3,489 results
Search Results
2. Comparing a Mobile Phone Automated System With a Paper and Email Data Collection System: Substudy Within a Randomized Controlled Trial.
- Author
-
Bond DM, Hammond J, Shand AW, and Nassar N
- Subjects
- Adult, Australia epidemiology, Cesarean Section, Data Collection, Female, Humans, Pregnancy, Reproducibility of Results, Cell Phone, Electronic Mail
- Abstract
Background: Traditional data collection methods using paper and email are increasingly being replaced by data collection using mobile phones, although there is limited evidence evaluating the impact of mobile phone technology as part of an automated research management system on data collection and health outcomes., Objective: The aim of this study is to compare a web-based mobile phone automated system (MPAS) with a more traditional delivery and data collection system combining paper and email data collection (PEDC) in a cohort of breastfeeding women., Methods: We conducted a substudy of a randomized controlled trial in Sydney, Australia, which included women with uncomplicated term births who intended to breastfeed. Women were recruited within 72 hours of giving birth. A quasi-randomized number of women were recruited using the PEDC system, and the remainder were recruited using the MPAS. The outcomes assessed included the effectiveness of data collection, impact on study outcomes, response rate, acceptability, and cost analysis between the MPAS and PEDC methods., Results: Women were recruited between April 2015 and December 2016. The analysis included 555 women: 471 using the MPAS and 84 using the PEDC. There were no differences in clinical outcomes between the 2 groups. At the end of the 8-week treatment phase, the MPAS group showed an increased response rate compared with the PEDC group (56% vs 37%; P<.001), which was also seen at the 2-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. At the 2-month follow-up, the MPAS participants also showed an increased rate of self-reported treatment compliance (70% vs 56%; P<.001) and a higher recommendation rate for future use (95% vs 64%; P<.001) as compared with the PEDC group. The cost analysis between the 2 groups was comparable., Conclusions: MPAS is an effective and acceptable method for improving the overall management, treatment compliance, and methodological quality of clinical research to ensure the validity and reliability of findings., (©Diana M Bond, Jeremy Hammond, Antonia W Shand, Natasha Nassar. Originally published in JMIR mHealth and uHealth (http://mhealth.jmir.org), 25.08.2020.)
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. The Fruits of Research Editors' Perspectives on Publishing Work from ICME-13
- Author
-
Safford-Ramus, Katherine and Coben, Diana
- Abstract
The Thirteenth Meeting of the International Congress on Mathematical Education (ICME-13) convened in Hamburg, Germany, in July, 2016. There were two Topic Study Groups (TSGs) dedicated exclusively to adult learners and the authors of this paper served on the organizing committees of these groups. Arrangements were made by the congress committee for the publication of peer-reviewed papers from each TSG by Springer International Publishing AG in a series of edited books. In this paper we focus on our experiences as editors of the monographs resulting from our two TSGs.
- Published
- 2018
4. Why Phishing Works: Project for an Information Security Capstone Course
- Author
-
Pollacia, Lissa, Ding, Yan Zong, and Yang, Seung
- Abstract
This paper presents a project which was conducted in a capstone course in Information Security. The project focused on conducting research concerning the various aspects of phishing, such as why phishing works and who is more likely to be deceived by phishing. Students were guided through the process of conducting research: finding background and related work on the topic, determining the hypothesis, development of the survey system, data collection, analysis of the results, and writing of the academic paper. This project was very successful in that students gained in-depth knowledge about phishing, developed an understanding of research and academic writing, and learned to statistically analyze data to support or refute their hypothesis. Educators who are teaching a capstone course in Information Security may be interested in this project because it is an appropriate level for undergraduate seniors, it can be accomplished in one semester, and the participants can be other students at the institution.
- Published
- 2015
5. EFL Learners and English Email Writing: Developing a Computerised Diagnostic Language Assessment
- Author
-
Nicholas, Allan, Blake, John, and Mozgovoy, Maxim
- Abstract
Email remains a key mode of communication between faculty and students in higher education institutions. Composing appropriate email texts is an important skill for learners; however, little technological support is available for the pragmatic aspect of email communication -- the ways in which social context influences language choices. Furthermore, pragmatics can be undertaught in the language classroom. One approach to providing support for learners while also addressing the issue of giving instruction to large class sizes is via computerisation. In this ongoing research project, we describe the development of a Computerised Diagnostic Language Assessment (C-DLA) of L2 English email writing for Japanese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in Japanese higher education. The C-DLA provides automated feedback to learners on the pragmatic aspects of their draft email texts, with feedback adapting to learners' success in resolving identified issues. We report on the development phases of the project, challenges encountered, and implications for further research. [For the complete volume, "CALL and Professionalisation: Short Papers from EUROCALL 2021 (29th, Online, August 26-27, 2021)," see ED616972.]
- Published
- 2021
6. Exploring Co-Adaptation in an Ecosystem of Dyadic Interaction
- Author
-
Ashley Beccia, Wai Man Adrienne Lew, and ZhaoHong Han
- Abstract
In the field of applied linguistics, Diane Larsen-Freeman is widely recognized, among her numerous contributions, as the originator of Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST). Over the years since her seminal publication (Larsen-Freeman, 1997), CDST has evolved into a meta-theory that guides the field's thinking on a variety of developmental phenomena, not least the study of second language acquisition. As its theoretical potency rises, so does the need to achieve a tangible understanding of CDST's core constructs. In this paper, we empirically examine one such construct, co-adaptation, in the context of asynchronous dyadic interaction. A data corpus of 39 emails sent between two college students in China and the United States over the course of seven weeks is analyzed using NVivo 12. Co-adaptation is observed at the pragmatic, discourse, and linguistic levels. True to the spirit of CDST, we describe, and discuss the nuances of, our findings. Considering the novelty of our approach to data analysis, we end by reflecting on the limitations specific to our study, as well as worthwhile directions for future pursuits.
- Published
- 2024
7. Simulating Real-World Context in an Email Writing Task: Implications for Task-Based Language Assessment. Research Report. ETS RR-23-05
- Author
-
John M. Norris, Shoko Sasayama, and Michelle Kim
- Abstract
Accomplishing a communication task in the real world requires the ability not only to do the task per se but also to manage aspects of the context in which it occurs. For this reason, simulations of target language use contexts have been incorporated into the design of communicative language tests as a way of enhancing the authenticity of assessment task performance. Although some contextual factors may increase extraneous cognitive load and distract learners from focusing on the task at hand (Sweller, 1994), they represent important design considerations in task-based language assessment (TBLA), where the purpose of assessment is to determine what second language (L2) learners can do with the target language in the real world. In that sense, the extraneous cognitive load might well be part of the construct we are interested in assessing. Accordingly, the current study simulated aspects of a real-world task performance context as part of an email writing task assessment. Simulated context was operationalized as (a) additional information about the task scenario, (b) a visual image to simulate the physical context, and (c) an audio to replicate the real-world experience. A total of 276 L2 English learners performed the email task, half with simulated context and the other half without it. Findings revealed that, when presented with simulated context, the tasks were perceived by participants to have induced more time pressure and to be more interesting. In terms of performance effects, the provision of simulated context negatively affected the syntactic complexity of participants' writing but positively affected their syntactic fluency. It also led to greater discrimination among learners at different proficiency levels on various measures of language performance. The paper concludes by highlighting implications for task design and validity evaluation, especially in TBLA.
- Published
- 2023
8. Digital Transformation of Complex Educational Scenarios (Comparative Study of Final Qualification Assessment for Foreign Languages Programs)
- Author
-
Rusudan Makhachashvili and Ivan Semenist
- Abstract
The global quarantine measures and restrictions have posed a challenge to the structure and procedure of university summative assessment process. Foreign Languages Acquisition and Linguistic Education assessment are interdisciplinary processes, informed by the nature of linguistic content and types of communicative and professional activities within a framework of set and variable scenarios. The study is based on identification of various interdisciplinary competency principles, derivative of 21st century skills. This inquiry objective is to investigate the dynamic progress and results of digital transformation of final qualification assessment for students of European and Oriental Languages programs, employed in the years 2020 and 2021 through the pandemic emergency digitization measures. The study focus is on the comparison of the cases and best practices of Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University (Ukraine) Digital Final Qualification Assessment to derive contrastive results for different stages of digitization (2020 and 2021) in Foreign Languages major programs. Comparative results of the efficiency of ICT tools and practices applications across different educational activities of Final Qualification Assessment and interoperable digital literacy levels requirement are evaluated. [For the full proceedings, see ED639633.]
- Published
- 2022
9. Instructional Design for a Virtual IT Course during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Author
-
Ma, Qingxiong and Faja, Silvana
- Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives, including instruction in the higher education system. In this sudden and stressful change, faculty had to explore different opportunities and technologies to continue to deliver quality instruction to their students. Instructional design has always been an important topic for education researchers and practitioners, and has become even more so in these challenging times. This paper presents an example of instructional design of a database course delivered virtually during the pandemic, using cloud-based tools and resources. The course employed cloud-based technologies, both synchronous and asynchronous. This paper discusses the process and tools that were used as well as the challenges encountered. The instructional design methods presented here can also be used in the post-COVID-19 era.
- Published
- 2021
10. Grading Emails and Generating Feedback
- Author
-
Unnam, Abhishek, Takhar, Rohit, and Aggarwal, Varun
- Abstract
Email has become the most preferred form of business communication. Writing "good" email has become an essential skill required in the industry. "Good" email writing not only facilitates clear communication, but also makes a positive impression on the recipient, whether it be one's colleague or a customer. The aim of this paper is to demystify the components of a "good" email and to define a set of parameters by which to grade the quality of an email and provide detailed feedback. This can help candidates improve their email writing skills and also guide tutors. The email grading parameters encompass traditional attributes of written English (i.e. coherent and relevant content and correct grammar) but also include a unique set of characteristics that we may objectively identify as email etiquette. These characterstics comprise the metrics we use to evaluate the quality of the various constituent parts of an email. We grade the email using artificial intelligence, acting on semi-structured text. We use a mix of machine learning and rule-based systems to effectively grade an email on the specified parameters. Our system automatically grades email with accuracy comparable to human graders. [For the full proceedings, see ED599096.]
- Published
- 2019
11. The Communication Preferences of Collegiate Students
- Author
-
Swanson, Joan Ann, Renes, Susan L., and Strange, Anthony T.
- Abstract
This paper presents findings on communication preferences of college students (N=1986) related to academic and non-academic purposes. This study also examines the use of technological tools which influence student communication preferences. Findings indicate a preference for face-to-face interactions despite the heavy utilization of technological devices. Educational implications are shared which challenge educators to incorporate communication involving not only reading or hearing others, but using tools for technological interactions to also view others, thus creating situations utilizing face-to-face encounters via those tools. [For the complete proceedings, see ED600498.]
- Published
- 2018
12. The Importance of English Writing Skills in the International Workplace. Research Memorandum. ETS RM-20-07
- Author
-
Educational Testing Service (ETS), Lee, Shinhye, and Schmidgall, Jonathan
- Abstract
In this paper, we discuss the multi-faced role of English writing in the international workplace. Drawing upon previous research, we point out that English, as the main lingua franca, supports a variety of writing practices in the workplace, and so it presents both significant value and challenges for internationally operating individuals and organizations. In the initial sections of the paper, we review the importance and frequency of the English writing activities that facilitate communication and collaboration in the international workplace. We conclude this discussion by presenting three implications of good writing practices in the workplace for individuals and organizations.
- Published
- 2020
13. Alpha Phi-Shing Fraternity: Phishing Assessment in a Higher Education Institution
- Author
-
Casagrande, Marco, Conti, Mauro, Fedeli, Monica, and Losiouk, Eleonora
- Abstract
Phishing is a common social engineering attack aimed to steal personal information. Universities attract phishing attacks because: (1) they store employees and students sensitive data; (2) they save confidential documents; and (3) their infrastructures often lack security. In this paper, we showcase a phishing assessment at the University of Redacted aimed to identify the people, and the features of such people, that are more susceptible to phishing attacks. We delivered phishing emails to 1.508 subjects in three separate batches, collecting a clickrate equal to 30%, 11% and 13%, respectively. We considered several features (i.e., age, gender, role, working/studying field, email template) in univariate and multivariate analyses and found that students are more susceptible to phishing attacks than professors or technical/administrative staff, and that emails designed through a spearphishing approach receive a highest clickrate. We believe this work provides the foundations for setting up an effective educational campaign to prevent phishing attacks not only at the University of Redacted, but in any other university
- Published
- 2023
14. Students Got Mail: Do Students Read Semi-Tailored Emails and What Is the Impact?
- Author
-
Madison Reynolds, Jonathan Tyler, James Wakefield, and Raechel Wight
- Abstract
This paper examines the effectiveness of providing personalised email feedback via an automated email application in a large undergraduate introductory accounting course. Over 1,200 students received feedback via emails sent weekly, semi-tailored to each student based on their results in online self-test learning quizzes. We first found that students read the majority of emails distributed. Second, through tracking, using regression analysis, we found that reading emails is related to significantly higher final examination performance in some cases. However, this is moderated by factors relating to diversity in a large cohort exceeding 1,000 students. The results indicate that feedback needs to be readily actionable and aligned with assessed learning outcomes to realise significant impacts on exam performance. This study is relevant to educators who teach large and diverse cohorts and need time-efficient solutions to tailor the learning experience to each student.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
15. Potential Consumer Harm Due to Regulation on Financial Advisory Communication in the FinTech Age
- Author
-
Tharp, Derek T.
- Abstract
This article examines potential consumer harm that may arise due to regulating modern financial services communication technology with rules written in the early 20th century. It is argued that disparities in record keeping regulation across communication mediums disincentivizes the use of technology capable of generating records for consumer retention, while incentivizing the use of technology which shields financial advisors from accountability. Experimental evidence is provided in support of this argument. Further, it is argued that regulation disparities across communication mediums may result in more wrongful accusations of advisor misconduct, less reporting of genuine misconduct, less self-policing among industry members, and greater unrectifiable consumer harm. Objections to these arguments are considered, along with practical guidance for consumers, regulators, and policy makers. [This manuscript was presented at the 12th Biennial Conference of the Asian Consumer and Family Economics Association (ACFEA).]
- Published
- 2020
16. Networks of Support: How Online Resources are Built, Maintained, and Adapted for Community Language Revitalization Needs at FirstVoices
- Author
-
Bridget Chase and Kyra Borland
- Abstract
FirstVoices is a technology-centered organization that works with forty-seven Indigenous language communities around British Columbia. One of its top priorities is providing high-quality technical assistance as well as accessible annual training sessions for the platform. This requires nuanced systems of support and adaptability within the methods we use. Over the last two years, its team has grown and modified its procedures with the goal of best serving the unique needs of different communities. With nearly 1,000 support emails in its Service Desk system since June 2018 and two years of regional training -- one in-person, one entirely online -- the team has tracked trends within technology-centered language requests. In this paper, we will conduct a mixed methods analysis of all the support tickets the team has received, as well as an analysis of the qualitative and quantitative feedback from training sessions in order to break down the patterns and themes that exist. We will also discuss the process of creating and maintaining a wiki-style Knowledge Base, the variety of techniques employed to assist remote users, and the potential for future growth in FirstVoices' networks of support. Our intentions with this paper are to provide insight for community groups, language organizations, and linguists alike around capacity-building opportunities in the field of digital language mobilization. As FirstVoices continues to grow and as technology becomes even more essential within the realm of language revitalization, it is crucial that we make note of these trends and prepare ourselves to adapt to the digital-based needs of language communities.
- Published
- 2022
17. Emoticons in Student-Professor Email Communication
- Author
-
Baggia, Alenka, Žnidaršic, Anja, and Tratnik, Alenka
- Abstract
Emoticons have become a common phenomenon in email correspondence between students and professors. Even though the use of emoticons in formal writing is considered inappropriate and unprofessional, more and more students are using these nonverbal communication tools to add context or emphasis to their email messages to professors. This paper examines the association between the use of emoticons and professors' perceptions of higher education students' email messages with and without emoticons in two countries, Serbia and Slovenia. The students' emails were collected and assessed on several levels. The students' messages were examined with particular attention to the appropriateness of the students' writing style. In addition, the students' level of digital literacy, their attitude toward a professor, and gender differences in the use of emoticons were examined. Furthermore, an online questionnaire was used to identify characteristic differences between students who use emoticons and students who do not. The results show that messages with emoticons are rated lower on several dimensions than messages without emoticons. In addition, students who use emoticons show lower digital literacy and perceive their professors as more understanding and helpful. Emoticon use is not related to gender. The results suggest that students should avoid using emoticons even if they have a positive attitude toward their professor.
- Published
- 2022
18. Burke's Dramatism Framework: A Lens to Analyse Bullying
- Author
-
Jacobs, Lynette
- Abstract
Bullying is rife in schools across the world, which has emotional, educational as well as financial implications. Research suggests that the way in which bystanders, and in particular adults, react to such incidents is pivotal in curbing this problem. While a dearth of research focuses on the victims as well as the perpetrators of bullying, one should not ignore how different interactions between role-players influence the situation. The purpose of the paper is to explore the extent to which Burke's Dramatism framework can be used as a lens to gain insight into how role-players respond to bullying incidences, and how this contributes to the drama. I use a series of email discussions with the mother of a bullied child as a case study. [For the complete Volume 15 proceedings, see ED574185.]
- Published
- 2017
19. Practical Papers, Articles and Application Notes
- Author
-
Kye Yak See
- Subjects
Engineering ,Electromagnetics ,Anechoic chamber ,business.industry ,Computer Networks and Communications ,Electrical engineering ,Absorption cross section ,Electromagnetic compatibility ,Field strength ,Structural engineering ,Electronic mail ,Q factor ,Signal Processing ,Electrical and Electronic Engineering ,business ,Instrumentation ,Software ,Electromagnetic reverberation chamber - Abstract
I would like to introduce three wonderful papers to all our readers. Q. Xu and Y. Zhao from the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, China; X. Shen and K. Chen from the Nanjing Rongce Testing Technology Ltd, China; and Y. Huang from the University of Liverpool, U. K., authored the first paper "Absorption Cross Section Measurement of a Vehicle in Reverberation Chamber for Quick Estimation of Field Strength". For electromagnetic immunity testing of a vehicle, a reverberation chamber (RC) loaded with the vehicle-under-test has to be calibrated so that the necessary input power to generate the required field strength can be determined. In this paper, the average absorption cross section (ACS) of a vehicle in the frequency range of 80 MHz — 24 GHz is measured so that the required electric field strength in the RC loaded with a car can be estimated before the RC is constructed. Once the typical ACS of a car is known, one only needs to measure the Q factor of an unloaded RC and the Q factor of the RC loaded with a car can be predicted. This is very useful before the RC is constructed, as once the RC is built the unloaded Q factor cannot be increased.
- Published
- 2022
20. The Impact of Online Dynamic Assessment on the Development of EFL Students' Speaking Skills: A Comparison of Online Synchronous and Asynchronous DA Sessions
- Author
-
Haez, Saba Ghanbari and Delfani, Mahtab
- Abstract
The current paper examined the impact of Dynamic Assessment (DA) on the speaking skills of EFL learners applying socio-cultural theory, which was developed by Vygotsky (1934). The study also tried to compare the results from online synchronous DA sessions, which were done in the form of one-to-one online training over Google Meet, with the results from asynchronous DA sessions, in which the trainer and the trainees were interacting over Gmail. To this end, 90 EFL institutional students from Iran, who were getting ready to take the IELTS test, were selected as the participants of the program. The cases were then divided into two experimental groups and one control group, each with 30 contributors. IELTS speaking tasks, marked by IELTS speaking band descriptors, were used to assess their speaking skills. Comparing the pre-test and post-test, the findings indicated development in all four areas of fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Moreover, comparing the results from the two experimental groups showed that the participants who received asynchronous DA sessions outperformed the other experimental group. It is worth mentioning that a broader level of development was observed in experimental groups than the control group, in which the members received synchronous non-Dynamic Assessment (non-DA) methods.
- Published
- 2022
21. Comparing a Mobile Phone Automated System With a Paper and Email Data Collection System: Substudy Within a Randomized Controlled Trial
- Author
-
Jeremy Hammond, Antonia W. Shand, Diana M. Bond, and Natasha Nassar
- Subjects
Adult ,medicine.medical_specialty ,020205 medical informatics ,Breastfeeding ,Validity ,Health Informatics ,02 engineering and technology ,Information technology ,law.invention ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Randomized controlled trial ,law ,Pregnancy ,0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering ,Medicine ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Response rate (survey) ,Data collection ,Electronic Mail ,business.industry ,Cesarean Section ,Data Collection ,Australia ,Reproducibility of Results ,T58.5-58.64 ,Clinical trial ,Mobile phone ,Cohort ,Physical therapy ,Female ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 ,business ,Cell Phone - Abstract
Background Traditional data collection methods using paper and email are increasingly being replaced by data collection using mobile phones, although there is limited evidence evaluating the impact of mobile phone technology as part of an automated research management system on data collection and health outcomes. Objective The aim of this study is to compare a web-based mobile phone automated system (MPAS) with a more traditional delivery and data collection system combining paper and email data collection (PEDC) in a cohort of breastfeeding women. Methods We conducted a substudy of a randomized controlled trial in Sydney, Australia, which included women with uncomplicated term births who intended to breastfeed. Women were recruited within 72 hours of giving birth. A quasi-randomized number of women were recruited using the PEDC system, and the remainder were recruited using the MPAS. The outcomes assessed included the effectiveness of data collection, impact on study outcomes, response rate, acceptability, and cost analysis between the MPAS and PEDC methods. Results Women were recruited between April 2015 and December 2016. The analysis included 555 women: 471 using the MPAS and 84 using the PEDC. There were no differences in clinical outcomes between the 2 groups. At the end of the 8-week treatment phase, the MPAS group showed an increased response rate compared with the PEDC group (56% vs 37%; P Conclusions MPAS is an effective and acceptable method for improving the overall management, treatment compliance, and methodological quality of clinical research to ensure the validity and reliability of findings.
- Published
- 2020
22. Proceedings of the International Conference on Educational Data Mining (EDM) (12th, Montreal, Canada, July 2-5, 2019)
- Author
-
International Educational Data Mining Society, Lynch, Collin F., Merceron, Agathe, Desmarais, Michel, and Nkambou, Roger
- Abstract
The 12th iteration of the International Conference on Educational Data Mining (EDM 2019) is organized under the auspices of the International Educational Data Mining Society in Montreal, Canada. The theme of this year's conference is EDM in Open-Ended Domains. As EDM has matured it has increasingly been applied to open-ended and ill-defined tasks such as writing, design, and collaborative problem solving, and it has been used in new informal contexts where student actions are at best semi-structured. This iteration of the conference includes a range of work in these and other areas. This year's conference features three invited talks: Julita Vassileva, Professor at the Department of Computer Science, University of Saskatchewan, Canada; Steve Ritter, Co-Founder and Chief Scientist, Carnegie Learning Inc., Pittsburgh; and Michael Mozer, Professor Department of Computer Science and Institute of Cognitive Science University of Colorado. The number of accepted papers include 22 full papers and 42 short papers. An additional 47 papers were accepted to the poster track. The poster and demo track itself accepted 14 contributions out of 34 submissions. Together with the "Journal of Educational Data Mining" ("JEDM"), the EDM 2019 conference held a "JEDM" Track that provides researchers a venue to deliver more substantial mature work than is possible in a conference proceeding and to present their work to a live audience. The papers submitted to this track followed the "JEDM" peer review process. Two such papers are featured in the conference's program. Additionally this year, papers that were regularly published in the journal in 2018 were invited for presentation at the conference. Two authors accepted this invitation. The main conference invited contributions to an Industry Track in addition to the main track. The EDM 2019 Industry Track received eleven submissions of which six were accepted. The EDM conference continues its tradition of providing opportunities for young researchers to present their work and receive feedback from their peers and senior researchers. The doctoral consortium this year features eight such presentations. This year's conference includes also an invited talk by the authors of the 2018 winner of the EDM Test of Time Award. This year's talk is delivered by Mykola Pechenizkiy. In addition to the main program, there are three workshops: (1) Learning Analytics: Building bridges between the Education and the Computing communities; (2) Reinforcement Learning for Educational Data Mining; and (3) Workshop on EDM & Games: Leveling Up Engaged Learning with Data-Rich Analytics. Three tutorials were presented as well: (1) Sharing and Reusing Data and Analytic Methods with LearnSphere; (2) Causal Discovery with Tetrad in LearnSphere's Tigris and Designing and Developing Open; and (3) Pedagogically-Based Predictive Models using the Moodle Analytics API.
- Published
- 2019
23. 'My Training Has Failed Me': Inconvenient Truths about Second Language Teacher Education (SLTE)
- Author
-
Farrell, Thomas S. C.
- Abstract
This paper is motived by an email message the author received recently from a practicing, 'well-qualified' (BA and MA in Linguistics and a (200 hundred hour) TESL Certificate) ESL teacher in the US who was reaching out because she felt her training as a teacher had failed her. This prompted the author to reflect on two main inconvenient truths related to how language teachers are educated from their perspective in order to give a voice to the voiceless (the practicing teachers). These are: "Inconvenient Truth #1: Theory/Practice Gap"; "Inconvenient Truth #2: No Contact With Newly Qualified Teachers." The author noted that truths remain 'inconvenient' to teacher educators only because many fail/refuse to acknowledge this 'truth' exists or even understand why it exists. However, rather than just pointing out these inconvenient truths, the paper suggests possible solutions to each of these so that the lived experiences of learner teachers, newly qualifies teachers (NQTs) and experienced teachers can be greatly enhanced.
- Published
- 2019
24. Faculty-Students Online Communication Channels
- Author
-
Meishar-Tal, Hagit and Pieterse, Efrat
- Abstract
In recent years, we have witnessed a significant expansion of the communication channels available to lecturers and students. The purpose of this study is to examine the considerations guiding faculty members in choosing the communication channels they offer their students and the connection between the communication channel chosen and personal and organizational characteristics. The study was conducted using a questionnaire distributed among lecturers through public distribution lists and social networks. A total of 128 respondents completed the questionnaire. It was found that the lecturers' use of the various communication channels available to them was conservative, i.e., the leading channels in use were formal communication (e-mail, face-to-face meetings, and course websites). The lecturers made very little use of personal communication channels and rarely used social media. It was also found that organizational climate, personality characteristics, and the perception of the lecturers' role were related to the use of personal and social communication channels. [For the complete proceedings, see ED601080.]
- Published
- 2019
25. Math Teachers Sensemaking and Enactment of the Discourse of 'Perseverance'
- Author
-
Buenrostro, Patricia and Ehrenfeld, Nadav
- Abstract
Students' opportunities to struggle with mathematical ideas have long been considered paramount to learning. However, there's little research on how teachers; (1) draw on and make sense of the discourses of perseverance; (2) enact it in classroom; and (3) develop an expansive view of perseverance. To contribute to these lines of research, we build on a case study featuring a veteran mathematics middle-school teacher across two settings: his classroom where he facilitates students' engagement with a classical mathematical task, the Tower of Hanoi, and in a subsequent video-based debrief with his colleague and our research team. We propose a conceptualization of perseverance as upholding three dimensions of: (1) persistence; (b) sensemaking; and (c) problem solving heuristics. We argue for its potential as a conceptual resource for operationalizing perseverance more comprehensively. [For the complete proceedings, see ED606556.]
- Published
- 2019
26. Virtual School Garden Exchange -- Thinking Globally, Gardening Locally
- Author
-
Lochner, Johanna
- Abstract
This paper gives an overview of nine different Virtual School Garden Exchange (VSGE) projects. In VSGEs, learners from primary or secondary schools with school gardens exchange virtually on their garden experiences and related topics, using digital media like emails, photos, films, or videoconferences. In this manner, the global perspective of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) can be integrated in the school garden. ESD aims to enable children, young people, and adults to think and act in a sustainable manner. It puts people in a position to make decisions for the future and to estimate how their actions affect future generations or life elsewhere in the world. In this paper, the research procedures and main results of the preliminary study of my PhD research project are presented. [For the complete volume, "Telecollaboration and Virtual Exchange across Disciplines: In Service of Social Inclusion and Global Citizenship," see ED596376.]
- Published
- 2019
27. Automation in Distance Learning: An Empirical Study of Unlearning and Academic Identity Change Linked to Automation of Student Messaging within Distance Learning
- Author
-
Collins, Hilary, Glover, Hayley, Myers, Fran, and Watson, Mor
- Abstract
This paper explores the unlearning and learning undertaken by adjuncts (Associate Lecturers) during the introduction of automated messaging by the university as part replacement of adjunct pastoral support for students. Automated messages were introduced by the University to standardize the student experience in terms of qualification communications, for example, reminders of forthcoming assessment deadlines. This change in communicative strategy is due to shifting power from a collegial to a managerial culture and practice in supporting distance learning students effectively. This is a university-wide initiative in a bid to improve progression and completion in an increasingly cost-focused higher education environment. The introduction of automated messaging requires adjuncts to learn new processes, and thus unlearn previous organizational routines which impacts upon their academic identity and perceived power within their roles. [For full proceedings, see ED571430.]
- Published
- 2016
28. Manifestations of Middle School Learners' Problematization Activity Using 'Flatland' as a Case of Alternative Perspective
- Author
-
Valentine, Keri Duncan
- Abstract
In order to address concerns with the underrepresentation of spatial thinking in K-12 curricula, (National Research Council, 2006), Valentine and Kopcha (in press) designed and implemented a learning environment integrating cases as alternative perspective (Jonassen, 2011) in the context of eighth-grade mathematics. The design aimed to provide learners opportunities to investigate multiple representations of space and dimension concepts. Among the seventy cases, "Flatland: The Movie" (Caplan, Wallace, Travis, & Johnson, 2007) and "Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions" (Abbott, 1885/1991) operated as sources for learners' mathematization activity. This paper shares phenomenological manifestations of learners' experiences, focusing on their problematization of space and perspective concepts. Learners' problematization was captured as classroom discourse, student blog postings, and phenomenological interviews. Data indicates that both versions of "Flatland" acted as provocation tools, led to impasses, and operated as a source for questions and conjectures.
- Published
- 2016
29. Communication Strategies in a Telecollaboration Project with a Focus on Latin American History
- Author
-
Fernández, Susana S.
- Abstract
This paper will present and discuss the linguistic challenges that Argentinian university students of history and Danish university students of Spanish met during the course of a telecollaboration project based on synchronous communication in Skype. The purpose of this discussion is to identify linguistic pitfalls and the solutions adopted by both native and non-native participants in order to keep the conversations going in spite of misunderstandings, vocabulary limitations and other breaches in communication. The purpose of the discussion is to detect areas of strategic competence that need to be addressed in class, particularly for the benefit of the non-native speakers. [For the complete volume, see ED571330.]
- Published
- 2016
30. Subject Matter Experts Feedback on Experimental Procedures to Measure User's Judgment Errors in Social Engineering Attacks
- Author
-
Pollock, Tommy, Levy, Yair, Li, Wei, and Kumar, Ajoy
- Abstract
Distracted users can fail to correctly distinguish the differences between legitimate and malicious emails or search engine results. Mobile phone users can have a more challenging time identifying malicious content due to the smaller screen size and the limited security features in mobile phone applications. Thus, the main goal of this research study was to design, develop, and validate a set of field experiments to assess user's judgment when exposed to two types of simulated social engineering attacks: phishing and Potentially Malicious Search Engine Results (PMSER), based on the interaction of the environment (distracting vs. non-distracting) and type of device used (mobile vs. computer). In this paper, we provide the results from the Delphi methodology research we conducted using an expert panel consisting of 28 cybersecurity Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who participated, out of 60 cybersecurity experts invited. Half of the SMEs were with over 10 years of experience in cybersecurity, the rest around five years. SMEs were asked to validate two sets of experimental tasks (phishing & PMSER) as specified in RQ1. The SMEs were then asked to identify physical and Audio/Visual (A/V) environmental factors for distracting and non-distracting environments. About 50% of the SMEs found that an airport was the most distracting environment for mobile phone and computer users. About 35.7% of the SMEs also found that a home environment was the least distracting environment for users, with an office setting coming into a close second place. About 67.9% of the SMEs chose "all" for the most distracting A/V distraction level, which included continuous background noise, visual distractions, and distracting/loud music. About 46.4% of the SMEs chose "all" for the least distracting A/V level, including a quiet environment, relaxing background music, and no visual distractions. The SMEs were then asked to evaluate a randomization table. This was important for RQ2 to set up the eight experimental protocols to maintain the validity of the proposed experiment. About 89.3% indicated a strong consensus that we should keep the randomization as it is. The SMEs were also asked whether we should keep, revise, or replace the number of questions for each mini-IQ test to three questions each. About 75% of the SMEs responded that we should keep the number of mini-IQ questions to three. Finally, the SMEs were asked to evaluate the proposed procedures for the pilot testing and experimental research phases conducted in the future. About 96.4% of the SMEs selected to keep the first pilot testing procedure. For second and third pilot testing procedures, the SMEs responded with an 89.3% strong consensus to keep the procedures. For the first experimental procedure, a strong consensus of 92.9% of the SMEs recommended keeping the procedure. Finally, for the third experimental procedure, there was an 85.7% majority to keep the procedure. The expert panel was used to validate the proposed experimental procedures and recommended adjustments. The conclusions, study limitations, and recommendations for future research are discussed.
- Published
- 2022
31. Navigating the New Normal: Teaching in the Time of COVID
- Author
-
Craig, Clay M., Bergstrom, Andrea M., Brooks, Mary E., and Bichard, Shannon
- Abstract
The importance of staying relevant when teaching communication and advertising courses is hardly a new concept nor is the use of modern and evolving technologies to achieve this goal. However, empirically assessing college students' perceptions of online learning when it is a forced choice is an underexplored area. To address this gap and consider the perspectives of diverse student populations, this paper analyzes data collected from a large communication class at a Hispanic serving institution. The purpose of this research is to better understand students' perceptions of teaching technologies, class sizes, benefits and hindrances of online learning, preferred course delivery methods, social adaptations, and perceptions of how their university has handled the transition. Data revealed face-to-face courses were the most desired modality with no race or first-generation (FG) differences; however, gender differences were present. Class size impacted modality preference as well as preference for the inclusion of specific online tools. Additionally, a longitudinal comparison of student data between 2018 and 2020, before and after the onset of the global pandemic, revealed significant differences in student preparedness, faculty interaction, and institutional communication.
- Published
- 2022
32. 'They Want a Reply Immediately!' Teachers' Perceptions about Contact between Home and School
- Author
-
Hedlin, Maria and Frank, Elisabeth
- Abstract
In many countries today, there is emphasis on teachers' interaction with parents. Also, parents are expected to be involved in their children's schooling. Teacher education, however, has been criticized for not preparing the prospective teachers sufficiently for the task. International studies have found on the one hand that digital technology facilitates teachers' communication with guardians, and on the other hand that communication via email risks leading to negative consequences. The aim of this study is to explore how the contact between home and school is perceived from a group of Swedish teachers' perspective. The empirical material consists of questionnaires directed to schoolteachers. In this paper, we analyse how teachers have answered open-ended questions posed in the questionnaire. The teachers report that it has become much more common for parents to contact them, in particular via email, and parents expect teachers to be available for them and respond quickly. The teachers try to establish their own individual guidelines for how to handle parental contacts. Our conclusion is that collegial cooperation could facilitate the teachers' tasks involving parents, and that teacher education should address the issue of how to combine good working conditions with a professional approach and good relations with the parents.
- Published
- 2022
33. Faculty Perceptions of Using Synchronous Video-Based Communication Technology
- Author
-
Lowenthal, Patrick R., West, Richard E., Archambault, Leanna, Borup, Jer, and Belt, Eric S.
- Abstract
Online learning has traditionally relied on asynchronous text-based communication. The COVID-19 pandemic, though, has provided many faculty members with new and/or additional experience using synchronous video-based communication. Questions remain, though, about how this experience will shape online teaching and learning in the future. We conducted a mixed method study to investigate faculty perceptions of using synchronous video-based communication technology. In this paper, we present the results of our inquiry and implications for future research and practice.
- Published
- 2021
34. Modeling Math Identity and Math Success through Sentiment Analysis and Linguistic Features
- Author
-
Crossley, Scott, Ocumpaugh, Jaclyn, Labrum, Matthew, Bradfield, Franklin, Dascalu, Mihai, and Baker, Ryan S.
- Abstract
A number of studies have demonstrated strong links between students' language features (as found in spoken and written production) and their math performance. However, no studies have examined links between the students' language features and measures of their Math Identity. This project extends prior studies that use natural language processing (NLP) features to examine student language features and math performance, replicating their analyses. The study then uses NLP features to model students' Math Identity. Specifically, the study compares performance on basic math skills within an online math tutoring system to both student language (as captured in emails to a virtual pedagogical agent) and to survey measures of Math Identity (math self concept, interest, and value). Language features were analyzed by a number of NLP tools that extracted information related to text cohesion, lexical sophistication, and sentiment. The findings indicate weak to medium relationships between math scores and Math Identity and language features were able to predict a significant amount of the variance in each Math Identity variable and in math scores. The potential for these measures to inform interventions for students with lower Math Identity is discussed. [For the full proceedings, see ED593090.]
- Published
- 2018
35. ICT Tools for Promoting Self-Paced Learning among Sandwich Students in a Nigerian University
- Author
-
Anurugwo, Appolonia O.
- Abstract
Sandwich programmes are an innovation in teacher education geared towards the production of high quality manpower. They are organized during school vacations so that teachers working full-time would also have the opportunity to advance academically and improve professionally. However, the intensive nature of the programme jeopardizes the actualization of its objectives. Sandwich students, as adult learners, are self-directed and self-paced learners. Self-paced learning is any kind of instruction that progresses according to the speed of the learner. It is a "teach-yourself" method that does not require on-the-spot feedback from instructors. Sandwich students, therefore, need ICT tools to encourage their self-paced learning. This study involved twenty-seven final year Guidance and Counselling sandwich degree students at Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Owerri, who brainstormed in a round table setting and concluded that ICT tools such as audio tapes, smart phones, e-mail, video tape, internet, and other web-based learning should be applied to promote self-paced learning among sandwich students in Nigerian Universities. Based on the findings, recommendations were made and conclusions drawn. [For the full proceedings, see ED597456.]
- Published
- 2018
36. Open for All: The OERu's Next Generation Digital Learning Ecosystem
- Author
-
Lane, David C. and Goode, Claire
- Abstract
This paper describes the functionality, scalability, and cost of implementing and maintaining a suite of open source technologies, which have supported hundreds of thousands of learners in the past year, on an information technology infrastructure budget of less than US$10,000 per year. In addition, it reviews pedagogical opportunities offered by a fully open digital learning ecosystem, as well as benefits for learners and educators alike. The Open Education Resource universitas (OERu) is an international consortium made up of 36 publicly funded institutions and the OER Foundation. The OERu currently offers first-year postsecondary courses through OER-based micro-courses with pathways to gain stackable micro-credentials, convertible to academic credit toward recognised university qualifications. The OERu, adhering to open principles (Wiley, 2014b), has created an open source Next Generation Digital Learning Ecosystem (NGDLE) to meet the needs of learners, consortium partners, and OERu collaborators. The NGDLE--a distributed, loosely coupled component model, consisting entirely of free and open source software (FOSS)--is a global computing infrastructure created to reach learners wherever they are. All OERu services are hosted on commodity FOSS infrastructure, conferring significant advantages and creating opportunities for institutions adopting any of these services to enhance education opportunities at minimal cost. The NGDLE can also increase technological autonomy and resilience while providing exceptional learning opportunities and agency for learners and educators alike.
- Published
- 2021
37. Piloting Learning Analytics in a Multidisciplinary Online Program
- Author
-
Nyland, Rob, Croft, Benjamin, and Jung, Eulho
- Abstract
Learning analytics is a recent innovation that holds promise for improving retention in fully online programs. However, only a few case studies exist to show models for and outcomes of the implementation of learning analytics systems. This paper reports on a learning analytics implementation in a fully online, multidisciplinary program designed for nontraditional students using a pilot planning group with stakeholders from various roles. The processes for selecting reports, creating communication structures, and evaluating outcomes are outlined. Overall, faculty and advisors were positive about the project and found the reports to be helpful. The results suggest that the actions most often triggered by learning analytics reports were emails to students. Evaluation results suggest that the implementation of the learning analytics program and the interventions enacted had a positive impact on student success, though we acknowledge that it is difficult to isolate the impact of the learning analytics tool itself. We also address several challenges that came along with the implementation of learning analytics including understanding the efficacy of interventions, data security, and ethics.
- Published
- 2021
38. Exploring the Dynamics of Willingness to Communicate in Written Communication: A Case Study
- Author
-
Choe, Ann Tai
- Abstract
This paper investigates the dynamics of willingness to communicate (WTC) in written communication between a native and non-native speaker of English. Although research into WTC has identified topic as an interacting variable affecting L2 learners' WTC during task performances (MacIntyre & Legatto, 2011) and classroom interactions (Cao, 2013), fewer studies have explored the nature of written WTC, its relationships with topics, as well as L2 writing development. This study addresses this gap by exploring the dynamism of WTC in writing from a Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST) perspective. Through the employment of three methods--WTC analysis, complexity and accuracy analysis, and functional analysis--the findings suggest that WTC in written communication also reflects the characteristics of a dynamic system. Specifically, it fluctuates as the interlocutors organically move from one topic to the next. Results from the complexity and accuracy analysis and functional analysis provide further evidence to confirm that L2 development is a highly variable and nonlinear process. Overall, these findings lend support to the CDST perspective of interlanguage (IL) development, including dynamism in WTC and L2 writing development.
- Published
- 2017
39. Being and Becoming Online Teachers: A Collaborative Autobiographical Narrative Inquiry
- Author
-
Cardinal, Trudy, Kim, Mijung, Pegg, Jerine, and Branch-Mueller, Jennifer
- Abstract
In this paper, we retell the process of our collaborative autobiographical narrative inquiry into our experiences of teaching online. Our research wonders come from two questions: What is online teaching? Who are we in this space? Early in our time together we came to understand how our individual backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives have influenced the ways we see, create, and navigate our place, and our students' place, in online classroom communities. We also came to understand how our diverse identities--the stories to live by that we each carry of becoming "teacher"--shaped the ways we live and experience online teaching. From this collaborative experience we see the potential and value of autobiographical narrative inquiry for all those being and becoming online teachers.
- Published
- 2021
40. Technology in Teaching Speaking and Its Effects to Students Learning English
- Author
-
Sosas, Rowena V.
- Abstract
This paper presents the technology used in teaching speaking and its effects to students as they learn to speak in English. Phenomenology was used to gather the data with the three groups of Focus Group Discussion (FGD) of 21 participants from the junior, sophomore and senior students in language classes in the University of Southern Mindanao, Kidapawan City Campus, and Philippines. Results revealed that students are taught to speak in English using the technologies of today such as video conferencing, email correspondence, social media interaction and real-time actual emceeing and onstage speaking performances where students are engaged in real academic and professional situations. Moreover, findings revealed that these technologies in teaching speaking build rapport, increase fluency and accuracy, ease anxiety and apprehension, and build confidence among students. Apparently, the researcher found that the technology used in teaching speaking can be aligned with the communicative way of teaching which allows students to convey themselves in a skillful and competent way of communication.
- Published
- 2021
41. EDITORIAL ON PUBLISHING PAPERS IN EVOLUTION
- Author
-
John A. Endler
- Subjects
Associate editor ,Cover (telecommunications) ,Publishing ,business.industry ,Statement (logic) ,Telephone number ,Genetics ,Library science ,Biology ,General Agricultural and Biological Sciences ,business ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Electronic mail - Abstract
Evolution currently receives about 400 manuscripts a year, or more than one a day. If anything is missing from the submission package, the editorial staff must take time away from copy-editing and other editorial tasks. Please submit four copies of your manuscript (including the "original") along with a cover letter. The cover letter should include a statement of submission, your full current address, any additional addresses where you can be reached within the next six months, and the associated telephone numbers, fax numbers, and electronic mail addresses. There should also be a statement that the paper has not been published, is not in press, or is not going to be submitted to any other publication. If you prefer, you can submit photocopies of the figures because few manuscripts are accepted without revision, but the copies should be publishable. If you do send original figures, please mark them on the back (as well as the accompanying manuscript) accordingly, so that they will not be sent to reviewers by accident. It is a good idea to reduce-photocopy the figures to published size experimentally, to make certain that lines are thick enough, and that words and numbers can be read. Please staple each copy of the manuscript securely, so that they cannot be mixed up if the envelope breaks in the mail (this happens more often than acceptance without revision!), and use a stout envelope. If you wish, suggest which Associate Editor you would like to handle the manuscript. We cannot guarantee that we will send it to your first choice because the Associate Editor may be overloaded with other manuscripts. You also may suggest possible reviewers, whom we may or may not use.
- Published
- 2017
42. From Research to Praxis: Empowering Trinidadian Primary School Teachers via Action Research
- Author
-
Bissessar, Charmaine S.
- Abstract
An exponential body of extant research illustrates the symbiotic dyad action research, andragogy, reflective praxis, and transformative learning share. This paper contains a narrative review of 83 action research papers submitted to the researcher as part of the fulfilment of the Bachelor of Education degree from April 2011 to May 2013. Additionally, interviews via email and telephone with 42 of the 83 student-teachers on their perceptions of the importance of action research on their instructional practice are examined. The narrative review of student-teachers' archival action research proposals was thematically coded to reflect challenges confronting primary school, special needs, and early childhood educators in Trinidad. Interviews from 42 of the 83 participants yielded the following four themes: (a) andragogy/empowerment; (b) student satisfaction; (c) the promotion of a culture of reflective praxis; and (d) transformative learning.
- Published
- 2015
43. Tagging Tabletops: How Children's Drawings on School Furniture Offer Insight into Their Learning
- Author
-
Rufo, David
- Abstract
In the spring of 2011, a teacher allowed his fourth and fifth grade students to draw and write on their classroom tables. What began as a few names eventually turned into a series of frenetic marks that completely covered the tabletops. Over the course of two years, new groups of students brought with them another cycle of marking that evolved in the form of notations, designs, and even carvings. The teacher documented this process over the years collecting data in the form of digital photographs, video clips, email communiqués, and teacher journal entries. This paper presents an analysis of the data, a discussion on the effects of allowing general elementary classroom students a significant degree of creative agency, and the pedagogical impacts of that agency.
- Published
- 2020
44. Information Overload: Students Are Overwhelmed with Marketing Chatter. How Can Colleges Get Their Attention?
- Author
-
Neutuch, Eric
- Abstract
College outreach efforts are sometimes received as nuisances, or worse, as maddening spam and junk email. New digital technologies and data-driven targeting innovations are reducing the amount of paper materials distributed, yet they are not reducing the oversaturation experienced by many prospective students. Colleges use Search and Encoura to target their outreach by a variety of demographic, academic, and college interest characteristics. For instance, if a college seeks to recruit female Hispanic students from the Southeast, with intended majors in the life sciences, SAT scores within a certain range, and an expressed preference for small-size campuses, it can license a set of data that matches such criteria. But colleges don't always target their communications narrowly. Some schools reach out to broad sweeps of students with tsunami waves of emails. And, increasingly, colleges reach out to students using a multitude of channels, creating a college admission marketing juggernaut. Students and parents are marketed to via email, text messaging, live chatboxes, social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and, for the media savvy, Snapchat, TikTok, and whatever emerges tomorrow), and digital retargeting--those advertisements that follow users around the internet. This article goes on to discuss some of the useful materials being sent, the College Board's data, and counselors' perspectives. It concludes with six tips for college marketers trying to get the attention of both students and parents.
- Published
- 2020
45. Making Requests to Professors in Emails: An Examination of Request Modifications Performed by Indonesian Students in Japan
- Author
-
Balman, Rezky Pratiwi and Lee, Sangmok
- Abstract
This paper examines email requests sent by Indonesian students to Japanese university professors using English as their lingua franca. It particularly analyzes how students modify their email requests using internal and external modifications as a way to soften the force of the imposed requests. Data were gathered from a total of 56 authentic emails and analyzed using a framework contrived by Economidou-Kogetsidis (2011), a modified Cross-Cultural of Speech Act Realization Patterns (CCSARP) coding scheme initially developed by Blum-Kulka, House & Kasper (1989). The result showed that while Indonesian students barely use the internal modifications to soften the imposition of their written requests, they tend to rely more on the use of external modifications using supporting moves. This strategy can indirectly modify the illocutionary force of the request as the students ensure that they provide their professors with enough background information and justify the reason behind their request through grounder moves. This present study also shows a shift in students' communication style where brevity is highly preferable.
- Published
- 2020
46. Defining and Operationalizing the Construct of Pragmatic Competence: Review and Recommendations. Research Report. ETS RR-15-06
- Author
-
Timpe Laughlin, Veronika, Wain, Jennifer, and Schmidgall, Jonathan
- Abstract
This review paper constitutes the first step within a larger research effort to develop an interactive pragmatics learning tool for second and foreign language (L2) learners and users of English. The tool will primarily endeavor to support pragmatics learning within the language use domain "workplace." Given this superordinate objective, this paper is subdivided into 2 parts. In the first section, we provide a detailed overview of previous (empirical) research, theories, and frameworks of communicative competence to review the role of pragmatics as an essential component of L2 communicative language ability. A principled, systematic, and exhaustive literature search was conducted via key word searches, and the selected literature was categorized and coded using NVivo 10 software. Next, 12 distinct models of communicative language ability that contain components of pragmatic knowledge were identified and analyzed. The commonly identified constitutive components were then reconceptualized into a proposed construct of pragmatic competence. The challenges of operationalizing pragmatic competence in both instruction and assessment are discussed. The second part of the paper constitutes a domain analysis of pragmatics in the language use domain "workplace." First, the literature is reviewed for communicative tasks and activities that feature prominently in different workplace settings across various English-speaking countries. Then, we suggest and exemplify different model task types that can be employed in the context of learning and assessment materials that aim to foster pragmatic-functional awareness in both English as a foreign language (EFL)/English as a second language (ESL) learners and first language (L1) speakers alike.
- Published
- 2015
47. The Effect of Two Types of Corrective Feedback on EFL Learners' Writing Skill
- Author
-
Farshi, Sina Soltanabadi and Safa, Saeedeh Khalili
- Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two types of corrective feedback on EFL learners' writing skill. Thirty five advanced learners in three groups participated in this study. Structures of written texts were taught in all three classes during fourteen sessions of treatment; and each session, a related topic was given and the learners were asked to write about it. In class A, the learners had to deliver their assignments to the teacher in classroom; then the teacher wrote the corrective notes on their papers and gave their papers back the next session. In class B, students had to write their assignments on their electronic instruments, and after that send written tasks via email to the teacher, and he also sent the corrective comments on their errors through email. In class C, as control group, no corrective feedback was given to learners' errors in their written tasks. Moreover, in class C, learners were free to deliver their writings whether in class or by email. The obtained results showed both methods to be effective since the scores of both experimental groups were significantly higher than the scores of control group, but electronic feedback was more effective and profitable than traditional type; because scores of the learners in group B (Electronic feedback) were significantly higher than class C (Traditional feedback).
- Published
- 2015
48. Weight concerns scale applied to college students: comparison between pencil-and-paper and online formats
- Author
-
Juliana Chioda Ribeiro Dias, João Maroco, Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini Campos, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), and Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE)
- Subjects
Cross-Cultural Comparison ,Male ,Social Psychology ,Psychometrics ,Adolescent ,Computer science ,Validity ,computer.software_genre ,Electronic mail ,Young Adult ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,Body Image ,Humans ,Students ,Equivalence (measure theory) ,Applied Psychology ,Reliability (statistics) ,Internet ,Information retrieval ,Data collection ,Cross-Over Studies ,Electronic Mail ,Communication ,Body Weight ,Reproducibility of Results ,General Medicine ,Translating ,Computer Science Applications ,Human-Computer Interaction ,Convergent validity ,Rapid Communications ,Scale (social sciences) ,Female ,Data mining ,computer ,Brazil - Abstract
Made available in DSpace on 2015-08-06T16:13:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2015 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Online data collection is becoming increasingly common and has some advantages compared to traditional paper-and-pencil formats, such as reducing loss of data, increasing participants' privacy, and decreasing the effect of social desirability. However, the validity and reliability of this administration format must be established before results can be considered acceptable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity, reliability, and equivalence of paper-and-pencil and online versions of the Weight Concerns Scale (WCS) when applied to Brazilian university students. A crossover design was used, and the Portuguese version of the WCS (in both paper-and-pencil and online formats) was completed by 100 college students. The results indicated adequate fit in both formats. The simultaneous fit of data for both groups was excellent, with strong invariance between models. Adequate convergent validity, internal consistency, and mean score equivalence of the WCS in both formats were observed. Thus, the WCS presented adequate reliability and validity in both administration formats, with equivalence/stability between answers. Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Departamento de Odontologia Social, Faculdade de Odontologia de Araraquara, Araraquara, Rua Humaitá 1680, Centro, CEP 14801-385, SP, Brasil Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Departamento de Odontologia Social, Faculdade de Odontologia de Araraquara, Araraquara, Rua Humaitá 1680, Centro, CEP 14801-385, SP, Brasil FAPESP: 2010/18279-3
- Published
- 2015
49. Trade-Off or Connected Growers: Implications on Accuracy and Complexity in L2 Writing
- Author
-
Gonzalez, Jordan
- Abstract
This paper responds to "Exploring the dynamism between propositional complexity and error rate: a case study" (EJ1176705) by Jordan Van Horn (this issue). In her study, Jordan Van Horn analyzes asynchronous email exchanges between a native and nonnative speaker of English utilizing three methods of analysis: error analysis, complexity analysis, and qualitative analysis. In triangulating the data, the author states that this mixed-methods approach can offer a better solution to limitations that arise as a result of employing only one method to analyze performance data. Indeed, interlanguage data often exhibits patterns of variability in complexity and accuracy in L2 learners (Spoelman & Verspoor, 2010). In order to better account for this variability and enhance our understanding of second language acquisition (SLA), the author incorporated Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST) to guide her analysis. CDST facilitates the unification of the three methods of analysis since it posits L2 language as exhibiting the characteristics of complex systems and L2 language development as one that involves natural flux and variation (Verspoor, Lowie & van Dijk, 2008). A major contribution of this study was Van Horn's finding of connected growers between complexity and accuracy. The CDST construct "connected growers" is defined by the author as linguistic subsystems that develop symbiotically as they interact. In other words, linguistic subsystems such as complexity and accuracy were found to have a positive correlation. This finding has major implications not only for our understanding of complex dynamic systems, but also, of SLA in particular, as during L2 linguistic performance, complexity and accuracy often compete with each other for cognitive resources and positive correlations between these two areas have been less common in the literature (Skehan, 2009). Thanks to Van Horn's study, we can understand interlanguage as a system, which interacts with other external systems (i.e. native speakers), while also consisting of interdependent systems (i.e. accuracy and complexity) that interact with each other.
- Published
- 2017
50. Supporting rural remote physicians to conduct a study and write a paper: experience of Clinical Research Support Team (CRST)-Jichi
- Author
-
Akihide Ohkuchi, Toyomi Kamesaki, Shigeki Matsubara, Masatoshi Matsumoto, Yosikazu Nakamura, and Shizukiyo Ishikawa
- Subjects
Service (business) ,Rural Population ,Emergency Medical Services ,Medical education ,Health (social science) ,Biomedical Research ,Electronic Mail ,business.industry ,Professional Practice Location ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Medical school ,Medicine (miscellaneous) ,Context (language use) ,Supporter ,Electronic mail ,Continuing professional development ,Nursing ,Physicians ,Medicine ,National Policy ,Humans ,Periodicals as Topic ,business ,Rural population - Abstract
CONTEXT Jichi Medical University (JMU) is the only medical school in Japan that is devoted solely to producing rural and remote doctors. To support research activities of its graduates, mainly young graduates under obligatory rural service, JMU established a voluntary team, Clinical Research Support Team (CRST)-Jichi. ISSUES CRST-Jichi consists of current and past JMU faculty members; all of them are specialists of certain medical fields and many are also graduates of JMU who have completed rural service. A client who asks the CRST for advice on study design or editing a paper emails the CRST to ask for support in conducting a study. Then, core members of the CRST assign the job to a registered specialist of the corresponding topic, who becomes a 'responsible supporter' and continues to support the client until a paper has been published. During the 3 years from July 2010, 12 English papers have been published in international peer-review journals, two Japanese papers in domestic journals, and 13 studies are in progress. Ninety-one percent of clients were satisfied with the service, and eighty-two percent considered their papers would not have been published if they had not used the service. Sense of commitment, existence of JMU-graduated specialists, and quick response were reported by clients as major strengths of CRST-Jichi. LESSONS LEARNED The experience of CRST-Jichi can potentially be transferred to not only other Japanese medical schools with rural doctor production programs, which are now rapidly increasing as part of a national policy, but also rural medical education systems in other countries.
- Published
- 2014
Discovery Service for Jio Institute Digital Library
For full access to our library's resources, please sign in.