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There is a growing consensus that the character of pedagogy must shift from one of teacher- and textbook-directed instruction to one of student-centered learning. This transition stems from the need to maintain the United States’ competitive edge in the world market and prepare young people for a society that is more socially, economically, and politically complex. Progressive educators advocate for a “learning reform” facilitated by digital media, and the skills and competencies that young people develop through using participatory media in an informal setting. This study examined how the use of new media can support subject-area knowledge building and 21st century skills development in nine classrooms in an independent high school. A constructivist grounded theory approach guided the collection and analysis of empirical data. This process took the form of semi-structured interviews with students and teachers, classroom observations, and an examination of course-related documents. A symbolic interactionist perspective framed the data analysis. The study examined wiki use, blogging, microblogging, and document sharing in six high school subject areas: ninth grade History, Latin II, Advanced Placement Art History, twelfth grade English, Anatomy and Physiology, and Environmental Science. Conceptual categories derived from the findings suggest that the use of specific new media tools support subject-area knowledge building, both explicit and tacit. This occurs by promoting participation among all students, which helps students broaden their perspectives through universal access to their peers’ thinking. Findings also suggest that the integration and use of these specific new media tools support the development of certain 21st century cognitive and interpersonal skills. The findings from this study support two substantive theories: 1) The use of new media support knowledge building and skills development through increased participation, leading to broadening students’ perspectives about subject-area content, and 2) as students engage in knowledge building activities, specific features of new media support the development of specific 21st century skills within the cognitive and interpersonal domains. The results of this study provide educators with a set of guidelines to consider as they integrate new media into subject-area curricula, and offer an agenda for further research on a local and national level. / text

Embodied conversational agents put a “human” touch on intelligent tutoring systems by using conversation to support learning. When considering instruction in interpersonal domains, such as intercultural negotiation, the development of an interpersonal relationship with one’s pedagogical agent may play a significant role in learning. However, there is conflicting evidence in the literature both regarding the ability of agents to cultivate social relationships with humans, and their effect on learning. In this dissertation, I present a model of social dialog designed to affect learners’ interpersonal relations with virtual agents, a development process for creating social dialog, and empirical studies showing that this dialog has significant effects on learners’ perceptions of the agents and negotiation performance. In early work, I explicitly prompted learners to have social goals for the interaction. I found that while students who reported social goals for interacting with the agents had significantly higher learning gains, explicit prompting was not effective at inducing these goals. I thus focused on implicit influence of learner goals, developing a model of social instructional dialog (SID) that integrates conversational strategies that are theorized to produce interpersonal effects on relationships. In two subsequent studies, an agent with the SID model engendered greater feelings of entitativity, shared perspective, and trust, suggesting that the model improved learner social relationships with the agent. Importantly, these effects transferred to other agents encountered later in the environment. The social dialog condition also made fewer errors and achieved more negotiation objectives in a subsequent negotiation than a control group, evidence that the improved social relationship lead to better negotiation performance. These findings regarding interpersonal relationships with agents contribute to the literature on learner-agent interactions, and can guide the future development of agents in social environments.

Submitted by Natalia de Souza Gonçalves (natalia.goncalves@ufpe.br) on 2016-10-05T14:13:46Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Versão Final DISSERTAÇÃO (2015-01-30) – FÁBIO MÁGERO RIBEIRO DA SILVA.pdf: 1042015 bytes, checksum: 2807509b6c1d4a34f24c432044165ed4 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-05T14:13:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Versão Final DISSERTAÇÃO (2015-01-30) – FÁBIO MÁGERO RIBEIRO DA SILVA.pdf: 1042015 bytes, checksum: 2807509b6c1d4a34f24c432044165ed4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-01-30 / A teorização dos conceitos discutidos neste estudo se torna necessário para a compreensão da maneira como os empreendedores do setor de jogos eletrônicos se relacionam entre si, e de que forma esses relacionamentos interferem na geração de melhores resultados no âmbito de seus negócios. A pesquisa está subdividida em dois eixos temáticos: O Empreendedor, na figura de agente do fenômeno em estudo, e as Competências Empreendedoras de relacionamento, através das quais o comportamento empreendedor se torna revelado na forma de características que possibilitam sua atuação. Foram detalhadas as competências, com foco na competência de relacionamento. Foi escolhido pelo pesquisador como área de estudo, o estado da Paraíba, considerando seus dois principais municípios: Campina Grande por ser reconhecido como referência regional no desenvolvimento de softwares e na indústria de informática e eletrônica, e pela capital João Pessoa apresentar-se como pólo atrativo de investimentos para o setor de tecnologia de informação e comunicação (TIC). Desta maneira, o estudo se justifica pela necessidade de se conhecer os modos como são construídas, vivenciadas e mantidas as relações entre empreendedores, com base em atributos que fortalecem a interação entre essas partes. As habilidades de relacionamento são reconhecidas como ferramentas úteis para alcançar os objetivos individuais dos empreendedores sem perder de foco a manutenção da rede como fonte de recursos. A interação entre os empreendedores possibilita que estes possam compartilhar recursos como forma de suprir suas necessidades na condução dos projetos, entretanto a intimidade e a amizade emergiram como fatores que podem corroer os resultados da parceria quando ocasionam acomodação e distanciamento entre os parceiros. Destaca-se o compromisso individual em manter a unidade e coesão da rede de parceria, fortalecendo a interação entre parceiros como um processo cíclico e retroalimentado pelos agentes atuantes, sustentado pelas habilidades interpessoais dos membros. / The theorization of the concepts discussed in this study becomes necessary for the understanding of how the entrepreneurs of the digital games sector relate to each other, and how these relationships influence the generation of better results in the context of their business. The research is divided into two main themes: The Entrepreneur, the phenomenon agent figure in the study, and the relationship of Entrepreneurial Skills through which entrepreneurial behavior becomes revealed in the form of features that enable their performance. Were detailed skills, focusing on the relationship of competence. Was chosen by the researcher as the study area, the state of Paraíba, considering its two main cities: Campina Grande to be recognized as a regional reference in software development and information technology and electronics industry, and the capital João Pessoa present as polo attractive investment for the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. Thus, the study is justified by the need to know the ways are built, lived and maintained the relationships between entrepreneurs, based on attributes that strengthen the interaction between these parties. Relationship skills are recognized as useful tools for achieving the goals of individual entrepreneurs without losing focus on the maintenance of the network as a resource. The interaction between the entrepreneurs allows them to share resources in order to meet their needs in the conduct of projects, however intimacy and friendship emerged as factors that can undermine the results of the partnership when cause accommodation and distance between partners. Individual commitment stands to maintain the unity and cohesion of the partnership network, strengthening the interaction between partners as a cyclical process and fed back by the active agents, supported by the interpersonal skills of the members.

Submitted by Nadir Basilio (nadirsb@uninove.br) on 2016-04-05T23:05:15Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Luiz Fernando Lima.pdf: 1565550 bytes, checksum: afd816ee724b8131277a17c5ca472ffa (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-05T23:05:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Luiz Fernando Lima.pdf: 1565550 bytes, checksum: afd816ee724b8131277a17c5ca472ffa (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-12-17 / Emotional intelligence is a relatively recent term, which since its origin is studied in the general workplace. However, in recent years there have been studies focused on emotional intelligence in project environment. In addition, some authors have sought to understand how is the relationship between the interpersonal skills of the project manager, the success of the project management and the level of emotional intelligence of managers. This work aims to identify the relationship between these three themes. For this, we carried out a survey with 119 Brazilian project managers. The data collected were analyzed according to the statistical method of structural equation modeling. The results showed that emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills of the project manager has relevant significance for success in project management. Through the results also can be seen that the influence of emotional intelligence in the success of project management is not direct, but mediated by interpersonal skills of the project manager, when these constructs are analyzed together. These results demonstrate that both, project managers and organizations, should consider these two questions with regard to vocational training for project management activity. Organizations should also take these aspects into account in selecting project managers to its staff as well as the appointment of a manager to a particular project. In theory, also opens up a range for further research with a larger sample, besides incorporating other variables such as type and complexity of the project, operating region, among others. In addition to case studies that provide in-depth analysis of the issue. / A inteligência emocional é um termo relativamente recente, que desde sua origem é estudado no ambiente de trabalho em geral. Contudo, nos últimos anos surgiram estudos focados em inteligência emocional no ambiente de projetos. Além disso, alguns autores têm buscado entender como se dá a relação entre as competências interpessoais do gerente de projetos, o sucesso da gestão de projetos e o nível de inteligência emocional dos gestores. Este trabalho tem como objetivo identificar a relação entre esses três temas. Para isso, realizou-se uma pesquisa do tipo survey com 119 gerentes de projetos brasileiros. Os dados apurados foram analisados de acordo com o método estatístico de modelagem de equações estruturais. Os resultados demonstraram que a inteligência emocional e as competências interpessoais do gerente de projetos têm significância relevante para alcançar o sucesso na gestão de projetos. Por meio dos resultados também se pode observar que a influência da inteligência emocional no sucesso da gestão de projetos não é direta, mas sim mediada pelas competências interpessoais do gerente de projetos, quando estes constructos são analisados em conjunto. Estes resultados demonstram que, tanto os gerentes de projetos, como as organizações devem levar em consideração estes dois quesitos no que diz respeito à formação profissional para a atividade de gestão de projetos. As organizações também devem levar estes aspectos em consideração na seleção de gerentes de projetos ao seu quadro de colaboradores, bem como na designação de um gerente a determinado projeto. No campo teórico, também se abre um leque para futuras pesquisas com uma amostragem maior, além da incorporação de outras variáveis, como tipo e complexidade do projeto, região de atuação, entre outros aspectos. Além de estudos de casos que proporcionarão uma análise em profundidade da questão.

Community-based projects are established in most of the communities as a strategy to create jobs and alleviate poverty. In the area under investigation community-based projects were established by members of communities but some of them failed and others are not sustainable in economic terms. This study investigated the reasons for failure of community-based projects at Folovhodwe area. The objectives of the study were to determine the reasons for failure of community-based projects, to provide community development officials with a guideline of the role they must play in community projects and to provide strategies for the improvement and future development of community-based projects. The study was both qualitative and quantitative. Questionnaires and interviews were employed to collect information. The study revealed that lack of funds, poor project management, poor management of funds, lack of commitment and motivation, low level of education of project members, lack of youth involvement in community-based projects, lack of monitoring and evaluation by government officials and community leaders, lack of training and unavailability of workshops for project members and lack of government involvement in addressing project challenges were identified as the reasons for failure of community-based projects. / Business Management / M.Tech. (Business Administration)

The SCANS report issued in 1990 brought national attention to concerns about lagging competencies of US workers and their lack of preparedness for the high-performance workplace. Since the SCANS report, several national and statewide efforts have attempted to identify skill sets appropriate for success in the changing workplace. Recent discussion has included skill sets appropriate for college graduates. This study was designed to determine perceptions of Maryland community college chief academic officers and department chairs toward one such skill set, the Maryland Skills for Success, and whether they are appropriate learning expectations for associate degree completers. The Maryland Skills for Success (MSS) are comprised of five skill goals: (1) learning skills, (2) thinking skills, (3) communication skills, (4) technology skills, and (5) interpersonal skills. Three to five 'learning expectations' elaborate what students should be able to accomplish under each skill goal to be successful in future work and learning. The study involved a survey of 293 chief academic officers and department chairs at the 18 community colleges across Maryland. A 75 percent response rate was achieved. The survey assessed the extent to which respondents agreed that: (a) the Maryland Skills for Success are appropriate expectations for associate degree completers, (b) students currently achieve MSS expectations, (c) respondent's courses and programs contain specific learning objectives that require students to learn and perform such skills, (d) all Maryland community colleges should teach and assess a common set of higher-order knowledge application skills. Respondent ratings indicated that the Maryland Skills for Success represent valid learning expectations for associate degree completers. Deans were more favorable toward the MSS than were department chairs, and were more confident that students were required to learn and perform learning expectations similar to those listed in the MSS. The department chairs were also divided into groups to determine attitudinal differences by disciplines. The department chairs were more likely than the deans to agree that students currently achieve the MSS learning expectations. Most chair groups somewhat disagreed their courses and programs contained specific learning objectives requiring students to learn and perform the skills represented in the MSS. Of the chair groups, the English/fine arts/humanities, and the technologies/health care groups tended to produce significantly higher ratings than other chairs and supported the notion of Maryland community Colleges teaching and assessing a common higher-order knowledge application skill set. Based on respondent ratings, the communication, thinking and interpersonal skill sets in the MSS have the best chance of gaining acceptance by colleges interested in integration of purposeful teaching and assessment of a higher-order skill set across the curricula. Respondent ratings also indicated that it is unlikely that the colleges would undertake a common initiative to teach and assess a common skill set like the MSS without intervention from the state. Respondents expressed distrust of bureaucratic intervention, were somewhat concerned about the difficulty of teaching and assessing the entire skill set, and felt that the skill sets were too broad to be feasibly taught. Recommendations include the need for extensive faculty development and the provision of incentives from the state educational agencies to provide support for colleges interested in teaching and assessing a common higher-order knowledge application skill set. / Ed. D.

No description available.

The study centres on the development of a didactically justified design model of a competency based modular training system for the Printing, Newspaper and Packaging Industries. The design model is represented in a diagram form identifying the components of the design model in relation to their systems function. The components of the design model are; training needs analysis, aims and objectives of training, the learner initial situation, the code of practice for training within industry, the pre-interactive training phase, the interactive training phase and training outcomes. Checklists are developed for using the design model as well as some practical examples of the implementation of the design model in creating a training system which features sound andragogic didactic principles and practices. The use of the design model enables the development of a practical competency based modular training system which meets the unique requirements of the Printing, Newspaper and Packaging Industries. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Didactics)

Community-based projects are established in most of the communities as a strategy to create jobs and alleviate poverty. In the area under investigation community-based projects were established by members of communities but some of them failed and others are not sustainable in economic terms. This study investigated the reasons for failure of community-based projects at Folovhodwe area. The objectives of the study were to determine the reasons for failure of community-based projects, to provide community development officials with a guideline of the role they must play in community projects and to provide strategies for the improvement and future development of community-based projects. The study was both qualitative and quantitative. Questionnaires and interviews were employed to collect information. The study revealed that lack of funds, poor project management, poor management of funds, lack of commitment and motivation, low level of education of project members, lack of youth involvement in community-based projects, lack of monitoring and evaluation by government officials and community leaders, lack of training and unavailability of workshops for project members and lack of government involvement in addressing project challenges were identified as the reasons for failure of community-based projects. / Business Management / M.Tech. (Business Administration)