Digital Commons Network^™

Initial Results From The First National Survey Of Student Outcomes From Small Satellite Program Participation, Jeremy Straub

Jeremy Straub

This paper presents initial results of the first national / international survey of student participants in CubeSat and other small spacecraft programs. It aims to make portions of the results of the survey available for immediate use by the CubeSat / small spacecraft community prior to the completion of a thorough analysis of the results and consideration of correlating and prospective causation factors for various outcomes.

Yakimowski Named Assistant Dean For Assessment In Its College Of Education, Mary E. Yakimowski

Mary E. Yakimowski

Mary E. Yakimowski has been named assistant dean for assessment at Sacred Heart University’s Isabelle Farrington College of Education (FCE). In this new role, Yakimowski will provide leadership in the development, implementation and administration of a comprehensive assessment system for FCE students and programs.

Best Practices For Student Learning Assessment In Smaller-Sized Undergraduate Mass Communication Programs, Douglas J. Swanson Ed.D Apr

Douglas J. Swanson, Ed.D APR

Assessment of student learning in higher education is no longer optional, because the public increasingly expects universities to spend less and produce more. Generating detailed, meaningful assessment is challenging, particularly for smaller-sized mass communication programs with limited resources. Mass communication-focused assessment literature is scarce. This best practices essay reviews other research to illustrate proven examples of ways to assess simply and effectively in undergraduate mass communication programs to achieve maximum faculty support and curriculum improvement.

Common Core In The Commonwealth: A Research Imperative For Kentucky Communication Scholars, Michael G. Strawser

Michael G Strawser

As Communication scholars we must sharpen our instructional focus, identify our learning outcomes, and build the argument that Communication education has significant interdisciplinary implications in K-12 curricula. The Common Core State Standards emphasize communication, specifically public speaking and listening in K-12 learner outcomes and the Commonwealth of Kentucky was the first state to adopt the Common Core Standards. This position paper establishes a broad framework for research and advocacy opportunities to develop the connection between the interdisciplinary implications surrounding K-12 Communication education, the Common Core, and relationships to current standards. This essay offers a foundation for Communication scholars seeking a …

Assessment Of The Impact Of Clothing And Environmental Conditions On Visible Light 3d Scanning, Pann Ajjimaporn, Jeremy Straub, Scott Kerlin

Jeremy Straub

The quality of models produced by visible light 3D scanners is influenced by multiple factors. To max-imize model accuracy and detail levels, the correct combination of lighting texture, subject posture and software usage must be selected. The work described herein has been performed to measure the effect of different lighting and envi-ronmental conditions on human 3D scanning results.

Student Learning In High-Impact Practice Mass Communication Courses, Douglas J. Swanson Ed.D Apr

Douglas J. Swanson, Ed.D APR

College and university high-impact practice (HIP) courses involve students in intensive values-focused learning inside and/ or outside of the traditional classroom environment. Much research has documented that participation in HIPs increases student retention and graduation rates. At the same time, the nontraditional learning structure of an HIP course can complicate a thorough assessment of student learning. Anecdotal evidence reflects strong involvement in HIPs by mass communication programs, although communication efforts in this regard are not as well documented in the literature as efforts in other fields. This essay briefly defines HIPs and presents an appropriate theory that would guide HIPs …

Foreign Language Assessments And Interpretive Communication: A Literacy-Based Perspective, Kate Paesani

Kate Paesani

This presentation proposes a reconceptualization of interpretive communication through the lens of foreign language (FL) literacy and the multiliteracies framework. The communicative modes and multiliteracies frameworks are similar because they suggest curricular goals for FL programs grounded in cultural content and adopt a broad understanding of communication in which language modalities are overlapping. They differ because the multiliteracies framework additionally outlines a pedagogical approach that puts into practice goals, content, and communication and foregrounds texts as the core content of FL courses. Indeed, the literacy-based learning processes of interpretation, collaboration, problem solving, and reflection expand our understanding of how learners …

Contesting Hydrofracking During An Inter-Governmental Hearing: Accounting By Reworking Or Challenging The Question, Richard Buttny

Richard Buttny

No abstract provided.

Aligning Goals, Objectives, And Assessments: A Multiliteracies Perspective, Kate Paesani, Heather Willis Allen

Kate Paesani

In this session, we show how goals, objectives, and assessments in introductory foreign language (FL) programs can be articulated to reflect principles of the multiliteracies framework. Using the backward design model, we consider how to create instructional goals that reflect linguistic, cognitive, and sociocultural dimensions of literacy and how to align objectives with principles of interpretation, collaboration, problem solving, and reflection. We further argue that to effectively measure objectives, assessments should view language and literacy broadly, be multidimensional, and link clearly to teaching and learning. This literacy-based approach thus represents a shift away from the emphasis on acquisition of language …

Using Social Media In The Classroom: Assessment Of Its Effectiveness., Jennifer Wright

Jennifer Wright Joe

Social media can be an effective tool in promoting critical thinking and collaboration in library instruction. Whether it is simple polls or a much more collaborative event, these methods engage students and allow them to interact with material, professors, and other students in an organized fashion that might not be feasible without the use of technology. However, many faculty members are quick to incorporate these new learning tools without regard to their effectiveness. In this session, several applications of social media will be presented and their effectiveness will be discussed. Then, to conclude, the participants will discuss the best way …

Alpha Kappa Psi - Assessing Your Chapter, Larry D. Long

Larry D. Long

No abstract provided.

Web-Based Student Peer Review: A Research Summary, Edward F. Gehringer

Edward F Gehringer

Interest in Web-based peer-review systems dates back nearly 20 years. Systems were built to let students give feedback to other students, mainly to help them improve their writing. But students are not necessarily effective peer reviewers. Left to their own devices, they will submit cursory reviews, which are not very helpful to their peers. Techniques have been developed to improve the quality of reviews. Calibration is one such technique. Students are asked to assess samples of writing that have previously been assessed by experts. Students must submit an evaluation “close enough” to the experts’ before they are allowed to review …

Achieving The American Bar Association's Pedagogy Mandate: Empowerment In The Midst Of A Perfect Storm, Cara Cunningham Warren

Cara Cunningham Warren

The ongoing crisis in legal education has prompted calls for fundamental reform. In August 2014, the American Bar Association responded by implementing new law school accreditation standards that mark a "quantum shift” in our educational philosophy—a new pedagogy mandate that shifts our center from what is taught to what students learn.Of all reform measures, the mandate may be one of the best chances law schools and their graduates have in the face of the “Perform Storm” raging in legal education. Ironically, successful implementation remains an open question, in part because of the traditional nature of law schools and their resistance …

Using Iannotate To Enhance Feedback On Written Work, Kristi Upson-Saia, Suzanne Scott

Kristi Upson-Saia

This paper discusses an iAnnotate feedback model used by the authors to comment on written work in first-year writing courses. We aim to show that the use of iAnnotate, like other emergent technologies, mitigated a number of issues that regularly undermine high-quality feedback (such as the time it takes for instructors to write detailed comments and the challenge for students to read illegible handwriting or to keep track of hard copies of their papers). Yet, we contend that our feedback model goes beyond these practical benefits and, more importantly, enhances student learning. Specifically, we argue that it aligns instructor and …

Educational Outcomes From The Openorbiter Small Spacecraft Development Program, Jeremy Straub

Jeremy Straub

The OpenOrbiter program [1] is developing a low-cost framework for the creation of space-craft by researchers and educators worldwide [8]. In addition to the technical objectives, ed-ucational assessment [2, 3] has also been a key focus. Students working on development of the spacecraft [4] were asked what types of benefits they sought from their participation [5]. The assessment of the attainment of these benefits is ongoing, in conjunction with continued development in pursuit of the crea-tion of a set of designs that can be used to build a spacecraft with a cost of under $5,000 [13] .

Where Are You Aiming? Using Learning Outcomes To Guide And Assess Practice, Larry D. Long

Larry D. Long

We have all heard about learning outcomes, but how do we write them and effectively evaluate them? This interactive session provides an overview of learning outcomes, tips, and advice about writing learning outcomes using Learning Reconsidered as a framework. The session also demonstrates how to assess student learning based on learning outcomes.

The Diffusion Of Geospatial Technologies Among Louisiana Assessors, Craig A. Johnson

Craig A Johnson

The Diffusion of Geospatial Technologies among Louisiana Assessors The diffusion of geospatial technologies, including Geographic Information Systems and Computer Aided Mass Appraisal Systems, among Louisiana Assessors has been slowed by limited resources, a lack of communication and slow innovation decision processes. This theory supports the theories and research on the diffusion of innovation developed by Dr. Everett M. Rogers in his book entitled the Diffusion of Innovations. The data collected from several online surveys of Louisiana Assessors between 2007 and 2013 was compared to identify factors that spurred or impeded the adoption of geospatial technologies among assessment offices.

An Assessment Of Waste Management Activities Of Plateau Environmental Protection And Sanitation Agency, N L. Binbol Phd, F Ogboji, A A. Lahor

Confluence Journal Environmental Studies (CJES), Kogi State University, Nigeria

The research examined the performance of Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) as a waste management agency on the Jos Plateau. The research made use of primary data in the form of structured questionnaires to elucidate required information from respondents. Four wards Naraguta B, Jenta Adamu, Jenta Apata and Tudun Wada Kabong were used as sampling points. The research made used of both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques for data analysis. Results obtain shows that 88% of wastes generated were domestic in nature and that the commonest methods of refuse disposals are the open space (33%) and back yard …

An Assessment Of Waste Management Activities Of Plateau Environmental Protection And Sanitation Agency, Cjes Department Of Geography And Planning Kogi State University Anyigba

Confluence Journal Environmental Studies (CJES), Kogi State University, Nigeria

The research examined the performance of Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) as a waste management agency on the Jos Plateau. The research made use of primary data in the form of structured questionnaires to elucidate required information from respondents. Four wards Naraguta B, Jenta Adamu, Jenta Apata and Tudun Wada Kabong were used as sampling points. The research made used of both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques for data analysis. Results obtain shows that 88% of wastes generated were domestic in nature and that the commonest methods of refuse disposals are the open space (33%) and back yard …

Mobile Information Services Marketing: An Assessment Of Needs, Quality And Satisfaction, Shahriar Akter, Fumiyo Kondo

Shahriar Akter

While user needs, service quality and satisfaction regarding most services have been well explored in academic literature, there exists little research on these factors with respect to mobile information services. This study taps into these voids and examines the impact of these factors on mobile information services marketing through an empirical investigation in Japan. It pursues a conceptual model based on the basic parameters of information marketing, that is, information needs, information quality and user satisfaction. The findings indicate that user perceived information services quality is determined by the quality of information delivery platform (affordability, availability, reliability, security and ease …

Class Participation As A Learning And Assessment Strategy In Law: Facilitating Students’ Engagement, Skills Development And Deep Learning, Alex Steel, Anna Huggins, Julian Laurens

Alex Steel

Well designed assessment can be a vehicle for encouraging students to learn and engage more broadly than with the minimums required to complete the assessment activity. In that sense assessment need not merely ‘drive’ earning, but can instead act as a catalyst for further learning beyond what a student had anticipated. In this article we reconsider the potential roles and benefits in legal education of a form of interactive classroom learning we term assessable class participation (ACP), both as part of a pedagogy grounded in assessment and learning theory, and as a platform for developing broader autonomous approaches to learning …

Clarifying Assessment: Developing Official Typologies And Instructions For Forms Of Assessment In Law, Alex Steel

Alex Steel

Law students are expected to complete a range of assessment throughout their degree, and do so with varying levels of success. Increasingly, research has examined the ways in which student performance can be enhanced. While much focus has been on how to best to provide students with feedback that can be acted on, this paper examines the extent to which standardisation of the way in which assessment tasks are described could assist students. The use of the same name to describe different variations of an assessment task can create confusion for students and for new members of staff. Research demonstrates …

‘Works Well With Others’: Examining The Different Types Of Small Group Learning Approaches And Their Implications For Law Student Learning Outcomes, Julian Laurens, Alex Steel, Anna Huggins

Alex Steel

In the current regulatory climate, there is increasing expectation that law schools will be able to demonstrate students’ acquisition of learning outcomes regarding collaboration skills. We argue that this is best achieved through a stepped and structured whole-of-curriculum approach to small group learning. ‘Group work’ provides deep learning and opportunities to develop professional skills, but these benefits are not always realised for law students. An issue is that what is meant by ‘group work’ is not always clear, resulting in a learning regime that may not support the attainment of desired outcomes. This paper describes different types of ‘group work’, …

Unsw Law School In The Assessment Project, Alex Steel

Alex Steel

This chapter outlines the approach UNSW Law took to developing a whole of curriculum approach to assessment . It included an audit of assessment practices, surveys of student attitudes and experiences and the development of program and course learning outcomes that were mapped across the curriculum.

Assessment Practices In The Post-Communicative Era: A Multiliteracies Perspective, Heather Willis Allen, Beatrice Dupuy, Kate Paesani

Kate Paesani

Although numerous integrated approaches to foreign language teaching and learning have emerged during the “post-communicative era,” assessment practices have not kept pace with changes reflected within these approaches. Assessment practices often remain form-focused, oriented toward isolated language competencies, and devoid of focus on expression or interpretation of meaning. Yet, as Kern (2000) stated, “what is evaluated constitutes the de facto curriculum and how it is evaluated reflects the de facto philosophy of learning and teaching” (p. 267). In other words, when assessment practices focus on forms and isolated skills while lacking a focus on meaningful communication, instructors see mastery of …

Case Study: Engaging Student Residence Life Staff In Using Ebi Results For Continuous Innovative Improvement, Kate Burdick, Larry D. Long

Larry D. Long

Are you interested in engaging student residence life staff in using EBI results for continuous innovative improvements? If so, join us for some lively activities and discussion about ways that one residence life complex at Michigan State University used student staff brainpower to help address residents’ concerns identified in the EBI data. We will include specific exercises that were utilized in this process, as well as examples of initiatives that were implemented.

“I’Ve Got The Data, Now What?:” Making Sense Of Assessment Data, Larry D. Long

Larry D. Long

How to analyze and interpret qualitative and quantitative assessment data

The Role Of Assessment And Accountability In Higher Education Doctoral Programs: A Presidential Perspective, Sydney Freeman Jr., Frances K. Kochan

Sydney Freeman Jr., PhD, CFD

The accountability movement in higher education is gaining momentum in the United States

and around the world. In recent years, there has been growing pressure on higher education

institutions to demonstrate their value through various accountability measures, with a strong focus upon

the assessment of student progress and success. In the U.S., this pressure has come from

state and federal government , accrediting agencies, parents, and the general public. Additionally, the

changing environment within the teaching and learning process is impacting the manner in which students

will be assessed and the purposes of this assessment . Thus, there is a …

Ifsam: The Wiki Way: Supporting Collaborative Learning, Kathleen Hughes

Kathleen Hughes

Skills in working in teamwork are demanded from graduates, and these are ever more likely to be over the internet. Horizon (2011) calls for this experience to be reflected in students’ project work. The use of Wikis has been posited as a tool for collaborative online knowledge creation, increasing students levels of engagement, and social constructivism (Wheeler and Wheeler, 2009: Lai and Ng, 2011). The use of wikis in student groups is still relatively new, however, and the need for investigation of its role in supporting group collaboration has been identified in literature (Bruen, et al., in Donnelly, Harvey and …

To Springshare (And Beyond) Integration, Michelle Jacobs-Lustig

Michelle Jacobs-Lustig

Pepperdine University has given many of its services a virtual facelift. Gone are the paper stats sheets and study room sign-up clip boards - in are the mobile room scheduling apps and easy to use online stats forms. Gone is the back and forth emailing with students for one-on-one session - in is the one-click session scheduler. For the users this new easy to use transformation has been “magical.” For the staff, things are going smoothly and time can be managed more effectively. However could this all be possible in a time when library budgets are shrinking rather than growing? …