How Finger Tracing Of Temperature Graphs On An Ipad Can Support Primary School Students' Learning, Shirley Agostinho, Sharon K. Tindall-Ford, Paul Ginns, Steven J. Howard, Wayne Leahy, Fred Paas

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Abstract presented at the 8th Cognitive Load Theory Conference, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA, June 15th - 17th, 2015.

Effects Of Observing And Making Movements On Learning, Sahar Bokosmaty, Fred Paas

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Abstract presented at the 8th Cognitive Load Theory Conference, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA, June 15th - 17th, 2015.

A Case Study Of Giftedness And Specific Learning Disabilities: Bridging The Two Exceptionalities, Catherine M. Wormald, Karen B. Rogers, Wilma Vialle

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Despite being unable to dress himself, sit still on a chair, or write a legible sentence, Scott was, from a very early age, able to build whole cities from construction blocks, able to complete complex puzzles, and verbally precocious. Even with his disabilities and their contrast with his academic talent, he completed K-12 school and went on to excel at university. This case study represents the challenges many parents experience with identifying their children's disability and giftedness and ensuring that both exceptionalities are optimally developed. Through this case study, the roles an education system and the parents of such a …

The Learning Experience: Training Teachers Using Online Synchronous Environments, Stuart Woodcock, Ashley Sisco, Michelle J. Eady

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This study examined the effectiveness of an online synchronous platform used for training preservice teachers. A blended learning approach was implemented. Fifty-three students participated in the course. Qualitative interview data and quantitative survey data were collected about students' experiences using the platform, and analyzed via thematic content analysis and statistical analysis, respectively. The findings show that e-learning synchronous technology is an effective learning tool in enhancing preservice teachers' e-learning competency in subject matter and information communication technology skills. However, preservice teachers' competency to learn and implement e-learning for students is dependent on four hierarchal conditions (a) ease of use, (b) …

Computer-Based Learning Of Geometry From Integrated And Split Attention Worked Examples: The Power Of Self-Management, Sharon K. Tindall-Ford, Shirley Agostinho, Sahar Bokosmaty, Fred Paas, Paul A. Chandler

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This research investigated the viability of learning by self-managing split-attention worked examples as an alternative to learning by studying instructor-managed integrated worked examples. Secondary school students learning properties of angles on parallel lines were taught to integrate spatially separated text and diagrammatic information by using online tools to physically move text to associated parts of a diagram. The moving of text aimed to reduce learners' need to search between text and diagram, freeing cognitive resources for learning and affording learners' control of their learning materials. The main hypotheses that learners who self-manage split-attention worked examples would perform better on test …

Pre-Service Perspectives On E-Teaching: Assessing E-Teaching Using The Epec Hierarchy Of Conditions For E-Learning/Teaching Competence, Ashley Sisco, Stuart Woodcock, Michelle J. Eady

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This article examines pre-service teacher perspectives of teaching with an online synchronous (live-time) platform as a part of their training. Fifty-three students who participated in a blended learning (including both face-to-face and online lectures) course were assessed in a teaching simulation through an online presentation, and participated in questionnaires and interviews about their experiences as e-learners using the platform. The EPEC hierarchy of conditions (Ease of use, Psychologically safe environment, e-learning/e-teaching Efficacy, and e-learning Competence) for e-learning competency, developed based on an analysis of pre-service teachers' experience as e-learners in this same study, was used as a framework to assess …

Effects Of Integrated Physical Exercises And Gestures On Preschool Children's Foreign Language Vocabulary Learning, Myrto F. Mavilidi, Anthony D. Okely, Paul A. Chandler, Dylan P. Cliff, Fred Paas

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Research suggests that integrating human movement into a cognitive learning task can be effective for learning due to its cognitive and physiological effects. In this study, the learning effects of enacting words through whole-body movements (i.e., physical exercise) and part-body movements (i.e., gestures) were investigated in a foreign language vocabulary task. Participants were 111 preschool children of 15 childcare centers, who were randomly assigned to one of four conditions. Participants had to learn 14 Italian words in a 4-week teaching program. They were tested on their memory for the words during, directly after, and 6 weeks after the program. In …

Watch Your Step Children! Learning Two-Digit Numbers Through Mirror-Based Observation Of Self-Initiated Body Movements, Margina Ruiter, Sofie M. M Loyens, Fred Paas

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

It was investigated whether task-related body movements yield beneficial effects on children's learning of two-digit numbers and whether these learning effects are affected by mirror-based self-observation of those movements. Participants were 118 first-graders, who were randomly assigned to two movement conditions and two non-movement control conditions. In the movement conditions, children were instructed to build two-digit numbers by making and simultaneously verbalizing out loud different sized steps representing the smaller units the numbers consisted of (e.g., the number "36" was construed by saying out loud "10," "20," "30," "35," "36," while making three big steps, one medium, and one small …

Leading School Communities To Implement A Sustainable School-Wide Model Leading To Enhancing Learning Outcomes For Students With Asd, Amanda A. Webster, Jane Wilkinson

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The crucial role of school leaders in inclusive schools for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has received more attention in recent years. A pilot study was conducted in three Australian/Queensland schools to trial a shared model of school leadership in implementing a whole school approach for students with ASD. Schools established an ASD leadership team, which was headed up by the school principal and head of special education (HOSE) but also included a classroom teacher, and a parent of a child with ASD. Together the principal and HOSE led the team in assessing their current practices and establishing an …

Enhancing The Quality Of Pre-Service Teachers Learning Through The Conceptualizing Of Mentoring Strategies During The Practicum, Lynn D. Sheridan, Hoa Nguyen

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Professional experience has been described as a cornerstone of teacher preparation that has a "profound impact on student teachers" (Hammerness, Darling-Hammond, & Shulman, 2002, p. 409). There is a wide variation of teacher education programs across the world however, in most countries teacher preparation programs consists of initial university-based course work followed by school-based student teaching practice. Clearly, this program structure has implications for the role of professional experience in creating genuine opportunities for pre-service teachers to develop teaching practice and knowledge about the profession. During the professional experience, mentoring pre-service teachers has been considered critical in ensuring a quality …

The Self-Adaptive Context Learning Pattern: Overview And Proposal, Jeremy Boes, Julien Nigon, Nicolas R. Verstaevel, Marie-Pierre Gleizes, Frederic Migeon

SMART Infrastructure Facility - Papers

Over the years, our research group has designed and developed many self-adaptive multi-agent systems to tackle real-world complex problems, such as robot control and heat engine optimization. A recurrent key feature of these systems is the ability to learn how to handle the context they are plunged in, in other words to map the current state of their perceptions to actions and effects. This paper presents the pattern enabling the dynamic and interactive learning of the mapping between context and actions by our multi-agent systems.

Intellectually Gifted Students Often Have Learning Disabilities, Catherine M. Wormald

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Mention the terms "intellectual giftedness" and "learning disability" and there is a general understanding of what each term means. However, most people are unaware that in many circumstances the two can go hand in hand. Current US research suggests that 14% of children who are identified as being intellectually gifted may also have a learning disability. This is compared to about 4% of children in the general population. No-one has been able to explain this discrepancy. While children who are intellectually gifted are acknowledged, the fact that some of these students could also have a learning disability is ignored. Teachers …

Technology Tools To Support Learning Design: Implications Derived From An Investigation Of University Teachers' Design Practices, Sue Bennett, Shirley Agostinho, Lori Lockyer

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The need to improve the quality of higher education has fostered an interest in technology tools to support effective design for teaching and learning. Over the past decade this interest has led to the development of tools to support the creation of online learning experiences, specifications to underpin design systems, and repositories to share examples. Despite this significant activity, there remain unanswered questions about what shapes university teachers' design decisions and how tools can best support their design processes. This paper presents findings from a study of university teachers'; design practices that identified teachers' perceptions of student characteristics, their own …

Using Online And Multimedia Resources To Enhance The Student Learning Experience In A Telecommunications Laboratory Within An Australian University, Peter J. Vial, Sasha Nikolic, Montserrat Ros, David Stirling, Parviz Doulai

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

A laboratory component of an undergraduate telecommunications course consistently scored poorly for student learning experience on student surveys at an Australian university. Consultation with experienced academic staff revealed the need to modify the teaching resources available for the laboratory to include web-based multimedia and interactive resources. This new material was developed and made available to students and teaching staff in early 2011 via an Australian university e-learning package which was used to deliver the subject. The students and demonstrators were then encouraged to use this new resource to prepare for the three hour laboratory sessions. Surveys of students who took …

Mlaas: A Cloud System For Mobile Micro Learning In Mooc, Geng Sun, Tingru Cui, Shiping Chen, Wanwu Guo, Jun Shen

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

No abstract provided.

Drawing Micro Learning Into Mooc: Using Fragmented Pieces Of Time To Enable Effective Entire Course Learning Experiences, Geng Sun, Tingru Cui, Jianming Yong, Jun Shen, Shiping Chen

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Recently the massive open online course (MOOC) is an emerging trend that attracts many educators’ and researchers’ attentions. Based on our pilot study focusing on the development and operation of MOOC in Australia, we found MOOC is featured with mastery learning and blended learning, but it suffers from low completion rates. Brining micro learning into MOOC can be a feasible solution to improve current MOOC delivery and learning experience. We design a system which aims to provide adaptive micro learning contents as well as learning path identifications customized for each individual learner. To investigate how micro learning can impact learning …

Transformation Of Traditional Face-To-Face Teaching To Mobile Teaching And Learning: Pedagogical Perspectives, Jan Turbill

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Teaching students in a face-to-face context has been and, in many institutions of education, still is the only form of teaching in higher education. However, in the past 20 years, there has been a slowly increasing movement toward transforming the higher education teaching and learning experience from face-to-face to a mobile online learning experience. For most teachers this move is quite a challenge and raises many issues and questions. These include questions such as: What mobile technologies are available to employ? What teaching practices are best to use? Will student learning outcomes be better or worse as a result? And …

"I 'Feel' Like I Am At University Even Though I Am Online." Exploring How Students Narrate Their Engagement With Higher Education Institutions In An Online Learning Environment, Sarah Elizabeth O'Shea, Cathy Stone, Janine Delahunty

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This article outlines a collaborative study between higher education institutions in Australia, which qualitatively explored the online learning experience for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The project adopted a narrative inquiry approach and encouraged students to story their experiences of this virtual environment, providing a snapshot of how learning is experienced by those undertaking online studies. The study explores what impacted upon students' engagement in this environment and how different facets of their learning experience made a qualitative difference to how individuals enacted engagement. Drawing upon Sharon Pittaway's engagement framework, the article seeks to foreground student voice as the learners define …

Transforming Shark Hazard Policy: Learning From Ocean-Users And Shark Encounter In Western Australia, Leah Maree Gibbs, Andrew T. Warren

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Killing sharks is a popular strategy for reducing risk for beach-goers and ocean-users. But the effectiveness of kill-based strategies is debated and the ecological and economic costs are high. In Western Australia the state government introduced new policy in 2012 in response to shark-related fatalities, to track, catch and destroy sharks deemed to pose an 'imminent threat' to beach-goers. This paper reports on a survey of Western Australia-based ocean-users, and pursues two aims: to develop an understanding of the experiences of ocean-users in encountering sharks; and to learn about the attitudes of ocean-users towards shark hazard management. The research finds …

Effects Of Computer-Based Visual Representation On Mathematics Learning And Cognitive Load, Hsin I. Yung, Fred Paas

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Visual representation has been recognized as a powerful learning tool in many learning domains. Based on the assumption that visual representations can support deeper understanding, we examined the effects of visual representations on learning performance and cognitive load in the domain of mathematics. An experimental condition with visual representations was compared to a control condition without visual representations among primary school students. The hypothesis that learning with visual representations would result in higher learning performance and lower cognitive load than learning without visual representations was confirmed by the results. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

Cognitive Load, Cues, And Task Selection In Learning Probability Calculus, Jimmie Leppink, Steven F. Raaijmakers, Fred Paas, Tamara Van Gog, Anique De Bruin, Jeroen Van Merrienboer

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Abstract presented at the 8th Cognitive Load Theory Conference, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA, June 15th - 17th, 2015.

Curriculum Design For Assuring Learning - Leading The Way: Final Report, Romy Lawson

Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) - Papers

Executive Summary: Assuring learning is a vital element in educational practice. It is a feedback mechanism for learning and teaching practice, allowing educators to review students' achievements in relation to the expectations set for the learning experience, and to use this data to continually inform practice. All those involved in education should be engaged with assuring learning, but in the current standards-driven climate, it is regularly viewed as a compliance activity and a burden that encroaches on teaching and research time. This view needs to be dismissed: a cultural change is required to encourage mindsets that recognise that assurance of …

Principles And Experimentations Of Self-Organizing Embedded Agents Allowing Learning From Demonstration In Ambient Robotic, Nicolas R. Verstaevel, Christine Regis, Marie-Pierre Gleizes, Fabrice Robert

SMART Infrastructure Facility - Papers

Ambient systems are populated by many heterogeneous devices to provide adequate services to its users. The adaptation of an ambient system to the specific needs of its users is a challenging task. Because human-system interaction has to be as natural as possible, we propose an approach based on Learning from Demonstration (LfD). However, using LfD in ambient systems needs adaptivity of the learning technique. We present ALEX, a multi-agent system able to dynamically learn and reuse contexts from demonstrations performed by a tutor. Results of experiments performed on both a real and a virtual robot show interesting properties of our …

Improving The Laboratory Learning Experience: A Process To Train And Manage Teaching Assistants, Sasha Nikolic, Peter J. Vial, Montserrat Ros, David Stirling, Christian H. Ritz

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

This paper describes in detail a successful training program developed for sessional (part-time or nonpermanent) laboratory demonstrators employed in the Electrical Engineering Department of an Australian university. Such demonstrators play an important role in teaching practical concepts and skills in engineering. The success of the program relies on a centralized approach coordinated by a carefully selected Laboratory Manager responsible for the recruitment, allocation, training, and development of sessional teachers, and for assessing student satisfaction with them. The paper examines the overall impact of the program on these teachers': 1) introducing laboratory material; 2) preparation; 3) communication; 4) interest in student …

Enhancing Teamwork Performance In Mobile Cloud-Based Learning, Geng Sun, Jun Shen

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Mobile cloud-based learning is a novel trend that allows collaborative learning to happen among distributed learners, but it still lacks of mechanisms to enhance teamwork performance. Combining the features of the cloud, we have identified a learning flow based on Kolb team learning experience, executed by cloud-hosting learning management systems in conjunction with our newly designed system, 'Teamwork as a Service (TaaS)'. Each of TaaS's five web services aims to organize a certain type of learning activities, providing learners with an introduction, a 'jigsaw classroom', schedule planning, and mutual supervision during the whole collaborative learning process. In particular, enabling a …

Enhancing Teamwork Performance In Mobile Cloud-Based Learning, Geng Sun, Jun Shen

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

Mobile cloud-based learning is a novel trend that allows collaborative learning to happen among distributed learners, but it still lacks of mechanisms to enhance teamwork performance. Combining the features of the cloud, we have identified a learning flow based on Kolb team learning experience, executed by cloud-hosting learning management systems in conjunction with our newly designed system, 'Teamwork as a Service (TaaS)'. Each of TaaS's five web services aims to organize a certain type of learning activities, providing learners with an introduction, a 'jigsaw classroom', schedule planning, and mutual supervision during the whole collaborative learning process. In particular, enabling a …

Towards Bringing Adaptive Micro Learning Into Mooc Courses, Geng Sun, Tingru Cui, Kuanching Li, Dongming Xu, Shiping Chen, Jun Shen, Wanwu Guo

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part A

In this paper we illustrate a proposal with regard to providing learners adaptive micro learning experiences, which can be fulfilled within fragmented time pieces. The framework of our system is demonstrated, while it aims to deliver customized micro learning contents taking into account learners’ specific demands, learning styles, preference and context.