How to integrate stories and ICT in content-based units of work for English learning

The aim of this article is to show how it is possible to integrate stories and ICT in Content Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) for English as a foreign language (EFL) learning in bilingual schools. Two Units of Work are presented. One, for the second year of Primary, is based on a Science topic, ���Materials���. The story used is ���The three little pigs��� and the computer program ���JClic���. The other one is based on a Science and Arts topic for the sixth year of Primary, the story used is ���Charlotte���s Web��� and the computer program ���Atenex���.

Ferramenta de estudo para alunos de medicina na especialidade de dermatologia

A vulgariza����o do uso de dispositivos m��veis promoveu a prolifera����o de aplica����es dos mais diversos ��mbitos para estes dispositivos n��o sendo a ��rea cl��nica uma excep����o. Tanto a n��vel profissional, como a n��vel de ensino, as tecnologias m��veis foram j�� h�� muito adoptadas nesta ��rea para as mais diversas finalidades. O trabalho aqui apresentado pretende essencialmente provar a real import��ncia desempenhada pelo mobile learning no contexto da aprendizagem cl��nica. Mais do que implementar um simples recurso educativo, pretendeu-se conceber um sistema integrado que respondesse a todas as necessidades do aluno quer durante o estudo nas suas diversas fases e locais, como tamb��m no pr��prio servi��o hospitalar onde se encontre a desempenhar fun����es como interno da especialidade. Ap��s uma exaustiva an��lise das aplica����es m��veis relevantes da ��rea m��dica, verificou-se a inexist��ncia de uma ferramenta integradora de v��rios m��dulos de aprendizagem com um custo comport��vel para a maioria dos alunos. Desta forma, idealizou-se uma aplica����o capaz de superar esta lacuna que ser�� detalhada ao longo desta tese. Para o desenvolvimento deste trabalho contou-se com a preciosa colabora����o dos poss��veis utilizadores finais desta ferramenta uma vez que a escolha dos m��dulos a integrar foi essencialmente baseada nas suas opini��es. Ainda no ��mbito desta tese, encontra-se a avalia����o do prot��tipo por parte dos alunos. Esta avalia����o pretende validar a efectiva import��ncia de uma ferramenta desta natureza para um aluno de medicina assim como o impacto que o prot��tipo teve na sua opini��o acerca do conceito de mobile learning na aprendizagem cl��nica. Com vista a uma futura implementa����o de um recurso educativo deste ��mbito, foram tamb��m recolhidos os pontos negativos e positivos mais relevantes para o aluno. Em suma, este trabalho valida a import��ncia do papel que as aplica����es de aprendizagem para dispositivos m��veis podem desempenhar para um aluno de medicina tanto nos seus locais de estudo, como no servi��o onde se possa encontrar.

Como integrar as TIC em contexto did��tico das Artes explorando a distribui����o EVTux na ��rea do cinema de anima����o

Com a implementa����o do Plano Tecnol��gico da Educa����o e consequente apetrechamento das Escolas com recursos tecnol��gicos avan��ados, surge agora a necessidade de criar condi����es favor��veis para a efetiva integra����o das TIC no curr��culo, nomeadamente na ��rea das Artes. Decorrente das caracter��sticas singulares desta ��rea curricular, s��o muitas as ferramentas digitais que podemos utilizar em contexto educativo mobilizando-as para experi��ncias de aprendizagem baseadas em projetos que integrem as tecnologias. Este �� o caso do EVTux, uma distribui����o livre de Linux que permite a cria����o efetiva de projetos de cinema de anima����o em contexto educativo com recurso ��s tecnologias, caso que agora se apresenta como exemplo neste artigo e que atualmente faz parte de uma s��ntese do trabalho que se integra no projeto europeu TACCLE2 no qual participamos.

Accounting logic and new professional in healthcare: a case study

The central place hospitals occupy in health systems transforms them into prime target of healthcare reforms. This study aims to identify current trends in organizational structure change in public hospitals and explore the role of accounting in attempts to develop controls over professionals within public hospitals. The analytical framework we proposed crosses the concept of ���new professionalism��� (Evetts, 2010), with the concept of ���accounting logic��� for controlling professionals (Broadbent and Laughlin, 1995). Looking for a more holistic overview, we developed a qualitative and exploratory study. The data were collected trough semi-structured interviews with doctors of a clinical hospital unit. Content analysis suggests that, although we cannot say that there is a complete and generalized integration of accounting information in the clinical decisions, important improvement has been made in that area. Despite the extensive literature developed on this topic, there is any empirical studies of authors are aware that allow us to realize how real doctors in reals day-to-day work integrated these trends of change in theirs clinical decisions.

Meta-heuristics self-parameterization in a multi-agent scheduling system using case-based reasoning

This paper proposes a novel agent-based approach to Meta-Heuristics self-configuration. Meta-heuristics are algorithms with parameters which need to be set up as efficient as possible in order to unsure its performance. A learning module for self-parameterization of Meta-heuristics (MH) in a Multi-Agent System (MAS) for resolution of scheduling problems is proposed in this work. The learning module is based on Case-based Reasoning (CBR) and two different integration approaches are proposed. A computational study is made for comparing the two CBR integration perspectives. Finally, some conclusions are reached and future work outlined.

Nunca mais �� sexta-feira: o impacto do processo de recupera����o de recursos durante o fim de semana no engagement

Orienta����o: Doutora Maria Alexandra Pacheco Ribeiro da Costa

Science fair project: O CLIL na educa���� pr��-escolar

O ensino bilingue torna-se cada vez mais relevante no contexto Europeu. O Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) apresenta-se como uma metodologia importante como podemos observar no European Profile for Language Teacher Education. Ap��s realizar uma revis��o de literatura cujo conte��do versa sobretudo acerca os princ��pios orientados pelos preconizadores desta abordagem metodol��gica, nomeadamente Coyle (2010), Marsh (2010), Mehisto (2008), entre outros, e no sentido de tentarmos aferir a sua viabilidade, realiz��mos um Projeto de Investiga����o no qual implement��mos esta abordagem pedag��gica, ensinando a disciplina de ci��ncias a grupo de alunos do Pr��-escolar. Assim, neste estudo de caso, com contornos da metodologia de investiga����o-a����o, tivemos como principal objetivo verificar a aplicabilidade do CLIL na Educa����o Pr��escolar. Com a implementa����o deste projeto, conseguimos perceber que a metodologia CLIL �� uma abordagem metodol��gica eficaz, sendo que, nos permitiu concluir que mesmo na Educa����o Pr��-escolar �� poss��vel ensinarmos uma disciplina atrav��s de uma segunda l��ngua.

Teaching and learning with social software in higher education: content management systems integrated with Web-based applications as a key factor for success

The change of paradigm imposed by the Bologna process, in which the student will be responsible for their own learning, and the presence of a new generation of students with higher technological skills, represent a huge challenge for higher education institutions. The use of new Web Social concepts in teaching process, supported by applications commonly called Web 2.0, with which these new students feel at ease, can bring benefits in terms of motivation and the frequency and quality of students' involvement in academic activities. An e-learning platform with web-based applications as a complement can significantly contribute to the development of different skills in higher education students, covering areas which are usually in deficit.

Thinking over b���learning strategy: the MIPO model approach

This article describes the main research results in a new methodology, in which the stages and strategies of the technology integration process are identified and described. A set of principles and recommendations are therefore presented. The MIPO model described in this paper is a result of the effort made regarding the understanding of the main success features of good practices, in the web environment, integrated in the information systems/information technology context. The initial model has been created, based on experiences and literature review. After that, it was tested in the information and technology system units at higher school and also adapted as a result of four cycles of an actionresearch work combined with a case study research. The information, concepts and procedures presented here give support to teachers and instructors, instructional designers and planning teams ��� anyone who wants to develop effective b���learning instructions.

Work in progress - learning through role play games

It is commonly accepted that the educational environment has been undergoing considerable change due to the use of the Information and Communication tools. But learning depends upon actions such as experimenting, visualizing and demonstrating through which the learner succeeds in constructing his own knowledge. Although it is not easy to achieve these actions through current ICT supported learning approaches, Role Playing Games (RPG) may well develop such capacities. The creation of an interactive computer game with RPG characteristics, about the 500th anniversary of the city of Funchal, the capital of Madeira Island, is invested with compelling educational/pedagogical implications, aiming clearly at teaching history and social relations through playing. Players interpret different characters in different settings/scenarios, experiencing adventures, meeting challenges and trying to reach multiple and simultaneous goals in the areas of education, entertainment and social integration along the first 150 years of the history of Funchal. Through this process they will live and understand all the social and historical factors of that epoch.

An integrated reusable remote laboratory to complement electronics teaching

The great majority of the courses on science and technology areas where lab work is a fundamental part of the apprenticeship was not until recently available to be taught at distance. This reality is changing with the dissemination of remote laboratories. Supported by resources based on new information and communication technologies, it is now possible to remotely control a wide variety of real laboratories. However, most of them are designed specifically to this purpose, are inflexible and only on its functionality they resemble the real ones. In this paper, an alternative remote lab infrastructure devoted to the study of electronics is presented. Its main characteristics are, from a teacher's perspective, reusability and simplicity of use, and from a students' point of view, an exact replication of the real lab, enabling them to complement or finish at home the work started at class. The remote laboratory is integrated in the Learning Management System in use at the school, and therefore, may be combined with other web experiments and e-learning strategies, while safeguarding security access issues.

Hand gesture recognition system based in computer vision and machine learning : applications on human-machine interaction

Sendo uma forma natural de intera����o homem-m��quina, o reconhecimento de gestos implica uma forte componente de investiga����o em ��reas como a vis��o por computador e a aprendizagem computacional. O reconhecimento gestual �� uma ��rea com aplica����es muito diversas, fornecendo aos utilizadores uma forma mais natural e mais simples de comunicar com sistemas baseados em computador, sem a necessidade de utiliza����o de dispositivos extras. Assim, o objectivo principal da investiga����o na ��rea de reconhecimento de gestos aplicada �� interac����o homemm��quina �� o da cria����o de sistemas, que possam identificar gestos espec��ficos e us��los para transmitir informa����es ou para controlar dispositivos. Para isso as interfaces baseados em vis��o para o reconhecimento de gestos, necessitam de detectar a m��o de forma r��pida e robusta e de serem capazes de efetuar o reconhecimento de gestos em tempo real. Hoje em dia, os sistemas de reconhecimento de gestos baseados em vis��o s��o capazes de trabalhar com solu����es espec��ficas, constru��dos para resolver um determinado problema e configurados para trabalhar de uma forma particular. Este projeto de investiga����o estudou e implementou solu����es, suficientemente gen��ricas, com o recurso a algoritmos de aprendizagem computacional, permitindo a sua aplica����o num conjunto alargado de sistemas de interface homem-m��quina, para reconhecimento de gestos em tempo real. A solu����o proposta, Gesture Learning Module Architecture (GeLMA), permite de forma simples definir um conjunto de comandos que pode ser baseado em gestos est��ticos e din��micos e que pode ser facilmente integrado e configurado para ser utilizado numa s��rie de aplica����es. �� um sistema de baixo custo e f��cil de treinar e usar, e uma vez que �� constru��do unicamente com bibliotecas de c��digo. As experi��ncias realizadas permitiram mostrar que o sistema atingiu uma precis��o de 99,2% em termos de reconhecimento de gestos est��ticos e uma precis��o m��dia de 93,7% em termos de reconhecimento de gestos din��micos. Para validar a solu����o proposta, foram implementados dois sistemas completos. O primeiro �� um sistema em tempo real capaz de ajudar um ��rbitro a arbitrar um jogo de futebol rob��tico. A solu����o proposta combina um sistema de reconhecimento de gestos baseada em vis��o com a defini����o de uma linguagem formal, o CommLang Referee, �� qual demos a designa����o de Referee Command Language Interface System (ReCLIS). O sistema identifica os comandos baseados num conjunto de gestos est��ticos e din��micos executados pelo ��rbitro, sendo este posteriormente enviado para um interface de computador que transmite a respectiva informa����o para os rob��s. O segundo �� um sistema em tempo real capaz de interpretar um subconjunto da Linguagem Gestual Portuguesa. As experi��ncias demonstraram que o sistema foi capaz de reconhecer as vogais em tempo real de forma fi��vel. Embora a solu����o implementada apenas tenha sido treinada para reconhecer as cinco vogais, o sistema �� facilmente extens��vel para reconhecer o resto do alfabeto. As experi��ncias tamb��m permitiram mostrar que a base dos sistemas de intera����o baseados em vis��o pode ser a mesma para todas as aplica����es e, deste modo facilitar a sua implementa����o. A solu����o proposta tem ainda a vantagem de ser suficientemente gen��rica e uma base s��lida para o desenvolvimento de sistemas baseados em reconhecimento gestual que podem ser facilmente integrados com qualquer aplica����o de interface homem-m��quina. A linguagem formal de defini����o da interface pode ser redefinida e o sistema pode ser facilmente configurado e treinado com um conjunto de gestos diferentes de forma a serem integrados na solu����o final.

Building a knowledge and learning society in Portugal: adult students in technological schools and higher education institutions

Lifelong learning (LLL) has received increasing attention in recent years. It implies that learning should take place at all stages of the ���life cycle and it should be life-wide, that is embedded in all life contexts from the school to the work place, the home and the community��� (Green, 2002, p.613). The ���learning society���, is the vision of a society where there are recognized opportunities for learning for every person, wherever they are and however old they happen to be. Globalization and the rise of new information technologies are some of the driving forces that cause depreciation of specialised competences. This happens very quickly in terms of economic value; consequently, workers of all skills levels, during their working life, must have the opportunity to update ���their technical skills and enhance general skills to keep pace with continuous technological change and new job requirements��� (Fahr, 2005, p. 75). It is in this context that LLL tops the policy agenda of international bodies, national governments and non-governmental organizations, in the field of education and training, to justify the need for LLL opportunities for the population as they face contemporary employability challenges. It is in this context that the requirement and interest to analyse the behaviour patterns of adult learners has developed over the last few years

Lifelong learning: case study of adult students in portuguese technological schools and higher education institutions

Paper to be presented in ESREA 2007 ADC Network Seminar - Changing Relationships between the State, Civil Society and the Citizen: Implications for adult education and adult learning, 14 -16 June 2007 - University of Minho - Campus de Gualtar, Braga (Portugal).

Intelligent decision making in electricity markets: simulated annealing Q-Learning

Electricity markets are complex environments, involving a large number of different entities, playing in a dynamic scene to obtain the best advantages and profits. MASCEM is a multi-agent electricity market simulator to model market players and simulate their operation in the market. Market players are entities with specific characteristics and objectives, making their decisions and interacting with other players. MASCEM is integrated with ALBidS, a system that provides several dynamic strategies for agents��� behavior. This paper presents a method that aims at enhancing ALBidS competence in endowing market players with adequate strategic bidding capabilities, allowing them to obtain the higher possible gains out of the market. This method uses a reinforcement learning algorithm to learn from experience how to choose the best from a set of possible actions. These actions are defined accordingly to the most probable points of bidding success. With the purpose of accelerating the convergence process, a simulated annealing based algorithm is included.