Computer Museum, School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Greenwich

Computer equipment, once viewed as leading edge, is quickly condemned as obsolete and banished to basement store rooms or rubbish bins. The magpie instincts of some of the academics and technicians at the University of Greenwich, London, preserved some such relics in cluttered offices and garages to the dismay of colleagues and partners. When the University moved into its new campus in the historic buildings of the Old Royal Naval College in the center of Greenwich, corridor space in King William Court provided an opportunity to display some of this equipment so that students could see these objects and gain a more vivid appreciation of their subject's history.

Coursework uploads and zero-tolerance deadlines

Clear assessment deadlines and severe penalties for late submission of coursework are a feature of a number of UK universities. This presents a severe challenge for any online upload system. Evidence from a range of different implementations at the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Greenwich over the past few years is examined to assess the impact of a zero-tolerance deadline policy on the way students work and the problems that arise. Suggestions are made on how to minimise any possible negative impact of a zero-tolerance deadline policy on the administration of the system and on staff and students.

Hazard and risk assessment from Hurricane Ivan (2004) in Grenada using Geographical Information Systems and remote sensing

Hurricanes are destructive storms with strong winds, intense storm surges, and heavy rainfall. The resulting impact from a hurricane can include structural damage to buildings and infrastructure, flooding, and ultimately loss of human life. This paper seeks to identify the impact of Hurricane Ivan on the aected population of Grenada, one of the Caribbean islands. Hurricane Ivan made landfall on 7th September 2004 and resulted in 80% of the population being adversely aected. The methods that were used to model these impacts involved performing hazard and risk assessments using GIS and remote sensing techniques. Spatial analyses were used to create a hazard and a risk map. Hazards were identied initially as those caused by storm surges, severe winds speeds, and flooding events related to Hurricane Ivan. These estimated hazards were then used to create a risk map. An innovative approach was adopted, including the use of hillshading to assess the damage caused by high wind speeds. This paper explains in detail the methodology used and the results produced.

Teaching, learning and assessment in MSc. Databases units at University of Greenwich

In this paper we look at ways of delivering and assessing learning on database units offered on higher degree programmes (MSc) in the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Greenwich. Of critical importance is the teaching methods employed for verbal disposition, practical laboratory exercises and a careful evaluation of assessment methods and assessment tools in view of the fact that databases involve not only database design but also use of practical tools, such as database management systems (DBMSs) software, human designers, database administrators (DBA) and end users. Our goal is to clearly identify potential key success factors in delivering and assessing learning in both practical and theoretical aspects of database course units.