Integrating concrete and virtual materials in an elementary mathematics classroom : a case study of success with fractions

This paper describes an approach to introducing fraction concepts using generic software tools such as Microsoft Office's PowerPoint to create "virtual" materials for mathematics teaching and learning. This approach replicates existing concrete materials and integrates virtual materials with current non-computer methods of teaching primary students about fractions. The paper reports a case study of a 12-year-old student, Frank, who had an extremely limited understanding of fractions. Frank also lacked motivation for learning mathematics in general and interacted with his peers in a negative way during mathematics lessons. In just one classroom session involving the seamless integration of off-computer and on-computer activities, Frank acquired a basic understanding of simple common equivalent fractions. Further, he was observed as the session progressed to be an enthusiastic learner who offered to share his learning with his peers. The study's "virtual replication" approach for fractions involves the manipulation of concrete materials (folding paper regions) alongside the manipulation of their virtual equivalent (shading screen regions). As researchers have pointed out, the emergence of new technologies does not mean old technologies become redundant. Learning technologies have not replaced print and oral language or basic mathematical understanding. Instead, they are modifying, reshaping, and blending the ways in which humankind speaks, reads, writes, and works mathematically. Constructivist theories of learning and teaching argue that mathematics understanding is developed from concrete to pictorial to abstract and that, ultimately, mathematics learning and teaching is about refinement and expression of ideas and concepts. Therefore, by seamlessly integrating the use of concrete materials and virtual materials generated by computer software applications, an opportunity arises to enhance the teaching and learning value of both materials.

Artemidia independente: Vidas Imperfeitas, o quadrinho em um diálogo entre linguagem e suporte

The term “independent media art” expresses an artistic-scientific process performed in the Art- Science Communication interface presented as Final Paper in Visual Arts baccalaureate modality. The first part consists in gather, in artisticscientific research, an overview of the production of independent comics, mainly in Brazil, as well as some of the manifestations that were derived from it. The identification is made from bibliographical and iconographical survey, both printed and virtual materials. The second part discusses the production of a comic of my own - Imperfect Lives - published independently. This work is inserted in the line of research “Artistic Processes and Procedures” of the Department of Fine Arts of the Art Institute of UNESP and describes: Creative process, production, dissemination and influences. The third and final section brings together the work done by me during the four-year course, whose theme has some relation with comics. Experiments are in various media, using one or another characteristic intrinsic to them. The monography includes as an appendix a copy of each issue of the fanzine Imperfect Lives. The methodology used was Freinetiana Educational Cybernetics, developed in the research group “Art media and Videoclip”, whose leading advisor is the one from this Final Paper. The result and discussion of the artistic research and scientific monography were reported in the following versions: PDF File repository for dissemination in the virtual library of the Institute of Arts. Hardcover version for physical collection in the Library of the Institute of Arts. Paper version for the committee. Template version appropriate for submission to International Scientific Congress in the area of Arts

Artemídia escrevente: a caligrafia entre a arte e o design

The term “writing media art” expresses an artisticscientific process performed in the Art-Science Communication interface presented as Final Paper in Visual Arts baccalaureate modality. The first part gathers, in artistic-scientific research, a historical overview of the relation between image and writing, which its main focus is calligraphy and its different expressions in art and design, including their interrelations. The identification is made from bibliographical and iconographical survey, both printed and virtual materials. This approach involves the selection of authors’ statements and comments in order to offer a deeper historical basis, since it comes to facts and events. The second part relates to the set of works produced during the four-year period of the Visual Arts course, including a reflection about the creation process and all that surrounds it – influences, memories, visions etc. – to finally establish a connection between all these elements in order to make clear this incredible web of creation. This work is inserted in the line of research “Artistic Processes and Procedures” of the Department of Fine Arts of the Art Institute of UNESP and describes: creative process, production and influences. The methodology used was Freinetiana Educational Cybernetics, developed in the research group “Art media and Videoclip”, whose leading advisor is the one from this Final Paper. The result and discussion of the artistic-scientific research were reported in monography in the following versions: PDF File repository for dissemination in the virtual library of the Institute of Arts; hardcover version for physical collection in the Library of the Institute of Arts; paper version for the committee; template version appropriate for submission to International Scientific Congress in the area of Arts

Materiales virtuales : Usos y posibilidades en la enseñanza de la historia reciente

El siguiente trabajo pretende realizar un análisis cualitativo de algunas de las propuestas virtuales en internet para la enseñanza de la historia reciente en las escuelas secundarias de la provincia de Buenos Aires. La implementación del Programa "Conectar Igualdad" en las escuelas argentinas no sólo interpeló a los docentes a modificar sus prácticas de enseñanza, sino que llevó a que los estudiantes revisen sus estrategias de aprendizaje generando un paquete de actividades en la Web y articulando múltiples y variados recursos para la enseñanza que están al alcance de todos. Sin embargo, no todos los materiales que se encuentran disponibles son revisados y pertinentes para utilizarlos en las escuelas, sino que deben ser analizados y adecuados a las características de los contextos de implementación

Materiales virtuales : Usos y posibilidades en la enseñanza de la historia reciente

El siguiente trabajo pretende realizar un análisis cualitativo de algunas de las propuestas virtuales en internet para la enseñanza de la historia reciente en las escuelas secundarias de la provincia de Buenos Aires. La implementación del Programa "Conectar Igualdad" en las escuelas argentinas no sólo interpeló a los docentes a modificar sus prácticas de enseñanza, sino que llevó a que los estudiantes revisen sus estrategias de aprendizaje generando un paquete de actividades en la Web y articulando múltiples y variados recursos para la enseñanza que están al alcance de todos. Sin embargo, no todos los materiales que se encuentran disponibles son revisados y pertinentes para utilizarlos en las escuelas, sino que deben ser analizados y adecuados a las características de los contextos de implementación

Materiales virtuales : Usos y posibilidades en la enseñanza de la historia reciente

El siguiente trabajo pretende realizar un análisis cualitativo de algunas de las propuestas virtuales en internet para la enseñanza de la historia reciente en las escuelas secundarias de la provincia de Buenos Aires. La implementación del Programa "Conectar Igualdad" en las escuelas argentinas no sólo interpeló a los docentes a modificar sus prácticas de enseñanza, sino que llevó a que los estudiantes revisen sus estrategias de aprendizaje generando un paquete de actividades en la Web y articulando múltiples y variados recursos para la enseñanza que están al alcance de todos. Sin embargo, no todos los materiales que se encuentran disponibles son revisados y pertinentes para utilizarlos en las escuelas, sino que deben ser analizados y adecuados a las características de los contextos de implementación

Performance of FRP-concrete bridges under blast loading

Catastrophic failure from intentional terrorist attacks on surface transportation infrastructure could he detrimental to the society. In order to minimize the vulnerabilities and to ensure a safe transportation system, the issue of security for transportation structures, primarily bridges, which are subjected to man-made hazards is investigated in this study. A procedure for identifying and prioritizing "critical bridges" using a screening and prioritization processes is established. For each of the "critical" bridges, a systematic risk-based assessment approach is proposed that takes into account the combination of threat occurrence likelihood, its consequences, and the socioeconomic importance of the bridge. A series of effective security countermeasures are compiled in the four categories of deterrence, detection, defense and mitigation to help reduce the vulnerability of critical bridges. The concepts of simplified equivalent I-shape cross section and virtual materials are proposed for integration into a nonlinear finite element model, which helps assess the performance of reinforced concrete structures with and without composite retrofit or hardening measures under blast loading. A series of parametric studies are conducted for single column and two-column pier frame systems as well as for an entire bridge. The parameters considered include column height, column type, concrete strength, longitudinal steel reinforcement ratio, thickness, fiber angle and tensile strength of the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) tube, shape of the cross section, damping ratio and different bomb sizes. The study shows the benefits of hardening with composites against blast loading. The effect of steel reinforcement on blast resistance of the structure is more significant than the effect of concrete compressive strength. Moreover, multiple blasts do not necessarily lead to a more severe destruction than a single detonation at a strategically vulnerable location on the bridges.

METAMORPHOSE VI – the Virtual Institute for artificial electromagnetic materials and metamaterials: Origin, mission, and activities

In this paper, we outline the background, mission, and activities of the Virtual Institute for Artificial Electromagnetic Materials and Metamaterials (METAMORPHOSE VI). This international association, founded in the framework of the FP-6 Network of Excellence METAMORPHOSE, aims at promoting and developing research, training, and dissemination activities in the emerging and highly dynamic field of advanced electromagnetic materials and metamaterials at both European and International levels. More than 300 researchers are currently associated with the METAMORPHOSE VI which networks them together in a learnt society. After a brief description of the association and its mission, we present an overview of the activities developed by the METAMORPHOSE VI, with a particular emphasis on the coordination of the European Doctoral Program on Metamaterials (EUPROMETA) and the organization of the International Congress on Advanced Electromagnetic Materials in Microwaves and Optics – metamaterials congress.

Assessment of virtual design and manufacturing techniques for fibre reinforced composite materials

Virtual tools are commonly used nowadays to optimize product design and manufacturing process of fibre reinforced composite materials. The present work focuses on two areas of interest to forecast the part performance and the production process particularities. The first part proposes a multi-physical optimization tool to support the concept stage of a composite part. The strategy is based on the strategic handling of information and, through a single control parameter, is able to evaluate the effects of design variations throughout all these steps in parallel. The second part targets the resin infusion process and the impact of thermal effects. The numerical and experimental approach allowed the identificationof improvement opportunities regarding the implementation of algorithms in commercially available simulation software.

Digitisation and Presentation of Historical Materials in a Virtual Exhibition ‘The Image of India in Bulgaria: from the late 19th to the late 20th Century’

The main contribution of this project is the study of collections of valuable documents related to the image of India in Bulgaria. Digital repositories of selected samples are constructed using modern information technologies. The results are presented in a virtual exhibition ‘The Image of India in Bulgaria: from the late 19th to the late 20th century’.