This paper reports the results of a qualitative study on the process of learning complex concepts in chemistry by four students
as they worked with FLiPS (Flexible Learning in the Periodic System), a cognitive flexibility multi-media hypertext for learning
about the periodic system of elements. A wide range of probes (think-alouds; navigation logs; observational notes, interviews;
pre- and post-tests; epistemic beliefs survey; and background questionnaire) produced a rich data set for analysis. This data
was analyzed to construct rich narrative case- and cross-case narratives of the participants' process of working and learning
in this complex hypertext environment. This multi-level analysis offers insight both into the fine-grained process of use
as well as the larger issues of the pedagogical significance of FLiPS. Our analysis reveals a complex relationship between
epistemic beliefs, student motivation, prior knowledge, and process of learning from hypertext. We offer implications for
future research, design and the application of pedagogical hypertexts.
Requests for reprints should be sent to Punya Mishra, Learning, Technology, and Culture Program, Michigan State University,
509A Erickson Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824. E-mail: punya@msu.edu 相似文献
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop a conceptual framework with related analysis methodologies that identifies the influence of social environment on an established cropping system.
Design/methodology/approach: A stratified survey including 103 villages and 823 farmers was conducted in all districts of Haryana (India). Firstly, technical efficiency (TE) was modeled using biophysical data including grain yield, seeding rate, wheat varieties, tillage, sowing date, seed source, harvesting method and the application of fertilizer, herbicide and irrigation. The relationship between TE and social community factors such as farm size, farmer age, level of education and agricultural support programs was analyzed by regression tree.
Findings: TE was lower with the farmers who only have education to a primary standard. Farmers with high TE scores were mostly between 35 and 40 years of age, and a higher TE association was common for farmers who use technical publications. Social individual factors such as farmers’ views on the future of farming were also analyzed across different TE levels.
Practical implications: Farmers with lower TE are an obvious target for production improvement, particularly given the understanding that the overall production yield gap is small in Haryana.
Theoretical implications: Our conceptual framework shows a quantitative way to establish the socio-ecological linkage, and to identify the opportunities for changes in management with extension services leading to productivity improvement.
Originality/value: This paper provides a novel framework with detailed methodology to effectively identify the socio-economic factors that limit the biophysical production in an agricultural system. 相似文献
Disability is an increasing issue as never before. It is not just a health issue, it is a complex social phenomenon that separates a person from society. India, a country which is known for its multicultural diversity, leads as a top country in various assets. India is proactive in the disability sector ever since the subject of ‘disability’ was pointed out in the State List in the Seventh Schedule of Constitution. The Constitution of India mentions the word ‘citizen’ to cover all persons who legally belong to India. This article presents the library services provided by the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (formerly National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped) for divyang users. 相似文献
Cardiopulmonary bypass is known to cause alterations in insulin secretion and resistance, resulting in profound hyperglycemia.
Aggressive treatment of the resulting hyperglycemia intra-operatively could result in a severe degree of post-operative hypoglycemia.
We undertook this prospective non-randomized clinical study to compare the alterations in glucose homeostasis in diabetic
(group A, n=50) and non-diabetic (Group B, n=50) patients undergoing moderate hypothermic (30°C) cardiopulmonary bypass for
coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). All patients had a fasting blood sugar level done on the morning of surgery. Blood
sugars were monitored intra-operatively and post-operatively at fixed time intervals. Intra-operative hyperglycemia was treated
aggressively by a continuous, infusion of injecting plain insulin. Both the groups experienced similar significant increase
in blood glucose levels during bypass (‘p’=0.00003). However, the mean blood glucose level upon arrival in the intensive care
unit was significantly decreased in group B compared to group A (p=0.0002). 60% of group B and 10% of group A patients required
treatment for post-operative hypoglycemia (blood glucose level <60mg/dl). This clinical study reveals that attempting to maintain
normoglycemia in this setting with Insulin may initiate post-operative hypoglycemia. 相似文献
The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are among the most prestigious technical institutes in India (and perhaps in the
world) for undergraduate engineering education. Admission to an IIT is viewed by many Indians as a passport to success, prosperity,
prestige, and possibly moving to Western countries for higher studies and/or jobs. This paper examines whether (i) access
to the IITs is open to students irrespective of their socioeconomic status; (ii) students’ satisfaction, once they enter an
IIT, is conditioned by their socioeconomic status; and (iii) students’ attitudes towards their future plans are influenced
by their socioeconomic status. The paper is based on a survey conducted with nearly 260 students at two out of five original
IITs in 2007–2008. Findings reveal that access to the IITs, satisfaction at the IITs, and future plans after the IITs are
strongly correlated to students’ socioeconomic status. Even though admission to the IITs is based on an entrance examination,
most of its students are from the socially and economically well-off families. 相似文献
Helminths are known to modulate host’s immune system and understanding this modulation can help in identification of novel therapeutic agents for autoimmune diseases. In this study, we have assessed the immune-modulatory activity and the therapeutic effect of Brugia malayi recombinant cystatin (rBmCys) in methylated BSA (mBSA) induced arthritis using rodent model. Administration of rBmCys has suppressed the severity of mBSA-arthritis in mastomys by reducing paw swelling and other clinical disease parameters as evident from significantly decreased arthritic index. The anti-arthritic effect of rBmCys was also confirmed by decreased histopathological score for synovitis, bone erosion and fibrosis in the tissue sections of paws. Further, this therapeutic effect of cystatin was found to be associated with significantly decreased production of IFN-γ and TNF-α and increased release of IL-4 and IL-10 cytokines. These results implied that rBmCys treatment has alleviated mBSA-induced arthritis and thus can be a promising alternative agent for the treatment of arthritis. 相似文献
Disparities in health and healthcare are a major concern in the United States and worldwide. Approaches to alleviate these disparities must be multifaceted and should include initiatives that touch upon the diverse areas that influence the healthcare system. Developing a strong biomedical workforce with an awareness of the issues concerning health disparities is crucial for addressing this issue. Establishing undergraduate health disparities courses that are accessible to undergraduate students in the life sciences is necessary to increase students’ understanding and awareness of these issues and motivate them to address these disparities during their careers. The majority of universities do not include courses related to health disparities in their curricula, and only a few universities manage them from their life sciences departments. The figures are especially low for minority-serving institutions, which serve students from communities disproportionally affected by health disparities. Universities should consider several possible approaches to infuse their undergraduate curricula with health disparities courses or activities. Eliminating health disparities will require efforts from diverse stakeholders. Undergraduate institutions can play an important role in developing an aware biomedical workforce and helping to close the gap in health outcomes. 相似文献