Paper Title, Authors, Abstract (Issue 1, Volume 3, 2009)

Pages

A CAI System to Identify Each Weak Part of a Student: A New Proposal of a Student Model and an Instruction Program
Kazuhiro Uenosono, Shinya Kaneko, Tomohiro Tachibana, Akinori Sato, Marie Hashidate, Seiichi Komiya

Abstract: Recently, it is required to develop a Web-Based-CAI system to be able to learn efficiently due to the spread of Internet. However, since the order of giving a chain of decision frame does not change, without relation to whether a student of the CAI system can solve a given problem or not, he/she has also to learn the parts in his/her element. Therefore, he/she can not learn efficiently. Therefore, the authors propose a new instruction program and a new student model which improved the existent overlay model. The new model is easy to create the teaching materials, and it is able to grasp where the student’s weak parts in detail are. This paper clarifies by concrete examples how this system grasps where are the student’s weak parts by using what kind of student model and what kind of instruction program. The authors show the proposed student model and the proposed instruction program are effective through an experiment.
 

Advanced eVocational Education of Mechatronic Professions
Matija Pipan, Borka Jerman Blazic

Abstract: This paper is focused on introduction of best practices in the field of vocational training of mechatronics further supported with the state-of-the-art information-communication technology, as well as with established methodological and didactical approaches, with the view of improving the quality and efficiency of vocational training. The presented methodology introduces a completely new way of vocational training of this profile because both, theoretical and practical training will be entirely conducted on-line. Practical work will be done through an innovative remote laboratory for practical work, based on web technology which allows the performance of the real mechanical-electrical and programming related experiments in the physical laboratory, what is in the training of mechatronics crucial. This should result in a greater recognition and attractiveness of the profession and will positive influence on the reduction of existing disparities between supply and demand of qualified mechatronic staff on the market.
 

Effect of utilizing Geometer’s Sketchpad on Performance and Mathematical Thinking of Secondary Mathematics Learners: An Initial Exploration
Kamariah Abu Bakar, Rohani Ahmad Tarmizi, Ahmad Fauzi Mohd. Ayub, Aida Suraya Md. Yunus

Abstract: Educational researchers globally have articulated high expectations for the utilization of computer in improving the teaching and learning of mathematics. The teaching and learning of geometry utilizing dynamic geometry softwares have been explicitly indicated in the Malaysian secondary school Mathematics syllabus. Teachers were recommended to utilize licensed dynamic geometry softwares such as the Geometer’s Sketchpad (GSP) software. This study attempted to explore and compare the effects of integrating the GSP and the traditional teaching strategy in the teaching and learning process. Specifically, the effects on mathematical performance in secondary mathematics and students’ attitudes towards the respective approaches used to teach the groups were investigated. The mean overall mathematical performance for the group using the GSP was 11.78 (SD = 4.10) while the mean overall performance for traditional teaching strategy group was 13.03 (SD = 3.65). Independent samples t-test results showed that there was no significant difference in mean mathematical performance between the GSP group and the traditional teaching strategy group, [t (90) = 1.552, p>0.05]. Findings also indicated that the use of GSP induced higher mathematical thinking process amongst the GSP group. These findings showed that the use of GSP had an impact on both mathematical thinking process and performance. However, these findings provided evidences of limited and deficient use of the technology, specifically in the teaching of mathematics at the Malaysian secondary level.
 

Construction and Selection of Usefulness Evaluation Items
Noraidah Sahari, Hairuliza Mohd. Judi, Abdul Azim Abdul Ghani, Hasan Selamat, Aida Suraya Md. Yunus

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to construct a set of indicators or items that could measure the usefulness of mathematics courseware (MC). Usefulness is a quality attribute to which a person believes that using a particular MC would enhance students mathematical understanding of certain topics and engage them in learning activities. In order to construct the items, open ended survey forms were distributed to five mathematics courseware developers. They were asked to list down the essential factors and items that are important in a of good mathematics courseware. In parallel to that several mathematics courseware reviews and evaluation instruments were analyzed. Ultimately, the preliminary survey and literature-based produced a checklist with 85 items consisting of three factors, which were usability, functionality and efficiency and seven criteria which were ease of use, attractiveness, concepts presentation, assessment, reinforcement, accuracy and learning support material. The mapping of items according to their criteria and factors are discussed. The items were then reviewed by 10 experts in two rounds of content validity check. Finally 66 usefulness items from seven factors with reliability range between 0.723 to 0.911 were produced.
 

Problem Solving to Teach Processing Systems: Engineering Learning Objects based on Anchored Instruction
S. Impedovo, A. Ferrante, D. Impedovo, R. Modugno, G. Pirlo, E. Stasolla, C. A. Trullo

Abstract: There is a great request of new and effective aids that facilitate information acquisition and knowledge construction. Researchers in the field of educational software development are continually involved in experimenting new approaches to improve students’ learning capabilities. The new engineering methodologies allow developing learning objects that really support information transfer and knowledge building. This paper presents an investigation on the capacity of web-based, computer-assisted, anchored instruction to improve problem-solving skills while teaching scientific disciplines in the university environment. The experience provides empirical evidence of the usefulness of the adopted solution in developing learning objects to teach computer systems architecture to computer science students. The developed instructional software really provides a motivating, attractive and enjoyable environment. The experience has a positive impact on students, strengthening their problem-solving skills. The results suggest that web-based anchored instruction exhibits high potentials in offering useful instructional environments.
 

Traditional Education vs. E-learning in the Vision of Romanian Business Students
M. Tutunea, R. V. Rus, V. Toader

Abstract: It is well-known that the globalization of the online environmental communication influenced all sectors of human activity; therefore education, as a personal and professional training has undergone the same trends. The development of e-learning, as an alternative to traditional education, has generated different perceptions among the main players of university education - teachers and students. To emphasize these different perceptions, in our study, we compare the traditional with online learning from two perspectives. Firstly, we made a literature review on e-learning studies showing different perceptions. Secondly, we considered useful and necessary to analyze the Faculty of Business students’ perceptions regarding the e-learning and traditional learning. The study was conducted from the perspective of a software solutions implemented by our faculty, namely a platform for long distance education, developed on Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007.
 

Meaningful Hybrid e-Training Model via POPEYE Orientation
Rosseni Din, Mohamad Shanudin Zakaria, Khairul Anwar Mastor, Norizan Abdul Razak, Mohamed Amin Embi, Siti Rahayah Ariffin

Abstract: This present study is aimed at developing a meaningful hybrid e-training model for ICT trainers by distinguishing the usefulness of its’ content, delivery, service, outcome and infrastructure. In doing so, the study sought to establish the content validity, test reliability and construct validate factors affecting usefulness of the hybrid e-training approach. Overall reliability coefficients of the instrument examined when analyzed with SPSS 15.0 using Cronbach Alpha reliability test were .986 while reliability at the scale levels were also acceptable ranging from .886 to .971. Subsequently external construct validity was conducted by employing structural equation modeling using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with AMOS 7.0. Overall analyses suggested that the instrument is valid and reliable to measure the usefulness of a hybrid e-Training module or program. Internal consistency was still maintained after CFA with overall reliability coefficient of .959 and at the scale level ranging from .814 to .909. A revised model was developed from the hypothesized measurement model with findings showing evidences for construct validity. Goodness-of-fit measures of comparative fit index (CFI) and non-normed fix index (NNFI also known TLI) were above suggested threshold > .90 (CFI=.943; TLI=.930). The paper will also showcase some of the instructional media and method used in the study to promote good practice of the problem oriented project based hybrid e-training (POPEYE) orientation.
 

Learners' Quanta based Design of a Learning Management System
S. Sengupta, N. Chaki, R. Dasgupta

Abstract: In this paper IEEE Learning Technology System Architecture (LTSA) for LMS software has been analyzed. It has been observed that LTSA is too abstract to be adapted in a uniform way by LMS developers. A Learners’ Quanta based high level design that satisfies the IEEE LTSA standard has been proposed for future development of efficient LMS software. A hybrid model of learning fitting into LTSA model has also been proposed while designing.
 

Advanced Educational Tools in Measurement and Sensors: From Remote Monitoring Systems to Magnetic Fluids
B. Ando, S. Baglio, A. Beninato, S. La Malfa, N. Pitrone

Abstract: In order to emphasize the large variety of situations and problems to manage in the didactic activity, two different tools have been implemented and are presented in the paper. The first one has been realized for using during the teaching activity on informatics and training on computer for the visually impaired students. Indeed, they should be provided with useful kinds of assistance; moreover, the environmental conditions and their health conditions should be in real time monitored in order to discover any difficulties and to evaluate the development. Such requirements are fulfilled by the developed tool, based on advanced hardware and software technologies. In the second tool an inertial sensor for vibration measurements based on the use of ferrofluids has been developed. The device consists of a glass pipe housing a drop of ferrofluid in a water environment. Two membranes are used to seal the glass pipe at its extremities and to transfer the vibration to the ferrofluidic mass. An inductive readout strategy is used to sense imposed vibrations. Simulations of the device behavior and the real prototype are presented along with preliminary experimental results.
 

    Paper Title, Authors, Abstract (Issue 2, Volume 3, 2009)

Pages

The Necessity of Engineering Entrepreneurship Education for Developing Economies
A. A. Refaat

Abstract: Knowledge is recognized as an important ingredient for economic growth in addition to physical capital and labor. Entrepreneurship can be an important mechanism by which knowledge spills over and becomes commercialized. Entrepreneurship involves the nexus of two phenomena: the presence of lucrative opportunities and the presence of enterprising individuals. The process of opportunity enactment is outlined as a conceptual extension of a given body of knowledge into a perceived possibility of economic gain. An engineer is assumed to be endowed with a certain stock of knowledge; accordingly, he will be confronted with the choice of how best to appropriate the economic return from that knowledge. So, future engineers have to be trained how to recognize and develop new technologies and to take the technologies to market and to practice industry proven commercialization processes within an academic environment. The encouragement of high-technology entrepreneurship is an increasing focus of enterprise agency activities in growing numbers of developed economies. Developing countries need to encourage entrepreneurial cultures in order to enhance their economic growth and improve the quality of life of their people. This study is designed to investigate the nature of entrepreneurship, the potential impact of entrepreneurship education and the imperative need of engineering entrepreneurship education for developing economies; taking Egypt as an example.
 

Construction and Selection of Usefulness Evaluation Items
Noraidah Sahari, Hairuliza Mohd. Judi, Abdul Azim Abdul Ghani, Hasan Selamat, Aida Suraya Md. Yunus

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to construct a set of indicators or items that could measure the usefulness of mathematics courseware (MC). Usefulness is a quality attribute to which a person believes that using a particular MC would enhance students mathematical understanding of certain topics and engage them in learning activities. In order to construct the items, open ended survey forms were distributed to five mathematics courseware developers. They were asked to list down the essential factors and items that are important in a of good mathematics courseware. In parallel to that several mathematics courseware reviews and evaluation instruments were analyzed. Ultimately, the preliminary survey and literature-based produced a checklist with 85 items consisting of three factors, which were usability, functionality and efficiency and seven criteria which were ease of use, attractiveness, concepts presentation, assessment, reinforcement, accuracy and learning support material. The mapping of items according to their criteria and factors are discussed. The items were then reviewed by 10 experts in two rounds of content validity check. Finally 66 usefulness items from seven factors with reliability range between 0.723 to 0.911 were produced.
 

An Empirical Investigation of IS Outsourcing in Japan
Seigo Matsuno, Takao Ito, Yasuo Uchida, Shin-Ya Tagawa

Abstract: Two typical different patterns of Information Systems (IS) outsourcing are considered as the most effective approaches of business strategy. They are conventional outsourcing and quasi-outsourcing. The later generally is often adopted in large-scale organizations in Japan. In most such cases, an IS subsidiary is established by spinning off the firm's own information systems department. However, in recent years, most companies strengthen capital alliances relationship between their IS subsidiary and external vendors, while some companies sell their IS subsidiary for separating it completely from their parent company. On the other hand, there is growing diversification in the arrangement/management of IS subsidiaries. For instance, some firms force their IS subsidiary to withdraw from external sales business while other firms go further and integrate their IS subsidiary back into their parent company again (i.e., backsourcing). This research employs case study in order to investigate the determinant factors which have strong effect on these IS subsidiary arrangements. In this paper, we first review relevant previous studies on IS outsourcing. And then we introduce case studies of two chemical manufacturing companies in Japan and discuss its implications. Finally, we propose some propositions based on the implications derived from the case studies. This paper therefore provides an empirical perspective of the IS outsourcing in Japan.
 

Revisiting an Engaging Experience to identify Metacognitive Strategies towards Developing a Multimedia Design Model
Normahdiah S. Said, Saemah Rahman, Siti Fatimah M. Yassin

Abstract: Looking at metacognitive strategies on the way children think when playing an engaging computer game could help designers design educational game courseware that engages children to learn. This paper will analyze the strategies children use in their thinking to overcome problems whilst still remains engaged when interacting with an engaging multimedia application, The Sims. The Sims is an Edutainment Multimedia CD chosen as a vehicle to discover more about engagement under varying interactive conditions and experiments. The CD was found to have features of what children want in a multimedia design for them. A theoretical model “An Engaging Multimedia Design Model” [1] renamed, after an extended research, The NEMD Model (Norma™ Engagement Multimedia Design Model) [2] was developed from this study using this application. This paper is a result of revisiting the recorded engaging experience the children encountered whilst doing the experiments to design, test, redesign, and retest the final form of the engagement model. A number of metacognitive strategies were detected during the interaction. Analysis of the metacognitive strategies used will help designers design multimedia game courseware that is engaging as well as educational for children.
 

A Pattern-Oriented Approach to Health; Using PAC in a Discourse of Health
Kees P. Pieters

Abstract: Interdisciplinary or trans-disciplinary research is becoming more common and their importance is increasingly being recognized. However, in practice many of these efforts tend to end up in more or less isolated activities around a common theme. In many areas where it is becoming more recognized that collaboration around certain research themes is essential to understand certain phenomena, it becomes important to develop a vocabulary that all parties involved can share, and which reflects the essential concepts that are needed to grasp subject matter. This could contribute to a ‘lingua democratica’, a cooperative and deliberative means of cross-scientific research. Within limits, many research disciplines can easily adapt their regular ‘dialects’. For instance, biology and informatics share a common framing in mathematics and systems approaches. Likewise, some disciplines within the social sciences and humanities can find each other in certain schools of thought or theoretical frameworks. However, the gap between the natural sciences on one hand and the social sciences and humanities on the other, is quite problematic, and in part, this is due to mathematical and graphical orientation of the former, as opposed to the linguistic orientation of the latter. This article explores the notion of patterns as means to develop a graphical vocabulary that may assist in cross-domain research that includes contributions from both the natural sciences as social sciences and the humanities. It will be clear that this is targeted for research themes that take place at the boundaries of the traditional disciplinary focus. In this article a number of patterns will be discussed and used to model a discourse on the theme of ‘mental health’, which is currently being recognized as being a concept at the interface of biological, psychological and social interactions.
 

Developing an Integrated Data Mining Environment in ERP-CRM Model - A Case Study of Madar
A. Abdullah S. Al-Mudimigh, B. Farrukh Saleem, C. Zahid Ullah

Abstract: As Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation has become more popular and suitable for every business organization, it has become a essential factor for the success of a business. This paper shows the best integration of ERP with Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Data Mining is overwhelming the integration in this model by giving support for applying best algorithm to make the successful result. This model has three major parts, outer view-CRM, inner view-ERP and knowledge discovery view. The CRM collect the customer’s queries, EPR analyze and integrate the data and the knowledge discovery gave predictions and advises for the betterment of an organization. For the practical implementation of presented model, we use MADAR data and implemented Apriori Algorithm on it. Then the new rules and patterns suggested for the organization which helps the organization for solving the problem of customers in future correspondence.
 

    Paper Title, Authors, Abstract (Issue 3, Volume 3, 2009)

Pages

The Research of Teacher's KM-Classroom Climate and Learning Attitude
Rong-Jyue Fang, Ching-Jun Li, Hsu-Neng Chen, Hua-Lin Tsai

Abstract: This research aims at understanding to explore the relations among high school teacher’s KM style, classroom climate, and student’s learning attitude. The purpose of this study attempts to understand the actual situation of high school teacher’s KM style, classroom climate, learning attitude, and on the other hand, explore their differences of student’s background variables. Secondly, the researcher explores the relations among KM style, classroom climate, and learning attitude. The conclusion can be: teacher’s KM style from the high school students’ perception is that the knowledge application is mostly used, then knowledge sharing, and the last, knowledge creation. The classroom climate from the high school students’ perception is generally positive. The students’ learning attitude is active, but should be improved. The junior and young high school teachers with less student number will have better KM style. The female, junior, and young teachers whose teaching service is less than 5 years tend to have better KM style. It is found that the effects of female teachers who work downtown with less class numbers tend to have active learning attitude. The high school teacher’s KM style and learning attitude are closely related. The students’ positive classroom climate will benefit the learning attitude, and the learning attitude will convey positive impact on the teacher’s knowledge management. Teacher’s KM style and classroom climate will have good predict ability to learning attitude.
 

The Research on Science and Technology Area Incorporated with the Local Education of the Cooperative Learning
Rong-Jyue Fang, Tsung-Wen Cheng, I-Wen Li, Hua-Lin Tsai, Hsiu-Chuan Chen

Abstract: This research discusses cooperative learning incorporated with local education to design a lesson plan of science and technology area with implemented in traditional teaching is mainly aimed at the impact. The target group is the two classes of the Grade Nine students in a junior high school. The conclusions of the research can be: 1) the students have a positive and affirmative attitude in this cooperative learning; 2) cognitively speaking, the learning effectiveness of the cooperative learning is better than that of lectures; and 3) the students are equipped with positive local recognition and they have better attitudes towards the environmental identity among the three dimensions of local recognition. This research expects that the experiences and results of the cooperative learning incorporated with local education in the area of the science and technology will offer any reference for the researchers to come, in the future, the teacher and student meet the example of studying trend.
 

An Adaptation of Agent-Based Computer-Assisted Assessment into E-Learning Environment
Suraya Masrom, Abdullah Sani Abd. Rahman

Abstract: Computer programming is considered a fundamental subject in most of engineering and computer related programs in many universities. Usually, the teaching responsibility is given to a single department, which will serve the entire university. The limitation on staffing most of the time, results in the creation of big-sized classes. This in turn, will produce voluminous workload to the teaching staff, hence, rendering close monitoring of students’ performance next to impossible. Relief might be possible by venturing into the realm of a Computer-Assisted Assessment (CAA). This paper describes our experience in designing and implementing a CAA System that is based on distributed and agent-oriented architectures. The system design caters for two primary objectives; to harness the power of distributed computing and to enable the integration of CAA into existing E-Learning System. We have analyzed and extracted important functionalities required for the system and describe agent’s roles for each of the functionalities. We also describe the communication and accessibility aspect of the agents. We have developed an independent assessment module and performed some tests in a computer laboratory environment. We present in the last section of the paper, our findings regarding the feasibility, scalability and accuracy of the assessment module’s as well as its limitations.
 

Teaching and Learning Arabic Language through Multicultural Approach and Applying ICT in Pesantren Institution
Maimun Aqsha Lubis

Abstract: Multicultural approach and applying ICT in the Arabic language learning would enhance students’ capacity and accelerated language pedagogy. This research explained various practices and processes in the Pesantren that constructed to reduce prejudice and discrimination with ICT assistance. In addition, explained the curriculum was organized around concepts basic to each ethnic from several different groups. The research design was qualitative approach. Data collected from conducting interview and observational field data. Furthermore, data elaborated on grounded theories analysis. Teachers conceptualize multicultural approach as content related to various ethnic and cultural groups. Furthermore, the processes on teaching and learning Arabic proficiency through ICT on various ethnic and cultural groups of students pointed out that it helped students a mean to learn Arabic language. The Function of Arabic language as medium of instruction at Pesanteren is able to unite the multilingual students. The usage of ICT is very important in the teaching Arabic so that the material taught becomes more understandable and for students to gain more experience and to enable them to make use of the information easily and at the same time can achieve the objective of teaching and learning Arabic in the classroom.
 

m-Learning for Hearing Impaired Learners: Dimensions of Evaluation
Cem Cuhadar, H. Ferhan Odabas, Abdullah Kuzu

Abstract: Ιntegrating information and communication technologies (ICT) in education is a very important factor to learning, regarding student centered learning environments. Special education thus, is a field where mobile technologies can be used very efficiently for less financial burden due to its small scale in student number in normal schools. These technologies are also known assistive technologies for learners in special education context. "Mobile Technologies for Students with Hearing Disability", IBEM is a project which will end in June 2009 and supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK). Primary goal of the project is to help hearing impaired students to use mobile information and communication technologies effectively and independently, and provide them with learning and communication opportunities enriched through mobile technologies. The project consisted of different levels of planning. This study reveals the steps taken for evaluation phase for m- learning, giving the four dimensions’ framework of an evaluation model followed.
 

The Use of NMACA Approach in Building a Secure Message Authentication Code
Khaled S. Alghathbar, Alaaeldin M. Hafez

Abstract: Integrity and authentication of long-term stored information are important issues that should be considered in secure storage systems. Digital archived information may include different types of objects with different representation, such as, documents, images and database tables. Authenticity of such information should be verified, especially when it transferred through communication channels. Authentication verification techniques are used to verify that information in the archive is authentic and has not been unintentionally or maliciously altered. In addition to detecting malicious attacks, integrity checks also identify data corrupted information. Message authentication code (MAC) algorithms are keyed hash functions whose specific purpose is message authentication. In most cases, MAC techniques use iterated hash functions, and those techniques are called iterated MACs. Such techniques usually use a MAC key that is used as an input to the compression function, and is involved in the compression function f at every stage. A wide range of authentication techniques use un-keyed hash functions, which are known as modification detection codes (MDCs). MD4, MD5, SHA-1 and RIPEMD-160 are some of many. Recently, powerful new attacks on hash functions such MD5 and SHA-1, among others, suggest introducing more secure hash functions. In this paper, we propose a new MAC methodology that uses an input MAC key on the compression function, to permute the order of message words and shifting operation in the compression function. The new methodology can be used in conjunction with a wide range of modification detection code techniques. Using MD5 algorithm as a model, a new MD5-MAC algorithm is presented. The MD5-MAC algorithm uses the MAC key in building the hash functions by defining the order for accessing source words and defining the number of bit positions for circular left shifts.
 

    Paper Title, Authors, Abstract (Issue 4, Volume 3, 2009)

Pages

A Modular System for Tracking Players in Sports Games
Vladimir Plestina, Hrvoje Dujmic, Vladan Papic

Abstract: Detection, recognition and tracking of the players in sports games which is based on image processing and computer vision is the topic of interest of various research groups. Different approaches regarding choice and placement of the acquisition hardware exist. Regardless of whether a custom set of static cameras is used or the images are acquired from directed TV coverage, player detection and tracking is a complex process. Robustness of such a system is the main goal of its designers. In this paper, a modular system for tracking indoor and outdoor team games using computer vision is proposed and described. Proposed approach is flexible and expandable so it can be said that overall system framework provides robustness of detection, recognition and tracking.
 

Thematic Curriculum to the Master and Degree Programme of Information System
R. Pirinen

Abstract: There are three main statutory tasks for Finnish universities of applied sciences, these are: education, research and development, and regional development. An objective for Laurea University of Applied Sciences is to design, integrate and implement these three statutory tasks into everyday action using design research and action research. In the early phase of Integrative Action and “inter-operative learning”, it soon became evident that the traditional curriculum process was not optimally supportive of the new operating model used between 2002 and 2004. The first objective was to design and implement the curriculum using Integrative Action which continuously integrates the three statutory tasks of the universities of the applied sciences. The result of the first phase of the designing and implementation work was a competence-based core curriculum developed from 2004-2006 and implemented from 2006-2008. This study addresses the second design research cycle for describing and designing as well as implementing a revised instance of a competence-based core curriculum, namely; the thematic curriculum for the Degree Programme of Business Information Technology (BIT) 2008-2009 and Master of Business Administration studies in 2010.
 

Introducing Principles and developing Technologies to undergraduates by the Volt-Ammeter Method
Bruno Ando, Salvatore Baglio, Vincenzo Marletta, Nicola Pitrone

Abstract: Technical developments and innovations are brought forward at an increasingly rapid rate, therefore the educators must update the teaching work, making use of advanced instruments both hardware and software. In the last years the authors are trying to develop new hardware and software tools to enable the teacher to show to the undergraduates in an alternative and practice way the theoretical constructs explained during the lectures on Electronic Measurements. An accurate experimental training in the laboratory, using developing technologies, can stimulate the interest in the students. In particular, the experimental activity on the volt-ammeter method has been completely changed, a LabVIEW® based tool has been developed. It allows a deep analysis on the theoretical aspects; indeed, the experimental training can be initially carried out by using traditional electromechanical instruments, afterwards a simulation procedure can be performed, at last digital instruments will be used and a LabVIEW® based virtual instrument will introduce the undergraduates to the study of this environment. In this paper trhe tool is presented in full. The accurate details of the presentation can be useful for future application.
 

Inter-Operative Learning and Research with Quality Management: A Categorization
R. Pirinen

Abstract: New types of action, integration and collaboration are required in higher education for the creation of innovation in services, technology, the economy and society. The objective of Integrative Action is to continuously integrate and actualize the three statutory tasks of the Finnish universities of applied sciences: education; research and development; and regional development. This study addresses the issue of design research for the utilization of action research and quality management systems (within an Integrative Action framework from the perspectives of research; education and development). The objective of this study is to describe categories of: analysis; interaction; learning; research; results; and the quality of the actualization that work as an interoperational spine for the research framework of participatory and cocreative research between universities of applied sciences, national clusters and innovation systems. And also to use the categories as a case study sample of the research types within the higher education studies of information systems at Laurea.