Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Surfing The Internet: Electronic Library And Archival Resources For Historians, Michael K. Organ, Catriona Mcgurk

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

The Internet is a phenomenon which has gained widespread recognition in a relatively short period of time, whilst the term `Surfing the Internet' is a popular one with the media and computer buffs. It is also an appropriate way of describing a decidedly non-physical activity which, like its more strenuous counterpart, takes us on a journey - nay, an adventure! - in which we are at the mercy of the elements, be they natural or electronic. `Surfers', whether on board, ski, or as body-surfer, catch waves certain of one thing only, namely that they will ultimately end up on the …

Surfing The Internet And Academic Research: What Use For Historians?, Michael K. Organ, Catriona Mcgurk

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

The Internet is a relatively new phenomenon whose value has yet to be proven in an academic research environment. Many scholars remain sceptical of its uses beyond entertainment and the supply of general information. Through the example of historical research, this paper attempts to reveal both the present limitations and future scope of the new technology.

Using Statistics For Database Management In An Academic Library, P. Hyland, Lynne Wright

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

The collection of statistical data about the usage of databases by library patrons is an important task for librarians. It is necessary for a variety of reasons, including the provision of appropriate access points, the minimisation of costs associated with database licences and the diagnosis of strengths and weaknesses in the training programs provided for the patrons of the library. The collection of these statistics is cumbersome, unless it can be automated as part of the process of accessing the databases. This paper presents a critical appraisal of the development, implementation and evaluation of an automated statistics gathering system at …

Computer And Information Literacy Skills For Professional Engineering Educators, Parviz Doulai, Helen Mandl

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

This paper aims to raise awareness of the need for upgraded skills among professional engineering educators in order to keep pace with changes in the global information network. It is shown how extensive resources on the Internet may contribute to research as well as being valuable teaching supplements. A short discussion on the need for a type of "information literacy" that includes "computer literacy" is presented. This paper also briefly presents some background information about the Internet's extensive, and rapidly improving, resources. In the context of the ability to explore the global hypermedia environment, different types of Internet tools and …

A Systematic Approach To Improving University Teaching, Max Gillett, Maureen E. Bell

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

Traditionally the Australian system of higher education has evaluated and rewarded universities on the basis of their research output. In recent years, however, there has been a Significant move to evaluate and acknowledge excellence in teaching. Consequently many institutions have established policies and programs for the improvement of teaching. Centres for staff development, graduate award courses and research programs for research on teaching and learning have appeared in universities across the country (Martin & Ramsden, 1994).

In this context several interesting developments have occurred at the University of Wollongong. First, several initiatives were designed to identify and reward good teaching. …