[Abstract]: Advances in computer technology and communication technology have been revolutionary during the latter half of the last century. During which, computer technology has transformed the world from the industrial age to the information age. Computer technology by its very nature is a new and intriguing phenomenon to work with. In contrast, nursing by its very nature is an older and most trusted profession to be part of. Uncovering the secrets of combining this media and that profession then became the challenge for the study. The foundations for the study are set within the qualitative model of phenomenology, where the methods are based on the work of van Manen (1997). This framework was used to explore a deeper understanding of the nursing experience with computer technology in the hospital ward. The objectives of the study were primarily to understand computer technology within the social context of nursing and secondly, other objectives were to explore the dynamics, between computer technology and the culture of nursing. Discussion was invited on the positive and negative influences of computer technology as experienced by these nurses.This was achieved by working with nurses in a variety of ward settings including a rural base hospital, as they participated in a series of in-depth, unstructured interviews. The data they provided reflects that computer technology has the potential to impact on the structure and delivery of healthcare, challenge the traditional roles and scope of practice, alter the existing boundaries and relationships and reinvent the clinical environment of nursing.

No description available.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Georgia State University, 2007. / Title from file title page. Melody Moore, committee chair; Detmar Straub, Veda Storey, Bruce Walker, committee members. Electronic text (166 p. : ill. (some col.)) : digital, PDF file. Description based on contents viewed Nov. 5, 2007. Includes bibliographical references (p. 160-164).

Diss. Örebro : Örebro universitet, 2005.

Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Magister Educationis (Education) in the Faculty of Education at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology / The aim of this qualitative study was to assess the influence of a particular form of computer technology on the reading ability of intellectually challenged learners. The study sought to answer the questions: (i) what direction for change does the reading of intellectually impaired learners take when a particular assistive technological device is used as a teaching-learning tool? And, (ii) what can educators of these intellectually impaired learners learn from this change or lack thereof? In order to answer these questions the study was conducted using an Action Research design. An intervention based on assistive technology was used for (i) testing learner abilities; and (ii) measuring performance and possible change(s). A comparison of learners’ performance and effort following testing suggests that the assistive technology used has the potential to positively influence the reading ability of some segments of learners with an intellectual impairment. Furthermore, the findings make it clear that assistive technology does not take away the need for teachers to differentiate where a variety of learner abilities is concerned.

See Coversheet for system requirements. The aim of the research is to integrate computer technologies and environmentally - sensitive materials and processes into the practice of the ceramic designer-maker, in order to assess the impact of new technologies on practice. A critical contextual review (including analysis of visual material) revealed a developing interest in environmental issues and computer technologies in designer-maker practice. A shift away from a philosophy which historically has been anti-industrial, towards a wider spectrum of craft production was noted. This diversity was shown in the types of production and the scale of manufacture - from ‘one-offs’ to industrial manufacture. New technologies were acknowledged by critics, commentators and practitioners as facilitating this development, although concerns about the potentially detrimental affect that computer technology could have on craft skills was voiced. A link between a pragmatic philosophy of ‘craft’ practice and new approaches to computer systems design highlighted a perception of the validity of ‘craft’ as a contemporary skill. The lack of established methodologies for practice-based ceramic design research has led to the development of a naturalistic approach within this work which is both holistic and emergent. By necessity this methodology places the design researcher at the centre of the inquiry, and uses practice as the main research vehicle. Selected research outcomes were peer reviewed through two significant international touring exhibitions: ‘Hot Off the Press: Ceramics and Print’ and ‘Objects of Our Time’. Initial investigations concentrated on the development of environmentally-sensitive lustre glazes [lead and cadmium free] incorporating an innovative ‘safe’ reduction firing system. Subsequently, ceramic surface designs and three dimensional forms were developed through the integration of: computer assisted design work (CAD); computer assisted manufacture (CAM); colours and glazes; and environmentally-sensitive screen printing, and existing making methods. The outcome was new aesthetic qualities and an extension of practical capabilities. A critical framework for the analysis of research outcomes was developed in order to make explicit and transferable some of the tacit knowledge embodied in research investigations. The analysis was developed through the use of a computer database system from which an electronic document was developed, allowing the integration of a large amount of visual material into the thesis. The research demonstrated that the integration of new technologies into the holistic and emergent practice of the ceramic designer-maker was appropriate. Many advantages of computer technologies for the ceramic practitioner are identified as transferable to the wider field of designer-maker practice and embody the potential to enhance future developments in this field.

Map position finding is a fundamental skill taught in many map use and interpretation geography courses. Map position finding is also the basic skill required for successful orienteering. At Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University orienteering exercises aid in building students map position finding skills. Unfortunately, the outdoor nature of orienteering limits classroom use. Bad weather, lack of suitable sites and logistical problems may prevent the educational use of orienteering. Advancements in computer technology have led to the development of a computer orienteering simulation. This paper examines the accuracy of subjects' map position finding responses when exposed to a computer simulated environment. This research examined two issues. First, it tested whether the computer program was capable of presenting the necessary visual information to determine a location. Test subjects were asked to locate a map position based on viewing computer images which were manipulated to create a 360 degree panorama. Second, it tested if the ability to pan continuously through 360 degrees increases participants' location accuracy over the individual slide based technique studied by Cox (1986). Results indicate that: 1) subjects were able to locate a specific map position by viewing computer images; 2) differences in accuracy existed between sites and subjects and 3) the ability to continuously pan through 360 degrees with the computer program provided higher accuracy results than the slide based study conducted by Cox (1986). / Master of Science

Research suggests that high stakes testing impacts teachers' decisions regarding curriculum and instruction, which, in turn, impacts student learning. Because Virginia administered SOL tests for Computer/Technology, then discontinued them, a study was possible comparing teachers' perceptions and actual student achievement of those taught while the high-stakes tests were in place and those taught after the tests were discontinued. A survey was administered to all elementary and middle school classroom teachers in a midsize urban Virginia school division to determine their perceptions of the effects of high-stakes testing. Cross tabulations were performed based upon: school level; on whether the teacher had taught prior to, or only after, the SOL tests were implemented; and whether the teacher perceived he/she was teaching a high or low percentage of lower socio-economic status (SES) students. In addition to the survey, the 2002 versions of the Virginia Computer/Technology Standards of Learning (C/T SOL) assessments were administered to all 2005 fifth and eighth grade students within the same school division. Statistical comparisons of the means of raw scores from the 2002 fifth (n = 625) and eighth (n = 641) grade groups and the 2005 fifth (n = 583) and eighth (n = 522) grade groups were conducted. Comparisons were also conducted on scores from each test between groups of students who qualified for free and reduced price lunches and those that did not qualify. Finally, statistical comparisons were made between the scaled scores of students who were eighth graders in 2005 (n = 397) and their scaled scores as fifth graders when tested in 2002. The study found a majority of teachers felt high-stakes testing creates pressure and changes the focus of instruction to tested areas at the expense of other activities and non-tested content. When the means of the scores of students who took the C/T SOL tests in 2002 were compared to those from 2005, the scores for the students taught under the high-stakes testing pressure were significantly better than those tested in 2005. Further, this gap in student achievement was more pronounced for lower SES students, suggesting a widening of the "digital divide." 74b769a6-e0db-4582-ac4d-7a2ab1e0118c,"Research surrounding older adults, social support, and emotional well-being are richly researched topics. However, literature is devoid of qualitative studies and research focusing specifically on community centers and older adults' social networks, which are integral for understanding the growing needs of older adults in today's society. Guided by the theoretical frameworks of phenomenology, activity theory, and ecological theory, four in-in-depth interviews were conducted and then coded for themes. The central themes highlighted family connection, connection with others, resiliency, helping others, type of activity, restoring self, community connection, exploration, convenience, and life stages. Suggestions for future research and possible impacts for clinical practice are discussed. / Ed. D.

Virginia Tech's Faculty Development Institute (FDI) was developed to address issues related to the computer technology revolution; training and education of faculty; faculty professional development; and the university adjusting to change. The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the goals, expectations, and perceived outcomes that the university, FDI developers, and the initial participants had for Virginia Tech's FDI initiative as originally implemented. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in this study to identify the perceived outcomes for the developers and initial participants. The fundamental concepts of motivation theory, evaluation, personal recall, and self-perception theory are used help to describe and explain the findings of the study. Interview results from the five developers and historical document analysis were used to develop surveys for the 49 initial participants and the developers in order to provide validity for the results. Interviews, historical documents and the survey results show that initial participants, developers and the university had very similar expectations for the outcomes during and/or immediately following the initial FDI workshop. There were wider differences in expectations of long-term outcomes as a result of the FDI initiative. The results also differ in terms of the extent to which participants and developers believed that their expectations were met short and long term. / Ph. D.

The ZigBee standard is a wireless networking standard created and maintained by the ZigBee Alliance. The standard aims to provide an inexpensive, reliable, and efficient solution for wirelessly networked sensing and control products. The ZigBee Alliance is composed of over 300 member companies making use of the standard in different ways, ranging from energy management and efficiency, to RF remote controls, to health care products. Home automation is one market that greatly benefits from the use of ZigBee. With a focus on conserving home electricity use, a sample design is created to test a home automation network using Freescale's ZigBee platform. Multiple electrical designs are tested utilizing sensors ranging from proximity sensors to current sense transformers. Software is fashioned as well, creating a PC application that interacts with two ZigBee transceiver boards performing different home automation functions such as air conditioner and automatic lighting control. / by Michael G. DiBenedetto. / Thesis (M.S.C.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2009. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2009. Mode of access: World Wide Web.