On-line tool condition monitoring and control system in forging processes

Cold bulk metal forming has made large-scale production of small complex solid parts economically feasible. Tooling used in metal forming poses many uncertainties in the preliminary cost estimation and production process and continual tool replacement and maintenance dramatically reduces productivity and raises manufacturing cost. In order to tackle this, an on-line tool condition monitoring system using artificial neural network (ANN) to integrate information from multiple sensors for forging process has been developed. Together with the force, acoustic emission signals and process conditions, information developed from theoretical models is integrated into the ANN tool monitoring system to predict tool life and provide the maintenance schedule.

Productive on-line student support : developing a system for primary mathematics trainee teachers

This paper outlines the development project for the 'Productive on-line student support system', a student "self-help" system, at Deakin University. The aim of this project was to provide Deakin primary teacher education students with a web-based learning tool that allowed them to assess and diagnose their strengths and weaknesses in mathematics, and supports students in their mathematics learning, and in so doing produce mathematically competent graduates. This project was, like similar programs, a development of peer or cross-age tutoring common in primary and secondary schools. A grant under the Deakin University Strategic Teaching and Learning Grant Scheme enabled a staff team from the mathematics education group, to develop a sophisticated and well-designed system that catered for a wide range of student needs, provided useful feedback, and was engaging and easy to use. The under-pinning software for the system was WebCT, available to staff through the Deakin Studies On-line system, to which students are connected also. The 'Productive on-line student support system' enabled students to determine their own mathematical needs, and have these addressed whenever they wished, as often as they wished, and allowed self-monitoring of progress. An outline of the system and examples of the assessment materials will be presented.

City-to-surf - a peer-to-peer model of on-line professional development: a collaborative mentoring model

This project explores the potential of electronic communications to support peer-to-peer interaction between separate whole-school communities as a means of providing both authentic, situated, professional development for teachers, concurrent with the development of enhanced student learning outcomes, and the intentional sharing of school 'culture'.  The intense use of telecommunications by both teacher and students in a 'many-to-many' manner provides rich opportunities for teachers to rethink their pedagogy, reconceptualise their classroom culture, and for students to see teachers as learners 'in situ'.  An extensive trial between two schools some 120km apart has demonstrated the basic functionality of the model.  This paper discusses the origins of the project, findings from the trial, and the nature of the changes to be made to the model to enhance its effects.

Security authentication for on-line internet banking

The advent of Internet Banking has shown the importance of effective method of authenticating a users in a remote environment. There are many different countenances to contemplate when examining Internet based security. One of the most tried and trusted techniques of protecting the safety of systems and data is to control people's access. The foundation for such measures is authentication. Specifically for Internet banking there is a real need for a way to uniquely identify and authenticate users without the possibility of their authenticity being cloned. This paper proposes a framework concerning how to identify security requirements for Internet Banking.

Evaluation of an on-line reflective journal in engineering education

Reflective thinking based on experiential learning is a key skill for the professional engineer. The use of a reflective learning journal is thought to be a valuable tool in developing reflexivity. An evaluation was undertaken of student perceptions of an on-line reflective journal introduced into an engineering management study unit.

Using on-line delivery to support students during practicum placements.

Finding ways to effectively support students while on placement remains a continuing endeavour for those who teach in professional education programmes. In The present paper, the multiple challenges and learning opportunities that social work students encounter during practicum learning will be discussed. Next, drawing from constructivist pedagogy and using authentic examples from an online discussion board, ways to supplement the support and educational input provided to students on placement will be demonstrated. Finally, some of the risks and limitations in engaging with on-line delivery are examined with the view to understanding how e-learning can be facilitated most effectively for students during the practicum.

National governments doing business on-line : an Australian look at current practice and future hazards

Governments around the world are taking advantage of the numerous benefits offered by the World Wide Web in order to provide client services to citizens. Australia has been a leader in this trend. The literature in this area focuses primarily on the pragmatic issues such as governmental accountability and transparency, interactivity, policy making, security and privacy, quality and costs. Along with the positive accounts of eGovernment development, however, some concerns are emerging in the literature. This paper examines such issues with particular reference to national governments. Although Australia can be proud of its position as a leader in bringing government business to the Web, it must also be cognisant of the concerns about eGovernment that are being more widely identified.

Educational partnerships on-line: global collaborative learning through an on-line student exchange programme

Deakin University and the University of Calgary have used the internet to provide workplace-based learners with the possibility of a student exchange programme which does not disrupt their careers, lives or families.  The programmes involved in this on-line exchange were both developed in response to the needs of workplace learners and are representative of the role of universities in the field of life-long learning.  This paper describes the first phase of the exchange and discusses the shared pedagogical philosophies and shared implementation of on-line groupware which provided a rationale for the exchange.  The paper will explore the cross-cultural implications of the educational experience and the possibilities such an exchange opens up for life-long learners.