an article by Alistair Sutcliffe and Amal Alrayes (Manchester Business School, University of Manchester) published in International Journal of Human-Computer Studies Volume 70 Issue 7 (July 2012)
Abstract
Two studies on collaborative learning in Second Life are reported.
The first is an ecological study of Second Life used in an undergraduate class, by observation, interviews, and limit surveys. Use of Second Life motivated students with good user experience, although they viewed it as a games technology. Second Life was used to prepare virtual meetings and presentations but not for online discussion, with Blackboard and especially Facebook providing collaborative support.
In the second experimental study, the effectiveness and user experience with Second Life and Blackboard were compared, including a face-to-face control condition. There were no performance differences overall, although face-to-face was quicker and was preferred by users, followed by Blackboard and Second Life. Blackboard was perceived to be more usable, whereas Second Life provided a better user experience.
Worst performance was indicated by dislike of avatar interaction in Second Life, and poor user experience in Blackboard, whereas better performance was associated with engagement with avatars, and better usability in Blackboard.
The results of both studies are reviewed using Salmon’s model for online learning, suggesting that Second Life helped motivation and socialisation stages, although integration with other technologies is necessary for knowledge construction. Preliminary guidelines are proposed for configuration and management of Second Life in collaborative learning. The affordances for collaboration in virtual worlds are discussed, with reflections on user experience and functional support provided by Second Life, as an exemplar of a virtual world for collaborative learning support.
Highlights
► Case study of Second Life user experience.
► Experimental comparison of UX in Second Life and Blackboard.
► Review of findings using Salmon’s learning model.
► Guidelines for virtual worlds in collaborative learning.
► Evaluation techniques for UX in virtual worlds.
Monday, 2 July 2012
Cities, Social Cohesion and the Environment: Towards a Future Research Agenda
an article by Ian R. Cook (Department of Social Sciences, Northumbria University) and Erik Swyngedouw (School of Environment and Development, University of Manchester) published in Urban Studies Volume 49 Number 9 (July 2012)
Abstract
It will be argued in this paper that the problematic of social cohesion is also one of socio-ecological cohesion whereby the urbanisation of nature and its socio-environmentally enabling and disabling conditions are key processes.
By viewing the contradictions of the urbanisation process as intrinsically socio-ecological ones, the terrain of social cohesion is shifted both epistemologically and politically.
The paper critically examines three contemporary schools of thought that consider in different ways the relationship between cities, social cohesion and the environment. It begins with a critical examination of the notion of urban sustainability. The paper will then move on to consider two approaches that emphasise issues of (in)equality and (in)justice in the urban environment, those of environmental justice and urban political ecology.
The final part of the paper pinpoints four areas of research that urban researchers must examine if we are to understand more fully – and act more politically on – the nexus between cities, social cohesion and the environment.
Hazel’s comment:
I dithered about including this as “careers information” even with my broad definition of “this is something that a careers/employment adviser would be pleased to know about”.
Then I realised that without social cohesion and social justice prevailing then there is little chance of equitable opportunities for the people!
Abstract
It will be argued in this paper that the problematic of social cohesion is also one of socio-ecological cohesion whereby the urbanisation of nature and its socio-environmentally enabling and disabling conditions are key processes.
By viewing the contradictions of the urbanisation process as intrinsically socio-ecological ones, the terrain of social cohesion is shifted both epistemologically and politically.
The paper critically examines three contemporary schools of thought that consider in different ways the relationship between cities, social cohesion and the environment. It begins with a critical examination of the notion of urban sustainability. The paper will then move on to consider two approaches that emphasise issues of (in)equality and (in)justice in the urban environment, those of environmental justice and urban political ecology.
The final part of the paper pinpoints four areas of research that urban researchers must examine if we are to understand more fully – and act more politically on – the nexus between cities, social cohesion and the environment.
Hazel’s comment:
I dithered about including this as “careers information” even with my broad definition of “this is something that a careers/employment adviser would be pleased to know about”.
Then I realised that without social cohesion and social justice prevailing then there is little chance of equitable opportunities for the people!
Jobless, Friendless and Broke: What Happens to Different Areas of Life Before and After Unemployment?
an article by Nattavudh Powdthavee (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore) published in Economica Volume 79 Issue 315 (July 2012)
Abstract
Using a nationally representative longitudinal dataset of the British people, this paper explores how different areas of a person’s life evolved before and after unemployment.
There is evidence that unemployment is preceded, on average, by a year of dissatisfaction with one’s finance and job, for both genders.
Having entered unemployment, men and women reported a significant and persistent drop in satisfaction with finance and social life, which perhaps explains why there is little overall hedonic adaptation [see Wikipedia for definition] to unemployment. This paper proposes a two-layer model to study leads and lags in life satisfaction to changes in employment status.
Abstract
Using a nationally representative longitudinal dataset of the British people, this paper explores how different areas of a person’s life evolved before and after unemployment.
There is evidence that unemployment is preceded, on average, by a year of dissatisfaction with one’s finance and job, for both genders.
Having entered unemployment, men and women reported a significant and persistent drop in satisfaction with finance and social life, which perhaps explains why there is little overall hedonic adaptation [see Wikipedia for definition] to unemployment. This paper proposes a two-layer model to study leads and lags in life satisfaction to changes in employment status.
The role of university careers services in the skills supply chain
Jane Artess (director of research, Higher Education Careers Services Unit) via Education news, comment and analysis | guardian.co.uk
Changing expectations and the work experience and internship landscape for students and graduates
The recent review of business-university collaboration led by Prof Tim Wilson recommends that every full-time undergraduate student should have the opportunity to experience a structured, university-approved, undergraduate internship during their study. Furthermore, university careers services and their local enterprise partnership (LEP) should collaborate to establish a “skills supply chain” between universities and local businesses, integrating placements, internships and employment services. Many university career services are already engaged in this work; it is the apparent unevenness of the provision across the higher education landscape that has prompted the recommendations.
Continue reading
Changing expectations and the work experience and internship landscape for students and graduates
The recent review of business-university collaboration led by Prof Tim Wilson recommends that every full-time undergraduate student should have the opportunity to experience a structured, university-approved, undergraduate internship during their study. Furthermore, university careers services and their local enterprise partnership (LEP) should collaborate to establish a “skills supply chain” between universities and local businesses, integrating placements, internships and employment services. Many university career services are already engaged in this work; it is the apparent unevenness of the provision across the higher education landscape that has prompted the recommendations.
Continue reading
Evaluation of the City Challenge programme
A research paper (DFE-RR215) by Merryn Hutchings, Sumi Hollingworth, Ayo Mansaray and Anthea Rose with Sarah Minty and Katie Glass(Institute for Policy Studies in Education, London Metropolitan University) and Charley Greenwood (Evaluation and Research Practice, Coffey International Development)
Summary
City Challenge was launched in April 2008 by the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) building on the success of the London Challenge 2003-8. It was designed to improve educational outcomes for young people and ‘to crack the associated cycle of disadvantage and underachievement in the Black Country, Greater Manchester and London’.
This report sets out the findings of a mixed methods evaluation of the City Challenge programme in London, Greater Manchester and the Black Country, and a retrospective review of the London Challenge 2003-8. The evaluation was led by the Institute for Policy Studies in Education, London Metropolitan University with funding from the Department between August 2010 and February 2012.
Includes:
Full report (PDF 114pp)
Report appendices (PDF 57pp)
Summary
City Challenge was launched in April 2008 by the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) building on the success of the London Challenge 2003-8. It was designed to improve educational outcomes for young people and ‘to crack the associated cycle of disadvantage and underachievement in the Black Country, Greater Manchester and London’.
This report sets out the findings of a mixed methods evaluation of the City Challenge programme in London, Greater Manchester and the Black Country, and a retrospective review of the London Challenge 2003-8. The evaluation was led by the Institute for Policy Studies in Education, London Metropolitan University with funding from the Department between August 2010 and February 2012.
Includes:
- Executive summary
- Introduction
- Evaluation design
- Attainment and Ofsted outcomes in City Challenge areas
- Reducing the number of under-performing schools: Keys to Success and Pathways to Achievement
- Programmes to raise standards in coasting and satisfactory schools
- Improving Good and Outstanding schools
- Improving educational outcomes for disadvantaged groups
- Families of Schools
- Working with Local Authorities
- Summary and implications for future school improvement initiatives
- References
Full report (PDF 114pp)
Report appendices (PDF 57pp)
Stupid EU video PSA shows how *not* to promote science to young women
Stupid EU video PSA shows how *not* to promote science to young women
via Boing Boing by Xeni Jardin
I think this is the first time I’ve used a Boing Boing item in my “this is a weekday so it must be serious” category! This is not only serious it is outrageous.
The title tells you there’s gonna be trouble even before you hit play.
Science: It's a Girl Thing! is part of a European Commission campaign to promote science careers to young women, who remain greatly outnumbered in the field and face gender discrimination in academic and professional environments (yes, guys, even today).
More in the LA Times, Inquisitr, Advertising Miami, Physics Central, New Statesman.
Astronomer Dr. Meghan Gray responds. (thanks, Miles O'Brien!)
via Boing Boing by Xeni Jardin
I think this is the first time I’ve used a Boing Boing item in my “this is a weekday so it must be serious” category! This is not only serious it is outrageous.
The title tells you there’s gonna be trouble even before you hit play.
Science: It's a Girl Thing! is part of a European Commission campaign to promote science careers to young women, who remain greatly outnumbered in the field and face gender discrimination in academic and professional environments (yes, guys, even today).
More in the LA Times, Inquisitr, Advertising Miami, Physics Central, New Statesman.
Astronomer Dr. Meghan Gray responds. (thanks, Miles O'Brien!)
Sunday, 1 July 2012
10 stories and links I found educative, interesting or simply weird
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Ramses: Multiple Pharaohs
By Credo Reference Featured Topic
Ramses
All but the first king of the XX dynasty was called Ramses, so they are often referred together as Ramessides or Ramessids. Ramses I of the XIX dynasty succeeded Horemheb, but only ruled for a year before his death. Ramses II was not the immediate heir to the throne, but usurped it from his brother Seti I. He ruled for 67 years.
Memetaph began the XX dynasty, his rule followed by anarchy. Ramses III is considered the last “important” Ramses, and ended the anarchy. He was the last Egyptian king to hold an Asian empire in Palestine. However, as Ramses III’s rule went on, his image of success began to darken.
Find out why at the Ramses Topic Page
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Arts & Letters Daily – ideas, criticism, debate
Will science ever answer all the Big Questions? It’s premature to think so. Physics, neuroscience, and evolutionary psychology won’t explain everything. Philip Kitcher explains... more
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First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s trip to India, 1962
via Retronaut by Chris
from the abundance of pictures [see here] I chose this one which I think brings out the lady’s charm since she is not, in my opinion, beautiful.
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Free Will Isn’t an Illusion, Either
via Big Think by Will Wilkinson
Richard Marshall of 3:AM interviews the philosopher Eddie Nahmias about his work on free will. Everyone who would prefer not to be trapped in a thicket of confusion about free will ought to read this. I think Nahmias gets it right at every level. That is to say, I agree with him about everything , so he must be a genius. But seriously … this is how it is done.
Read More
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Arts & Letters Daily – ideas, criticism, debate
Prada’s paradoxes. The mercurial doyenne of high-fashion is a droll contrarian. “To be a fashion designer, you must give up your brain”... more
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What Your Brain Looks Like When You’re Selling Out
via Big Think by David Berreby
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” asks the gospel of Mark. Verily, I know not. But in contemplating the sale of his soul for gain, saith this study [full text of article in Philosophical Transactions: The Royal Society (Volume 367 Number 1589 (March 2012)), such a man doth activate his temporoparietal junction, and also, lo, his ventrolateral prefrontal cortex stirreth, and great is the blood flow therein.
Read More
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Researchers Prove Tin Foil Hats Boost Receptivity To Government Signals via How-To Geek by Jason Fitzpatrick
You know the old bit about putting tin-foil on your head to keep the government signals out of your brain? It turns out cladding your head in tin-foil has the opposite effect.
Researchers at MIT, using a network analyzer, tested the impact of tin foil helmets on receptivity of radio-frequency signals.
On the Effectiveness of Aluminum Foil Helmets: An Empirical Study
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Arts & Letters Daily – ideas, criticism, debate
The value of vice. Speaking ill of someone behind his back is unavoidable, even beneficial. And besides, it’s fun. There’s nothing so deeply human as gossip... more
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Abandoned P-40 Kitty Hawk, Sahara, 1942
via Retronaut by Chris
I didn’t choose the obvious first picture in Chris’s selection as I seem to have seen it in a number of different sources.
You can see the rest here.
Source: Vintage Wings
Images by Jakub Perka
This capsule was curated by Dan Picasso
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True G-Spot Found, Says Gynecologist via Big Think by Orion Jones
A Polish-born gynecologist says he has discovered the biological source of the G-spot, that part of a woman’s anatomy which is said to have mystical powers of sexual stimulation. While conducting a postmortem examination of an 83-year-old woman in Warsaw, Dr. Adam Ostrzenski uncovered “a small, grape-like cluster of erectile tissue housed in a sac less than 1 centimeter across – ‘a deep, deep structure’ nestled between the vaginal wal’'s fifth layer, the endopelvic fascia, and its sixth, the dorsal perineal membrane.”
Read More
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