Digital Commons Network^™

Jesus The Gardener: A Revised Perspective Of A Favourite New Testament Scene, James Cregan

Theology Conference Papers

Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Christ in the garden in which he was entombed, described in John 20:14-15, is one of the most poignant in the entire Bible. If we are to accept the interpretation of some commentaries, Mary, when she finds the tomb empty, in her grief induced confusion[1] fails to recognise Jesus when he appears to her, supposing him to be the gardener. Her fear is that the same people who have killed him have removed his body. It is only when Jesus calls to her by name that there ensues what has been described as …

Consuming The Aesthetic Of The Everyday: A Visual Analysis Of Errol Morris’ “High Life”, HéLèNe De Burgh-Woodman, C Payne

Business Conference Papers

Co-constructed meaning between marketer and consumer is a key dimension of convergent (Jenkins 2006) media. Using “Miller’s High Life” ads (1999-2005) we discuss how content convergence prompts different co-constructed meanings among consumer segments, how “mundane art” is produced and how the marketer/consumer relationship is transformed into a filmmaker/viewer-consumer one. From an interdisciplinary perspective, we discuss the implications of this transformed relationship for marketing.

Managing Student Distraction: Responding To Problems Of Gaming And Pornography In A Western Australian School For Boys, Frank G. Bate, Jean M. Macnish, Steven Males

Education Conference Papers

This paper provides some initial findings from a current longitudinal study that examines the implementation of a 1:1 laptop program in a school for boys in Perth, Western Australia. One issue that has emerged from the study is the problem of managing student distraction. The school in this study has taken a proactive approach to managing student conduct on its own network. Two student monitoring initiatives were implemented during the course of the research. The first: parental control software sought to integrate the parental control features of the laptops with the school network. The second initiative: e-safe is a web …

The Name Four Factor Model For Engaging Students In Academic Support Services, Keith Mcnaught, Elizabeth Beal

Education Conference Papers

This paper describes the first student experience survey of a newly established academic and support service, delivered by an “Academic Enabling and Support Centre” (AESC) at The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle campus. The purpose of the study was to identify the key factors that would be likely to increase student access and participation rates, and accordingly enhance student outcomes. There was an overt institutional focus on the needs of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, driven, in part, by the national agenda to increase student diversity and participation in the tertiary sector. The survey demonstrated that several operational aspects related …

Using ‘Core Academic Literacy’ Course Results To Create A Profile For Potentially ‘At Risk’ Students, Keith Mcnaught, Fleur Mcintyre

Education Conference Papers

This paper suggests students who are ‘at risk’ might also be identified through the analysis of performance within a core academic literary unit, taken within the first semester of their course. By identifying students with a low pass score in a core academic literacy unit, and analysing these students by a range of factors, a course and/or faculty specific ‘at risk’ profile may be created. In an analysis of students undertaking a Health Science core academic literacy unit in Semester 1, 2010, and tracking those students over their first year of studies, three factors, when in combination, emerged to create …

Building A New Brand Community Through Online Media: The Transition From Print To Online Platforms At Le 10 Sport, Doris Madingou, HéLèNe De Burgh -Woodman

Business Conference Papers

As online media increasingly assumes dominance in the marketplace, we use the case study of French company Le 10 Sport to explore the complexities associated with transition from print to online media and the impact on brand community. Le 10 Sport is a sport media company that has successfully gone online. As traditional print media outlets are increasingly pressured by the need to abandon existing readerships and go online, the essential question explored in this paper is can a sports media producer build and maintain its brand community while transitioning to the online platform?

The findings suggest the transition from …

Teaching Economics Within John Henry Cardinal Newman’S Ideal University: A Nineteenth Century Vision For The Twenty-First Century Scholar, Gregory C G Moore

Business Conference Papers

"Now, please, let me bring out what I want to say, while I am full of it. I say then, that the personal influence of the teacher is able in some sort to dispense with an academical system, but that the system cannot in any sort dispense with personal influence. With influence there is life, without it there is none; if influence is deprived of its due position, it will not by those means be got rid of, it will only break out irregularly, dangerously. An academical system without the personal influence of teachers upon pupils, is an arctic winter; …

Multiple Intelligences, Eclecticism And The Therapeutic Alliance: New Possibilities In Integrative Counsellor Education, Mark Pearson

Arts Conference Papers

In the wake of the movement in the field of counselling towards integrative and eclectic practice the search for unifying theories continues. Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences (MI), only recently applied to the field of counselling, has a contribution to make in evolving a framework for eclecticism. MI theory may also have a particular contribution to make towards helping counsellors strengthen the therapeutic alliance and enhance flexibility in responding to clients' needs. Gaining an understanding of clients' preferred cognitive and communication styles, or 'intelligences', enhances an ability to tailor treatment. This presentation argues that increases in the therapeutic alliance and …

Integration Of Visual Art For Small Worshipping Communities, Angela M. Mccarthy

Theology Conference Papers

A difficulty for small worshipping communities is having the resources and personnel to provide suitable enervating opportunities for reflection on the Word during worship that enriches and enlivens their community action. Research has shown that interaction with visual imagery assists contemplation and integration of text and will therefore assist those gathered to consider the Scripture of the day.

Visual imagery in art has been neglected as a source of theology and hence the vocabulary needed to ‘read’ the artworks relevant to Scripture will have to be re-learnt. This paper will provide an understanding of how visual arts can augment Scriptural …

Effects Of Global Trade Liberalisation On Forestry Products And Forest Sustainability Using The Gtap Model, Luz C. Stenberg, Mahinda Siriwardana

Business Conference Papers

The paper analyses the effects of trade liberalization amongst the leading exporters and importers of forest products, in particular, as well as global merchandise, in general. The study utilises the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model and its database, version 7. Given that forest products only comprise a small proportion of world merchandise trade, it is expected that trade liberalisation would cause small changes in terms of trade, real GDP, production, consumption and prices of forest products in most countries. In the short-run, national welfare in China and Japan would increase substantially by more than $US400 million while the opposite …

The Importance Of Induction Programmes For Beginning Teachers In Independent Catholic Secondary Schools In New South Wales, Sean P. Kearney

Education Conference Papers

Beginning teacher induction is an important process in acculturating teachers to their new profession (Kearney, 2010). Researchers argue that the first year of teaching is crucial in the success, retention and development of teachers (Smith & Ingersoll 2004). The aim of this research is to ascertain the effectiveness of induction programmes in Catholic Independent High Schools in NSW; establish whether those programmes are congruent with what the literature deems as best practice; and to determine the implications this has for policy for the independent school sector. The study will comprise: an extensive literature review; a document review of induction/mentoring policies …

Development Of The New Academic: The Case For Blended Delivery, Boris Handal, Elaine Huber

Education Conference Papers

This case study reports the design, implementation and evaluation of an academic induction program, delivered using a blend of in campus and online environments at Macquarie University.

Developing Students' Capacity For Innovation, Creativity And Critical Thinking Through Contemporary Forms Of Assessment, Sean P. Kearney, Tim Perkins

Education Conference Papers

In continuing with the forms and methods of assessment that for decades have pervaded higher education, are we devaluing the education we provide and disengaging students in the process?

Why do we assess? What is our purpose and for whose benefit do we assess? Are these benefits achieved through current practices? These are the questions that need to be addressed.

The demands on educators to provide valuable, student-centred assessment and feedback have never been greater. Feedback is one of the most powerful influences on learning and achievement (Hattie, 2007), and how we construct and evaluate these tasks to provide feedback …

Improving Engagement: The Use Of ‘Authentic Self And Peer Assessment For Learning’ To Enhance The Student Learning Experience, Sean P. Kearney, Tim Perkins

Education Conference Papers

The University system in the United States has been criticized for depersonalizing education (Tae 2009). The depersonalization of learning shows a lack of engagement on the part of the educator and the student and consequently the university. We ask the question: Can incorporating self and peer assessment into tertiary studies help to reengage students in their education?

Innovative assessment practices have the capacity to significantly change the perceptions of students with regard to their tertiary studies. Assessment drives learning (Boud, 1990); however, the wrong type of assessment drives the wrong type of learning. Traditional tests, meaningless essays, research projects that …

Designing Assistive Technology Training For Paraprofessionals, Dianne J. Chambers

Education Conference Papers

With an increase in the number of students with disabilities being included in regular education settings internationally, there has also been a subsequent increase in the number of paraprofessionals supporting these students (Ghere & York-Barr, 2007; Giangreco, Smith & Pinckney, 2006). In many school situations, the paraprofessional holds responsibility for assisting students with special needs to access the curriculum of the classroom, as well as to manage the social and emotional environment (Carter, O'Rourke, Sisco & Pelsue, 2009).

The Role Of Ict In The Pedagogical Transformation Of Primary Teachers: Dream, Aspiration, Reality, Frank G. Bate

Education Conference Papers

This paper discusses findings from a recent longitudinal study that examined how 35 beginning teachers used information and communications technologies (ICT) in the first 3 years of their teaching. The research, set in Australia, adopted a mixed method approach to help understand the role that ICT played in the evolving pedagogical identities of the teachers involved. The study found that beginning teachers articulated pedagogical beliefs that aimed to engage their students in active meaning making. It also found that these teachers were competent in the use of a basic suite of ICT software. However, pedagogical beliefs that resonate with contemporary …

Lithuanian Diaspora In Western Australia: The Dissolution Of A Community, Milena Vico

Arts Conference Papers

This paper describes the significance of the cultural identity to Lithuanians resettled in Perth, Western Australia as part of the post World War Two diaspora. At the end of WWII, approximately 10,000 Lithuanian displaced persons were admitted to Australia. Of this number, 583 established themselves permanently in Perth, WA. Despite the desire for continuity and preservation of their original pre-war culture Lithuanians in Western Australia had to confront a new environment and a different dominant culture which required them to make adjustments. In what ways and to what extent has this process of modification affected the life of this group …

The Rudd Government And National Security: Continuity Or Change In The War On Terror?, Daniel Baldino

Arts Conference Papers

A vast proportion of the national security architecture to fight the amorphous global ‘war on terror’, created after 9/11, remains untouched. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has expressed a commitment to ensuring that agencies such as the AFP and ASIO have the expertise, capacity and resources to collect and analyze the information needed to combat terrorism. Rudd has also identified a commitment to stop a terrorist attack while not compromising the integrity of democratic traditions and constitutional processes. This paper will address the tone and direction of the Rudd government’s approach to the problem of terrorism, examine proposed reform in key …

The Construction Of Testimony: Exploring The Preservation Or Loss Of Cultural Identification Within Different Post-War Lithuanian Diaspora Populations Now Settled Outside Their Country Of Birth And Nationality, Milena Vico

Arts Conference Papers

This paper describes how ethnographic-style qualitative interviews have been used successfully to ascertain the extent to which the pre-WWII Lithuanian culture has survived among members of the post-war Lithuanian diaspora now settled in Western Australia, all of whom were in their eighties at the time of the study. For comparison purposes, the study compared the experience of the Western Australian emigres with the experiences of a comparison sample of age-matched emigre Lithuanians who had settled and remained in Siberia since the war and a comparison sample of Lithuanians of the same age who had remained in Lithuania itself under its …

Creativity And Contemporary Value, Camilla Nelson

Arts Conference Papers

There are few English nouns that have generated such relentlessly good publicity as the word ‘creativity’. It is increasingly found scattered across the literature of the arts and sciences, industry, business management, information technology, education and government. It has been called the key to economic growth, the ‘decisive source of competitive advantage’, and the ‘very heart’ of ‘wealth creation and social renewal’¹. It is also a burgeoning object of study in the humanities, where it is increasingly applied across spheres and disciplines, extending far beyond the artist’s studio into the new interdisciplinary schools of Creative Industries, as well …

A Brave New World: Life In The Global Metropolis, Melissa D. Milton-Smith

Arts Conference Papers

In the new millennium, digital artists are questioning the nature of human existence within the global metropolis. As a case example, digital artist Marnix de Nijs’ uses interactive, responsive and cinematic media to explore notions of alienation, diaspora, flux and dislocation within urban contexts. His installations examine globalisation’s affects – and in doing so – provide new ways for us to respond to its ‘brave new worlds’. In this paper I will present digital media as a unique mode of expression, borne of globalisation’s zeitgeist and uniquely situated to articulate its human impacts. Most critically, I will explore how interactive …

Supervising A Research Thesis: A Practical Guide, Richard G. Berlach

Education Books

Introduction (Or… what have I gotten myself into?)

Supervising a thesis student is not difficult. It can, however, be angst-inducing for inexperienced supervisors. I recall my own insecurity when asked to supervise my first thesis candidate – an Honours student for whom hindsight makes me feel sorry. I remember at the time seeking the advice of a more experienced colleague, bemoaning the fact that I was too inexperienced for the task. His response was simply “so what’s the best way to get experience?”. These words, although perceived as being dismissively callous at the time, have held me in good stead. …

Pre-Service Teachers Using The Le@Rning Federation's Digital Resources., Chris Campbell, Jean Macnish

Education Conference Papers

This work in progress paper describes research that is investigating the use of learning objects, created by, and digital resources, negotiated by The Le@rning Federation and their use in a technology unit in pre-service teacher education as well as investigating how these learning objects are being used by the pre-service students while out in schools during their practicum. This study will have data collection in 2010 which will involve approximately 700 students across two campuses of the university which are located in Sydney and Fremantle. The study uses a qualitative research methodology and involves questionnaires as the primary data collection …

Tpack And The Real World: How Useful Is The Framework?, Frank G. Bate, Dorit Maor

Education Conference Papers

This paper describes a recent longitudinal study set in Australia which examined the extent to which early career teachers used information and communication technologies (ICT) in their classrooms. The study, which tracked 35 teachers through the first three years of their teaching, found a range of personal and socio-cultural factors that impacted on the extent to which ICT was used. In addressing personal factors such as teachers’ beliefs, knowledge and skills, the research drew upon the work of Mishra and Koehler (2006) to consider the inter-relationships between teachers’ technological, pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK). The use of TPACK as an …

Sharing Learning Designs That Work., Leanne Cameron, Chris Campbell

Education Conference Papers

Sharing learning designs that have been previously trialled and proven successful is a means of disseminating innovation and best teaching practice whilst at the same time conserving teacher time and effort. Generic learning designs provide a lesson scaffold that can introduce innovative teaching strategies to lecturers without requiring them to become experts in learning design or theory. The LAMS Activity Planner is a tool that uses generic learning designs to provide comprehensive guidance for academics that will assist them in the development of inspiring learning design examples and supportive activities. In this paper, two learning design examples, WebQuests and Web …

Class Sizes: The Elephant Under The Carpet Of Ict Integration, Frank G. Bate

Education Conference Papers

This paper discusses findings from a recent longitudinal study that examined how 35 beginning teachers used information and communications technologies (ICT) in the first 3 years of their teaching. The research, set in Western Australia, adopted a mixed method approach to help understand the role that ICT played in the evolving pedagogical identities of the teachers involved. The study found that beginning teachers articulated pedagogical beliefs that aimed to engage their students in active meaning making. It also found that these teachers were competent in the use of a basic suite of ICT software. However, pedagogical beliefs that resonated with …

Student Ministry: Preparing Young People As Leaders For The 21st Century, Chris Hackett, Shane D. Lavery

Education Conference Papers

Ministry with young people has never been more important. Ever-increasing local, national and global concerns demand that schools must do more than prepare young people as responsible citizens. They must prepare young people as emerging leaders with a civic conscience who proactively seek solutions to issues such as increased poverty, the plight of refugees, terrorism, climate change, and corporate greed. This article is about student ministry. Student ministry, as defined in this article, specifically aims to build leadership capacity in school students. In particular, the article attempts to highlight the distinctiveness of student ministry and those ways it promotes and …

Strategies For Hope And Sustainability, The Beginning Principal: Needs And Challenges, Debra Sayce, Shane D. Lavery

Education Conference Papers

Since the 1990s, educational leaders in developed countries have experienced significant change across all educational systems. To date, this momentum for rapid change has continued unabated. Political pressures on schools continue to increase as short term governments expect improvements in educational outcomes in shortened periods of time. Public expectations of performance by schools are intensifying. School effectiveness dominates professional discourse. Learning technologies have expanded. Family contexts have changed and the nature of the educational workforce is dictated by society s economic and social situation. Catholic school principals, in addition to coping with such issues, are also regarded as leaders within …

Managing Major Educational Change: Is The Cyclical Integration Model The Answer?, Richard G. Berlach

Education Conference Papers

Where minds meet, there lies the change vector. I have for a long time been fascinated by the way in which change, and specifically educational change, is managed. More often than not it seems, minds fail to meet in a crucial change-space. They either unwittingly zip past each other, deliberately avoid one another, or worse still, collide with excruciating force. This paper examines the interrelated role of government, the public service and teachers in successfully transitioning major change. It is argued that unless these bodies operate in synchrony, change negotiation is likely to be hampered. To this end, a model …

Integrating The Experience Of Students Through Collaborative Task Design Using Student Blogs, Chris Campbell

Education Conference Papers

There is interest in the social learning advantages technology-infused pedagogy gives higher-education students. This paper reports on data that was part of a wide project from multi-campus teaching in the Bachelor of Education course at La Trobe University. The project aim was to increase the use of technology in the course by enriching the student experience and moving beyond giving lecture content. The project used a blog as the main source of communication between students who were asked to collaboratively construct a definition of learning. Results show students were generally positive about the task, although improvements can be made to …