Language-independent conceptual "bugs" in novice programming
This article argues for the existence of persistent conceptual "bugs" in how novices program and understand programs. These bugs are not specific to a given programming language, but appear to be language-independent. Furthermore, such bugs occur for novices from primary school to college age. Three different classes of bugs-parallelism, intentionality, and egocentrism - are identified, and exemplified through student errors. It is suggested that these classes of conceptual bugs are rooted in a
Instruments of semiotic mediation in algebra, an example
The paper presents a class discussion which was set up within a long term experiment concerning the use of a software, L'Algebrista, to introduce pupils to theoretical thinking and symbolic manipulation. From the analysis of the discussion we will illustrate some aspects of how a teacher can use an instrument of semiotic mediation in order to guide the genesis and evolution of new concepts.
Evolving from a Traditional Distance Learning Model to e-Learning
This paper presents experiences from the course of Informatics at the Hellenic Open University. Problems faced and lessons learned are presented relating to the introduction of e-learning capabilities into this course that was initially based on a traditional distance-learning model.
The paper discusses the need that imposed the introduction of e-learning infrastructure and procedures into the course, the steps taken and the students' attitude towards these changes. It also discusses points whe
Literature Review in Games and Learning
This review is intended as a timely introduction to current thinking about the role of computer games in supporting children's learning inside and out of school. It highlights the key areas of research in the field, in particular the increasing interest in pleasurable learning, learning through doing and learning through collaboration, that games seem to offer. At the same time, the review takes a measured tone in acknowledging some of the obstacles and challenges to using games within our curre
How GRID could improve E-Learning in the environmental science domain
This paper will outline the requirements for an interactive e-learning system defined as part of the German research project GIMOLUS [1].
After a short overview over the Open Grid Service Architecture (OGSA) it will be shown that the capabilities of existing e-learning solutions are too limited in order to fulfil these requirements.
The last part will show how a GIMOLUS system could be built using a GRID service architecture and what the benefits are in doing so.
Adaptive eLearning and the Learning GRID
One important aim of LeGE-WG is the integration of new eLearning methodologies into Learning Grid technology. A central issue in these new eLearning methodologies is the concept of individualised and personalised learning to be realised by adaptive tutoring systems.
The adaptivity of such systems goes far beyond adapting to the users' preferences with respect to the user interface; in co-operation between computer science, psychology, and pedagogy, systems adapting, e.g., to the individual lear
Cause and effect
Students will identify and interpret cause and effect as expressed in poetry.
Specification of the CoP-oriented knowledge management tool offering basic CoP-adapted KM services
This deliverable proposes a preliminary specification of basic KM services interesting for CoPs. It describes their functionalities, their possible interfaces with other services and with the human user; as well as possible uses of these basic KM services by CoPs. Various tools available among the partners, that could offer some of these basic services, are presented. A web service-oriented architecture enabling to offer all such KM services in a modular way with possible interoperability with o
Grid of analysis supporting the participative design methodology
This deliverable presents the participatory design methodology of the PALETTE project and some first results of the implementation of this process. Some principles of the Actor Network Theory and of the Agile Methodology are embedded in the different stages of this methodology whose twelve stages (described in details in the last section) will be the basis of the participative development of services and scenarios of use.,PALETTE deliverable - report number D.PAR.01
Towards an xml-based representation of collaborative action
Interaction analysis is a core function for the support of coaching and evaluation in CSCL. It
relies on information captured from the actions performed by the participants during the collaborative process. This information includes data of distinct nature and format, which demands a flexible and standardised data representation, adaptable to different analytical perspectives and collaborative situations. Besides this, it is known that the correct interpretation of human action needs to take con
Washington Booker, III
In this oral history from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Washington Booker recalls being arrested and jailed for participating in the Children's Crusade of 1963.
New and changing teacher roles in higher education in a digital age
Digital tools are increasingly being used to support teaching in higher education. The tools place new demands on the tasks and responsibilities of the teacher, and can influence teacher roles. In this study we investigate the long-term use and development of a tool for facilitating the negotiation of meaning in argumentative student texts, through peer and teacher feedback. In this setting we argue that new teacher roles have emerged.
The Road to Brown
This video segment looks at history of the NAACP's efforts to convince the Supreme Court that segregated schools were unconstitutional, leading up to the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education cases.
"Their Own Hotheadedness": Senator Benjamin R."Pitchfork Ben" Tillman Justifies Violence Against Sou
In this March 23, 1900, speech before the U.S. Senate, Senator Benjamin R. "Pitchfork Ben" Tillman of South Carolina defended the actions of his white constituents who had murdered several black citizens of his home state. Tillman blamed the violence on the "hot-headedness" of Southern blacks and on the misguided efforts of Republicans during the Reconstruction era after the Civil War to "put white necks under black heels." He also defended violence against black men, claiming that southern whit
Wendy Cope Poem
Wendy Cope reads one of her own poems about reactions to 9/11
"It Didn't Pan Out as We Thought It Was Going To"Amos Owen on the Indian Reorganization Act
The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, which became known as the Indian New Deal, dramatically changed the federal government's Indian policy. Although John Collier, the commissioner of Indian affairs who was responsible for the new policy, may have viewed Indians with great sympathy, not all Native Americans viewed the Indian New Deal in equally positive terms. In this 1970 interview with historian Herbert T. Hoover, Amos Owen, Mdewakanton Sioux tribal chairman, gave a mixed verdict on the Indi
Interview with Guitarist Wayne Krantz
Wayne Krantz, a Berklee College of Music alum, is widely recognized as an advanced jazz fusion guitarist. He has played with Steely Dan and Chris Potter, and established himself as a solo artist.
Berkleemusic Student Advisor Mark Hopkins recently had the chance to interview Wayne while he was on tour in Boston. Wayne talks about his experience as a Berklee student, the importance of music fundamentals, and his approach to composition.
Super Bowl parties and alcohol
For Americans, Super Bowl Sunday means laughter, cheering, camaraderie, plenty of food and for many -- alcohol. Watching sporting events and consuming alcohol go hand-in-hand, and this year is likely to be no different. But if you plan to imbibe, you could be contributing to a serious public health risk.
University of Minnesota School of Public Health expert Darin Erickson offers some tips on a successful Super Bowl Sunday that includes alcohol
Linkage and Arms Control
Henry Kissinger, U.S. national security adviser from 1969 to 1973 and then secretary of state until 1977, was the dominant figure in creating the foreign policy of the Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford administrations. This video segment deals with the concept of "linkage": interlocking U.S. arms-control negotiations with leveraging Soviet behavior and policy.
Kissinger's interview conducted for War and Peace in the Nuclear Age: "One Step Forward" touches on points contained in his blueprint for de
Healey's Theorem
Denis Healey was the British secretary of state for defense from 1964 to 1970 and chancellor of the exchequer from 1974 to 1979. In this video segment, Healey reflects on the period in which he was defense secretary under Prime Minister Harold Wilson. He recalls the opposing interests of Germany and the United States with regard to nuclear strategy, explains his 'Healey theorem' of deterrence, and clarifies France's position that alliances can't coexist with nuclear weapons. Healey also assesses
