An Inquiry-Based Framework for Teaching English in Synchronous Environments

This paper presents a framework for teaching English in synchronous computer-mediated environments. This research shows the components of the framework, how it materializes in the teachers' pedagogical practices, and in the students' perceptions of lessons designed using the framework. The sources of data for this investigation are a questionnaire for students, in-depth interviews with teachers, and an analysis of the transcripts of synchronous sessions that were planned and executed using the framework. This investigation presents suitable guidelines to plan, carry out, and close lessons delivered synchronously. This study shows that when the framework is used, it helps teachers plan activities, and it supports the creation of a suitable environment for learning English online. This investigation also shows that when the framework is employed, it promotes a risk-free environment. It encourages collaboration, and it fosters the linking of ideas and the comprehension of fundamental concepts.

Failure Detectors of Strong S and Perfect P Classes for Time Synchronous Hierarchical Distributed Systems

Present failure detection algorithms for distributed systems are designed to work in asynchronous or partially synchronous environments on mesh (all-to-all) connected systems and maintain status of every other process. Several real-time systems are hierarchically connected and require working in strict synchronous environments. Use of existing failure detectors for such systems would generate excess computation and communication overhead. The chapter describes two suspicion-based failure detectors of Strong S and Perfect P classes for hierarchical distributed systems working in time synchronous environments. The algorithm of Strong S class is capable of detecting permanent crash failures, omission failures, link failures, and timing failures. Strong completeness and weak accuracy properties of the algorithm are evaluated. The failure detector of Perfect P class is capable of detecting crash failures, crash-recovery failures, omission failures, link failures, and timing failures. Strong completeness and strong accuracy properties of the failure detector are evaluated.

Failure Detectors of Strong S and Perfect P Classes for Time Synchronous Hierarchical Distributed Systems

Present failure detection algorithms for distributed systems are designed to work in asynchronous or partially synchronous environments on mesh (all-to-all) connected systems and maintain status of every other process. Several real-time systems are hierarchically connected and require working in strict synchronous environments. Use of existing failure detectors for such systems would generate excess computation and communication overhead. The chapter describes two suspicion-based failure detectors of Strong S and Perfect P classes for hierarchical distributed systems working in time synchronous environments. The algorithm of Strong S class is capable of detecting permanent crash failures, omission failures, link failures, and timing failures. Strong completeness and weak accuracy properties of the algorithm are evaluated. The failure detector of Perfect P class is capable of detecting crash failures, crash-recovery failures, omission failures, link failures, and timing failures. Strong completeness and strong accuracy properties of the failure detector are evaluated.

Failure Detector of Perfect P Class for Synchronous Hierarchical Distributed Systems

Present failure detection algorithms for distributed systems are designed to work in asynchronous or partially synchronous environment on mesh connected systems and maintain status of every other process. Several real time systems are not mesh connected and require working in strict synchronous environment. Use of current failure detection mechanisms in such systems would generate excess computation and communication overhead. This paper proposes a new failure detector of Perfect P class for real time hierarchical distributed systems working in synchronous environments. Strong completenessand strong accuracy properties of the new failure detector is evaluated.

Landscape without bearings: Instructors' first experiences in Web-based synchronous environments

This paper presents the accounts of eight instructors’ metaphorical travels in landscapes without bearings. The instructors were part of a pilot project at a Canadian university involving the integration of a synchronous communication and collaboration environment into asynchronous distance education courses. To establish their bearings, the instructors need to be aware of their goals and combine them with strategies and techniques that effectively manage the affordances and constraints of the environment. That process may require a degree of risk–taking combined with a willingness to help students lead themselves. It requires developing a proficiency in the simultaneous use of multiple tools and recognizing the differences and similarities between Web–based synchronous environments and face–to–face or asynchronous environments. Above all, it requires an interest in and focus on pedagogy.