scholarly journals It’s a Challenge, Not a Threat: Lecturers’ Satisfaction During the Covid-19 Summer Semester of 2020

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina Feldhammer-Kahr ◽  
Maria Tulis ◽  
Eline Leen-Thomele ◽  
Stefan Dreisiebner ◽  
Daniel Macher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
World Health ◽  
Personal Resources ◽  
Distance Teaching ◽  
Present Survey ◽  
Difficult Situation ◽  
The University ◽  
Summer Semester ◽  
Sources Of Influence

The summer semester had just begun at Austrian and German universities when Covid-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. Thus, in March 2020, all universities closed their campuses, switching to distance learning within the span of about a single day. How did lecturers handle the situation? Were they still able to turn the situation into a positive one? What were the main obstacles with this difficult situation, and where there conditions which helped them to overcome the new challenges? These are research questions of the present survey with a sample of 1,152 lecturers at universities in Austria and Germany. The survey focuses on the lecturers’ appraisals of the novel situation as challenging or threatful. These appraisals are important for approaching a situation or shying away from it. However, how well a person adjusts to a novel situation is also influenced by personal and environmental resources which help to overcome the situation. The present survey focused on four possible sources of influence: internal assessments of the situation determining it to be threatening and/or challenging, personal resources, attitudes, and support by the organization. It was investigated to which degree these sources of influence could contribute to the lecturers’ satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) with their teaching processes. A multiple regression with three criterion variables describing university lecturers’ perceived satisfaction with distance teaching was carried out. Predictor variables were the lecturers’ appraisals of challenge and threat, perceived support by the university and sense of belonging to the university, temporal resources, proficiency in using digital technologies, length of teaching experience, and gender. Lecturers were mostly satisfied with their teaching activities. Together with the perception of a low threat potential, challenge appraisals contributed strongest to satisfaction. In comparison, assessments of actual personal resources, skills in the use of digital technologies, teaching experience, and temporal resources were important but contributed less to satisfaction than challenge appraisals. It seems that lecturers were only able to use these resources when the technological resources were available and when the lecturers were confident in their technical abilities.

Future Directions

2020 ◽  
pp. 476-479
Author(s):  
Marc N. Potenza ◽  
Kyle A. Faust ◽  
David Faust
Keyword(s):  
Technology Development ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Classification Of Disease ◽  
Levels Of Use ◽  
Pornography Use ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Mental Health Treatments ◽  
The Many

As digital technology development continues to expand, both its positive and negative applications have also grown. As such, it is essential to continue gathering data on the many types of digital technologies, their overall effects, and their impact on public health. The World Health Organization’s inclusion of Gaming Disorder in the eleventh edition of the International Classification of Disease (ICD-11) indicates that some of the problematic effects of gaming are similar to those of substance-use disorders and gambling. Certain behaviors easily engaged in via the internet may also lead to compulsive levels of use in certain users, such as shopping or pornography use. In contrast, digital technologies can also lead to improvements in and wider accessibility to mental health treatments. Furthermore, various types of digital technologies can also lead to benefits such as increased productivity or social functioning. By more effectively understanding the impacts of all types of digital technologies, we can aim to maximize their benefits while minimizing or preventing their negative impacts.

scholarly journals Optimizing COVID-19 testing capabilities and clinical management using pathology informatics

JAMIA Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srikar Chamala ◽  
Sherri Flax ◽  
Petr Starostik ◽  
Kartikeya Cherabuddi ◽  
Nicole M Iovine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Clinical Management ◽  
World Health ◽  
University Of Florida ◽  
Pathology Informatics ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The University ◽  
Reporting Data

Abstract Coronavirus disease 2019, first reported in China in late 2019, has quickly spread across the world. The outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. Here, we describe our initial efforts at the University of Florida Health for processing of large numbers of tests, streamlining data collection, and reporting data for optimizing testing capabilities and superior clinical management. Specifically, we discuss clinical and pathology informatics workflows and informatics instruments which we designed to meet the unique challenges of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing. We hope these results benefit institutions preparing to implement SARS-CoV-2 testing.

scholarly journals Technology-enhanced Learning for Promoting Technical and Social Competences in Hydrological Science

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feliciana Licciardello ◽  
Simona Consoli ◽  
Giuseppe Cirelli ◽  
Carlos Castillo ◽  
Elvira Fernández-Ahumada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Geographical Information Systems ◽  
English Language ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Technology Enhanced Learning ◽  
Technical Knowledge ◽  
Academic Calendar ◽  
The University ◽  
Social Competences ◽  
Enhanced Learning

AbstractThis paper explains and analyses a virtual gamification experience developed by a teaching group from the University of Catania (Italy) and the University of Cordoba (Spain). A competition based on professional tasks about hydrological planning was implemented in two subjects on Hydrological Sciences. The teaching experience was designed to improve the acquisition of technical knowledge and skills needed for hydrological studies, promote the management of ICT and increase international cooperation between different universities; all aimed at making students more employable. The experience is transferable to different academic levels. Following the philosophy of soccer leagues, the students solved and presented the exercise by teams of two students. Through videoconference, the presentation and the explanation were done so the fans in each country supported their teams. The students found it a very challenging experience but at the same time, some of them were aware of their needs of improving technical knowledge, particularly Geographical Information Systems, and English language skills. Updating of tools and the schedule within the different academic calendar were their main organization handicaps. The main outcome of the presented experience is that social energy and enthusiasm associated to popular activities such as soccer led to improve the interest and the motivation of the students in challenging technical contents as well as teamwork and language transversal competences.

scholarly journals Survey of Radon Concentrations in the University of Granada in Southern Spain

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 2885
Author(s):  
Irene Calvente ◽  
María Isabel Núñez ◽  
Rachid Chahboun Karimi ◽  
Juan Villalba-Moreno
Keyword(s):  
Southern Spain ◽  
World Health ◽  
Maximal Level ◽  
15Th Century ◽  
The World ◽  
Time Periods ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The University ◽  
Analyze Data ◽  
Radon Concentrations

The objective of this pilot study was to gather and analyze data on radon concentrations in workplaces in three buildings of Granada University (Southern Spain) constructed in different centuries. All measurements were made at basement or ground floor level under normal use conditions except for one space (mineral store), in which measurements were compared between the door closed and open. Measurements were conducted during different time periods between October 2013 and March 2019 with a Radon-Scout PLUS portable Radonmonitor. The duration of continuous recordings at different sites ranged between 42 and 1104 h. Mean accumulated radon concentrations ranged between 12 and 95 Bq/m3, below the maximal level of 300 Bq/m3 set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Relatively high values were recorded in the oldest building (15th century), which was also poorly ventilated. Ventilation appeared to be an important factor in reducing radon levels, especially in areas less exposed to radon, such as Southern Spain.

COVID-19: implications for NHS Staff

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 193-197
Author(s):  
Alan Glasper
Keyword(s):  
World Health ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Emeritus Professor ◽  
The World ◽  
Clinical Environments ◽  
Public Health Institutions ◽  
Health Institutions ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The University

In light of the emergence in China of COVID-19, the novel corona virus, emeritus professor Alan Glasper, from the University of Southampton discusses the role of the World Health Organization and other public health institutions in responding to potential new global pandemics and deliberates on the role of NHS staff in coping with infectious disease in clinical environments.

scholarly journals A Teaching Experience through the use of Tasks: Limits and possibilities for learning Mathematics in a university context

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Ribeiro ◽  
Juliana Paulin
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Mathematical Tasks ◽  
Integral Calculus ◽  
Mathematical Concepts ◽  
Fundamental Theorem Of Calculus ◽  
The University

Context: Rethinking mathematics teaching practices in a university context is an emerging research theme. Objectives: In this article, we aim to discuss the limits and possibilities of using mathematical tasks in the teaching and learning processes of the concepts of Derivative, Integral and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Design: The study is based on a qualitative-interpretative perspective of research, with methodological procedures inspired by a Design-Based Research. Environment and participants: The research was developed with students attending a Functions of a Variable class in a public university in the state of São Paulo. Data collection and analysis: Data were collected through mathematical tasks on Differential and Integral Calculus solved by students. The protocols produced were analysed, pointing out the main aspects identified, which led us to organize categories of analysis and dimensions (i) knowledges mobilized and developed by students in relation to mathematical concepts; (ii) main errors and difficulties presented by students in the development of tasks; (iii) limits and possibilities of the practice of exploratory teaching in the university context. Results: The results reveal aspects that characterize a process of resignifying the mathematical concepts discussed with the students and a deepening of their knowledge about the concepts of the DIC. Conclusions: As future notes, we suggest rethinking university teaching practice, since the study indicated possibilities and potentialities of the use of exploratory tasks in the teaching of Differential and Integral Calculus.

scholarly journals An examination of factors related to plagiarism and a five-year follow-up of plagiarism at an Australian university

2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guy J Curtis ◽  
Razma Popal
Keyword(s):  
Academic Integrity ◽  
Educational Programs ◽  
Present Survey ◽  
Student Plagiarism ◽  
Perceived Seriousness ◽  
The University ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Integrity Issue

In this paper we report the results of a survey of student plagiarism carried out at the University of Western Sydney (UWS). This survey examined rates of plagiarism,understanding of plagiarism, perceived seriousness of plagiarism, and factors thought to be related to plagiarism such as the pressure students place on themselves to achieve high grades. Students who achieved higher grades plagiarised less than students who had lower grades. Perceived seriousness of plagiarism, students' competitiveness, and students' self-imposed pressure to achieve high grades were correlated negatively with incidence of plagiarism. Perceived seriousness of plagiarism mediated the relationship between self-imposed pressure to achieve good grades and rates of plagiarism. The data from the present survey (conducted in 2009) were compared with data from comparable students who completed the same survey at UWS five years earlier (2004). The comparison between the 2009 and 2004 data suggested a reduction in prevalence of plagiarism and an increase in both understanding and perceived seriousness of plagiarism between 2004 and 2009. We suggest that plagiarism may be reduced by means of educational programs that promote the perception of plagiarism as a serious academic integrity issue.

scholarly journals „Tubylec tubylcowi nierówny”. Przyszli nauczyciele o uczeniu się w epoce cyfrowej

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-125
Author(s):  
Lidia Bielinis ◽  
Cezary Kurkowski ◽  
Monika Maciejewska
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Digital Natives ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Sources Of Knowledge ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
The University

In the study we present results of two research projects conducted simultaneously at the Faculty of Social Sciences, UWM in Olsztyn referring to the place digital technologies have in the learning processes in the opinions of Early Education students. The results show that the group of surveyed students might be situated on the borderline of digital natives and digital immigrants’ worlds. The conducted survey demonstrated limited trust to digital sources of knowledge amongst students and discrepancy between their personal experiences with using new technology, on a daily basis, and traditional ways of learning proposed by the University. The analysis of the case study indicated that for preparing future teachers to work with children (digital natives), it is important to organize a learning environment in which both worlds – digital and analogue – are connected.

scholarly journals Exploring the technical pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) of Taiwanese university physics instructors

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Syh-Jong Jang ◽  
Yahui Chang
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Content Knowledge ◽  
Science Teachers ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
University Physics ◽  
University Instructors ◽  
Science Instructors ◽  
The University ◽  
University Science

<p>University science teachers’ technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) is crucial for effective teaching. Although there has been a plethora of studies investigating pre-service and in-service teachers’ TPACK, few studies have examined university instructors’ TPACK and university students’ perceptions of instructors’ TPACK. The main purpose of this study was to examine the TPACK questionnaire differences between university students’ perceptions and instructors’ self-perceptions, and assess differences in university physics instructors’ TPACK according to gender, academic degrees and teaching experience in Taiwan. This study adopted and revised an instrument for measuring university students’ perceptions of science instructors’ TPACK. The sample was randomly selected from the physics instructors of universities in the northern, central, and southern regions of Taiwan. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to examine the dimensions of the instrument. The results revealed that the TPACK questionnaire of university physics instructors’ views were different from the university students’ perceptions. University physics instructors’ results indicated statistical significance in overall TPACK according to teaching experience. The research implications of this study are provided along with suggestions.</p>

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