Wikis, blogs and podcasts - using Web2 technologies in teacher education

This paper presents a reflection on the infusion of Web2 technologies into a teacher education program. It explores issues surrounding the use of a range of Web2 technologies including wikis, blogs and podcasts. Web2 technologies are currently being taken up at amazing speed. This paper draws on the experience of using these new technologies in two units of a pre-service education course. As part of their assignment requirements pre-service education students were immersed in these new technologies as they grappled with issues to do with learning how to use these technologies as well as reflecting on how and why, or why not, they might they might use them in primary schools including the potential for democratic collaborative communities of learners. The opportunities the Web2 technologies afford educators as well as the consequences of such educational use of social technologies will be considered.

The use of Web 2.0 Technologies to promote higher order thinking skills

During 2007 several independent Victorian secondary schools participated in a study exploring the ways in which the use of learning technologies can support the development of higher order thinking skills for students. This paper focuses on the use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including Web 2.0 technologies for promoting effective teaching and learning in science. A case study methodology was used to describe how individual teachers used ICT and Web 2.0 in their settings. Data included interviews (focus group and individual), questionnaires, monitoring of teacher and student use of smart tools, analysis of curriculum documents and delivery methods and of student work samples. The evaluation used an interpretive methodology to investigate five research areas: Higher-order thinking, Metacognitive awareness, Team work/collaboration, Affect towards school/learning and Ownership of learning. Three cases are reported on in this paper. Each describes how student engagement and learning increased and how teachers’ attitudes and skills developed. Examples of student and teacher blogs are provided to illustrate how such technologies encourage students and teachers to look beyond text science.

A comparison of methods to calculate the optimal load for maximal power output in the power clean

The aim of this study was to compare three calculation methods to determine the load that maximises power output in the power clean. Five male athletes (height=179.8 10.5cms, weight 91 .8 8.8kg, power dean 1RM = 117.0 20.5kg) performed two per cleans at 10% increments from 50% to 100% of 1RM. Bar displacement data was collected using a Ballistic Measurement System (BMS) and vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) data was measured by a Kistler 9287B Force Plate. Power output was calculated for BMS (system mass), BMS (bar mass) and VGRF/BMS system mass. Optimal load was determined to be 70% for the BMS (system mass) and VGRF BMS (system mass) methods and 90% for the BMS (bar mass) method. Sports scientists should be aware of the technical issues underlying these findings due to the practical ramifications for athlete testing and training.

Assisting independence with "the latest and greatest" of technologies

A case study of a long term wheelchair user: This presentation will highlight the difficulties associated with matching client's environmental access, seating and mobility needs using multi-functional systems, which also happen to be the "latest and greatest" technologies. The paper addresses the issues experienced by these clinicians when prescribing systems with minimal trial history (due to their newness) and the compatibility issues encountered by the supplier when matching the new with the old of the current powered wheelchair for a particularly motivated wheelchair user.

Examining how teachers use web 2.0 technologies in Science lessons to promote higher order thinking in teaching science

During 2007 several independent Victorian secondary schools participated in a study exploring the ways in which the use of learning technologies can support the development of higher order thinking skills for students. This paper focuses on the use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including Web 2.0 technologies for promoting effective teaching and learning in science. A case study methodology was used to describe how individual teachers used ICT and Web 2.0 in their settings. Data included interviews (focus group and individual), questionnaires, monitoring of teacher and student use of smart tools, analysis of curriculum documents and delivery methods and of student work samples. The evaluation used an interpretive methodology to investigate five research areas'. Higher-order thinking, Metacognitive awareness, Team work/collaboration, Affect towards school/learning and Ownership of learning. Three cases are reported on in this paper. Each describes how student engagement and learning increased and how teachers' attitudes and skills developed. Examples of student and teacher blogs are provided to illustrate how such technologies encourage  students and teachers to look beyond text science.

Constructing emergent literacy : negotiating literacy technologies in preschool-school transition

Examines conflicting views about early literacy in homes, Preschools and schools as interactive technologies challenge traditional print-based literacies. The research found that significant differences between children's multimodal literacies and versions of emergent policies, may threaten successful literacy acquisition.

Supporting gen Y's engagement, enrichment and entertainment in interactive technologies

This research explored the potential for expansion of the current function, and usage of Interactive Television. The interviews and group discussions assisted in the determination of the theoretical framework for "Interactive Digital Vision", including its inspiration from current technologies to provide an engaging, enriching and intertaining user experience.

Supporting community, culture and collaboration with emerging e-Learning technologies

This thesis examined whether wikis, online lectures and Drupal could be used to support community, culture and collaboration in an e-Learning environment. A series of information technology usability studies informed the iterative development of the technologies, culminating in a framework for implementing e-Learning technologies to support community, culture and collaboration.

Self-service technologies and consumer complaining behaviour : an empirical investigation

Consumers often report dissatisfaction with technology-based services. This thesis, for the first time, examines consumer complaining behaviour with regard to these services, and identifies the factors that influence it. Complaint management strategies are recommended that benefit both organisations and consumers in this evolving service context.

Examination of the relationship between advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) and workforce development activities : implications for organisational performance

This study examines the relationship among organisational performance, advanced manufacturing technologies and workforce development activities. A model of this relationship is proposed with the workplace needs acting as a mediator between technology and workforce development activities. This survey examined the technology and developmental practices of manufacturing companies in Hong Kong.