International Journal of Education and Information Technologies
E-ISSN: 2074-1316
Volume 8, 2014
Notice: As of 2014 and for the forthcoming years, the publication frequency/periodicity of NAUN Journals is adapted to the 'continuously updated' model. What this means is that instead of being separated into issues, new papers will be added on a continuous basis, allowing a more regular flow and shorter publication times. The papers will appear in reverse order, therefore the most recent one will be on top.
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Volume 8, 2014
Title of the Paper: The State of Political Culture among Youth in the Formation of Russia
Authors: I. G. Dolinina
Pages: 328-336
Abstract: Political culture is viewed as a phenomenon of social reality. Attitudes toward it (its meaning or significance) are historically conditioned. This research studies enduring presuppositions about (dispositions toward) society and the state, and how these are reflected in conscious stereotypes and cognitive structures among young people within the socio cultural mechanisms that form and modify the basic characteristics of political culture. We are presents a methodological basis of the pedagogical process: the pedagogical purpose, the results achieved in practice and show the direction of the decision to extend. To attract work involved representatives of educational institutions, administrators, members of the Legislative Assembly of the Perm region and the Council of the Federation, the upper chamber of the Federal Assembly — the parliament of the Russian Federation. Educational activity in this area may be interested in the humanities teachers and organizers of educational work. The empirical basis of this research was conducted in 2012-2013 among upper secondary and college students in Perm. Sample size = 1800 persons.
Title of the Paper: Application of Digital Educational Resources on Mobile Devices
Authors: J. Rubiano, A. Mena, D. Sánchez
Pages: 322-327
Abstract: Manuela´s Beltran University has developed in their virtual unit specific projects that are focused in the creation of digital educational resources for the careers and post graduate studies. This article has evidence the develop of the virtual platform of learning called Virtualnet 2.0 for an special use of mobile devices with a WebApp, the impact that this device has become in the distance apprentice has been preceding by the digital tools, and the educational contents.
Title of the Paper: Technology of the Designing of a Quality Assurance System of Higher Education on the Basis of the EFQM Model
Authors: Yskak A. Nabi
Pages: 316-321
Abstract: The article covers the essence of the "quality" category; flowcharts of the system design process are developed for the design of the quality assurance system of higher education based on the EFQM model; an interdisciplinary approach is adopted as the methodological framework, in particular there are used the principles of the design of technical systems, some information from the logic, as well as some philosophy and pedagogy concepts; it shows that the design technology consists of three stages, with the characteristic of each stage given; developed a block diagram of technological process of designing the system of quality assurance of higher education based on the EFQM model; the idea of cooperation of designers and project users is realized.
Title of the Paper: Fostering E-portfolio to Enhance On-line Learning Activity
Authors: Hsieh-Hua Yang, Hsueh-Chih Lin, Miao-Kuei Ho, Hung-Jen Yang
Pages: 304-315
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to design an on-line learning activity for high-scope project based upon the portfolio thinking theory and identify the relationship between reflect-thinking and on-line supports. Research has indicated the importance of evaluating the experiences related to developing e-portfolio, electronic portfolio, to contribute to the overall excellence in teaching and learning. An e-portfolio platform was developed according to the on-line game for the High-Scope project which is a NSC research project which had been conducted by the research group for promoting high school students learning emerging technology since 2010. This study reports the process of developing an e-portfolio system for contest and e-portfolio assignment designed for contest activity. By investigated the e-portfolio system and follow up data collecting, the e-portfolio system was validated according to the e-portfolio requirements and learning goals. Total six groups of 45 students were within the whole contest procedures, the grouping stage, the learning stage, the problem solving stage, the presentation stage, and the reflection stage. Analyses of quantitative and qualitative data were presented. A major result indicated that the use of e-portfolio is considered as a pragmatic vehicle to assess learners’ performance and the reflection function of e-portfolio for the learners is good for preparing them become a well evidence-thinker.
Title of the Paper: Security Education as a Fundamental Pillar of Critical Infrastructure Protection and Resilience
Authors: Hromada Martin, Lukas Ludek
Pages: 294-303
Abstract: The increasing society dependence on the technologies also increases the society dependence on the critical infrastructure as the basis of ensuring and maintaining the society functional continuity. Logical consequence of this fact is the security and safety measures/standards development in relation to their potential to minimize the impacts of identified risk. For the fulfillment of that argument, however, it is necessary to constitute the security education that would provide a basis for security liaison officer education whose skills and knowledge would become fundamental for the operator security plan elaboration. Article therefore defines the challenges and objectives that should be achieved by security education and optimal structure of security education in relation to critical infrastructure protection and resilience. Security education structure will be based on the critical infrastructure resilience evaluation methodology as a security research output. To better understanding of the fundamental relationships between defined parameters it will be the methodology and robustness as its part presented.
Title of the Paper: A Paradigm in Education: Validation of Web-based Learning for Young Learner
Authors: Juhaida Abdul Aziz, Parilah M. Shah, Rosseni Din
Pages: 288-293
Abstract: The use of Web-based resource provides a useful tool for enhancing lifelong learning through technology in the Web 2.0 learning environment. A paradigm shift from traditional learning style to technology innovations has opened up more opportunities for educators to practise accordingly. In this paper, the Web-based Fun reading resource is addressed as a tool to be used collaboratively in order to evaluate learners’ satisfaction concerning the resource. The present study generated a two-step model to measure: (i) usefulness; (ii) ease of use; (iii) ease of learning and (iv) satisfaction level of primary learners working with the English Primary Fun resource. The Rasch Model was employed for the overall reliability analysis. Data collected from 250 primary learners were tested with confirmatory factor analysis using AMOS 18.0 to obtain three best-fit measurement models from the two latent variables, which are EPFun and learner’s Fun factors. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to determine the relationship of the variables that define the resource. The findings confirmed: (i) young learners showed positive responses to acquiring a reading habit through the Web-based resource; (ii) 96% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the Web-based resource; (iii) evidence for a three-factor measurement model: usefulness, ease of use and ease of learning for Web-based resource, hence, learners’ acceptance of the resource is explained; iv) there was a significant relationship between the satisfaction level of young learners and the Web-based resource. Implications of the findings are the springboard to prove that young learners are ready for the paradigm shifted to include the Web-based learning for educating and engaging the children to read English meaningfully and for enjoyment in and outside the classroom, especially in local context.
Title of the Paper: Applying Social-Network to Enhance Distance Learning Program
Authors: Hsieh-Hua Yang, Wen-Chen Hu, Lung-Hsing Kuo, Hung-Jen Yang
Pages: 276-287
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to design an on-line learning activity for high-scope project based upon social network. Social network could enhance on-line activities according previous research results. There is a need to figure out what kind network could help learner more, peer network or tutor network. Research has indicated the importance of social connection in a virtual world. A distance learning platform was developed according to the on-line learning goals for the High-Scope project which is a NSC research project which had been conducted by the research group for promoting high school students learning emerging technology since 2010. This study reports the process of developing a distance learning system for contest and e-portfolio assignment designed for contest activity. During the gaming, social network were established among learners and instructors. Based upon the social network awareness, learning interactions were enhanced for this distance learning program. By investigating the follow up data, the hypothesized relations were tested. Total six groups of 45 students were within the whole contest procedures, the grouping stage, the learning stage, the problem solving stage, the presentation stage, and the reflection stage. Analyses of quantitative data were presented. A major result indicated that the learner peer network is considered as a pragmatic vehicle to assess learners’ interaction.
Title of the Paper: Student-Led Inquiry-Based Learning
Authors: Thushani A. Weerasinghe, Robert Ramberg, Kamalanath P. Hewagamage
Pages: 265-275
Abstract: Inquiry-based learning and peer-teaching are two teaching and learning approaches best applicable in higher educational contexts. Considering benefits of each approach in learning, a study was conducted to determine how to design peer-teaching activities to promote inquiry-based learning. Data were collected from a group of instructional designers, a sample group of students in an online learning environment prepared for a distance learning programme and from the learning management system of the online learning environment. The findings of the study were used to improve sets of design principles that were followed to design the peer-teaching activity. In addition, sets of design guidelines were also prepared for easy application of the design principles.
Title of the Paper: Customer Satisfaction Measurement System for Higher Education Service Quality Estimation
Authors: H. V. Shauchenka, U. Bleimann, M. Knoll, N. L. Clarke
Pages: 252-264
Abstract: The main goal of this paper is to design and analyse the higher educational service quality measurement methodology and tools. The proposed methodology has been implemented as Customer Satisfaction Measurement System (CSMS) for higher educational service quality assessment. The conceptual base of the proposed CSMS is the connection of the pure humanitarian ephemeral categories with technical approaches for the purpose of further educational marketing. As have been shown in the paper, the key elements of CSMS should be design based on psychological Personal Construct Theory, modern Kansei Engineering approach and nowadays methods for data analyses. For the purposes of experimental validation of proposed CSMS methodology an experimental investigations have been carried out. To show the proposed methodology in practice by applying the CSMS tools as the topic for investigation the quality of the educational services offered by university has been used. As the stakeholder for this experimental investigation the Bachelor (except the first year students) and Master students of the Informatics Department of the Darmstadt University of Applied Science have been chosen. Based on the data obtained from this stakeholder different statistical approaches have been applied for data analyses to get different estimates of the topic under investigation. Some conclusions and findings have been pointed out. Further developments and studies needed are identified.
Title of the Paper: Multi-Agency Cooperation in Cross-Border Operations in the Field of Public Protection and Disaster Relief
Authors: Mari Aro, Jyri Rajamäki
Pages: 244-251
Abstract: The technological aspects of TETRA (TErrestrial Trunked RAdio) ISI (inter-system interface) have been possible for more than a decade. ISI and interoperability between different organizations in different countries were already tested in 2003 in the Three Country Pilot, regarded as phase 0, and again in 2009 in the Rakel-Bosnet pilot project (phase 1). The basis of interoperability comes from EU Commission Council Recommendation on improving radio communication between operational units in cross-border areas (Doc. 10141/09 ENFOPOL 143 TELECOM 116 COMIX 421) of the 4-5 June 2009. This article introduces the Multi-Agency Cooperation In Cross-border Operations (MACICO) project. The initial purpose of the MACICO project is to point out the need for an ISI or similar interfaces between different public safety networks.
Title of the Paper: Using Agents to Simulate a Tourist Market in an Educational Game
Authors: Mario Allegra, Dario La Guardia, Simona Ottaviano, Valentina Dal Grande, Manuel Gentile
Pages: 235-243
Abstract: The full implementation of European policies on Entrepreneurship Education requires an effective change in teaching programmes at the different educational levels. Recent developments in the serious game sectorshow how simulation games allow studentsto tacklecomplex situations through learning by doing. In the last few years,some researchers have suggested simulatingmarket dynamics by using the agent based approach. Consequently, a serious game has been designed and implemented within the framework of the European project “Posso … Non Posso … Vado! PNPV Project Rev.2 (I can ... I cannot ... I go!), whichaims to introduce and foster an entrepreneurial mindset among young people. After a brief overview ofthe blended learning model and the layered structure of the game,the paper describes the interactions between the agents and their behavior, these being the key elements in the design of the market simulation model.
Title of the Paper: Actor-Networks in Engineering Education, A Project Approach
Authors: José Figueiredo
Pages: 229-234
Abstract: Actor-network theory represents a way to look at things,very different from traditional approaches. Convinced that actor-networks can provide an excellent mindset to deal with innovation in engineering education we present a concise background on the topic oriented to this knowledge area. We deal with knowledge, learning, contexts, and actor networkingwithin situated cooperative environments. We deal with the articulation of planned approaches and policies, providing ideas to explore contexts in which we can improve people’sinvolvement and design some innovative strategies and artifacts. We address the conciliation of sensibilities that normally wouldn’t be able to cooperate.We try to imagine a space of translations and negotiations that facilitate the formulation of problems as a combination of detoursand extensions, constructing alignments to a learning goal.
Title of the Paper: Strategic Management Implications to Private Higher Education Financing in Post-Communist Countries – Fundraising IESFF Model
Authors: Ivija Jelavić, Dina Vasić, Zlatko Mateša
Pages: 219-228
Abstract: The main purpose of this paper is to define the importance of strategic management implication to private higher education financing in post-communist countries as well as to explain the custom made IESFF fundraising model for post-communist HEIs. As post-communist education lays on former political grounds, as well as the lack of the society experience in various philanthropic cases, the implementation of any funding based project within HEIs is a large and rather complex issue. Besides post-communist countries, there are developed education societies with all developed mechanisms for financing their activities. This is the part for introducing this first class HEIs that undertake funding for excellence no matter if it is private or public ones. The models of funding they are using are mainly dependent on their strategic decision making with the final purpose of creating the excellence. Due to the fact that HEIs have a competitive role in education market and act similar to a business, their fundraising strategic models have to be customized. Not all strategies or models are applicable to all HEIs.
Title of the Paper: Mobile Learning with Linked Open Data
Authors: Marco Arrigo, Davide Taibi, Giovanni Fulantelli
Pages: 211-218
Abstract: In this paper we present a learning environment based on the integration of 2 technologies that promise to shape the future of education: the mobile technologies and the semantic web. The educational potentials of mobile learning are briefly discussed in the paper, together with some of the difficulties in running and evaluating experiences of mobile learning. Amongst these difficulties, we focus on the workload for teachers who have to organize and develop up-to-date educational contents for mobile devices, followed by the risk of rapid obsolescence of the content; we argue that by integrating Linked Open Data, one of the most challenging product of the Semantic Web, with Mobile Learning technologies we can overtake these difficulties. In order to support our arguments, we introduce MeLOD, a mobile learning environment which exploits the huge amount of dataset in the Linked Open Data cloud to provide students with contextualized and continuously up-to-date information based on students’ location. The position of the student sent by the mobile device is used to interlink and explore GeoNames DBpedia and Europeana datasets and return information about all the interesting cultural heritage sites close to the student. Moreover, students produce new knowledge items that are gathered in a dataset created within the MeLOD project, which is compliant with the requirements for the LOD cloud. Finally, typical activities performed in the Social Web, such as voting and commenting, are used to enhance the knowledge base of the learning environment and to provide recommendations for next students’ visits.
Title of the Paper: A Study of Evaluating the National Teacher In-service Information System in Taiwan
Authors: Lung-Hsing Kuo, Hsueh-Chih Lin, Miao-Kuei Ho, Hung-Jen Yang
Pages: 201-210
Abstract: With the proliferation of the Internet and World Wide Web applications, teachers are increasingly interacting with government to teacher (G2T) formal Information systems. It is therefore important to ensure the intention of using teacher in-service information systems from the teacher's perspective. While TPB models have received much attention from researchers, few studies have been conducted to assess the behavior of using information systems. The extent to which traditional IS success models can be extended to investigating Government systems success remains unclear. This study provides the first empirical test of an adaptation of TPB model in the context of In-service Information System. The model consists of three dimensions: Attitude toward using system, Subjective Norm, and Perceived Behavioral Control. Neural network modeling techniques are applied to data collected by questionnaire from 129 users of the teacher In-service Information system in Taiwan. Except for the link from system quality to use, the hypothesized relationships between the three behavior variables are significantly or marginally supported by the data. The findings provide several important implications for formal information system research and practice. This paper concludes by discussing limitations of the study which should be addressed in future research.
Title of the Paper: Fundraising as a Financing Strategy in Modern Post-Communist European Entrepreneurial Higher Education Institutions – Case of Croatia
Authors: Dina Vasić, Ivija Jelavić, Zoran Barac
Pages: 193-200
Abstract: Private education is a rapidly growing market in Croatia, while in the United States; this kind of ownership is a traditional concept of education. The diversity of ownership structures and difference from public funding, have created new models of fundraising for quality work. One of them is funding, which for decades has been one of the sources of funds in the successful operation of private higher education institutions (HEI) around the world. As the fundraising relates mainly to funding of the schools themselves, its development has lead to the development of the very strategies of funding its use. With regard to the development of fundraising, there are several models of fundraising strategies that include a variety of communication channels for the development of fundraising activities. Strategies are those that are extremely important for the successful implementation of unduly and successful fundraising projects, and so fundraising strategy plays an important role for the fast-growing market of private higher education. This paper is focused on general HEI financing possibilities and fundraising as one of its possibilities. It also focuses on standard fundraising strategies and models developed within private U.S. HEI, its advantages and disadvantages.
Title of the Paper: The Research of the Use of Training Simulators and VBS2 in the Security Forces
Authors: Petr Svoboda, Ludek Lukas
Pages: 187-192
Abstract: This article presents a research focused on the use and the suitability of the training simulators in the security forces. In the first part, there is a list and description of the types of the current training simulators and categories of simulations that are used in security forces. In the second part, the research itself is presented with representatives of the most significant types of simulators of each part of security forces. The last part describes the scenario of the TCV modelled in virtual simulator VBS2 and its evaluation by an expert with important recommendations for the future research.
Title of the Paper: Selecting the Best Robotic Kits in Term of Increasing Creativity
Authors: Marko Odak, Ţeljko Marušić, Nikolaj Lazić, Mladen Bruck
Pages: 179-186
Abstract: There has been an increased offer of robot kits over the last decade, which is the result of a fats developing market of cheap electronic and mechanical devices. It is important to highlight the fact that the ways of shopping, paying and transport have been highly simplified, which has affected superfluous amount of both manufacturers and consumers. This clearly leads to the final confusion over the right choice of a robot kit. Although we can say that the usage and increment of creativity has been the main aim in choosing the right robot kit, the process of acquiring complex technical knowledge should definitely be easy and stimulating. The aim of this paper is to highlight the parameters that have to be taken into consideration in the choice of robot kits by using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP), which can eventually result in the biggest increase of creativity among users.
Title of the Paper: Preschool and Primary School Children as Multimedia Learners
Authors: Nives Mikelić Preradović, Danijela Unić, Damir Boras
Pages: 171-178
Abstract: The use of multimedia in preschool and primary school education presents challenges to teachers and institutions. Today’s children prefer the content presented by graphics, sound and video more than written materials and are impatient for the traditional slow systematic transfer of the learning content. This paper discusses differences and similarities between preschools and primary schools in different countries that introduced multimedia literacy education in their educational program. The empirical research results that are presented in this paper describe current situation and possibilities to adopt the multimedia literacy in the current school system in Croatia.
Title of the Paper: Next Generation Collaborative Platforms in Business Environments
Authors: Matija Pipan, Julija Lapuh Bele, Dušan Gabrijelčič
Pages: 164-170
Abstract: In business environment a collaboration platform is an information system that adds social networking capabilities to increase information and knowledge sharing in order to foster development and innovation. Such system enables teammates to solve business problems effectively and efficiently with the use of collaborative tools and with the appropriate knowledge management incorporation. The research is based on collaborative system that includes both the general collaborative infrastructures and specific applications for supporting the requirements for human-centric applications and services. The collaboration platform has been designed based on use cases typical for business and educational environments. A number of cases has been thoroughly studied like a meeting, lecture, consultations, seminar, discussion room, lectures recording, tutoring, etc. The issues of providing interoperability between applications, efficient content delivery and distribution, skill-based content search, security and usability were discussed to design and develop a conceptual collaborative platform eCampus.
Title of the Paper: Designing an ANOVA Experiment to Estimate the Impact of e-Learning System upon Students’ Performances within the University of Petrosani
Authors: C. C. Dura, S. Mihăilescu
Pages: 154-163
Abstract: The process of shaping the information society is characterized by the massive, broad-based and integrated use of new information technologies and telecommunications in all levels of economic and social life, from material production to services, administration, spreading to education and other cultural and artistic activities. In higher education, the technological progresses open new perspectives for improving teaching - learning – evaluation activities. At the base of new educational methods specific to the information society one can find the approach of assimilation and implementation of e-Learning. The University of Petrosani is one of higher education institutions in Romania which included in its development strategy the assimilation and implementation of a platform for e-Learning, based on raising European funds through a POSDRU strategic project. Following this initiative, the paper employs a bi-factorial ANOVA-type experiment for the identification and the generalization of those teaching technologies which have a significant impact on improving the learning performances of the students. Thus, we have analyzed statistical data regarding the grades obtained by a sample of 6 groups of students (3 from the engineering field and 3 from the economic sciences field) and we have found that e-Learning technologies leads to a higher level of teaching quality within the University.
Title of the Paper: ESG Standards and Guidelines and Information Management at Higher Education Institutions in Croatia
Authors: Tamara Čendo Metzinger, Damir Boras
Pages: 146-153
Abstract: Higher education institutions are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of establishing and assuring the quality system in the area of higher education. In the European higher education area the quality assurance, assessment of the work quality and achieved results at the higher education institutions is based on the European standards and guidelines (ESG). In order to achieve the high quality level, the higher education institutions have to permanently collect and analyse information about the study programmes, teaching and administrative staff, satisfaction of students and other stakeholders of the higher education institutions. Relevant information represent thus one of the most important resources of the higher education institutions and are an inevitable factor of success and development with information management imposed as imperative. Collecting, analysing, using and exchange of all relevant information among all the system stakeholders in order to realize the strategic objectives and quality assurance of the higher education institutions are particularly processed by ESG standards related to information systems and public information. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to research the importance and the role of information management at the higher education institutions in the Republic of Croatia regarding the level of development of ESG standards which refer to the access to information of the quality assurance system and public information.
Title of the Paper: ICT Literacy as Part of the Higher Education Core
Authors: Andrea Ivanković, Sonja Špiranec, Dražan Miljko
Pages: 138-145
Abstract: With rapid advances in the development, information and communication technologies (ICT) has become central to life in the 21st century. Nowadays higher education generally work in an ICT rich environment. As public awareness has grown, the need for ICT literacy has become extremely influential. ICT significantly influences the overall development of the younger population as well as on education process. Despite broad consensus about the need for ICT literacy among students, there is little information available that tells us about the student‘s level of ICT literacy. In order to determine possible differences in ICT literacy, according to the attendance of the course of study, which dealt with ICT, the research was undertaken at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mostar (the students are divided into two categories, those who have attended such courses and those who have not). ICT literacy was tested with a questionnaire in the form of knowledge test. For each question in the test, the difference in ICT literacy was determined by a chi-square test. Correct answers on the test were treated as total score, i.e. simple linear combination of those answered correctly, and the differences were tested using Student t-test. It was determined that students who attended an ICT course in average achieve higher scores on the test.
Title of the Paper: Comparative Analysis of the Use of Open Source Software in Teaching of Data Processing
Authors: Klara Rybenska, Josef Sedivy, Lucie Kudova
Pages: 130-137
Abstract: Commonly used tool for processing of statistical data in the research and teaching of the humanities and natural sciences program IBM SPSS. This tool is an unwritten standard not only for many school systems, but also for many state institutions in the Czech Republic, which make available statistical data in the form of programs SPSS. The big disadvantage of this program is the high price, which is very restrictive for use in an academic environment, whether in the classroom and in the case of individual student work on their computers and also for their possible future practice. Currently, there are two tools that could replace the proprietary software. These are programs SOFA (http://www.sofastatistics.com) and PSPP (http://www.gnu.org/software/pspp/), which are free and available under a license that allows these programs to install and use not only in academia, but also for possible future commercial use of students in this software will learn. The research aims to compare options and tools SOFA PSPP with IBM SPSS program and see if you can incorporate alternative tool in the teaching of science and the humanities so that students had the opportunity to apply learned knowledge and skills into their own projects and in future practice without having to pay expensive fees for the use of software.
Title of the Paper: Information Strategies – Evolution and Influence to the Knowledge
Authors: Gordan Akrap, Đilda Pečarić
Pages: 118-129
Abstract: What we investigate in this paper is a theoretical frame common to disciplines that research form of public knowledge, respectively common methodological approach to a series of activities that aim is not only to form public knowledge, but also have a the duty to provide information superiority. The proposed theoretical approach enables understanding and interpretation of the impact of modern information strategies (information and media operations (IO, MO)) on corpuses of public knowledge. IO and MO are focused on specific cognitive domains of target audience, and the effects of such formed information and communication systems have a direct effect on the organization of the targeted corpuses of (public) knowledge. Low intensity conflicts (LIC) become the dominant form and way of dealing with international and local threats. The articulation of national information strategies should ensure political, economic, cultural and military domination of the actors on the global scene. National, as well as business, information doctrines and strategies define offensive and defensive methods and techniques of usage of information resources with aim to ensure information superiority. Superiority in weapons and lethal means is replaced by the superiority in the information and technical and technological development. Superiority in controlling and monitoring of the battlefield turned into a superiority and control of the media space. Battlefield is no longer dependent on space and time. Battlefields are media, and ICT space in which different IO/MO can last for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 12 months a year.
Title of the Paper: Enhancing Learning Emerging Technology with On-line e-Portfolio for the High-Scope Project
Authors: Lung-Hsing Kuo, Hsieh-Hua Yang, Wen-Chen Hu, Hung-Jen Yang
Pages: 105-117
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to identify the process of developing an e-portfolio and examined its validity and coordinators’ perceptions to assess learning performance in the High-Scope on-line game. Research has indicated the importance of evaluating the experiences related to developing e-portfolio, electronic portfolio, to contribute to the overall excellence in teaching and learning. A e-portfolio platform was developed according to the on-line game for the High-Scope project which is a NSC research project had been conducted by the research group for promoting high school students learning emerging technology since 2010. This study reports the process of developing an e-portfolio system for contest and e-portfolio assignment designed for contest activity. By investigated the e-portfolio system and follow up data collecting, the e-portfolio system was validated according to the e-portfolio requirements and learning goals. Total six groups of 45 students were within the whole contest procedures, the grouping stage, the learning stage, the problem solving stage, the presentation stage, and the reflection stage. Analyses of quantitative and qualitative data were presented. A major result indicated that the use of e-portfolio is considered as a pragmatic vehicle to assess learners’ performance and the reflection function of e-portfolio for the learners is good for preparing them become a well evidence-thinker.
Title of the Paper: Using the Method for Engineering Learning Systems MISA to Design New Mobile Educational Systems
Authors: Ouiame Filali Marzouki, Mohammed Khalidi Idrissi, Samir Bennani
Pages: 93-104
Abstract: educational systems have several difficulties related to inadequate learning pedagogies, lack of learners’ motivation, and especially the evolution of their social habits in an opposite way of that of learning systems. Mobile learning integrates mobile technologies and wireless networks in the current learning processes. It offers great opportunities for improving learning systems. Indeed, it introduces new challenging activities and ensures continuity between learners’ daily lives and their training and learning. This article focuses on pedagogical issues of mobile learning and proposes the use of the Method for Engineering Learning Systems MISA to design a mobile educational system. Our work aims to identify basic elements, key characteristics and dimensions for developing the appropriate content for mobility. These elements will be used for customization of the MISA method. Indeed, MISA phases are governed by multiple operating principles which ensure greater consistency and flexibility. Taking into account the specifications of Mobile learning in the development of these principles, we can adapt MISA to design a mobile learning system.
Title of the Paper: Mobile Learning and Multimedia Educational Software Requirements' Evaluation
Authors: Giovanna Avellis
Pages: 83-92
Abstract: Mobile Learning and Multimedia Educational Software play a key role in Educational Technologies. Their features have been identified and used to critically evaluate and trace them. One of the challenges faced by the developers of current Mobile Learning systems and Multimedia Educational Software is their assessment and traceability to meet users’ requirements. This work is based on a technique to represent Requirements in Software Engineering in a Quality Function Deployment style [30]. We extend the model for the representation of design rationale [16] by making the evaluation goals explicit and providing the means to improve the quality of Mobile Learning and Multimedia Educational Software.
Title of the Paper: The Research for Current Status of the Entrepreneurship Education's Implementation in Japanese Higher Education
Authors: Li-Hsien Liao
Pages: 75-82
Abstract: The advent of twenty-first century, the important issues of the world such as the political, economic, climate and so on, which just like a color palette and efforts to sway in the canvas of the history. Taiwan, of course, as a part of this century, is tried to in an effort to have enhancement in various aspects. However, the economic is one of the major items. Furthermore, it is a very important issue for us. Taiwan has entered the stage of economic development of technological innovation, and at the same time, to continue the innovation for the future industries depends on a new kinetic energy and new venture development. According to the United Nations' 2008 Creative Economy Report "(2010 World Competitiveness Yearbook): To startup companies is an important channel to cascade the investment, technology and trade. And also plays different roles in an different stages for economic development. Overall, not only can significantly improve productivity, better open up new markets and new customers. Therefore, is very important to cultivate new enterprises and to promote the healthy development of the economy actively. In recent years, new enterprises are considered as an important key to solve the problem in today's economy in such a tumultuous world. In addition, it is also called the best solution of the unemployment problems. The entrepreneurship education becomes a wave in Taiwan higher educations, thus, the entrepreneurship curriculum is set up. Though a lot of schools have been performed many entrepreneurship education curriculum plantings for years. But the current planning are really can aptly meet the needs for entrepreneurs? How many courses among these curriculums are actually needed? And how is the foreign entrepreneurship education be taught overseas? How about the existing entrepreneurship education be performed in Japan? Which of the countries’ cultural background are completely different from Taiwan? In this study, we research the differences between Japanese and Taiwanese local entrepreneurship education by analytic methods. And to understand in-depth what differences will arising if under the different cultures, people’s logic thinking’s, social resources, policies, system, etc. Finally through the analysis of entrepreneurship education in advanced countries, which based on a different cultural background, by using the commonality needs and different perspective of different entrepreneurs to explore the status of entrepreneurship education in Japan, so that can provide suggestion to Taiwan for the existing methods of entrepreneurship education in higher education. In addition, we can learn from the collecting of relevant documents and reference materials.
Title of the Paper: Multimedia as a Didactic Tool for Teachers in Elementary Education in Croatia
Authors: Danijela Unić, Nives Mikelić Preradović, Kristina Posavec
Pages: 67-74
Abstract: This paper presents the current situation regarding multimedia education in primary schools in Croatia. It specifically concentrates on teachers in primary schools and their mission in informatics and multimedia literacy education. The new technology and multimedia environment put forward new requirements to teachers: they are expected to become lifelong learners, but also to be informational, multimedia and IT literate. The motivation and satisfaction of elementary school teachers in Croatia related to multimedia literacy education is analyzed and revealed in this paper. Also, our comparative statistical analysis showed that there is a significant correlation between results students achieve in the multimedia literacy test and the teacher’s use of multimedia teaching materials in the classroom.
Title of the Paper: The Use of the Virtual Battlespace 2 in TCV
Authors: Petr Svoboda, Alena Paduchova, Jiri Sevcik
Pages: 63-66
Abstract: This article presents a possibility of using the simulator Virtual Battlespace 2 in training companies of commercial security industry in the transport of cash and valuables. The article contains a general evaluation of use of the simulator in the general principles of TCV in the first part and the possibility of using the VBS2 simulator for the training of pull over and the ways of simulating armed robberies.
Title of the Paper: Proposal of Realistic Mathematics and Mobile Computing
Authors: Ruiz E., Gutiérrez J., Araujo D.
Pages: 56-62
Abstract: The purposeof this paper is to show how mobile computing impacts on learning using Realistic Mathematics. We developed a proposal made by a mobile application, activity-based Learning Problem Solving approach. A quantitative and qualitative methodology was used to assess the impact of this proposal on the Teaching and Learning Processes. Also it was used as a case study the concept of function and worked with 66 students in the first semester at College. Finally we concluded that combining Mathematics Realistic and Mobile Computing motivates students, allows them to focus better and solve in less time and correctly the problem posed in the activity. These results give a different way to exploit the mobile computing in Education
Title of the Paper: A Model of Service Learning and Outreach for Primary Education through Museums
Authors: Nives Mikelić Preradović, Dolores Miličić, Petra Đuričić
Pages: 48-55
Abstract: This paper presents a model for the development of collaborative projects between universities, institutions for primary education and museums. The project described in this paper was realized as a service learning project through collaboration between students of Information Sciences from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Museum of Arts and Crafts and elementary school “Cvjetno naselje”. As a result, the Museum gained young experts and valuable help in its outreach mission, while university students expanded their practical experience working with the museum pedagogue and leading school classes through the Museum. The evaluation of the service learning project addressed the role of field experiences in university education, service learning pedagogy and museum education partnerships.
Title of the Paper: System for Measurement Using a Computer in the School Laboratory
Authors: Radek Němec, Jan Tříska, Josef Šedivý
Pages: 37-47
Abstract: Measurement systems using computers in physics laboratory is possible to create a computer and demonstrate natural phenomena. Commercial systems which are supplied ready-made, are somewhat less expensive for small laboratory. The authors developed a system SMPSL, which can be built at very affordable prices. The system is supplied free control software. Commercial sensors that can be connected to the system, they are also very expensive. As an alternative, the authors again sensors designed by own research for a fraction of the price.
Title of the Paper: Decision Making in the Assessment of Project-Based Learning
Authors: Y. Benjelloun Touimi, N. El Faddouli, S.Bennani, M. Khalidi Idrissi
Pages: 28-36
Abstract: The Project-based learning is an active learning method, based on student’s group work, in order to develop skills, and to acquire knowledge. The development of ICT has enabled the implementation of processes of this educational approach. Indeed, the assessment process is a fundamental process in the learning cycle, and represents a means of regulation and control for tutors and learners. However, the assessment process requires points of decision-making, at the individual and the group level. Our approach in this paper is to treat the decision making through (Analytical Hierarchical process) hierarchical analysis method, for the formative assessment. The Analytic Hierarchy Process structures the assessment criteria and enables an optimization of the decision.
Title of the Paper: Advances in Latvian Customs Education – Lessons Learned
Authors: Mara Petersone, Aivars V. Krastins, Karlis Ketners
Pages: 18-27
Abstract: Paper is devoted to actual problem of education and human resource management in field of customs administration and Latvian experience for solving crucial training problem – interaction of custom administration processes and relevant knowledge. Generally training organizers are developing own training programs following objectives of staff development strategies, but interaction of job descriptions and occupation standards is not sufficient. Custom’s community stakeholders such as World Customs Organization and world customs administrations together with academics are looking for better training support mechanism, how to create contact points for university and customs internal training and to create qualitative business training programs in the customs area. The aim of research is to describe the mechanism of existing and potential human resource management and training management mutual interaction with the main result of bringing together researchers, business and customs community and universities. As the result of study the specifics of job description formation at customs authorities is analyzed, the significance of occupation descriptions to provide work at customs and their legislation is described. As main result of the paper the generalized approach for satisfaction of training needs for joint tax and customs administration is worked out and proposals on the improvement of process management, job description and occupation standard mutual interaction mechanism is offered. Research is based on comparative analysis of literature and practical experience of custom education institutions.
Title of the Paper: The Analysis of Microsites and Their Functionality as Part of the Promotion of Higher Education Institutions, Universities and Their Individual Degree Courses
Authors: Tomáš Šula, Milan Banyár
Pages: 9-17
Abstract: This paper analyses microsites as an effective marketing communication tool often used nowadays by firms, companies and institutions of various types, as well as by different groups and individuals. The authors of the paper have paid particular attention to analysing the functional possibilities of microsites within the education system, as in terms of media selection microsites represent a suitable communication tool for addressing the target group of young people (secondary students and higher education students in the first place). The paper also focuses on linking theoretical starting points of online marketing with practical experience gained while designing and implementing the microsite www.ustav44.cz. This microsite has been created to promote the Department of Marketing Communications at TBU in Zlín and to increase the number of applicants to the degree course in Marketing Communications. The authors of the paper not only describe the individual stages of the microsite design, implementation and launch, but they also provide a subsequent analysis of its functionality complemented with several types of survey (eye tracking, data analysis based on Google Analytics, T-test and CHI-squared test). Based on these findings, a proposal outlining how to improve particular user elements of this microsite has been developed. It is presented in the final part of the paper. Therefore, this paper may be considered an instruction manual or perhaps a tool helping the user design and create a microsite of a similar type.
Title of the Paper: Software Development of Word Search Game on iPhone for Learning English: A Case Study
Authors: Anon Sukstrienwong
Pages: 1-8
Abstract: The growth in use of iPhone on campus is rapidly increasing. They are becoming as a part of daily life with new software games, which are considered as entertainment. As we all know, a word search game has been implemented on mobile devices for decades. It facilitates English vocabulary acquisition of students. The word search game on mobile devices allows education to be delivered in a more convent way, anytime and anywhere at the students’ own place. To this paper, a survey is conducted to target students at Bangkok University, Thailand. As a result, the word search game on iPhone embedded with the English dictionary, which helps Thai students to memorize the words is developed. Moreover, the process in developing the game on iPhone has been presented. It is expected that our research findings in English learning on mobile devices for Thai students will be further shared for educators and researchers in the future.
