Video tutorials are a popular medium for learning to perform different tasks in feature-rich software applications. In existing systems, the comments are generally shown below the video in threads. This separation of video and comments creates cognitive load when users try to link comments with the video. We designed and developed 'VidComm', a prototype interface enabling users to filter comments from different categories and link them directly to the tutorial content – and thus enhancing the existing video tutorial comment system. An evaluation of VidComm suggests that this system helps users find particular information from comments more quickly and accurately than a traditional commenting system. / February 2016

New technologies have increased the possible ways in which humans interact and as a result require new as well as old ways to establish trust. The findings of this paper suggest that trust should be divided into three main categories of trust drivers, exchange factors, design factors and motivational factors. The results indicate that tutorials can, and should, include drivers that build these categories. While we found varying degrees on how well implemented these were, we found that design factors were generally more prominent and found opportunities for tutorials to improve on the exchange side.

Electronic medical records (EMR) can be used by Primary Care Physicians (PCP) to support diabetes care in a proactive and planned way. Although the majority of Canadian PCPs have adopted an EMR, advanced use of the EMR is limited. The literature widely suggests that end-user-support (EUS) is a critical success factor for increasing use of advanced EMR features, such as diabetes registries and recalls or reminders. Training is one type of EUS that is intended to help PCPs to better use their EMRs; however, many PCPs receive little or inadequate EMR training, especially following the implementation of an EMR. Specifically, there is a dearth of literature on the use of video tutorials to improve EMR use. The purpose of this mixed methods (QUAN(qual)) study was to evaluate the potential for EMR video tutorials to improve process measures for type 1 and type 2 diabetes care for PCPs using OSCAR EMR in British Columbia. EMR video tutorials were developed based on the Chronic Care Model, value-adding EMR use, evidence-based video tutorial design, clinician-led EMR training, the Structure-Process-Outcome Model, and the New World Kirkpatrick Model. In total, 18 PCPs participated in the study, and 12 of them participated in 21 follow up interviews. The study results demonstrated that the study intervention and Hawthorne effect elicited a statistically significant increase in EMR feature use for diabetes care, with a large effect size (i.e., F(3, 51) = 6.808, p <.001, partial η2 = .286). Multiple barriers and facilitators to applying the tutorial skills into practice were also found at the physician, staff, patient, EMR, and policy levels, such as time, funding, computer literacy of staff, patient responsibility, and user-friendliness of the EMR. Three pairs of PCP characteristics had a strong and positive association, which was statistically significant: (1) age and years of practice; (2) years of experience using OSCAR EMR and number of EMRs used; and (3) computer skills and EMR skills. PCPs' years of medical practice was statistically significant in predicting their baseline use of the EMR for diabetes care. Graphical trends indicated that higher increases in mean composite EMR use (MCEU) score for diabetes care over the duration of the study were associated with PCPs with the following characteristics: (1) being female, (2) being aged 35-44, (3) being from Vancouver Island, (4), having less than four years of medical practice, (5) having 3-4 years of EMR experience, (6) having 1-2 years of OSCAR EMR experience, (7) using four EMRs, and (8) having prior post-implementation EMR training. This small-scale efficacy study demonstrates the potential of CCM-based EMR video tutorials to improve EMR use for chronic diseases such as diabetes. A larger-scale effectiveness study with a control group is needed to further validate the study findings and determine their generalizability. / Graduate

If you ask 5 different teachers what the best way to teach a new technology to a student is you will get 5 different answers. (Bork, 2001; Cheong, 2008; Egal, 2009; Howell, 2001) What is the best way to teach a new computer software application to a student? In the technological world we live in today the effective transfer of technological knowledge is paramount. With varying opinions even among the leaders of national technology teacher associations (Haynie, 2005) there is a large level of ambiguity in relation to best practices in technology teaching. This study evaluates five commonly used methods of software application instruction used in technology classrooms. Students and teachers were questioned regarding the effectiveness and frequency of use of each of the instructional methods. Students were also instructed using five commonly used methods of instruction. Student's work was graded and average grades for each method of instruction were obtained. Key findings include: 1 - Students perceive book learning to be the most effective method of instruction for themselves and for their classmates. 2 - Teachers perceived direct instruction as the most effective method of instruction and book learning as the least effective method of instruction. 3 - Although students reported book learning as the most effective method of instruction those receiving direct instruction received the highest grades.

Esta investigación, cuya finalidad es diseñar una plataforma virtual en la que las personas puedan tener acceso a un editor de videos amigable por las herramientas que posee y fácil de utilizar; así como también, tener la posibilidad de subir sus propias creaciones a la plataforma para poder compartirlo con sus amigos o contactos, se presenta como un proyecto factible que si puede ser rentable en el tiempo y soluciona los problemas de jóvenes y emprendedores que aún no dominan el manejo de las herramientas en las plataformas de edición de video, es por ello que les proponemos como solución un editor de videos con herramientas básicas, video tutoriales cortos explicando las funciones de las herramientas, plantillas de video para una mejor edición, formatos dependiendo la red social a la que va dirigido el video, entre otras opciones, con el objetivo que el usuario se familiarice con la plataforma. La solución a este problema fue validada mediante entrevistas tanto a posibles usuarios como a expertos en el tema, tomando en cuenta las opiniones y recomendaciones que van a permitir realizar modificaciones y así llegar a desarrollar una página y prototipo de editor de video acorde a lo que nuestro segmento de clientes está buscando. Del mismo modo, se realizaron publicaciones por medio de las redes sociales como Instagram y Facebook para que nuestro proyecto llegue a más usuarios y así tener una comunicación más directa con ellos. Asimismo, se realizaron los cálculos financieros a 3 años de nuestro proyecto tomando en cuenta las simulaciones de órdenes de compra en las últimas semanas y la proyección de nuestras ventas según las inversiones en marketing que se realizarán cada cierto tiempo. De igual manera, los financiamientos a los cuales vamos a acceder por parte del banco, de los accionistas y de un financiamiento no tradicional; finalmente, mencionar nuestros ratios e indicadores financieros que sustentan la viabilidad de TOMA4. / This research, whose purpose is to design a virtual platform in where people can have access to a friendly video editor due to the tools it has and easy to use; as well as having the possibility of uploading your own creations to the platform and to share it with your friends or contacts, it is presented as a feasible project that can be profitable over time and solves the problems of young people and entrepreneurs who have not yet mastered the management of tools in video editing platforms, that is why we propose a video editor with basic tools as a solution, short video tutorials explaining the functions of the tools, video templates for better editing, formats dependent on the network social which the video is directed, among other options, with the aim that the user becomes familiar with the platform. The solution to this problem was validated through interviews with both possible users and experts on the subject, taking into account the opinions and recommendations that will allow modifications, in that way develop a page and video editor prototype according to what our customer segment is looking for. In the same way, publications were made through social networks such as Instagram and Facebook so that our project reaches more users and to have more direct communication with them. Likewise, the financial calculations for 3 years of our project were carried out taking into account the simulations of purchase orders in recent weeks and the projection of our sales according to the marketing investments that will be made from time to time. In the same way, the financing to which we are going to access from the bank, the shareholders and non-traditional financing; finally, mention our financial ratios and indicators that support the viability of TOMA4. / Trabajo de investigación

M. Tech. (Department of Information and Communication Technology, Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences). Vaal University of Technology. / There are many learning paradigms in the academic field, many of which have been used since the advent of universities and other learning institutions. However, the advent and subsequent popularisation of the Internet in the early 1990's has led to the development of new learning paradigms. Simultaneously, students currently enrolled at higher education institutions (HEI) fall under the Generation Z cohort, otherwise known as Millennials. This generation has grown up with widespread usage of the internet, and research has shown that engagement with these students in an educational setting has slowed down. This study endeavoured to establish whether the use of Social Networking Services (SNSs) could aid to better engage student in the teaching and learning process, and if so, whether there would be a measurable improvement in the marks of students enrolled in a final year Information Technology (IT) module at a HEI. Facebook and YouTube were the SNSs chosen as the focus of the study. Data collection was achieved by means of mixed-methods methodology. Semi-structured interviews were held with lecturers to determine their perceptions regarding the use of Facebook from an educational perspective. thematic analysis was performed to identify prominent themes in the qualitative data. Statistical analysis was performed on the result of two groups of students that took the final year module over two semesters. An action research based case study was designed as intervention for students in the 2nd semester involving the use of SNSs. The marks of the two groups were compared and contrasted to determine whether an improvement in results had taken place. Students participating in the action research case study also completed a survey for the purpose of gauging their experiences in the use of SNSs for the action research interventions are also highlighted and discussed, and thematic analysis is performed. After analysis of the gathered data had taken place, it was clear that the majority of participants in the study found that SNSs could add value to the teaching and learning process and there was a small to moderate improvement in results. Guidelines for other institutions that would like to integrate SNSs into their teaching and learning processes are proposed and a model has been developed.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / In this work we propose an interdisciplinary modular teaching sequence on the measurement of the speed of light which is compatible with the traditional basic education’s sillabus. Based on the Römer method to measure the time difference between the occultation of Jupiter's moons in different orbital configurations with respect to the Earth, we developed educational activities that include: (a) observations of Jupiter's moons occultations through amateur telescopes; (b) data analysis using professional Astronomy softwares; (c) simulations using the software Stellarium and (d) the use of spreadsheets for the calculations involved to explore the physics contents. The modules can be applied independently and they are associated to educational products like didactic sequences, tutorials, video tutorials and info-animation in PowerPoint to support the lectures. We add three extra classes to the usual curriculum, which however can be easily adapted to the usual lecture. For these classes we prepared two info-animations employing the Peer Instruction and Just-in-time teaching methods besides practical activities centered on the students, following the Meaningful Learning approaches. With these resources we explore kinematics concepts (linear and circular movements), systems of reference, vectors and scientific epistemology. By mean of a pre and post-tests using questions from the High School National Exams (ENEM) involving the topics of Physics and Astronomy proposed in this work, we verified a considerable progress in the pattern of responses before and after our intervention to more than 90% of the addressed questions. Based on publicly available data by the National Institute for Studies and Educational Research (INEP) we identify a significantly higher yield of right answers of our students when compared with the average responses of all students from Sergipe who participated of the National Exams. Methodological corrections to this work based on the problems identified during the application of our products are proposed. / Neste trabalho propomos uma sequência didática modular, de caráter interdisciplinar e compatível com o currículo do ensino básico, sobre a medida da velocidade da luz. Inspirados no método de Römer para medir a diferença de tempo entre as ocultações das luas de Júpiter em configurações orbitais distintas com relação à Terra, elaboramos atividades que contemplam: (a) observações das ocultações das luas de Júpiter por meio de telescópios amadores; (b) análise de dados por meio de softwares profissionais da Astronomia; (c) simulações das observações utilizando o software Stellarium e (d) o uso de planilhas tanto para os cálculos quanto para explorar a física envolvida. Os módulos podem ser aplicados de forma independente e têm como produtos, além da sequência didática, tutoriais, vídeo-tutoriais e info-animações em PowerPoint para apoio às aulas teóricas. Utilizando três aulas complementares à grade tradicional, mas que podem ser facilmente adaptadas à grade de aulas normais, elaboramos duas info-animações em que, empregando a técnica de Instrução pelos Colegas – IpC, Ensino sob Medida - EsM e atividades práticas centradas no aluno, com base nas abordagens da Aprendizagem Significativa, exploramos os conceitos de cinemática (retilínea e circular), sistemas de referência, vetores e epistemologia científica. Por meio das asserções de um pré-teste e um pós-teste, utilizando questões do ENEM envolvendo os tópicos de Física e Astronomia, pudemos constatar uma evolução considerável no padrão de respostas antes e depois de nossa intervenção para mais de 90% das questões abordadas, com um rendimento significativamente superior à média das respostas apresentadas por todos os alunos de Sergipe participantes do ENEM, com base nos dados publicamente disponíveis pelo INEP. Correções metodológicas com base nos acerto e erros aferidos também são exploradas.

An efficient, functioning IT environment is vital to many companies, even to those not calling themselves IT companies. How to assimilate the IT skills needed and get the IT department to share their knowledge with the rest of the organization can, however, be difficult. The aim of this thesis is to find differences between how a company’s IT department employees and other employees experience and use IT training and IT help functions. The aim is also to identify and make suggestions on what artifacts and help functions can be further developed in order to enhance learning and sharing of IT knowledge. A case study was conducted at the Swedish bank Handelsbanken. The employees’ experiences and use of IT related training, artifacts and help functions were studied through a survey that was complemented by interviews and observations. A Mann-Whitney U test was conducted on the survey answers. The result shows differences between the IT department employees and other employees in three areas: IT introduction, wish for more IT training and frequency in calling the IT help desk. Further, the result indicates that the new employee orientation, the internal handbook, e-support and IT help desk all have room for improvements. / En effektiv, fungerade it-miljö är nödvändig för i stort sett alla företag, även för dem som inte benämner sig själva som it-företag. Hur företagen kan ta till sig de it-kunskaper som behövs och få it-avdelningen att dela med sig av sin kunskap till resten av organisationen, kan dock vara svårt. Syftet med detta examensarbete är att hitta skillnader mellan hur ett företags medarbetare på it-avdelninen och andra medarbetare i organisationen upplever och använder it-utbildning och it-hjälpfunktioner. Syftet är också att identifiera och ge förslag på vilka tjänster och hjälpfunktioner som kan vidareutvecklas för att främja lärande och delning av it-kunskap. En fallstudie genomfördes på Svenska Handelsbanken. Medarbetarnas upplevelser och användning av it-relaterad utbildning, tjänster och hjälpfunktioner studerades genom en enkätundersökning, som kompletterades med intervjuer och observationer. Ett så kallat Mann-Whitney U-test genomfördes på enkätsvaren. Resultatet visar på skillnader mellan it-avdelningens medarbetare och andra medarbetare i organisationen inom tre områden:  it-introduktion, önskan att få mer it-utbildning samt frekvensen i hur ofta de ringer till it-supporten. Resultatet visar också att introduktionen för nyanställda, den interna handboken, e-supporten och it-supporten alla har förbättringsområden.